Wenger ponders defensive changes

Arsene Wenger must consider whether to recall either Lauren or Martin Keown to his defence as Arsenal take on Wolves at Highbury on St Stephen's Day.

Both defenders made their first-team comebacks after injury in the Carling Cup victory at West Brom last week, but did not start at Bolton last Saturday.

Ashley Cole is still suspended and 18-year-old Frenchman Gael Clichy is expected to continue deputising for him.

Reserve goalkeeper Stuart Taylor is the only injury victim as he battles back from a lengthy absence due to a shoulder problem.

Wolves boss Dave Jones has injury concerns ahead of the daunting trip to North London.

Denis Irwin is struggling to shake off a hamstring problem which would have ruled him out of Saturday’s postponed game with Liverpool.

Nathan Blake is also a doubt having failed to recover from the calf injury he suffered in the defeat at Tottenham.

Meanwhile chief executive Jez Moxey was linked with the post at Aston Villa but strenuously denied the reports.

Moxey said: “I have not been approached by Aston Villa, by a recruitment agency or by another club. I am fully committed to my role at Wolverhampton Wanderers.”

Charlton’s Mark Fish will be aiming to make his return from a groin injury for the visit of Chelsea to The Valley.

Finnish striker Jonatan Johansson was an unused substitute for the second game running against Newcastle as he makes his way back from a thigh problem.

Winger Damien Duff is ruled out for Chelsea after dislocating his shoulder in the victory at Fulham.

Duff could be missing for around a month but at least Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink is available again after a one-match ban.

Geremi, Joe Cole and Celestine Babayaro will be among those hoping to replace Duff in the starting line-up, while William Gallas and Mario Melchiot will also be hoping to be involved.

Fulham continue their push for the fourth Champions League spot against Southampton on St Stephen's Day but manager Chris Coleman is still wary of relegation.

The Cottagers sit fifth in the table despite consecutive defeats by Leeds and Chelsea and with Saints one place above them, Friday’s encounter could prove crucial in deciding who claims the Premiership’s final Champions League berth.

But Coleman is keeping his feet on the ground.

“Nobody like to lose, but let’s put things into perspective – we have exceed all expectations,” he told the club’s official website.

“It’s a great feeling being as high as we are in the league but we have got to make sure we continue to progress. There are a lot of points to play for and we don’t want to get sucked into any relegation battles.

“We have lost the last two games by the odd goal and the fact that we have not kept a clean sheet in the last three games is disappointing but we have got a chance to get back to winning ways on Friday.”

Portsmouth get the chance to move out of the relegation zone when they host fellow strugglers Tottenham, but manager Harry Redknapp has sounded a downbeat tone ahead of the Christmas programme.

Post-promotion optimism has so far proved unfounded for Pompey who will face a challenge to even retain their top-flight place in their first-ever Premiership season.

Redknapp is concerned over international commitment early next year, saying: “When the African Nations Cup comes around in the new year, I will be left with about 12 outfield players.

“Amdy Faye and Yakubu Ayegbeni have to go because they play for Senegal and Nigeria.”

Midfielders Darren Anderton and Stephane Dalmat both face fitness tests for Tottenham.

Anderton sustained a calf injury, while Dalmat also suffered a knock, and boss David Pleat will presumably turn to Gustavo Poyet and Rohan Ricketts if they are ruled out.