IT'S reunion time in the Premiership this weekend and there will be some more pleasant than others.

From the ten top-flight fixtures over the next few days only two fail to see a link with a former player - Ipswich against Bolton and Chelsea at Everton.

The other eight encounters all have ex-heroes taking on old employers, whether it be as a manager or on the field.

Gareth Southgate, Sol Campbell and Lee Clark are players who have received most of the publicity, but there are a whole load more.

Southgate goes back to Aston Villa and is expecting a barrage of abuse from the Holte End's fans.

The barracking will not just be aimed at him, with fellow centre-back Ugo Ehiogu and Boro coaches Steve Harrison and Paul Barron all going back.

If the travelling Teesside faithful feel left out then they can hit back with boos for ex-Riverside maestro Paul Merson, who could return after shaking off injuries.

If those five feel like they have got it bad, then spare a thought for Campbell.

The England defender makes his first return to White Hart Lane following his controversial move from Tottenham to North London rivals Arsenal.

Campbell's appearance at the Lane is sure to be the most hostile of the day and there will be no place to hide for the 27-year-old, who left for free under the Bosman ruling.

For Geordie-boy Clark, taking on Newcastle at Craven Cottage is likely to be a little more friendly.

It is no secret that the Fulham midfielder would love to don the Magpies shirt again and the fans recognise that.

Clark is not the only one involved at the Cottage who will have memories flooding back of an old club.

Newcastle manager Bobby Robson managed Fulham in 1968, while Frenchmen Louis Saha and Alain Goma both played in the North-East before moving to the capital.

At Ewood Park, former Liverpool players Stig Inge Bjornebye and Brad Friedel will have a point to prove against Liverpool, who sold them on. And Reds legend Graeme Souness is now in charge at Rovers.

The Scot, who was in charge at Anfield between 1991-94, is joined by Charlton boss Alan Curbishley in the list of managers taking on former clubs.

The Addicks chief spent four years at West Ham as a player before moving to Birmingham City in 1979. The Hammers go to the Valley on Monday.

Southampton winger Rory Delap takes on Derby for the first time since he left Pride Park, while Leicester City's Robbie Savage goes back to Manchester United, where his professional career began.

And just so Sunderland are not outdone, even if it is a bit of a long shot, ex-forward Michael Bridges can be mentioned.

Bridges, who has just undergone a knee operation to save his career, will be absent as his Leeds teammates visit Sunderland

Read more about the Boro here.