Late Fitness Check - Week Four

With only three days until the end of the summer transfer window expect a flurry of activity before the deadline ends. Despite media speculation - Saido Berahino, John Stones and Kevin de Bruyne all remain as clubs look to retain the services of their prize assets or at the very least hope to eek a little more from the deal. Wenger alleges to be working 24 hours a day to bring players in but a move for Karim Benzema looks to be dead in the water.

Anyhow back to this weeks’ football which saw no fewer than 12 PL sides involved in Capital One cup duty and while most opted for wholesale changes fantasy managers still need to be weary. Everton for example came through a particularly bruising encounter against League One side Barnsley in extra-time. Romelu Lukaku and Phil Jagielka were involved for 120 minutes along with left-back Bryan Oviedo who was playing his first competitive game in more than 6-months. There could be a few tired legs after coming from 2-goals down to win the tie.

And what of Wayne Rooney. The Man United captain had went almost 900 minutes across all competitions before his hat-trick against Club Brugge in the UEFA Champions League. However Wazza is still without a PL goal in nine attempts. The last time he went 10 consecutive games Rooney was only 18 years-old ….!

Newcastle United – vs – Arsenal

Newcastle entertain Arsenal in the early kick-off and the Magpies will take confidence from improved performances this week. Following a battling draw at OT McClarens’ men followed it up by sweeping aside League Two outfit Northampton Town in the Capital One Cup. Daryl Janmaat completes his ban and will return at right-back while captain Fabricio Coloccini will be paired with either Chancel Mbemba or Steven Taylor in the heart of defence. A man of the match performance on Tuesday could be enough to earn Florian Thauvin his first start with Obertan the player at risk. Moussa Sissoko “has healed well” and will face a late fitness test. Paul Dummett is back amongst the ranks but lacks match-fitness and Papiss Cisse should return to the bench after recovering from illness.

Arsene Wenger could be forced into using Gabriel and Calum Chambers as a defensive pairing once again with Per Mertesacker and Laurent Koscielny facing late tests. The pair missed the visit of Liverpool on Monday due to illness and injury “Mertesacker is still sick and we will know more about Koscielny [on Thursday]. He might have a test on his back today and I will certainly know more tomorrow morning. The less likely to be fit is Mertesacker.” Danny Welbeck is progressing well and “should be available” after the international break “if all goes well” and Jack Wilshere won’t be too far behind. “Maybe one week after, he will certainly come back into full training.” Arsenal have endured a “very average” start to the campaign but the Gunners are unbeaten at St James’ Park in nine attempts [W5 D4] winning three on the spin.

Chelsea – vs – Crystal Palace

Pedro announced his arrival at SW6 in style. The Spanish playmaker was superb at West Brom last weekend particularly during a pulsating opening 45-minutes. Pedro starting could mean Eden Hazard will have more time and space on the pitch – frightening – as he and Willian interchange with ease in attack. Jose Mourinho would like “one more player” before the deadline but that player is unlikely to be John Stones after Everton refused the players transfer request. Both Oscar and Victor Moses should be close to a return. John Terry is suspended so Kurt Zouma is will partner Gary Cahill in defence. If Chelsea avoid defeat on Saturday Mourinho would boast a record of just one loss in 100 PL home games.

Injuries are beginning to mount for Palace as Jedinak is ruled out "Mile has a little hamstring problem and definitely won't be involved at Chelsea," said Pardew. "It looks like he will be out for two-to-three weeks, to me. And he will probably miss the international window, too." However the Eagles have been boosted by the return of Yannick Bolasie who missed the win over Villa following the death of his father “He is dealing with family – but he will be involved on Saturday, because he wants to be involved – his father went to every game. He's in good shape." Julian Speroni is making "progress" with the veteran GK targeting a return to training within 7-10 days while Connor Wickham is “hopeful” of recovering from a rib injury in time for the trip to Stamford Bridge. No official news from the club regarding Marouane Chamakh who is believed to have suffered a setback and Fraizer Campbell is working on an individual program but is still “some way off.”

AFC Bournemouth – vs – Leicester City

The Cherries’ enjoyed a historic day last weekend registering their first ever top flight win [4-3] thanks in the main to a Callum Wilson hat-trick. With confidence brimming Eddie Howe followed up 3-pts by progressing to the next round of the Capital One by comprehensively beating Hartlepool [4-nil] despite a number of changes. No major injury concerns for Bournemouth although one or two players will be assessed after picking up “knocks” on Tuesday. Harry Arter is the only definite absentee as the midfielder struggles to overcome a hip injury.

Joseph Dodoo will travel with the Leicester squad “to understand everything" after scoring a midweek hat-trick but the youngster is unlikely to threaten a start. Others waiting in the wings – Leonardo Ulloa or Kramaric - are much better placed. Riyad Mahrez continued his fine start to the season and last weekends’ equaliser against Tottenham made it 6-goals in six PL appearances including four in 3-games. The Algerian will be chomping at the bit having been rested on Tuesday. Ranieri made eleven changes for the trip to Bury but has kept faith in the same eleven for the opening three PL games as the Italian looks to ditch his Tinkerman moniker. New signing Gokhan Inler may need to wait a little longer before starting his first league game for the club.

Aston Villa – vs – Sunderland

Tim Sherwood will hand Traore a late fitness test after the midfielder “took a few kicks [against Notts. County]. Adama has not trained since Tuesday - and he won't train [on Friday]. But we will give him every chance to be fit. We aren't going to know until [Saturday] morning.” The Villa boss also confirmed that a sickness bug is spreading through the camp although he failed to confirm which players had been affected – or is it infected? "We have a couple of players who are not here because they are ill. They aren't well - the doc is doing some overtime now. We are hoping they will be okay tomorrow." Jose Angel Crespo Rincon, Jores Okore and Gary Gardner are out.

Steven Fletcher has been passed fit after a collision with an Exeter defender ended his evening just 9-minutes in on Tuesday. However the ankle injury picked up by Adam Matthews is more serious than originally thought and the Wales international will miss up-to six weeks. Younes Kaboul is "improving" but isn't ready for a return leaving John O’Shea to partner Coates. Billy Jones is back after missing the cup win as a precaution [facial injury]. Jeremain Lens has fully recovered from a minor knee problem and new signing Ola Toivonen could make the bench. “I worked with Ola at PSV so I know him well. He is a national team player with a lot of experience, an attacking midfielder who can score goals and is good in the air - he will bring something different to the team.” Jordi Gomez “Is not quite [ready]. He is getting better and better. He played last Wednesday and is improving every day.” Adam Johnson remains sidelined.

Manchester City – vs – Watford

Wilfried Bony has been ruled out after the striker was spotted wearing a protective [cast] boot. Pellegrini was able was to allay fears of a serious injury by confirming the Ivorian should return within 7-10 days due a three inch laceration on his lower left leg. Gael Clichy could miss up-to two months with an ankle complaint - which is great news for Kolarov owners. Fernando [groin] “will [hopefully] be fit again during the international break” but Zabaleta [knee] remains sidelined. Youngsters Pablo Maffeo, Patrick Roberts and Kelechi Iheanacho will be included in the squad that welcomes Watford to the Etihad.

Miguel Britos made his competitive debut for Watford at Preston and was promptly sent-off for an alleged punch. The South American will now serve a 3-match ban for violent conduct. Joel Ekstrand [knee] and Lloyd Doyley [neck] remain long-term absentees but Quique Sanchez Flores should be able to pick from a near full-strength squad. The Hornets failed to register a single shot on target at Southampton – their second successive blank - although a skied Etienne Capoue header from 2-yards is already a contender for miss of the season.

Stoke City – vs – West Brom

Mark Hughes made nine changes for the trip to Kenilworth Road which included a start for Bojan who came through the test unscathed. The Spanish striker is almost up-to speed following knee surgery and is pushing for his first PL start since January. Jack Butland was the standout performer at Carrow Road in GW3 despite sporting a broken finger. Xherdan Shaqiri wasn’t involved at Luton – the Switzerland international was rested due to stiffness - but “he will be involved [and] hopefully he can build on what he displayed last weekend" said Hughes. "No injuries other than [a few] bumps and bruises." Peter Odemwingie [hamstring] is only days away but skipper Ryan Shawcross could be another 6-weeks following back surgery.

Chris Brunt will face a late test after limping off midweek "It was a tight hamstring. It wasn't pulled or anything and we will just keep our fingers crossed,” confirmed assistant head coach David Kemp. Callum McManaman also picked up a slight niggle during the game and will be checked closer to kick-off. A decision on Saido Berahino’s involvement will be taken after Pulis has spoken to the player “he's a young lad who needs to be protected, we'll have ten minutes and I'll decide what is best." Salomon Rondon impressed against the Champions but “needs a bit of time to settle in” and James Morrison will be looking to add to his goalscoring tally after grabbing his first ever PL double in spite of missing a penalty.

Liverpool – vs – West Ham United

Brendan Rodgers does not expect any “great changes from the squad that was in place [on Monday against Arsenal]” which is likely to mean Adam Lallana [thigh] and Jordan Henderson [foot] miss out again. Lucas “came in and did very well, he pressed the game" while Emre Can could also get his second start. Daniel Sturridge has returned to Melwood but “We’ll take it week on week, rather than put any sort of pressure on him.” Firmino should keep his place as Jordon Ibe is relegated to the bench. Liverpool registered their worst possession stats [34%] under Rodgers at the Emirates but were good value for their away point. Lazar Markovic and Mario Balotelli depart on loan this week to Fenerbahce and AC respectively. Joe Allen [hamstring] won’t be back until after the break.

Slaven Bilic is “hopeful” that Diafra Sakho will come through Fridays’ training session unscathed after the striker “felt a little stiffness in his groin” against AFC Bournemouth. Following the sale of Modibo Maiga West Ham have limited options in attack with Enner Valencia and Mauro Zarate missing while Andy Carroll only re-joined the group on Thursday "he's improving and injury free, it's only a matter of fitness now to get him back. If everything goes well he should participate in the game against Newcastle [GW5]." Darren Randolph will continue to deputise for the suspended Adrian in goal. Reece Oxford is back into contention but Kevin Nolan has left the club by mutual consent. Carl Jenkinson is out following his dismissal against the Cherries’ while it appears that Morgan Amalfitano is still in the dog house and won’t be available anytime soon.

Tottenham – vs – Everton

A knee injury keeps Christian Eriksen sidelined but Andros Townsend has started working with the squad “within the last few days” and the winger “may be available.” Erik Lamela who disappointed at the King Power may be handed another chance to impress as Spurs go in search of their first win of the season. Clinton Njie "could" be available but Pochettino will assess the player in training before making his decision. Ben Davies looks certain to keep his place at left-back as Danny Rose struggles to displace the Welshman after missing the opener due to a minor thigh problem. New signing Son Heung-Min will not be considered for as forward awaits international clearance.

Roberto Martinez confirms Bryan Oviedo "has fully recovered" after playing 120 minutes on Wednesday “I was really happy with the reaction from Bryan, to be able to play through 90 minutes and then the extra-time. Clearly, we can see that he has got that match fitness and he is going to be ready for a very interesting season from his point of view.” The left-back was handed his chance after Brendon Galloway limped off with a knee problem against Manchester City and the remains very doubtful. John Stones is now “looking forward” to his next game after what had been an “emotional” period for the defender but “he’s in the perfect environment and at the right football club” according to Martinez. Deals for Ramiro Funes Mori and Leonardo Rodriguez should be confirmed on Friday but neither are expected to make the match-day squad. Tony Hibbert, Darron Gibson and Steven Pienaar are ruled out.

Southampton – vs – Norwich City

Sadio Mane was an unused substitute in Denmark as FC Midtjylland dumped Southampton out of Europe. The 23 year-old was still suffering the effects of a hip problem but Koeman is confident his Senegalese star will be available for the visit of Norwich. Illness also ruled Victor Wanyama out of the tie and the midfielder will have a late fitness test. Ryan Bertrand [knee surgery] and Jordy Clasie [ankle] are targeting a return after the international break but Florin Gardos and Fraser Forster won’t be seen until 2016. Southampton are yet to take 3pts and have been poor with just one PL win from their last nine games.

Martin Olsson will step up his recovery following shoulder surgery by playing for the development squad against Chelsea on Friday. Kyle Lafferty [knee] has returned to training but may only be fit enough for a place on the bench. Lewis Grabban was suspended by the club after refusing to be named on the bench for the midweek cup tie against Rotherham. "He's been a silly boy and must pay the consequences,” said Alex Neil. Youssouf Mulumbu is still around a month away from a return. Nathan Redmond remains the Canaries main threat. The England under-21 has played a part in 10-goals from his last eight league appearances [five goals plus five assists]. Robbie Brady created [6] goalscoring chances against Stoke in GW3 - more than any other PL player.

Swansea City – vs – Manchester United

Swansea have a fully fit squad after Jordi Amat and Ki Sung-Yung made a successful return to the first team in Tuesday nights’ win over York City. The South Korean has scored in his last two appearances against United and will be hoping for a recall but Jack Cork won’t give up his place without a fight. Bafetimbi Gomis and Andre Ayew are both bang in-form and have 5-goals in six PL games between them so far this term.

United travel to the Liberty and another shut out would make it four successive clean sheets making Sergio Romero the first goalkeeper to do so in his first four matches since Anders Lindgaard back in 2011. Adnan Januzaj picked up an injury in the Champions League midweek and in his absence Herrera could come into the side "I had a theoretical scheme in my head that Herrera could play at number 10 and he did it well against Brugge," said Louis van Gaal. Marcos Rojo played 60-minutes of an under-21 friendly against Ajax on Thursday but it remains to be seen whether the defender is worthy of a place on the bench. Phil Jones [thrombosis] is training but won’t come into consideration. Marouane Fellaini is available again after his suspension but David De Gea remains frozen out - for the time being at least.