john the tinca
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Team News Saturday 22nd MarchClyde v Queen of the South
Gary Arbuckle looks set to return to the Clyde side for the first time since breaking his jaw in February as Queen of the South visit Broadwood.
Fellow forward Dave McKay is nursing a thigh strain but could yet feature, but defender Iain Campbell is suspended.
Queen of the South are boosted by the return of skipper Jim Thomson from suspension for the trip to Cumbernauld.
Striker Sean O'Connor and midfielder Neil Macfarlane are doubtful and will face late fitness tests on Saturday
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Dunfermline Athletic v Dundee
Dunfermline's Scott Muirhead is a doubt for Dundee's visit after undergoing an x-ray on his collar bone after the friendly with San Juan Jabloteh.
Fellow defender Scott Thomson should recover from a thigh strain, but Greg Ross is still out injured.
Dundee's Paul McHale could be out until the summer with a hamstring strain.
Scott Robertson, Gavin Swankie and Milan Palenik are still missing, while Mickael Antoine-Curier and Colin McMenamin are both suspended.
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Morton v Livingston
On-loan defender Barry Smith has been ruled out with a knee injury for Morton ahead of Saturday's First Division visit by Livingston.
Manager Davie Irons ran the rule over several trialists this week as he looks to strengthen his squad with players with Division One experience.
Livingston will be without midfielder Liam Fox through suspension.
But striker Steven Craig is poised to return from injury.
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Partick Thistle v St Johnstone
Partick Thistle will be minus midfielder Scott Chaplain and striker Liam Buchanan through injury for Saturday's visit by St Johnstone.
But midfielder Stephen McKeown is available again after being cup-tied for the midweek draw with Rangers.
St Johnstone striker Peter MacDonald and defender Goran Stanic are both injury doubts for the trip to Glasgow.
Martin Hardie, Daniel McBreen and Greg Cameron all returned to training this week but are unlikely to be involved.
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Stirling Albion v Hamilton Acc
Stirling Albion are again missing the services of Ross Harris, who remains absent after cartilage surgery.
However, John Paul McBride is available for the bottom side before starting a three-match suspension.
Division One leaders Hamilton Accies will be without the injured Tom Parratt and Stuart Taylor for the trip to Forthbank.
Accies are sitting six points clear of second-placed Dundee after beating their nearest rivals 1-0 last weekend.
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Ayr United v Cowdenbeath
Iain Anderson will miss out again for Ayr United as they host Cowdenbeath after picking up a knee injury after 18 minutes against Ross County.
The midfielder was in his first game back following a rib injury.
Winger Andy McLaren joined in training on Monday following his August cruciate ligament injury but is not yet ready for a first-team return.
Cowdenbeath defender Bryan Gilfillan is poised to return to defence, but forward David Bingham is doubtful.
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Brechin City v Berwick Rangers
Defender David White returns from suspension for Brechin City as they host bottom side Berwick Rangers in Saturday's Second Division game.
It means that manager Michael O'Neill will have a full squad from which to pick for the match.
Stuart Callaghan is the only man missing for Berwick, with the midfielder starting a two-game ban.
Meanwhile, defenders Jordan Smith and Michael Bolochoweckyj have been released from the club.
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Peterhead v Airdrie Utd
Peterhead will be without influential skipper Bobby Mann through suspension, while Graeme Sharp is also banned.
Manager Neale Cooper is looking for his side to bounce back from last week's 2-0 reverse at Alloa Athletic.
Airdrie United, who lost to Ayr in midweek, will be without injured duo Stephen McDougall and Graeme Holmes for the trip to the north east.
Marc Smyth will also be missing as he serves the final game of his suspension against the Blue Toon.
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Queen's Park v Alloa Athletic
Queen's Park will be without skipper Stuart Kettlewell from their midfield for the visit by Alloa Athletic.
Defender Mick Dunlop is still out with a knee problem and forward Paul Ronald is an injury doubt.
Alloa striker Graeme Brown has returned to light training during the last week but is not fit enough to take part yet.
Strikers Andy Ferguson and Dougie Wilson are also looking like being a week away from a return, while defender Fraser Forrest is suspended.
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Ross County v Raith Rovers
Second Division leaders Ross County have a full squad to choose from as they host third-placed Raith Rovers.
Derek Adams' side drew 0-0 with Brechin in midweek and sit 13 points clear of second-placed Airdrie United.
Raith Rovers defender Marvin Andrews requires knee surgery and will not feature again this season.
Midfielder Iain Davidson and striker Steven Hislop ended last week's match in central defence and could be asked to fill in again.
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Albion Rovers v Elgin City
Defender Alan Reid returns to the Albion Rovers squad for the visit by Elgin City in Division Three.
But midfielder Jamie McKenzie is an injury doubt.
And midfielders Iain Chisholm, Barry Donald, Chris Hughes and Brian Smith, plus striker Callan Adam and defender Mike McGowan, are all out injured.
Elgin striker Martin Charlesworth is an injury doubt for the trip to Coatbridge, while midfielder Steven Mackay is suspended.
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Arbroath v Forfar Athletic
Arbroath midfielder Barry Sellars and defender Alan Rattray are injury doubts for the visit by Forfar Athletic, but the former is likely to start.
Former Forfar midfielder Paul Lunan is suspended, while defenders Stuart Ferguson and Steve Rennie, plus striker Bryan Scott, are out injured.
Forfar, who have lifted themselves off the foot of Division Three in recent weeks, are without midfielder Martyn Fotheringham through injury.
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East Fife v Montrose
East Fife manager Dave Baikie will make changes to his side for the visit of Montrose after they wrapped up the Third Division title last week.
Experienced defender Paul McManus and striker Chris Templeman are also missing through injury.
Montrose will be without Ross Gardiner through suspension after the defender was sent off in a Forfarshire Cup match against Forfar Athletic in midweek.
The Links Park outfit sit in second place as they chase a play-off place.
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Stenhousemuir v Dumbarton
Striker Ian Harty should return from injury for Stenhousemuir as they entertain Dumbarton in Division Three.
But skipper Stevie Ferguson is only given a 50% chance of making the game, while new signing Jordan Smith, formerly of Berwick, is also doubtful.
Strikers Scott Dalziel and Steve Hampshire are also almost certain to be missing for the Larbert side.
Dumbarton's Michael Moore will not be risked on the artificial surface after the striker picked up a knock.
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Stranraer v East Stirlingshire
Unhappy Stranraer boss Derek Ferguson has threatened changes ahead of the visit by East Stirlingshire.
Defender Ian Dobbins is available again after injury, but midfielder Steve Bonar is not fit enough to return.
Shire striker Joe Savage misses the trip south through injury for the Division Three game.
New Shire manager Jim McInally has added Paul Brownlie, Gordon Moffat, Dean Richardson and Andy Rodgers to the bottom side's squad.
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Aberdeen v St Mirren
Aberdeen defender Zander Diamond is a doubt after sustaining an eye injury in the midweek Scottish Cup win at Celtic.
Striker Steve Lovell joins Jamie Smith, Richie Byrne, Stuart Duff and Derek Young on the Dons' casualty list.
St Mirren central defender John Potter remains sidelined with injury, along with long-term absentees Richard Brittain and Stephen O'Donnell.
Striker Jim Hamilton returns, having been ineligible for Wednesday's Scottish Cup defeat to St Johnstone.
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Dundee Utd v Motherwell
Dundee United manager Craig Levein has no fitness or suspension worries as the race intensifies for a Uefa Cup place.
Danny Grainger, Danny Swanson and Jim O'Brien are back in contention after being ineligible for last weekend's CIS Insurance Cup final defeat.
Motherwell captain Paul Quinn is suspended for the trip to Tannadice.
But manager Mark McGhee otherwise has a full squad to choose from as the visitors look to arrest a run of four matches without a win.
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Hearts v Falkirk
Hearts will be without winger Andrew Driver and striker Christian Nade, while Christos Karipidis is doubtful.
However, the home team will welcome back influential midfielder Laryea Kingston from a foot injury as they aim to secure a top six finish.
Falkirk are without Tim Krull, Michael Higdon, Brian Allison and Dean Holden.
Ross Jack is fit again, while Arnua Riera, Russell Latapy and Billy Clarke are all pressing for starts after impressing as substitutes last weekend.
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Rangers v Hibernian
Rangers welcome back Barry Ferguson after the captain missed Wednesday's Scottish Cup draw with Partick Thistle.
Defender David Weir also returns as does striker Jean-Claude Darcheville, who has recovered from a groin injury.
Hibernian will be without injured midfield duo Brian Kerr and Guillame Beuzelin for the trip to Ibrox.
Ian Murray is free from suspension and Thierry Gathuessi is fit again but faces competition for the right-back slot from Martin Canning.
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Kilmarnock v Inverness CT
Kilmarnock midfielder Allan Johnston has recovered from a calf injury but Willie Gibson faces a late fitness test on a groin problem.
Paul Dalglish remains sidelined and defender Martyn Corrigan is still receiving treatment on an ankle injury.
Inverness pair Richard Hart and Steven Watt are both out having picked-up knocks in a midweek reserve match.
Striker Dennis Wyness may find his place under threat after criticism from manager Craig Brewster last weekend.
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Aldershot v Altrincham
Aldershot defender Anthony Charles is back after a ban, but top scorer John Grant could miss the rest of the season with a stress fracture to his leg.
Lewis Chalmers and Ben Harding are both likely to return after being rested for the midweek Setanta Shield win.
Struggling Altrincham welcome back striker Joe O'Neill after a one-match ban while Val Owen may return after a long absence with a foot injury.
Tom Cahill has returned to Rotherham so Colin Little could be a lone striker.
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john the tinca
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Burton Albion v Crawley Town
Burton's Andy Corbett is out after cracking a bone in his foot against Weymouth last weekend.
Saul Deeney will continue in goal as regular goalkeeper Kevin Poole is still out with a hamstring injury.
Crawley striker Jon-Paul Pittman is a serious doubt with a twisted ankle while defender Jamie Krause has a broken nose and will face a late check.
If Pittman misses out, Mustapha Carayol is a likely replacement while Keiron Murphy could return in place of Krause.
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john the tinca
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Cambridge Utd v Weymouth
Cambridge defenders Stephen Reed and Wayne Hatswell have resumed training after making good progress with ankle injuries and face late fitness tests.
But Ben Farrell (ankle) is set to miss out as will on-loan striker Lee McEvilly (fractured fibula).
Weymouth's new signing Mat Bailey goes straight into the starting line-up.
Magnus Okuonghae (shoulder) is out, while midfielders Nick Crittenden (illness) and Paolo Vernazza (groin) are both doubtful for the match
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Exeter v Kidderminster
Exeter striker Adam Stansfield is a doubt with his persistent ankle injury while Ben Watson faces a fitness test on his foot injury.
Lee Elam and Steve Basham should both be available despite minor injuries.
Kidderminster's Andy Ferrell has recovered from his recent ankle injury and will be available.
Gavin Hurren is likely to continue at the heart of the defence after Luke Jones was recalled from his loan by Shrewsbury last week.
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Halifax v Oxford Utd
Adam Quinn should return for Halifax after his recent Achilles trouble but Rob Scott is still absent with a similar injury.
Otherwise Shaymen boss Chris Wilder has a fully-fit squad to choose from.
Oxford defender James Clarke is back in contention after his one-match ban, while striker Craig McAllister could replace Matthew Green up front.
Yemi Odubade is unlikely to play after being transfer-listed but Michael Blackwood is pushing for a start.
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Northwich v Farsley Celtic
Northwich defender Michael Welch is thought to have fractured his cheekbone and will not play if this is the case.
Nathan Kerr is back from suspension but midfielder Danny Williams (Achilles) is doubtful and Johnny Allan is some way from fitness after his broken leg.
Farsley midfielder Andy Watson serves the second match of his three-match ban after he was sent off against Weymouth.
But forward Simeon Bambrook returns after missing last week's draw at Salisbury due to work commitments.
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Rushden v York
Curtis Woodhouse is set to return for Rushden after missing two games because of his boxing commitments.
Manager Garry Hill has only one major injury worry with midfielder Andy Gooding facing a fitness test after limping off against Histon last week.
York skipper Manny Panther should be fit but striker Craig Farrell (hamstring) will miss out.
It seems likely that Martyn Woolford will continue to play up front with youngster Richard Brodie.
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john the tinca
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Stafford Rangers v Torquay
Stafford defender Djimi Sangare faces a late fitness test on a groin strain so Alan Dodd stands by to replace him.
Dolapo Olaoye is still struggling with an ankle injury but veteran striker Neil Grayson is almost certain to return to the starting XI.
Torquay have been boosted by the return of midfielder Steve Adams after four games out with a thigh problem.
Apart from central defender Steve Woods, who has a broken toe, United are at full strength.
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Barnet v Lincoln City
Barnet top scorer Jason Puncheon and Michael Leary both return after bans of three and four matches respectively.
Left-back Kenny Gillet faces a fitness test on an ankle injury, but defender Sagi Burton (knee) and goalkeeper Rob Beckwith (hamstring) are both out.
Lincoln could welcome back defender Gary Croft after four months out with a calf injury.
Ryan Amoo may also make a return after being out since New Year's Day with a knee ligament injury.
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john the tinca
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Brentford v Wrexham
Wrexham have been boosted by the return of experienced trio Danny Sonner, Neil Roberts and Jeff Whitley for the visit to Brentford on Saturday.
Wes Baynes and Marc Williams are also back for League Two's bottom club but Neil Taylor and Carl Tremarco are out.
Brentford midfielder Kevin O'Connor could start after a substitute appearance in the defeat at Morecambe.
O'Connor had missed nine matches with a hamstring injury, and he could come in for John Mousinho or Gary Smith.
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john the tinca
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Chester v Darlington
Chester midfielder Richie Partridge (calf), striker Chris Holroyd (hamstring) and defender Paul Butler (foot) are all fit after injuries.
Midfielder Tony Grant may start after a recent calf injury.
Striker Richie Foran may return to the Darlington squad after a two-month lay-off with a hamstring injury.
But Rovers are still without Tim Ryan and Clark Keltie (both knee) and Neil Wainwright has joined struggling Mansfield Town on loan.
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john the tinca
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Chesterfield v Accrington
On-loan Lloyd Kerry is available for Chesterfield after he had his loan extended until the end of the season.
But they are without defender Gregor Robertson after he continues his recovery from a thigh strain.
Accrington defender Robbie Williams (knee), captain Peter Cavanagh (Achilles) and midfielder Andy Procter (shoulder) are set to miss out.
But record signing Ian Craney shrugged off a hip injury
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Dag & Red v Shrewsbury
Richard Graham and Paul Benson are in contention for Dagenham after returning from long-term injuries.
Ross Smith is available despite a bout of flu and Shane Huke is fit after resting a groin injury.
Shrewsbury manager Paul Simpson could hand a debut to new arrival Graeme Lee for the trip to Dagenham.
Marc Tierney is receiving treatment on a calf problem and could feature but the game is likely to come too soon for David Hunt (shoulder
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Hereford v Bury
Hereford's new signing, goalkeeper Ryan Esson, goes straight into the squad.
Striker Steve Guinan may play as he has made good progress with a calf injury, but an ankle injury means on-loan defender Robbie Threlfall is out.
Bury defender Dave Challinor is set to miss out with a knee injury, while striker Andy Mangan is doubtful with a hamstring strain.
Goalkeeper Darren Randolph and midfielder David Buchanan are available ahead of international duty next week.
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john the tinca
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Mansfield v Grimsby
Mansfield goalkeeper Carl Muggleton is available after a groin injury but he will fight for a start with Jason White who impressed in Muggleton's absence.
Defender Martin McIntosh is not expected to play again this season because of a troublesome calf injury.
Grimsby striker Danny North who has missed the last three games with a knee injury could be in line for a return.
Midfielder Ciaran Toner is also back in training after his long-term ankle injury but is not yet fit to return
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Morecambe v Wycombe
Morecambe boss Sammy McIlroy has no new injury or suspension concerns.
But Shrimps midfielder Craig Stanley will not be involved once again after being placed on the transfer list for "disciplinary reasons".
Wycombe midfielder Tommy Doherty is back in contention after suspension and will compete with Gary Holt and Neil Lennon for a starting place.
Sergio Torres (ankle) remains sidelined and Matty Bloomfield (cruciate ligament) is out for the season.
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Notts County v Rochdale
Notts County loan duo Danny Crow and Ali Gibb return after missing last week's draw at Peterborough.
Stephen Hunt is rated doubtful after picking up a groin injury but Myles Weston and Gavin Strachan (both hamstring) will definitely miss out.
Rochdale keeper Sam Russell is out for the season with a damaged finger so James Spencer continues in goal.
Strikers Chris Dagnall and Kallum Higginbotham both remain sidelined due to knee injuries.
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Rotherham v Bradford
Rotherham boss Mark Robins will choose from an unchanged squad.
The Millers are still without defender Ian Sharps (hernia), while goalkeeper Steve Cann (dislocated shoulder) is close to full fitness.
Bradford midfielder Lee Bullock is out after a hernia operation, but Donovan Ricketts and Omar Daley are both available ahead of international duty.
On-loan Fulham defender TJ Moncur is a doubt after a hamstring strain picked up against Mansfield.
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Brighton v Swindon
Midfielder Therry Racon is set for his Brighton debut after joining on loan.
Andrew Whing begins a two-match ban while another loanee, left-back Matt Richards, is back at Ipswich for treatment on his hamstring injury.
Swindon striker Billy Paynter is back in contention after his two-game ban, and fellow forward Barry Corr is fit again after a shoulder injury.
But Lee Peacock is banned and Jamie Vincent, Pat Kanyuka and Christian Roberts are still out injured.
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Bristol Rovers v Huddersfield
David Pipe (hip) and Steve Elliott (knee) could return to the Bristol Rovers squad after injury.
Anthony Pulis has returned to Stoke to receive treatment for his thigh injury, while Ryan Green may face surgery to solve his troublesome Achilles problem.
Huddersfield pair Joe Skarz (calf) and Andy Holdsworth (groin) are both doubts because of niggling injuries.
Defender Robbie Williams could miss out with a bruised foot, while striker Phil Jevons (calf) remains sidelined
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Crewe v Hartlepool
Crewe welcome back Julian Baudet after three games out with a thigh injury.
Shaun Miller is available after he recovered from an ankle problem but Neil Cox (shoulder), Ben Rix (hip) and Billy Jones (knee) are all out.
Hartlepool right-back Jamie McCunnie is suspended after his red card in last week's 3-1 defeat at Tranmere.
Fellow defender Sam Collins (calf) is also rated as doubtful but striker Richard Barker (knee) could feature after returning to training this week
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Gillingham v Bournemouth
Gillingham are without suspended midfielder Kevin Maher but are boosted by the return of defender Garry Richards after a three-match ban.
Fellow centre-back Danny Cullip could be in contention after overcoming a hamstring injury.
Bournemouth defenders Neil Young (ankle) and Warren Cummings (shin) will both miss out.
But Lee Bradbury and Jo Tessem could feature after recovering from a virus and a back problem
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Leeds v Walsall
Leeds could recall Jonathan Douglas, who has been out with knee ligament damage since December but played 90 minutes for the reserves in midweek.
Andrew Hughes is suspended so Frazer Richardson, Sebastian Carole or Peter Sweeney will replace him in midfield.
Suspended defender Richard Taundry is the only definite absentee for Walsall.
Mark Bradley is available but will miss Monday's game with Crewe as he has been called up by Wales' Under-21 squad for their game with Bosnia Herzegovina.
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john the tinca
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Leyton Orient v Carlisle
Charlie Daniels returns to the Leyton Orient squad after an ankle injury and and Stephen Purches is also in contention after a bout of chickenpox.
Centre-halves Sam Oji (hamstring) and Tamika Mkandawire (hernia) are on the mend after injury but Saturday's clash is likely to come too soon for them.
Carlisle striker Scott Dobie is back in contention after shaking off a virus.
Jeff Smith, Joe Garner and Paul Thirlwell are still injured, while Kevin Gall is on trial with Toronto FC.
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john the tinca
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Luton v Cheltenham
Luton have injury doubts over Paul Furlong (knee), Chris Perry (groin) and David Bell (back).
Midfielder Steve Robinson missed out against Oldham last week with illness but played for the reserves in midweek.
Cheltenham striker Paul Connor will play up front in place of Steve Brooker, who was recalled from his loan by parent club Bristol City this week.
Alex Russell has had an injection on his stomach injury but the midfielder will not feature in this.
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john the tinca
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Oldham v Millwall
Oldham midfielder David Livermore is fit after a hip flexor injury and Sean Gregan should also feature as he nears full fitness after an Achilles problem.
But defender Reuben Hazell is suspended so John Thompson returns after a lengthy spell out injured.
New signings Justin Cochrane and Jem Karacan go straight into the Millwall squad for the trip to Oldham.
The Lions are without eight injured players and have Marc Laird suspended for the next three games.
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john the tinca
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Barnsley v Sheff Utd
Midfielder Bobby Hassell should be back in the Barnsley line-up after missing last week's defeat at Crystal Palace with a dead leg.
Luke Steele will take his place in goal after his on-off loan move from West Brom was finally resolved.
Sheffield United striker James Beattie is back in the frame having returned to training after a groin injury.
Stephen Quinn returns after his ban but fellow midfielders Chris Armstrong (groin) and Lee Martin (knee) are out.
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john the tinca
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Cardiff v Bristol City
Cardiff City's superstar strike-force of Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink and Robbie Fowler will miss the Severnside derby.
Hasselbaink will start a three-match ban while Fowler and Kevin McNaughton are both out with knee problems.
Bristol City have recalled striker Steve Brooker from a successful loan period at Cheltenham Town where he scored five goals in six games.
Midfielders David Noble and Cole Skuse have recovered from knee and ankle injuries respectively.
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john the tinca
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Leicester v Hull
Leicester striker Iain Hume is a major doubt after suffering an ankle injury in training on Friday.
Stephen Clemence and Jamie Clapham are in contention after injury but loan keeper Ben Alnwick (thigh) is out.
Hull City will be without Wayne Brown (calf) and Craig Fagan (knee ligament) but the duo are expected to be fit to face Watford on 29 March.
Nicky Barmby is still absent after having an operation on his groin but should resume training next week.
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john the tinca
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Norwich v Colchester
Norwich boss Glenn Roeder is set to hand a debut to new striker Maceo Rigters who has joined on loan from Blackburn until the end of the season.
And midfielder Darel Russell is back in contention after his latest ban.
Colchester captain Karl Duguid is back in light training but is definitely out after damaging knee ligaments during Tuesday night's defeat by Hull.
Defenders Chris Coyne (hamstring) and Pat Baldwin (knee) are also out, as is striker Teddy Sheringham (foot).
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john the tinca
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Plymouth v Watford
Plymouth are boosted by the return of keeper Luke McCormick after suspension.
Defender Krisztian Timar is also back in contention after a ban and could replace Marcel Seip while Jim Paterson returns after a hamstring injury.
Watford are without midfielder John Eustace who begins a three-match ban so Lee Williamson or Al Bangura should return to partner John-Joe O'Toole.
Midfielder Damien Francis (knee) is out while Gareth Williams is set to miss the rest of the season (knee ligament).
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Preston v Burnley
Burnley are set to welcome back Chris McCann, Stanislav Varga and Andy Cole against Lancashire rivals Preston.
Midfielder McCann (thigh), striker Cole (Achilles) and defender Varga (foot) all missed the defeat by Wolves.
Preston are without midfielder Kevin Nicholls who is out for up to six weeks after suffering a knee cartilage injury in a reserve game on Monday.
Injured striker Craig Beattie has returned to West Brom but full-back Michael Hart (hip) is nearing fitness.
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Scunthorpe v Ipswich
Scunthorpe midfielder Grant McCann is doubtful after suffering a knock in the the midweek defeat at Wolves.
Defender Izzy Iriekpen is set to return following illness but full-back Marcus Williams (illness) remains sidelined.
Ipswich boss Jim Magilton has Danny Simpson in his squad after the defender joined on loan from Manchester United.
Defender Richard Naylor is out for the season (neck), and striker Shefki Kuqi (hamstring) and midfielder David Norris (heel) are also ruled out
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Sheff Wed v Crystal Palace
Sheffield Wednesday expect to have on-loan Chelsea striker Ben Sahar back on the bench after a hamstring injury.
Midfielder Steve Watson (hamstring) and full-back Frank Simek (ankle) are also in contention after playing 90 minutes for the reserves in midweek.
Crystal Palace may welcome back midfielder Neil Danns (groin) and defender Tony Craig (shoulder).
But winger Paul Ifill is doubtful with an ankle knock and Victor Moses and Danny Butterfield are out (both thigh).
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Southampton v Coventry
Loan signing Richard Wright will make his Southampton debut as Kelvin Davis is not quite ready to return after dislocating a finger.
Andrew Davies is out for the season (fractured cheekbone) and fellow defender Ian Pearce has a back injury.
Coventry boss Chris Coleman will check on the fitness of key midfielders Michael Doyle and Stephen Hughes.
Doyle was forced off with concussion in the draw with Sheffield Wednesday and Hughes is a doubt with a knee injury.
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Wolves v QPR
Wolves defenders Jody Craddock and Rob Edwards are struggling with hamstring injuries while Gary Breen (flu) faces a race to prove his fitness.
Recent absentees Stephen Elliott (ankle) and David Edwards (groin) are also rated doubtful to face the Hoops.
QPR winger Hogan Ephraim serves the final game of his three-game ban and back-up goalkeeper Jake Cole is out for a fortnight after elbow surgery.
Dexter Blackstock is available after the birth of his first child this week.
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Stoke v Blackpool
Stoke City may be without striker Mamady Sidibe who is struggling with a hamstring injury.
Liam Lawrence, Ricardo Fuller and Ryan Shawcross are banned so Paul Gallagher, Jon Parkin, Andy Wilkinson and Danny Pugh are all pushing to start.
Striker Grant Holt is in line to make his Blackpool debut after signing on loan until the end of the season.
The Nottingham Forest forward is likely to replace Paul Dickov, who is nursing a hamstring injury.
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Aston Villa v Sunderland
Aston Villa defender Olof Mellberg serves a one-match ban but Craig Gardner is fit after a back problem so will replace him.
Manager Martin O'Neill has no fresh injury concerns.
Sunderland are still without Dickson Etuhu who has a knee problem but striker Anthony Stokes has recovered from illness and may return.
Daryl Murphy, Kieran Richardson and Michael Chopra all missed the defeat by Chelsea and could also return.
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john the tinca
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Blackburn v Wigan
Blackburn are without Brett Emerton (groin), but boss Mark Hughes hopes he will be fit to return next week.
New signing Johann Vogel is yet to receive international clearance while skipper Ryan Nelsen remains sidelined.
Wigan's Antoine Sibierski is unlikely to play because of a calf injury, while Jason Koumas begins a three-match ban.
Striker Emile Heskey is still struggling with a foot injury but he and Marcus Bent (shin) should both be available for the match.
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john the tinca
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Bolton v Man City
Bolton duo Kevin Nolan and Gary Cahill could both return for Bolton, although they are struggling with back and foot injuries respectively.
Gavin McCann is another doubt after sustaining a calf injury in Wednesday's defeat at Manchester United.
Manchester City expect striker Benjani Mwaruwari to be fit despite suffering from a minor hamstring problem.
Midfielder Martin Petrov returns from suspension but Dietmar Hamann completes his two-match ban.
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john the tinca
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Everton v West Ham
Everton look almost certain to be without Andrew Johnson (groin), but fellow striker Victor Anichebe could be in the squad after a hip injury.
Midfielder Tim Cahill (hip) remains a major doubt, but Manuel Fernandes has overcome a groin problem.
West Ham defender Matthew Upson should be fit despite a calf problem, while Luis Boa Morte returns from suspension.
Striker Bobby Zamora is struggling to overcome painful blisters and Carlton Cole (dead leg) is also a concern.
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Middlesbrough v Derby
Middlesbrough striker Mido begins a three-match ban while midfielder Fabio Rochemback is banned for two games.
Defenders Robert Huth (foot) and Emanuel Pogatetz (calf) are doubtful, but Andrew Taylor is in contention.
Derby goalkeeper Roy Carroll is fit after suffering a slight groin problem in last Saturday's 1-0 defeat to Manchester United at Pride Park.
Defender Alan Stubbs is out with a calf injury, and midfielder Stephen Pearson (hernia) is unlikely to figure.
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Newcastle v Fulham
Newcastle boss Kevin Keegan has no fresh injury problems.
Shay Given is out for six weeks after groin surgery, while James Milner (foot), Emre (calf) and Stephen Carr (hamstring) also remain sidelined.
Fulham boss Roy Hodgson has no fresh injury worries ahead of the trip to Newcastle on Saturday.
Hodgson is likely to remain loyal to the strikeforce of Eddie Johnson and Brian McBride as they try to win their first away game for 18 months.
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john the tinca
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Reading v Birmingham
Reading have no new injury worries ahead of the visit of Birmingham.
But defender Graeme Murty (knee), midfielder Brynjar Gunnarsson (groin) and winger Glen Little (heel and hamstring) remain unavailable.
Birmingham's Martin Taylor is available after his three-match ban for the red card against Arsenal for the tackle which resulted in Eduardo's broken leg.
But Blues boss Alex McLeish is set to continue with the centre-back pairing of Liam Ridgewell and Radhi Jaidi.
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john the tinca
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Tottenham v Portsmouth
Tottenham have no fresh injuries but skipper Ledley King, who has recovered from a calf injury, could be rested as he comes back from knee surgery.
Left-backs Benoit Assou-Ekotto (knee) and Gareth Bale (foot) are out.
Portsmouth will be without striker Jermain Defoe - who is ineligible under the terms of his move from Spurs - so John Utaka could partner Milan Baros.
Pompey are without Sol Campbell (knee) and suspended duo Sulley Muntari and Papa Bouba Diop.
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