Published Fri, Feb 05 10 08:49 PM
Brief news ahead of this weekend's Premier League fixtures:
* Everton captain Phil Neville believes Everton can end their 11-year wait for a league victory at Liverpool on Saturday in the Merseyside derby.
"It has been a long time since we won a game at Anfield and everybody knows it is one of the most difficult places to go to and actually win a game," Neville told evertonTV.
"The game is something you have got to concentrate on and just play your game, play the way we have been doing, show the confidence we have been doing and we will be okay."
* Fabio Aurelio is doubtful for Liverpool despite returning to training following a calf injury.
Alberto Aquilani is expected to play some part in his first Mersey derby and captain Steven Gerrard believes the Italian is ready to show his best.
"It will be a great game for him to notch his first goal, too. He is improving the more he is playing and training," Gerrard told Liverpool's website (www.liverpoolfc.tv)
* Defender Nemanja Vidic could return for Manchester United at home to bottom club Portsmouth on Saturday when the champions can go top of the league for 24 hours at least. Vidic has been out with a nerve problem in his leg. Rio Ferdinand is still suspended for United while Brazilian defender Rafael is doubtful with a knock.
"Vidic has trained for the last few days and hopefully that will bring him into contention for Saturday. Everyone else is okay," manager Alex Ferguson told United's website (www.manutd.com)
* Champions League-chasing Tottenham Hotspur are without striker Roman Pavlyuchenko for the visit of rivals for fourth spot Aston Villa but Eidur Gudjohnsen is in the squad for the first time since joining on loan.
Central defender Ledley King is also doubtful for Spurs. Norway striker John Carew is in contention for Villa after returning to training following a knee injury. Full back Stephen Warnock is out with a shin injury.
* Third-placed Arsenal are without Eduardo (hamstring) for their London derby at leaders Chelsea on Sunday. Manager Arsene Wenger is hopeful that midfielder Abou Diaby will be available but will give him a fitness test.
* Defender Wayne Bridge is expected to return for Manchester City against Hull City but Roberto Mancini's side are without injured duo Micah Richards and Vincent Kompany.
French midfielder Patrick Vieira is in the City squad and could make his debut after his move from Inter Milan.
* Wigan Athletic, humbled by fourth division Notts County in the FA Cup in midweek, are without captain Mario Melchiot (neck injury) for the away clash at Sunderland. Goalkeeper Chris Kirkland is also out with a collarbone injury.
* West Ham manager Gianfranco Zola will have plenty of attacking options for a change for the vital relegation battle at Burnley. Carlton Cole could start after coming off the bench in their last two games following a lengthy injury lay-off. New signings Benni McCarthy and Mido are also in the squad.
Source: Web Search
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