Team news ahead of Sunday's FA Cup ties
Fulham v Bolton(Fifth Round)
Clint Dempsey and Simon Davies are expected to feature in Marc Hughes plans in Fulham’s FA Cup fifth-round tie against Bolton on Sunday. Both had short term knocks but are now fit for the West London side. Philippe Senderos and Bobby Zamora remain on course in their rehabilitation from long-term injuries.
Bolton travel to Fulham with an injury hit squad, particularly with a depleted defensive line-up. Zat Knight is expected to miss six weeks with a knee ligament injury and boss Owen Coyle has confirmed Sam Ricketts ruptured his Achilles against Wigan in the fourth round replay on Wednesday and will be out for the rest of the season. With full-backs Gretar Steinsson and Jlloyd Samuel still sidelined, Marcos Alonso may again be asked to deputise, while in-form striker Daniel Sturridge is cup-tied.
Manchester City v Notts County(Fourth Round replay)
The last of the fourth round replays takes place at the City of Manchester Stadium when Notts County visits Eastlands on Sunday hoping to cause a major upset in the FA Cup history. Roberto Mancini hopes to check out on the fitness of some of his players before deciding on the full line up although reports from the Citizens’ camp reveal that feisty Dutch defender Nigel De Jong is struggling with an ankle injury while England international James Milner is doubtful with a hamstring problem. Big summer signing Mario Balotelli is however fit to face Paul Ince’s side and Shaun Wright Phillips would be in for another fast paced performance having been impressive at Old Trafford last week and Shay Given would be in line for the goalkeeper’s post in the FA Cup.
Notts County boss Paul Ince could have Liam Chilvers available for the clash at Eastlands. The 29-year-old defender, who has been suffering from a knee injury, played 75 minutes in a behind-closed-doors friendly in midweek and is likely to be included in the Magpies squad, although only among the substitutes. However, winger Lewis Gobern is doubtful with a thigh problem and on-loan midfielder David Martin will miss out with a groin injury. Winger Alan Judge also misses out again with a foot injury. Loan duo Conor Clifford and Kevin McDonald are ineligible as they were not registered with the club before the original tie with City, which ended in a 1-1 draw.
Leyton Orient v Arsenal(Fifth Round)
Leyton Orient midfielder Matthew Spring is doubtful for the FA Cup fifth-round visit of Arsenal. Spring has missed the last two matches with a calf problem and will be handed a late fitness check. Fellow midfielder Adam Chambers is a definite absentee with a shin injury which is expected to keep him out for another fortnight, but boss Russell Slade has an otherwise fully-fit squad to choose from. Defender Terrell Forbes will hope for a recall after dropping to the bench at MK Dons in midweek, while striker Jonathan Tehoue is pushing to start after climbing off the bench to hit the winner.
Arsenal centre-back Johan Djourou is likely to be included in the squad if he recovers from a back problem he suffered against Barcelona in midweek. Right-back Bacary Sagna is available after returning from suspension but midfielder Abou Diaby is still banned. Moroccan striker Marouane Chamakh will return to the squad after missing out against Barcelona while winger Theo Walcott would be back after successfully nursing a slight hamstring pull. Niclas Bendtner could partner Chamakh upfront although the Gunners boss Arsene Wenger always has something up his sleeve to surprise everyone involved with his last minute team selection in cup matches.
Note: Data received courtesy of Eurosport news