PREMIER LEAGUE TEAM NEWS:Newcastle manager Joe Kinnear has confirmed that controversial midfielder Joey Barton will make his first start since being released from jail in tonight's Premier League clash with West Brom at St James' Park. The 26-year-old will make his first appearance for the club on home soil since the 2-0 defeat by Chelsea on May 5th.
Kinnear said: "Joey will start. I am pleased he is back in the fray, he is a very decent player. I'm hoping all the supporters will get behind him and support him. Joey will be doing the best he possibly can for the club and the supporters."
Barton returned to senior action as a substitute in the 2-1 derby defeat at Sunderland on Saturday, when he was pelted with missiles by home supporters as he warmed up on the sidelines.
Barton's inclusion is in part a response to Nicky Butt's absence with ankle and thigh problems, and that has left Kinnear looking for a new captain with both Michael Owen and the former Manchester United midfielder sidelined.
Kinnear is contemplating handing the captain's armband to Republic of Ireland goalkeeper Shay Given, while defender Steven Taylor is also in the picture.
Kinnear said: "I have to two great candidates in Shay Given and Steven Taylor. Nobody needs to tell me what Shay Given means to this football club, both on and off the field. To tell the truth, I have never had a goalkeeper as my captain in either my playing or managerial career."
Michael Carrick could return to first-team duties for Manchester Unitedagainst former club West Ham at Old Trafford tomorrow.
Carrick has been restricted to just 70 minutes of senior action this term as he battled to overcome an ankle problem but returned to training last week.
Carlos Tevez is also due to a recall, with one of Wayne Rooney, Dimitar Berbatov and Cristiano Ronaldo expected to be rested.
Carlton Cole is suspended for West Hamafter being sent off against Arsenal at the weekend. In midfield, Mark Noble is out with a calf injury with Matthew Etherington likely to come in.
Gareth Bale will return from suspension for Spursas Harry Redknapp prepares for his first North London derby clash against rivals Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium.
Midfielder Denilson returns to the Arsenalsquad while full-back Bacary Sagna is also fit again after a knee problem.
Fernando Torres will miss his fourth consecutive Liverpoolmatch against Portsmouthas he continues his comeback from a hamstring injury.
The Spanish striker had his first training session today since picking up the injury on international duty earlier this month. Robbie Keane is still affected by his groin problem but is expected to play.
Skipper Sol Campbell and full-back Glen Johnson are again both likely to be missing from Portsmouth's line-up as new manager Tony Adams starts his reign with a major test. Younes Kaboul and Noe Pamarot are set to step into the defensive breach.
The Manchester Citypair of captain Richard Dunne and teenage striker Ched Evans are expected to recover from injury to be included in an unchanged squad for the trip to Middlesbrough.
Dunne came off during City's 3-0 win over Stoke with a chest problem but scans have revealed no major damage, while Evans has responded well to treatment for a knee injury.
Middlesbroughmidfielder Julio Arca could make his first start of the season after recovering from an ankle injury, but striker Mido (groin) remains a doubt.
Joe Cole returns to the Chelseasquad for the trip to Hull after three weeks sidelined with a foot injury.
Didier Drogba is back in training after suffering a knee injury but will not be ready to be involved at the KC Stadium.
Hullleft-back Andy Dawson is hoping to overcome a dead leg to feature after he was taken off after just 10 minutes of Saturday's 3-0 win at West Brom.
Sunderlandgoalkeeper Craig Gordon has only a 50-50 chance of returning to action at Stoke. The Scotland international twisted an ankle in training last Wednesday and was replaced by Marton Fulop for Saturday's derby win over Newcastle.
Aston Villahope former captain Gareth Barry will be fit for their home match with Blackburn after the midfielder limped out of the 4-0 win at Wigan on Sunday with a bruised foot.
If he is ruled out, Steve Sidwell could make his first league start after scoring Villa's fourth goal as a substitute against the Latics.
Blackburnexpect to have central defender Chris Samba back for after the 24-year-old missed Saturday's draw with Middlesbrough at Ewood Park due to an ankle injury.
Boltonmanager Gary Megson is without midfielder Gavin McCann through suspension for the visit of fellow strugglers Everton.
Tim Cahill will return for the Toffees after serving a three-match suspension for his dismissal in the Merseyside derby.
Seol Ki-Hyeon and Toni Kallio are doubts for Fulham'sgame with Wigan at Craven Cottage.
Wiganwelcome back Antonio Valencia after the Ecuadorian winger completed a one-match ban.
