Week 31 - Update

It's been a week of uncertainty with a number of major names struggling with injuries that may or may not have kept them our of Week 31's round of fixtures. The news is starting to filter out of the clubs via the manager's press conferences, so I'll be updating you with this information throughout the afternoon.

Lets start with the team with the most injury worries at this moment in time, Arsenal, and the player on most people's minds - Robin Van Persie. Arsene Wenger has confirmed that he is fit for tomorrow's clash with Blackburn after suffering no more than a dead leg in mid-week, getting a kick above his knee. I'd expect him to start the game with the 3 points essential.

Further good news for the Gunners is the return of Cesc Fabregas, Theo Walcott, Alex Song and Abou Diaby & Nicklas Bendtner. They are all in the squad, but whether they all start is another matter. Wenger did confirm one certain starter, and that is Manuel Almunia: "He will play tomorrow. I can announce that today, he will be in goal."

Manchester City will be boosted by the return of their talisman Carlos Tevez, who has trained all week and is fully fit to start against Sunderland. Paulo Zabaleta is also ready to go after flying back from South America, and will replace the injured Micah Richards at right-back. No news on Adam Johnson's starting status at this moment in time, so (unless I'm feeling risky) I'll probably go with Jamie O'Hara instead.

Nemanja Vidic returns to captain Manchester United for their trip to West Ham, and he's likely to line-up alongside Chris Smalling, Fabio & Evra - the only defenders available to Sir Alex. Reports are suggesting Berbatov could start alongside Rooney ahead of Hernandez after his winner vs Bolton. Fletcher remains out with a virus that could threaten the rest of his season, but Anderson is back in the squad.

Carlo Ancelotti has doubts over Fernando Torres & Kalou after the pair returned from International duty with knocks, so it's possible both start on the bench. Other than that it should be a full strength Chelsea side at Stoke.

Kenny Dalglish is set to pair Andy Carroll & Luis Suarez from the start at West Brom this weekend, as Liverpool fans will finally get to see the new £50 million strike-force in action. Steven Gerrard is also fit to return, but he could have to settle for a place on the bench as he's eased back in.

Spurs have something of a defensive crisis, with Gallas, Kaboul, King & Woodgate all missing, so Bassong may come in to partner Michael Dawson. Bale is also missing and Redknapp may look to rest a few players (or sub them early) ahead of Tuesday's trip to Real Madrid. I'm assuming Crouch will be one of those rested, so Defoe is likely to continue upfront.

Everton look set to be without Louis Saha for the rest of the season, so we can assume Jermaine Beckford will lead the line for the run-in. Seamus Coleman is also a doubt for the game with Aston Villa, as are Tim Cahill & Rodwell. Arteta & Fellaini remain out.

Some other news; Kyle Walker is in the Villa squad, Zamora is being tipped to start for Fulham, but that's not a certainty, Ebanks-Blake will replace the injured Kevin Doyle.

Probably final team:

Almunia, Kolarov, Smalling, Luiz, Hitzlsperger, O'Hara, Dempsey, Nani, Defoe, Suarez, Van Persie

What have you settled on? 

Cheers,
AM