The Tangerines will need to bounce back quickly from their disappointing extra-time defeat by League One side MK Dons in midweek. This came on the back of last weekend's 6-0 hammering at Arsenal. They play Fulham tomorrow at Bloomfield Road - the stadium has had a temporary stand constructed in order to pass Premier League standards tests - but Ian Holloway, the coach, is unlikely to have any of his planned reinforcements in place in time for their first home game back in the top flight. Marcus Tudgay, the Sheffield Wednesday striker, is a target, while Kyle Walker, the Tottenham full-back, is also the focus of a possible loan deal.
With Manchester United being linked with a move for Fabrice Muamba, Bolton midfielder, Owen Coyle, the Wanderers coach, is expected to make a play for in-demand United youngster Tom Cleverley. With last year's loanees Vladmir Weiss and Jack Wilshere no longer plying their trade at the Reebok, Coyle is keen to strengthen his side's attacking prowess, and Cleverley could fit the bill. Bolton only narrowly overcame Southampton, the First Division side, in midweek, beating them 1-0 in the Carling Cup second round. Ivan Klasnic, making his debut since signing a permanent deal, scored the only goal.
Two games, 12 goals, none conceded, yet still Chelsea are being linked with a multi-million pound move for Neymar, the Brazilian, forward to increase their attacking options. The Santos youngster only last week was confirmed as staying in Sao Paulo for another season at least, but rumours will not die down - a situation not helped by the player's agent. One player who won't be moving to Stamford Bridge, however, appears to be Asmir Begovic, the Stoke goalkeeper. Despite the Bosnian's alleged refusal to play midweek, Stoke have said they want to keep him and have warned Chelsea to back off making any move for him.
A 5-1 win over Huddersfield Town in the Carling Cup has produced a new wave of optimism at Goodison Park despite the fact they have yet to win in the Premier League. Jack Rodwell, the young English midfielder who recently earned a call up to his national team, shone on Wednesday night, while Jermaine Beckford, a summer signing from Leeds United, opened his account as well. With Marouane Fellaini returning to the field - and the scoresheet - the future looks bright for Everton. However, David Moyes, the manager, wants Steven Taylor, the transfer-listed Newcastle United defender, to strengthen his squad.
* Compiled by Gary Meenaghan and Paul Radley
