Barnet v Colchester
Barnet hope to welcome back goalkeeper Lee Harrison (thigh) after three weeks out, while midfielder Dean Sinclair also returns after a one-game ban.
Colchester captain Karl Duguid will undergo a chest X-ray after suffering from breathing difficulties — Richard Garcia again stands by. Boss Geraint Williams faces a dilemma over whether to field sought-after right-back Greg Halford as potential transfer-window suitors will not want him cup-tied. The Us are waiting on permission from West Ham to be able to play on-loan forward Hogan Ephraim.
Top scorers: Ian Hendon (Barnet) 5; Jamie Cureton & Chris Iwelumo (Colchester) 13
Match odds: H 16-5 A 8-11 D 9-4
Referee:T Kettle (Berkshire).
Birmingham v Newcastle
Blues' Cameron Jerome (Achilles) is a doubt, while fellow forward Mikael Forssell has yet to recover from knee surgery. Mehdi Nafti is suspended and defender Matthew Upson could be rested. Fellow midfielder David Dunn hasrecovered from hamstring problems but last saw first-team action more than two months ago.
Magpies midfielder Nicky Butt has a chance of playing after his ankle injury responded to treatment. Emre (groin) is struggling, while Scott Parker issuspended. Damien Duff, Michael Owen and Charles N'Zogbia (all knee), Shola Ameobi and Olivier Bernard (both hip), Celestine Babayaro and Craig Moore (both hamstring), Titus Bramble (calf) and Stephen Carr (foot) are out.
Top scorers: Gary McSheffrey (Birmingham) 15; Obafemi Martins (Newcastle) 9
Match odds: H 6-4 A 6-4 D 21-10
Referee: M Dean (Wirral).
Blackpool v Aldershot
Simon Grayson must shuffle his defence. Andy Wilkinson and Vincent Fernandez have returned to their parent clubs so new signing Kaspars Gorkss goes straight into the squad. Striker Keigan Parker is set for a recall and defender Marc Joseph may make his first appearance since October.
Aldershot's on-loan defender Curtis Osano will miss the tie through suspension along with Dave Winfield, who still has a broken toe. However, defender Phil Anderson is fit and striker Marcus Gayle will add some much-needed experience in attack.
Top scorers: Scott Vernon (Blackpool) 11; John Grant (Aldershot) 13
Match odds: H 4-11 A 13-2 D 14-5
Referee: C Oliver (Northumberland).
Bristol City v Coventry
City manager Gary Johnson has two injury worries to contend with — striker Steve Brooker (calf) is a doubt, while defender Louis Carey (ankle) is desperate to line up against his former club.
Sky Blues boss Micky Adams welcomes Wayne Andrews back into his squad after a loan spell at Sheffield Wednesday, but Marcus Hall could miss the trip with a virus. Adams has no more immediate injury concerns and is boosted by the news Kevin Thornton and David McNamee are close to returns after injury.
Top scorers: Phil Jevons (Bristol City) 11; Stern John (Coventry) 5
Match odds:H 11-8 A 13-8 D 21-10
Referee: P Joslin (Nottinghamshire).
Chelsea v Macclesfield
Chelsea coach Jose Mourinho will rest a few of his first-team players. Lassana Diarra, Mikel Jon Obi and Wayne Bridge stand by for action if the Portuguese decides to give Frank Lampard, Claude Makelele and Ashley Cole a break. Mourinho is hampered by a lengthy injury list which includes John Terry (back), Khalid Boulahrouz (ligaments); Joe Cole (foot); Arjen Robben (hamstring), Petr Cech (skull); and Carlo Cudicini (thigh).
Macc defender Rob Scott (calf) is still struggling. Striker John Murphy is available after extending his loan deal from Blackpool for another month butPaul Ince may stick with a forward pairing of Matt McNeil and Matthew Tipton. Player-boss Ince insists he will not pick himself in the squad at Stamford Bridge.
Top scorers:Didier Drogba (Chelsea) 20; Kevin McIntyre (Macclesfield) 7
Match odds:H 1-25 A 25-1 D 7-1
Referee: L Mason (Lancashire).
Chester v Ipswich
Ashley Westwood (hamstring) is a doubt for Chester, while winger Ryan Semple has returned to Lincoln. Utility-man Stephen Vaughan has moved to Rochdale on loan and is not available. Striker Drewe Broughton is cup-tied and midfielders Glenn Cronin and Rob Marsh-Evans will not figure due to foot problems.
Ipswich may rest Gavin Williams, who is still suffering pain after games following a hernia operation in early October. Otherwise, boss Jim Magilton has a full squad to choose from, although Jon Macken and Simon Walton have returned to Crystal Palace and Charlton respectively this week after loan spells.
Top scorers: Jonathan Walters (Chester) 10; Alan Lee (Ipswich) 10
Match odds: H 16-5 A 8-11 D 9-4
Referee: J Moss (West Yorkshire).
Crystal Palace v Swindon
Palace are without winger Marco Reich (wrist), so Jobi McAnuff could be recalled. Boss Peter Taylor has injury problems in defence, too, where Danny Granville (hamstring) and Gary Borrowdale (hernia) are set to miss out, alongside Rhoys Wiggins (knee). Goalkeeper Julian Speroni (groin) remains sidelined.
Paul Evans is out for three to four weeks but Swindon have confirmed his leg was not broken as initially feared. Curtis Weston (ankle) returned to training this week and could feature, Lee Peacock should start again, meaning boss Paul Sturrock's son Blair will be confined to the bench once more.
Top scorers: Clinton Morrison (Crystal Palace) 6; Christian Roberts (Swindon) 9
Match odds: H 8-15 A 9-2 D 5-2
Referee: K Friend (Leicestershire).
Derby v Wrexham
Rams boss Billy Davies believes Paul Boertien (knee) could return to fitness sooner than expected — but he will miss tomorrow's game. Davies has no other injury or suspension worries — but is plotting changes to the side which beat Preston 2-1 at Deepdale on New Year's Day.
Wrexham strikers Juan Ugarte (hamstring) and Neil Roberts (ankle) remain sidelined, midfielder Mark Jones is still ruled out by a knee injury, while striker Kevin Smith is back at Sunderland after a loan spell.
Top scorers: Steve Howard (Derby) 11; Chris Llewellyn (Wrexham) 9
Match odds: H 3-10 A 15-2 D 16-5
Referee: R Beeby (Northamptonshire).
Doncaster v Bolton
Brian Stock is expected to return to Doncaster's starting line-up but Gareth Roberts starts a three-game ban. Fellow defender James O'Connor retains his place and striker Mark McCammon will shake off a heel injury of his own to take his place in the starting line-up alongside Paul Heffernan.
Bolton boss Sam Allardyce is without suspended midfielder Ivan Campo. Henrik Pedersen is also ruled out with a calf injury, while Stelios Giannakopoulos (groin) and Quinton Fortune (Achilles) remain doubtful.
Top scorers: Paul Heffernan (Doncaster) 11; Nicolas Anelka (Bolton) 8
Match odds: H 9-2 A 8-15 D 5-2
Referee: D Gallagher (Oxfordshire).
Hull v Middlesbrough
Hull boss Phil Brown hopes to have keeper Boaz Myhill (groin) available, Matt Duke stands by to deputise. Midfielder Ian Ashbee is expected to recover from a swollen knee but Damien Delaney and Dean are suspended while John Welsh (ankle) and Sam Collins (knee) are doubtful.
Boro boss Gareth Southgate will make a late decision on centre-back Jonathan Woodgate, who limped off with a knee problem in Monday's 3-1 Barclays Premiership victory over Sheffield United. Although the injury is limited to bruising, the manager will not rush him back unnecessarily.
Top scorers: Jon Parkin & Craig Fagan (Hull) 6; Yakubu (Middlesbrough) 9
Match odds: H 13-5 A 5-6 D 23-10
Referee: U Rennie (S Yorkshire).
Leicester v Fulham
Striker Elvis Hammond is doubtful for City because of an ankle knock. Midfielder Andy Johnson is again ruled out with an ankle problem, while Momo Sylla (groin) is also sidelined. Striker Danny Cadamarteri, who came off the bench to make his debut against Sunderland, could make his first start for the club.
Striker Vincenzo Montella is set to be included in the Fulham squad after completing a loan move from Roma. Keeper Antti Niemi (neck) is out, with Tony Warner expected to deputise after returning from a loan spell with Leeds. Papa Bouba Diop (thigh), Claus Jensen (calf), Zat Knight (broken jaw) and Jimmy Bullard (knee) are out, while Ian Pearce (back) is rated 50-50.
Top scorers: Iain Hume (Leicester) 8; Brian McBride (Fulham) 6
Match odds: H 11-5 A 1-1 D 11-5
Referee: M Clattenburg (Co Durham).
Liverpool v Arsenal
Craig Bellamy is fit to return to the Liverpool starting line-up after groin trouble. Bellamy is expected to feature in a reshuffled side, although boss Rafael Benitez is expected to name a strong team to embark on the defence of their trophy. Bolo Zenden returned to training this week but is still some way from full fitness while Mohamed Sissoko and Harry Kewell remain sidelined.
Cesc Fabregas is banned for Arsenal and fit-again veteran Lauren is not included, although Emmanuel Eboue (knee) should play. Julio Baptista (ankle) returns to the squad but Theo Walcott (back), Emmanuel Adebayor (thigh), Freddie Ljungberg (hamstring) and William Gallas (thigh) are still recovering, while Abou Diaby is now back in training after a broken ankle.
Top scorers: Peter Crouch (Liverpool) 10; Robin Van Persie (Arsenal) 12
Match odds:H 19-20 A 5-2 D 21-10
Referee: S Bennett (Kent).
Nottm For v Charlton
Forest manager Colin Calderwood is forced to make changes with midfielder Sammy Clingan and defender Danny Cullip suspended. Utility-man John Thompson is cup-tied and midfielder Kris Commons (hamstring) is another who will miss out.
Charlton's selection problems increased after Liverpool denied them permission to play on-loan keeper Scott Carson — Thomas Myhre deputises. The Addicks are without suspended full-back Osei Sankofa, striker Darren Bent (knee) and defender Hermann Hreidarsson (tendinitis), so Matt Holland may be asked to stand in as regular right-back Luke Young (knee) is still out. Midfielder Andy Reid (hamstring) is still not ready.
Top scorers:Grant Holt (Nottm For) 12; Darren Bent (Charlton) 10
Match odds:H 2-1 A 11-10 D 11-5
Referee: R Styles (Hampshire).
Peterborough v Plymouth
Josh Low goes straight into the Posh squad after completing a #100,000 switch from Leicester. Goalkeeper Mark Tyler is still struggling with an ankle injury so Posh may have to extend Paul Rachubka's emergency loan spell from Huddersfield. Midfielder Peter Gain returns to the squad after wisdom tooth trouble and winger Jamie Day is back following an illness but left-back Adam Smith is cup-tied.
Argyle captain Paul Wotton is ruled out by a knee ligament injury and stand-in Barry Hayles is banned. Hayles' absence means a likely start for Reuben Reid alongside Cherno Samba. Right-back Paul Connolly may figure after being rested following his return from a hamstring injury, while striker Nick Chadwick (groin), left-back Lee Hodges (knee) and midfielder Bojan Djordjic (fractured cheekbone) are sidelined.
Last season: No corresponding fixture
Top scorers: Aaron Mclean (Peterborough) 18; Barry Hayles (Plymouth) 8
Match odds:H 9-5 A 6-5 D 11-5
Referee: C Boyeson (E Yorkshire).
Portsmouth v Wigan
Pompey boss Harry Redknapp may rest either of his centre-backs Sol Campbell and Linvoy Primus with both having been virtual ever-presents this season. Striker Svetoslav Todorov (groin) is a doubt and midfielder Matt Taylor switches to left-back for the injured Noe Pamarot (groin).
New signings Andreas Granqvist and Kristofer Haestad are both in the Wigan squad. Granqvist may start as captain Arjan de Zeeuw (toe) is again sidelined, while Josip Skoko, Henri Camara, Paul Scharner and Antonio Valencia are also out injured. Lee McCulloch is available after a ban.
Top scorers: Kanu (Portsmouth) 9; Henri Camara (Wigan) 6
Match odds: H 7-10 A 7-2 D 11-5
Referee: P Dowd (Staffordshire).
Preston v Sunderland
Preston manager Paul Simpson has a major doubt over Sean St Ledger (ankle) — Kelvin Wilson is on stand-by. Midfielder Paul McKenna (Achilles), winger Simon Whaley and striker Brett Ormerod (both illness) are all fully-fit but striker Danny Dichio serves the final game of a three-match ban against his former club.
Sunderland boss Roy Keane may play on-loan Manchester United defender Johnny Evans, with captain Steve Caldwell (thigh), Nyron Nosworthy and Danny Collins (both hamstring) doubtful. Lewin Nyatanga has returned to Derby after his loan deal expired and fellow defenders Kenny Cunningham and Stephen Wright are still out. Graham Kavanagh is expected to be out of action for around 10 weeks after knee surgery.
Top scorers: David Nugent (Preston) 9; Carlos Edwards (Sunderland) 6
Match odds: H 19-20 A 5-2 D 21-10
Referee: I Williamson (Berkshire).
QPR v Luton
QPR welcome back Jimmy Smith and could give a debut to Sampsa Timoska. Boss John Gregory also hopes to have midfield duo Martin Rowlands and Marc Bircham available after knocks — but winger Gareth Ainsworth and forward Marc Nygaard remain sidelined due to ankle injuries.
Luton could be missing an entire back four, with Markus Heikkinen (gashed leg) definitely unavailable and Kevin Foley (heel), Chris Coyne and Lewis Emanuel (both knee) all doubtful. Midfielder David Bell is banned, while Richard Langley could also miss out after needing six stitches in a head wound sustained against Cardiff. Paul Underwood (infection), Sam Parkin (ankle) and Calvin Andrew (knee) remain sidelined.
Top scorers: Martin Rowlands, Ray Jones & Dexter Blackstock (QPR) 6; Rowan Vine (Luton) 13
Match odds: H 23-20 A 19-10 D 11-5
Referee: A Bates (Staffordshire).
Reading v Burnley
Reading aim to welcome back long-term absentees Dave Kitson and Bobby Convey. Striker Kitson has been absent since the opening day with knee and hamstring problems plus appendicitis. Winger Convey has not featured since October because of a knee injury. Manager Steve Coppell will rest first-choice players to give fringe squad members a game, with goalkeeper Adam Federici handed a debut.
Striker Ade Akinbiyi is expected to be in Steve Cotterill's squad but centre-back Michael Duff misses out through suspension. Fellow defender Frank Sinclair is a doubt with a groin problem, while goalkeeper Danny Coyne (hamstring) and top scorer Andy Gray (foot) remain on the sidelines.
Top scorers: Kevin Doyle (Reading) 10; Andy Gray (Burnley) 10
Match odds: H 2-5 A 6-1 D 11-4
Referee: C Foy (Merseyside).
Sheff Utd v Swansea
Blades captain Chris Morgan and striker Rob Hulse are suspended, while utility man Mikele Leigertwood (calf) is unavailable. Paul Gerrard continues to deputise in goal in the absence of Paddy Kenny (groin) and Ian Bennett (broken finger).
Swans midfielder Andy Robinson faces a late test on a hip muscle strain, while striker Lee Trundle is suspended. Captain Darren Pratley is sidelined with ankle ligament damage, while Owain Tudur Jones (knee), Darren Way (shin) and Gary Monk (knee) are long-term absentees and Ian Craney is cup-tied.
Last season: No corresponding fixture
Top scorers: Rob Hulse (Sheff Utd) 6; Lee Trundle (Swansea) 12
Match odds:H 1-2 A 5-1 D 12-5
Referee: A D'Urso (Essex).
Southend v Barnsley
Southend are still without regular centre-halves Spencer Prior (groin) and Efe Sodje (banned). Adam Barrett and Peter Clarke will therefore continue theirpartnership at the back.
Captain Paul Reid will lead Barnsley after shaking off a shin injury. Fellow centre-back Antony Kay is suspended but midfielder Brian Howard is back after shoulder trouble and keeper David Lucas is expected to be on the bench. Winger Grant McCann, midfielder Colin Healy and on-loan winger Kyel Reid are cup-tied.
Top scorers: Freddy Eastwood (Southend) 11; Grant McCann (Barnsley) 8
Match odds: H 21-20 A 21-10 D 11-5
Referee: M Jones (Mansfield).
Tamworth v Norwich
Tamworth manager Mark Cooper has no new injuries to contend with. Michael Touhy (ankle), Alan Neilson (calf) and utility-man Dave Bampton (knee) are long-term casualties but midfielder Joe Kendrick is back after a slight knee problem.
Norwich boss Peter Grant names his strongest available XI. Midfielder Dickson Etuhu is expected to play through the pain of a chronic foot complaint. Darren Huckerby has been struggling with a hamstring niggle but has also declared himself fit, while Dion Dublin is expected to partner Robert Earnshaw up front.
Top scorers: Taiwo Atieno (Tamworth) 8; Robert Earnshaw (Norwich) 17
Match odds:H 11-2 A 4-9 D 13-5
Referee: P Walton (Northamptonshire).
Torquay v Southampton
Torquay are without suspended striker Jamie Ward, so Lee Thorpe is likely to be partnered by either Chris McPhee or possibly Kevin Hill, who is still struggling with a virus. United are set to be boosted by the arrival of on-loan Cardiff midfielder Nick McKoy, who is poised for his debut and is not cup-tied.
Saints skipper Claus Lundekvam misses out because of a depressed fracture of his cheekbone. Martin Cranie may step in, although Pele, Chris Makin and Darren Powell are other options. Midfielder Jhon Viafara (ankle) could return but winger Nathan Dyer (ankle) is sidelined, Inigo Idiakez has a thigh problem and Andrew Surman (knee) is out. Striker Kenwyne Jones serves the final game of his three-match ban.
Top scorers:Jamie Ward (Torquay) 8; Grzegorz Rasiak (Southampton) 16
Match odds:H 6-1 A 2-5 D 11-4
Referee: R Oliver (W Midlands).
Watford v Stockport
Hornets boss Adrian Boothroyd could give a debut to striker Moses Ashikodi after his move from Rangers. There are injury doubts over captain Gavin Mahon and midfielder Dan Shittu, but goalkeeper Ben Foster has been allowed to play by parent club Manchester United.
Stockport boss Jim Gannon is waiting on the appeal against Ashley Williams' red card against Shrewsbury before he finalises his selection. New signing Anthony Elding is cup-tied along with Michael Bowler and Anthony Pilkinton, while strikers Adam Proudlock (foot), Tes Bramble (groin) and Adam Le Fondre (ankle) and defender Michael Raynes (chest) are doubts.
Top scorers:Ashley Young (Watford) 4; Adam Le Fondre (Stockport) 6
Match odds: H 3-10 A 15-2 D 16-5
Referee: L Probert (Gloucestershire).
West Brom v Leeds
Albion defender Martin Albrechtsen is struggling to overcome a groin problem and is certain to miss the tie. Midfielder Nigel Quashie is suspended and the Baggies are waiting for international clearance before new signing Robert Koren is eligible to play.
Tore Andre Flo is expected to make his debut for Leeds, with fellow striker Tresor Kandol cup-tied. Armando Sa could make his bow at right-back, and Shaun Derry is fit again — but Gary Kelly (back), Matthew Kilgallon (ankle) and Frazer Richardson (hamstring) are struggling, while Jonathan Douglas is suspended.
Top scorers: Diomansy Kamara (West Brom) 12; Tresor Kandol (Leeds) 14
Match odds: H 8-13 A 4-1 D 23-10
Referee: N Miller (Co Durham).
West Ham v Brighton
Luis Boa Morte should go straight into the Hammers' starting XI after completing his move from Fulham today.
Brighton will be without suspended midfielder Dean Cox — Jake Robinson will probably move to the left, although winger Alex Frutos could come into consideration. Centre-half Adam Hinshelwood is out with a knee injury so Guy Butters will probably partner Adam El-Abd at the back. Young Arsenal defender Joe O'Cearuill could make the bench after joining on loan, but recent signing Nathan Elder is cup-tied.
Top scorers:Bobby Zamora (West Ham) 5; Jake Robinson (Brighton) 12
Match odds: H 1-3 A 7-1 D 3-1
Referee: M Halsey (Lancashire).
Wolves v Oldham
Wolves winger Michael Kightly is cup-tied, meaning Rohan Ricketts could be recalled to the starting line-up. Neill Collins has completed his move from Sunderland and is expected to fill the vacancy left by Jody Craddock (Achilles). Dan Jones (groin) and Jay Bothroyd (thigh) are out.
Oldham boss John Sheridan recalls Dutch defender Stefan Stam to his back four, after Sean Gregan's loan period expired and he returned to Leeds. Terry Smithwill be substitute goalkeeper, with Adam Legzdins now back at parent club Birmingham.
Top scorers: Michael Kightly (Wolves) 12; Chris Porter (Oldham) 18
Match odds: H 8-13 A 4-1 D 23-10
Referee: P Crossley (Kent).
Sunday, January 7
Cardiff v Tottenham
With Alan Wright now back at Sheffield United, teenage defender Chris Gunter could make a full return to the Cardiff first team, as Kevin McNaughton's leg strain could force him to miss a second successive game. The Bluebirds are still minus French striker Luigi Glombard, who is suffering from a hamstring complaint.
Striker Robbie Keane and winger Aaron Lennon are back in the Tottenham squad after knee problems, while midfielder Hossam Ghaly will need assessment after his facial injury picked up at Portsmouth. Ledley King (foot), Benoit Assou-Ekotto (groin), Mido (groin), Jermaine Jenas (ankle) and Paul Stalteri (thigh) remain sidelined.
Top scorers: Michael Chopra (Cardiff) 12; Jermain Defoe (Tottenham) 12
Match odds:H 7-2 A 4-6 D 23-10
Referee: H Webb (S Yorkshire).
Everton v Blackburn
James Beattie (calf), Mikel Arteta (ankle) and Nuno Valente (hamstring) all sat out training today and are rated doubtful. However defender Alan Stubbs is available again after a knee injury and Nigerian teenager Victor Anichebe is expected to start again after his double against Newcastle.
Blackburn captain Lucas Neill is suspended and striker Shabani Nonda is a doubt with a groin injury which forced him to miss the second half of the 3-0 New Year's Day victory at Wigan. Long-term injured Ryan Nelsen, Steven Reid and Jason Roberts remain sidelined, although all are edging nearer a return.
Top scorers: Tim Cahill & Andrew Johnson (Everton) 7; Benni McCarthy (Blackburn) 12
Match odds: H 1-1 A 23-10 D 21-10
Referee: A Wiley (Staffordshire).
Man Utd v Aston Villa
Henrik Larsson is expected to make his United debut. Larsson has arrived on loan from Helsingborg and looks set to partner Ole Gunnar Solskjaer in attack, with Louis Saha ruled out by a groin injury. Tomasz Kuszczak replaces the rested Edwin Van der Sar in goal.
Villa's Gareth Barry returns from suspension but his predecessor as skipper, defender Olof Mellberg, misses out because of a ban. Crystal Palace have given permission for Villa to play on-loan goalkeeper Gabor Kiraly in the tie, with regular number one Thomas Sorensen still not fully fit after knee surgery. Midfielder Craig Gardner (groin) is rated very doubtful.
Top scorers:Louis Saha & Cristiano Ronaldo (Man Utd) 12; Gareth Barry (Aston Villa) 9
Match odds: H 2-7 A 8-1 D 16-5
Referee: M Atkinson (W Yorkshire).
Sheff Wed v Man City
Wednesday are without suspended defender Madjid Bougherra, which could mean a recall for skipper Graham Coughlan. Winger Wade Small is hoping to be included in the squad as he looks to shake off a knee injury, with on-loan Wayne Andrews having returned to Coventry.
City midfielder Stephen Ireland looks likely to come into contention after a hamstring injury. Trevor Sinclair and Sun Jihai are back in training following knee and hamstring problems and could return to the squad.
Top scorers:Chris Brunt (Sheff Wed) 8; Georgios Samaras & Joey Barton (Man City) 5
Match odds:H 11-5 A 1-1 D 11-5
Referee: G Poll (Hertfordshire).
