In Vieira's position in central midfield we have doubts over both Brazilians, following their trip to Haiti. Edu is considered not match-fit (he was considered thus by Arsenal before he played for Brazil on Wednesday) and, on top of all the travelling, Gilberto has a slight back problem. So Cesc is very likely to start again, possibly alongside Flamini. But it's possible that Wenger will decide against such an inexperieneced pairing and instead move one of the regulars into that position, such as Pires, Freddie, or Bergkamp.

Apart from all that, the only absentee we're aware of is Sol Campbell, still not back from the summer's achilles injury.

Middlesbrough could be a good bet for a UEFA Cup place this season. They had a decent squad to start with and have added quality over the summer with Reiziger, Parlour, Hasslebaink, and Viduke. But Reiziger is out with a shoulder injury, Viduka is suspended, and Parlour is a doubt with a knee injury picked up against Newcastle last week. He is said to be desperate to play against his former team-mates - McLarens has said Ray would play this game on crutches if necessary, and will be there to join them for the pre-match presentation.

Don't expect Juninho to play as he's in talks with Celtic about a move up to Scotland. But still, with the likes of Zenden and Mendieta supplying the chances for Hasselbaink (hard to bet against him scoring against us) I'd have quite fancied Boro's odds on beating us, if they had their best defence as well.

But that's where Steve McLaren has big problems. As well as Reiziger the rest of his first-choice back 4 are likely to be missing. Southgate has a knee injury, Ehiogu has a back problem which came on overnight, and Frank Quedrue has only just returned to training after a knee injury. Oldster Colin Cooper could partner Chris Riggott in central defence.