Image source, EPA

ForwardsMemphis DepayandJames Wilsonare both doubtful for Manchester United's game at Crystal Palace on Saturday, manager Louis van Gaal tells a news conference.

WingerAntonio Valenciaand defender Paddy McNairremain sidelined and will miss the match.

Image source, PA

Following on from Arsene Wenger's news conference earlier, where he confirmed Oxlade-Chamberlain and Walcott will be missing until after the international break, we thought you may want a little info on the ever growing injury list at Arsenal...

Captain Mikel Arteta (ankle) will miss out, goalkeeper David Ospina (shoulder) is still unavailable. Meanwhile, Jack Wilshere (fibula), Danny Welbeck and Czech playmaker Tomas Rosicky (both knee) all continue their rehabilitation.

Is everyone geared up for Halloween tomorrow, then? There's only one thing to do for today's debate, isn't there? Your sporting horror stories. Please do tell.

Usual drill: #bbcsportsday, external

Mike Taylor
BBC WM

West Brom manager Tony Pulis defends midfielder James McClean's right not to wear a poppy on his shirt:, external

"James has got his views, we've got to be very careful," says Pulis. "We accept in this country we all have different views, and we can all live together with different views... James has got a strong belief and that's fine. 

"Do I agree with it? Do you agree with it? We've got our own opinions. But that's the way James is, and it doesn't make him a bad person. 

"It's for everybody in this country to decide what direction they want to take, that's why it's one of the greatest countries, if not the greatest country, in the world."

Image source, Getty Images

Geoff Doyle
BBC Three Counties Radio sport

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Watford are likely to be unchanged for the visit of West Ham following the spirited display at Stoke last weekend. Midfielder Jose Jurado could return to the squad after a hamstring injury.

Watford head coach Quique Flores has plenty of respect for Hammers boss Slaven Bilic: "I think we are similar. He's a good tactical coach. His team are well organised and very difficult to play against. They have a lot of good players. I respect his work."

Image source, PA

According to the Press Association, Sunderland boss Sam Allardyce will give injured quartet John O'Shea, Younes Kaboul, Ola Toivonen and Fabio Borini until the last minute to prove their fitness.

Image source, PA

Norwich City have lost their last three Premier League matches, conceding nine in the process. Not the ideal preparation ahead of a trip to Premier League leaders Manchester City.

"In the last couple of games we've been better defensively," says Canaries boss Alex Neil. "West Ham went to Manchester City and got a result, so there's no reason why we can't give a good account of ourselves.

"If you get your players playing well, then there's no reason why you can't go there and get a result."

Norwich start the weekend 16th in the table, three points above the relegation zone.

Simon Stone
BBC Sport

Image source, Getty Images

"Grey day, grey mood?

"It's not been the greatest 48 hours for Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal.

"Beaten at Old Trafford by Championship side Middlesbrough in the Capital One Cup on Wednesday, Van Gaal's tactics were condemned by Paul Scholes yesterday.

"How will LVG respond when he faces the media at 10:00 GMT?"

Image source, Getty Images

Norwich City manager Alex Neil says defender Andre Wisdom (knee) is a doubt and forward Dieumerci Mbokani are doubts for the trip to Premier League leaders Manchester City.

"Andre will struggle for the game, and Dieumerci is still trying to get over his illness," he adds.

Bill Rice
BBC Radio Manchester

Image source, AP

Louis van Gaalwas sick of questions about Manchester United captainWayne Rooneyafter last Sunday's goalless draw with Manchester City, but in a week where the England striker has missed a penalty in a shootout against Middlesbrough as he appeared to have a laser shone into his face, and seen his recent performances defended by former United players Paul Scholes, Nicky Butt and Phil Neville, that may prove difficult again today.

The Dutchman would probably rather focus on the performance of the team, so is sure to be asked about why having spent over £250m since he arrived in 2014, how concerned he is his team has failed to score in their last 235 minutes of football. Paul Scholes admitted this week he wouldn't have enjoyed playing in this Manchester United team which he says lacks creativity and risk, will van Gaal respond?

Image source, Reuters

Despite progressing to the League Cup quarter-finals,Evertonhave lost back-to-back Premier League games and are without a top-flight victory in their last three. 

"We are desperate to get back to winning ways," said Blues bossRoberto Martinez. "We need to get back to enjoying our football. 

"Sunderland have had a positive reaction under Sam Allardyce and winning against Newcastle has given them a boost. They look galvanised."

Image source, Getty Images

Sam Allardyce has laid down his side's intentions for the match against the Toffees. 

"Our job on Sunday is to make Roberto Martinez as miserable as we did last season," said Big Sam.

Fighting talk from the Sunderland manager.

Romelu Lukaku has scored five of Everton's 13 Premier League goals this season. Roberto Martinez has been responding to reports, external the Toffees will sell the striker if 'a good offer comes in'.

"I'm not here to try and do the job of an agent, our focus is this weekend," said the Spaniard. "I feel Romelu is in a perfect moment to take even more responsibility on the pitch."

Image source, Getty Images

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Sam Allardyce has been talking to a busy press room in Sunderland.

"We were delighted to win the derby but we hope it gives us the confidence to go on from here. The hard work starts now. 

Ahead of the match against Everton on Sunday, Big Sam has recognised the challenge ahead of them. "We may have to juggle around the team and the system due to injuries and the way Everton play. 

"We can't overshadow that we have to play better and we have to do more. If we can't win we have to make sure we don't lose"   

Image source, Getty Images

Everton manager Roberto Martinez says left-back Seamus Coleman is a "huge" doubt for Sunday's game.

"Seamus couldn’t be involved on Tuesday and there's a huge question mark this weekend," said Martinez. "He has had a stomach bug and lost weight. Sunday could be too early for him."

With Arsenal's absence of Oxlade-Chamberlain and Walcott, Wenger has said he has other options and won't rush his team selection.

"I can play with Joel Campbell or another midfielder," said the Frenchman. "I have another 24 hours to make that decision. We will find solutions and I have to find the right one."

Wenger has a reduced squad to choose from after a number of high profile injuries. But the manager has backed his back room staff. 

"I trust my medical and coaching staff to do well. We are very well organised on that front."  

Over in North London, we have had confirmation from Arsene Wenger that Alex Oxlade-Chamberlian will be back before Theo Walcott but both will be out until after November's international break.

He has also touched on Swansea's form of late...

"We need a strong defensive performance as Swansea are a team who are doing very well."

Image source, Arsenal on Twitter

Mike Taylor
BBC WM

"Some of the early season pressure on Albion has faded, with record signing Salomon Rondon starting to find his form and the defence increasingly reliable. Tony Pulis is a businesslike chap though, so it's unlikely there'll be any change of approach against Leicester, who have found a rather different but effective method."

Look at this for a cricket pitch. Would you fancy facing a genuine quick on this?

Well, a Cricket Australia XI did in their match against New Zealand, a tour game in preparation for the Black Caps' Test series against the Aussies.

After the hosts had reached 503-1 in 121.1 overs, external at Blacktown in Sydney - Aaron Finch smashing 288 not out - the three-day match was abandoned over concerns regarding the pitch.

Was the pitch suitable for a game of cricket? We'll let you decide. It certainly seemed to suit the batters. Finch and Aaron Carters (209) shared in a new record stand for all first-class cricket in Australia.