Nemanja Matic became the seventh player to tiptoe onto the Suspension Tightrope this weekend, joining Cesc Fabregas, Ciaran Clark, Phil Bardsley, Sebastian Larsson, Victor Wanyama and Neil Taylor on nine yellow cards – just one misstep away from a two-match suspension.
With Chelsea’s midfield linchpins unable to mistime a single challenge in their next two league ties (STO, qpr), the Blues’ ability to contest in the centre of the park – particularly against a physical Potters outfit – could be diminished. In the worst case scenario, a yellow for either player in the next two Gameweeks – before the limit is extended to 15 bookings – would rule them out of crucial encounters against Manchester United and Arsenal in Gameweek 33 and 34 respectively.
In terms of newly-suspended players, Steven Gerrard received a red card for stamping on Red Devils midfielder Ander Herrera just 38 seconds after entering the fray. The Liverpool skipper misses league matches against Arsenal and Newcastle United, as well as the Reds’ FA Cup replay against Blackburn Rovers.
The FA have taken retrospective action and charged Martin Skrtel with violent conduct for his apparent stamp on United goalkeeper David De Gea in the 95th minute of Sunday’s encounter. The Slovakian centre-back has until 6pm this evening to appeal and, if found guilty, will join Gerrard on the sidelines for Liverpool’s match-ups with Arsenal, Newcastle and Blackburn.
Craig Dawson will serve out a one-match suspension after the FA cleared Gareth McAuley of his wrongful dismissal at the Etihad and transferred the ban over to his fellow defender, who had denied Wilfried Bony a goalscoring opportunity in the penalty area.
Mile Jedinak sits out the last of his four-match ban in the next round of fixtures, as Crystal Palace entertain Manchester City at Selhurt Park, and will return to contention for a trip to Sunderland. Meanwhile, Tom Huddlestone is unavailable for Hull City’s clash with Swansea City but could be reinstated to face Southampton in Gameweek 32.
Newcastle captain Fabricio Coloccini faces two more matches (SUN, LIV) on the sidelines before he can take to the field again. Papiss Cisse and Jonny Evans remain long-term absentees after their spitting spat, whilst Chris Brunt, Gareth Barry, Lee Cattermole and Claudio Yacob are available for selection in Gameweek, 31 having completed their respective bans.
