Premier League Previews: Arshavin set for bow
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LONDON - Brief news from the Premier League ahead of this weekend's matches:
Russian international forward Andrei Arshavin is set to make his league debut for Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium against Sunderland on Saturday, a relief for manager Arsene Wenger who is short of attacking options.
"He will be involved but I have not decided what I will do with him yet," Wenger told the club's website.
Croatian striker Eduardo is out for two weeks with a hamstring injury while forwards Emmanuel Adebayor (hamstring) and Theo Walcott (shoulder) are also sidelined.
Guus Hiddink will take charge of Chelsea for the first time for the trip to Aston Villa on Saturday and opposite number Martin O'Neill believes he will do well to combine the role with his Russia coaching duties.
"I think it would be very hard to combine an international management role with one in the Premier League over the fullness of time," O'Neill told Villa's website.
"Eventually, when you lose a game or two, someone will accuse you of not spending enough time in one particular camp."
Liverpool will be without injured captain Steven Gerrard (hamstring) and have Xabi Alonso suspended for Sunday's clash with Manchester City at Anfield.
"He (Gerrard) is improving but we cannot take any risks so he won't be in the squad," manager Rafa Benitez told the club's website.
Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney is in contention for a starting berth at home to Blackburn Rovers on Saturday after scoring on his return from injury on Wednesday against Fulham.
Anderson is out with an ankle injury.
Everton are without midfield trio Steven Pienaar, Marouane Fellaini and Leon Osman for Sunday's trip to Newcastle United.
Defender Tony Hibbert and midfielder Tim Cahill are suspended but French striker Louis Saha could feature after recovering from a hamstring injury.
West Ham's Carlton Cole could miss Saturday's game away to Bolton Wanderers after hurting his ankle in the FA Cup against Middlesbrough on February 14.
Australian defender Lucas Neill is suspended.