EPL Preview – Sept 22nd 2013

September 22, 2013

Arsenal midfielder Mikel Arteta could play for the first time this season after recovering from a thigh injury.

Manager Arsene Wenger said: “He is one of our leaders and we are happy to have him back.”

However, Santi Cazorla, Yaya Sanogo, Abou Diaby, Tomas Rosicky, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Lukas Podolski all remain unavailable.

Forward Marco Arnautovic could make his full Stoke debut after impressing as a substitute against Manchester City.

Boss Mark Hughes is without Mark Muniesa, Glenn Whelan and Jamie Ness because of injury.

Crystal Palace are without midfielder Kagisho Dikgacoi, who serves a one-game ban after his red card last weekend.

Fit-again duo Jerome Thomas and Jonathan Parr could be involved, but Joel Ward (calf) is set to miss out.

Swansea captain Ashley Williams is doubtful with an ankle injury that ruled him out of their win in Valencia.

Ben Davies and Jonjo Shelvey are set to return after beginning on the bench in midweek but Pablo Hernandez remains sidelined by a hamstring problem.

Cardiff goalkeeper David Marshall is expected to return to the starting line-up after missing the draw at Hull with a hip injury.

Craig Bellamy is fit again, but Andreas Cornelius remains sidelined.

Mousa Dembele and Younes Kaboul should be available despite limping off against Tromso in the Europa League.

Danny Rose hurt his ankle in that game and is expected to miss out, but Vlad Chiriches could make his debut after finally receiving a work permit.

Manchester City playmaker David Silva could return for the Manchester derby after recovering from a thigh injury.

Micah Richards has overcome a hamstring problem but Gael Clichy is not expected to feature following a similar injury.

Manchester United forward Danny Welbeck remains doubtful with a knee injury, and Phil Jones (ankle) and Rafael (hamstring) are still sidelined.

Shinji Kagawa will hope to retain his place, though Ashley Young and Nani are both in contention.