Premiership Fixtures 15th December

Birmingham City v Blackburn Rovers
Jason Brown will be Blackburn’s substitute goalkeeper as long as he doesn’t catch swine flu, which has been making its way around the squad.

Bolton Wanderers v West Ham United
Sam Ricketts has spent the last few matches on Bolton’s bench. They haven’t won any matches since he last played but a draw against Manchester City might be considered reason enough to stick with last week’s team.
Danny Gabbidon could keep his place in defence if Matthew Upson isn’t fit. Jack Collison started on the bench last week but West Ham should play him if they possibly can. Is there any player more valuable than a defensive midfielder who scores goals? (Well yes. But it’s still pretty good.)

Manchester United v Wolverhampton Wanderers
BBC Sports Personality of the Year Ryan Giggs might not play at Wolves as he hurt his hamstring against Aston Villa.
Wayne Hennessey has a good chance of not being recalled after Wolves’ win over Tottenham. Dave Edwards has an ankle ligament injury and could be missing for up to ten weeks. This isn’t good news for Wolves at al. For that matter it’s not brilliant for Dave either although at least he’ll be spared having to train on Christmas Day.

Sunderland v Aston Villa
James Collins came off the bench towards the end of Villa’s victory over Manchester United. Although Martin O’Neill would be forgiven for playing the same line-up, left back Stephen Warnock is injured so James could replace him (although I wouldn’t play him at left back, he had trouble as a left-sided centre back for Wales. Put him at centre back, Martin).