Monday, August 31

Newcastle (3) v Leicester (7)

Newcastle expect to have midfielders Nicky Butt and Joey Barton (both foot) available but strikers Andy Carroll and Xisco are out with groin strains. Shola Ameobi (foot) and Jonas Gutierrez (hamstring) are major doubts.

Leicester hope striker Steve Howard can shake off a hamstring injury. Durham-born Howard has returned to training and hopes to take on the club he supported as a boy. On-loan teenage striker Martyn Waghorn is sidelined after limping out of last week's 1-1 draw at Sheffield United.

Last season: No corresponding fixture

Last five league matches: Newcastle L D W W W; Leicester W W D D W

Top scorers: Shola Ameobi (Newcastle) 5; Matt Fryatt (Leicester) 3

Referee: Neil Swarbrick (Lancashire).

Peterborough (22) v Crystal Palace (14)

Paul Coutts remains a doubt for Peterborough with a hamstring niggle. Winger Chris Whelpdale is back in training after a hernia operation and may be on the bench for the first time this season. Jamie Day is still out with an ankle injury.

Victor Moses is doubtful after hobbling off with an ankle injury in the latter stages of the Carling Cup defeat by Manchester City. Midfielders Shaun Derry and Darren Ambrose played despite sickness bugs although the latter did not finish the game. Striker Stern John (elbow) is still sidelined.

Last season: No corresponding fixture

Last five league matches: Peterborough D L D L L; Crystal Palace D D L W L

Top scorers: George Boyd (Peterborough) 3; Darren Ambrose (Crystal Palace) 4

Referee: Kevin Friend (Leicestershire).