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Joy Sports EPL team news as Mertesacker set to sit out and more

By Wires
Sports News Joy Sports EPL team news as Mertesacker set to sit out and more
APR 25, 2015 LISTEN

All the team news ahead of the weekend’s Premier League action, with Arsene Wenger preparing to replace injured Per Mertesacker with Gabriel Paulista.

(All times 2pm GMT unless stated)
SATURDAY
Southampton v Tottenham (11:45)
Mauricio Pochettino returns to his old stomping ground as the two sides battle for a spot in the top six. Southampton manager Ronald Koeman is confident of being able to call upon Toby Alderweireld, while Tottenham will assess Hugo Lloris' knee injury.

Burnley v Leicester City
A relegation slugfest between the two sides automatically promoted last season - can Leicester make it four in a row? Burnley have no fresh injury concerns; David Nugent is a major doubt for the visitors. Crystal Palace v Hull City Hull desperately need the points against a Palace side already assured of survival.

Lee Chung-yong could feature for Crystal Palace, but Mo Diame appears unlikely to make his return to the Hull starting line-up.

Newcastle v Swansea
It's too late for the Swans to find a way into the Euro spots, but it's not too late for Newcastle to go down... Siem de Jong returns to the hosts squad for the first time since August after recovering from a collapsed lung. Jefferson Montero is pushing for a spot in the Swansea XI.

QPR v West Ham
A West vs East London derby which Queens Park Rangers absolutely have to win - but Sam Allardyce desperately needs a job-boosting three points. Chris Ramsey will decide late on whether to risk Leroy Fer, while West Ham will be unable to welcome back any players from the injury room.

Stoke City v Sunderland
Adam Johnson is available for selection, which has taken the spotlight from what is a must-win game for out-of-sorts Sunderland. Peter Odemwingie is likely to be among the substitutes - the Stoke striker has not been involved with the first team on a match day since August.

West Brom v Liverpool
Steven Gerrard won't finish his storied Liverpool career by lifting the FA Cup - but a top-four finish is still possible. Andre Wisdom is ineligible to play against his parent club, who are missing Daniel Sturridge.

Manchester City v Aston Villa (16:30)
Tim Sherwood's boys are on top of the world, but the champions will look to make an example of them to reclaim second place. City welcome back David Silva; Gabby Agbonlahor could return for Villa.

SUNDAY
Everton v Manchester United (12:30)
Louis van Gaal remains ravaged by injuries while Everton could really do with a scalp to end a miserable season on a high. Steven Pienaar is unlikely to feature for the hosts, while United are without defenders Phil Jones (ankle), Marcos Rojo (adductor) and Rafael (rib).

Arsenal v Chelsea (15:00)
If Chelsea win, they're pretty much the champions. But a first Arsene Wenger triumph over Jose Mourinho could lead to a dramatic finish. Per Mertesacker is doubtful for Arsenal, with Gabriel Paulista ready to deputise. Chelsea will make a late call on Diego Costa's fitness.

Follow Gary Al-Smith on Twitter: @garyalsmith

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