Arsenal v Middlesbrough

Double winners Arsenal continue to be hit by injury problems as they take on a Middlesbrough side who have shown surprisingly impressive form since promotion.

Skipper Tony Adams has been ruled out for at least six weeks with a recurrent back complaint and French midfield pair Patrick Vieira (hamstring) and Emmanuel Petit (torn stomach muscle) are sidelined for three and four weeks respectively.

Bould has proved an experienced deputy for Adams

Steve Bould continues to deputise for Adams, while Fredrik Ljungberg looks set to join Ray Parlour, Stephen Hughes and Remi Garde in a makeshift midfield.

But the Gunners are confident that full-back Nigel Winterburn will pass a fitness test on calf and ankle knocks.

Middlesbrough midfield duo Paul Gascoigne and Robbie Mustoe should return after suspension, although Gascoigne needs to shake off a calf injury.

Republic of Ireland international full-back Curtis Fleming should also be available but defenders Gary Pallister (knee) and Gianluca Festa (shoulder) are ruled out.

Liverpool v Blackburn

Gerard Houllier will be hoping Liverpool suffer no European hangover when basement club Blackburn visit for their game since the departure of manager Roy Hodgson.

Paul Wright reports (BBC News 24)

Paul Ince is available for Liverpool after being suspended for the midweek UEFA Cup defeat by Celta Vigo.

Still out injured is winger Steve McManaman, while Steve Harkness - suffering knee damage after Stan Collymore's tackle last weekend - and hamstring victim Jason McAteer are also both out.

Scotland midfielder McKinlay is struggling with injury

Blackburn have Darren Peacock sidelined by a foot injury and caretaker boss Tony Parkes could also be without Jason Wilcox, who is struggling with illness.

Parkes had a midfield headache with Billy McKinlay facing a race against time to recover from a groin problem and take the place of suspended skipper Tim Sherwood.

Italian loan star Dario Marcolin could get his first Premiership start, with Christian Dailly again asked to play out of position.

Man Utd v Leeds

This Yorkshire-Lancashire derby is traditionally one of the most fiercely competitive matches in English football.

David O'Leary: We're not as good a side as Man Utd

And there will be an added edge at Old Trafford due to the top form shown by both teams, with United well placed in second and Leeds not far behind in fifth.

United are still without injured trio Ryan Giggs (broken bone in foot), Teddy Sheringham (knee) and Ronny Johnsen (ankle).

Alex Ferguson has the option of bringing in Phil Neville, who sat out Wednesday's thrilling Champions' League tie in Barcelona.

Elland Road boss David O'Leary is without three key players as Leeds go in search of their first victory at Old Trafford for 17 years.

Captain Lucas Radebe is again missing as he continues to recover from a knee ligament injury which has already sidelined him for five games.