The Dutchman did not fly to Ukraine for the Champions League tie in the week, but only has a 30% chance of playing on Sunday as he struggles with a back problem.

Spirits at Highbury are likely to be much lower than the bright spring day last season when Everton were swept aside with a 4-0 win.

Adams scored last season but will not play this time

This season's game - one of four Premiership matches being played on Sunday - follows the disappointment of Wednesday night's Champions League defeat by Dynamo Kiev.

The Gunners have a lengthy injury list and will definitely have to without both Tony Adams - who scored a memorable goal during the title-winning game - and Steve Bould at the heart of the defence.

Adams' problem with his back has not gone away, and Bould has a hamstring injury picked up in Kiev.

Gilles Grimandi and Matthew Upson stand by as replacements.

Nicolas Anelka is expected to return to Arsenal's attack but manager Arsene Wenger rates Overmars as having only a 50-50 chance of playing following his groin injury.

Everton will be hoping to give a better account than they did last season, although last week's 4-1 thrashing by Manchester United showed that they are still prone to defensive lapses.

Midfielder Don Hutchison is in contention for a recall after completing a one-match suspension and could get the nod ahead of teenager Danny Cadamarteri.

Man Utd v Newcastle

In contrast to Arsenal, Manchester United's injury situation is improving rapidly.

Giggs: United's only definite absentee

Only Ryan Giggs is definitely out with his broken foot, while Phil Neville is doubtful with a slight hamstring problem sustained against Brondby on Wednesday night.

But Nicky Butt is back in contention for his first start since 24 October and Ronny Johnsen is also back to full fitness and added to the squad.

For Newcastle, Rob Lee and Dietmar Hamann will undergo late fitness tests before Ruud Gullit finalises his line-up.

Lee has been out with a virus while Hamann played 33 minutes for the reserves on Monday night - his first action since damaging knee ligaments in August.

Leeds v Sheff Wed

Leeds will again be without skipper Lucas Radebe and left wing-back Danny Granville as they try to bounce back from Uefa Cup defeat.

Radebe faces another two weeks out after tweaking knee ligaments during last Saturday's draw at Derby, while Granville completes a two-match ban.

Goalkeeper Nigel Martyn should be fit to play, but Gary Kelly, Alan Maybury and David Robertson miss out through long-term injuries.

Wednesday boss Danny Wilson will wait until the 11th hour before deciding whether to recall Benito Carbone and Petter Rudi.

The pair have both been on the sidelines in recent weeks due to ankle and hamstring injuries respectively, but are close to winning their fitness battle.

West Ham v Chelsea

West Ham will be without Andy Impey, who is ruled out by a thigh injury, and that could mean a chance for Julian Dicks to prove he can still play at the highest level.

Stan Lazaridis is still out with a groin problem and Les Sealey continues in place of injured keeper Craig Forrest.

Chelsea manager Gianluca Vialli usually changes his team, but this time he has to, following Brian Laudrup's exit from Stamford Bridge.

He will also be without defenders Frank Leboeuf and Michael Duberry due to suspension.