Troubled Man United look up to Ruud, Veron

Though both sides are coming off the back of draws, West Ham’s result against Manchester United should give Glenn Roeder’s men a bigger lift than Villa’s in the Midlands derby with West Brom. Defender Mark Delaney, who limped off during Wales’ midweek win in Azerbaijan, is among Villa’s worries.

BOLTON vs CHELSEA

The battle against relegation continues for Sam Allardyce’s men but their stunning 4-2 victory over Leeds United at Elland Road was a much-needed shot in the arm. Bolton’s French defender Bernard Mendy is out for six weeksafter suffering a leg fracture during a practice game with France’s under-21 squad.

MAN UNITED vs NEWCASTLE UTD

Manchester United’s troubled domestic season continued with a dismal 1-1 draw against West Ham last weekend after the embarrassment of their 3-1 derby thrashing by Manchester City.

Injuries still dominate the side but the bettter news is that striker Ruud van Nistelrooy scored in the Netherlands’ 3-1 win over Germany, while midfielder Juan Sebastian Veron played well in Argentina’s 2-0 win over Japan.

EVERTON vs WEST BROMWICH

With Rooney-mania gathering pace since Wayne’s goal of the month strike against Arsenal last month and his team mates clocking up five consecutive wins, David Moyes’ men now fear no-one — least of all the premier league’s bottom club.

FULHAM vs LIVERPOOL

Knocked off the top last weekend by Arsenal, Liverpool should make amends by exploiting Fulham’s poor run of form. Germany midfielder Dietmar Hamann (ankle) is battling to be fit after missing international duty in midweek.

BROUGH vs MAN CITY

Beaten 1-0 by Chelsea last weekend, Middlesbrough could do with a return to the early season form of Italian striker Massimo Maccarone, who has failed to score in their last six league games.

SOUTHAMPTON vs ARSENAL

Narrowly beaten by Newcastle last week, Southampton can expect more of the same against the league leaders, who look to have shrugged off their losing streak. Hope takes the shape of James Beattie, who has scored six goals in as many games.

SUNDERLAND vs BIRMINGHAM

Sunderland’s cautious revival under Howard Wilkinson, with three draws and a win in their last four league games, should continue at the Stadium of Light.