Fabregas out of Old Trafford trip

Arsenal skipper Cesc Fabregas has been ruled out of Arsenal's trip to Manchester United on Saturday with a hamstring injury, manager Arsene Wenger told reporters on Friday.

The Spaniard had been rated 50-50 after missing the Champions League victory over Celtic in midweek but failed a fitness test on Friday.

United have no new injury worries, although Rio Ferdinand and Edwin van der Sar are still unavailable.

Newcomers Burnley say they will be going for an unlikely third consecutive victory in the Premier League, not hanging on for a draw, when they visit title favourites Chelsea on Saturday.

Burnley stunned champions Manchester United last week and then followed that with victory over Everton.

"We're not going to go gung-ho," manager Owen Coyle told the club's website. I think if you set up defensively against Chelseas, Man Uniteds and Liverpools they will pick you off anyway and you've contributed nothing."

"As much as we want to stay in the Premier League, which is the priority, we still have an obligation to entertain."

Liverpool's Greek centre-back Sotiros Kyrgiakos could make his debut away to Bolton Wanderers on Saturday as Martin Skrtel is doubtful with a jaw injury.

Spain winger Albert Riera is in contention to make his first start of the season after recovering from an ankle injury.

Birmingham City should have striker Kevin Phillips back for the visit to table-topping Tottenham Hotspur on Saturday after a back niggle kept him out of their League Cup tie in the week.

Manager Alex McLeish said he is waiting on the fitness of defender Gregory Vignal. If he is ruled out former Spurs player Stephen Carr could start.

Tottenham are expected to be unchanged from the side that won 2-1 at West Ham United last weekend.

Versatile defender Pascal Chimbonda could make his debut for Blackburn Rovers against West Ham United on Saturday after a rash of injuries. Manager Sam Allardyce told the club's website that Ryan Nelsen (knee), Franco di Santo (hamstring) and Steven Reid are all unlikely to play. Striker El Hadji Djouf is also a doubt along with Brett Emerton.

Stoke City's latest signing defender Robert Huth could make his debut against Sunderland on Saturday if Ryan Shawcross fails a late fitness test.

Portsmouth's new signing Tommy Smith could get his first chance to impress after his move from Championship side Watford. Portsmouth take on Manchester City