LONDON - Brief news from the Premier League ahead of
this weekend's matches:
Russian international forward Andrei Arshavin is set to make his
league debut for Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium
against Sunderland on Saturday, a relief for
manager Arsene Wenger who is short of attacking options.
"He will be involved but I have not decided what I will do with
him yet," Wenger told the club's website.
Croatian striker Eduardo is out for two weeks with a hamstring
injury while forwards Emmanuel Adebayor (hamstring) and Theo
Walcott (shoulder) are also sidelined.
Guus Hiddink will take charge of Chelsea for
the first time for the trip to Aston Villa on
Saturday and opposite number Martin O'Neill believes he will do
well to combine the role with his Russia coaching duties.
"I think it would be very hard to combine an international
management role with one in the Premier League over the fullness of
time," O'Neill told Villa's website.
"Eventually, when you lose a game or two, someone will accuse
you of not spending enough time in one particular camp."
Liverpool will be without injured captain
Steven Gerrard (hamstring) and have Xabi Alonso suspended for
Sunday's clash with Manchester City at
Anfield.
"He (Gerrard) is improving but we cannot take any risks so he
won't be in the squad," manager Rafa Benitez told the club's
website.
Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney is in
contention for a starting berth at home to Blackburn
Rovers on Saturday after scoring on his return from injury
on Wednesday against Fulham.
Anderson is out with an ankle injury.
Everton are without midfield trio Steven
Pienaar, Marouane Fellaini and Leon Osman for Sunday's trip to
Newcastle United.
Defender Tony Hibbert and midfielder Tim Cahill are suspended
but French striker Louis Saha could feature after recovering from a
hamstring injury.
West Ham's Carlton Cole could miss Saturday's
game away to Bolton Wanderers after hurting his
ankle in the FA Cup against Middlesbrough on February 14.
Australian defender Lucas Neill is suspended.