Arsenal will be without suspended midfielder Jack Wilshere but goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny is close to a comeback from his ankle problem and could be included in the squad. Midfielders Aaron Ramsey (groin) and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain (hip) face fitness tests, while winger Gervinho (ankle), defender Kieran Gibbs (thigh), midfielder Abou Diaby (thigh) and Czech midfielder Tomas Rosicky (hamstring) all continue their rehabilitation.
Fulham midfielder Mahamadou Diarra was today in a race against time to be fit, with Cottagers boss Martin Jol revealing the former Real Madrid man was no better than "50-50'' to recover from his latest knee injury. Midfielder Simon Davies is still recovering from a hip operation.