Ravel Morrison is the latest player to climb atop the Suspension Tightrope after picking up a booking for a challenge on Michu in yesterday’s goalless draw at the Liberty:
The Hammers youngster is one of a quartet of protagonists just a single caution away from a one-match ban; he must avoid another yellow until after January 1 (Gameweek 21) in order to trigger an automatic suspension. The others include Arsenal’s Mathieu Flamini and Villa pair Fabian Delph and Ashley Westwood, though in terms of Fantasy interest, Morrison, with two goals and an assist in the last five league games, is the major concern, with a 5% ownership in the Fantasy Premier League (FPL) game.
Flamini’s potential groin injury, which forced him off after just eight minutes in Saturday’s win at Palace, means he has now gone two appearances without incurring the referee’s wrath, compared to four booking in his first five upon returning to the Emirates.
The Frenchman’s midfield partner Mikel Arteta was also in the headlines after he was dismissed
at Selhurst Park for denying a goalscoring opportunity to former team-mate Marouane Chamakh. Arteta will now serve a one-match ban in the midweek Capital One Cup clash against Chelsea but with Flamini possibly sidelined through injury, Arsene Wenger may not have the chance to rest Aaron Ramsey for the Blues’ showdown as he prepares for a run of games which also pits the Gunners against Liverpool, Dortmund and United over the space of 12 days from tomorrow evening onwards.
There are no less than 28 players bubbling under, all on the three-card mark. Amongst the new arrivals from Gameweek 9, Tottenham’s Paulinho is the most popular pick with an 11% ownership, while Swansea right-back Angel Rangel (2%) and City centre-half Matija Nastasic (1%) remain differentials.
On a bizarre side note, Ryan Shawcross received his second booking of the season for an altercation with Robin Van Persie during Stoke’s 3-2 loss at Old Trafford. Potters boss Mark Hughes was left bemused after the referee in charge, Lee Mason, followed his captain into the away dressing room in order to dish out a yellow card
“Ryan was booked in the dressing room. The referee made a point of knocking on the door and booking him. I’ve no idea why. He pushed him I think but I’ve no idea because I didn’t see the incident but he wanted to book Ryan. I’ve never known anyone get booked in the dressing room before.”
In terms of bans served, Newcastle will welcome back Mapou Yanga-Mbiwa to the fold after the centre-half served a one-match ban in yesterday’s derby defeat to Sunderland – with Fabricio Coloccini and Steven Taylor closing in on injury comebacks, he may face a struggle to make an immediate first-team return.
