FCBEARS takes a look at the team news for tomorrow’s game…
Following the midweek cup win over Doncaster, midfielders David Fox, Elliott Bennett and new signing Alexander Tettey all came through with no adverse effects as they look to return to full fitness.
City boss Chris Hughton will be looking for further good news as he gives a late fitness test to Anthony Pilkington (back) and Sebastien Bassong (hamstring).
Simon Lappin is back but not ready for 1st team action and unlikely to be considered for the squad.
Steven Whittaker will start light training on Monday following his return from an ankle injury sustained in pre-season, giving Hughton furher options at the back.
On loan striker Harry Kane will be out for at least a month after being stretchered off in midweek, leaving Hughton to pick the strikers from Steve Morison, Grant Holt, Simeon Jackson and a seemingly out-of-sorts Chris Martin.
Hughton may be tempted to keep with Wesley Hoolahan playing just off the main striker, providing extra bodies in midfield. Johnson, Howson, Snodgrass and Surman are all expected to return to midfield, unless Pilkington passes his fitness test.
For Liverpool, Daniel Agger and Fabio Borini are both having late fitness tests tonight to see if they can play tomorrow – Borini has a knock on the ankle whilst Agger has a knee injury – they are both understood to be 50-50 for tomorrow’s game.
Martin Kelly is out for 9 months with an ankle injury. Lucas Leiva (hip) is also out long term and likely to return late November.
Joe Cole is out for a few more weeks with a pulled hamstring.