Wayne Rooney returns to action with a run-out for United’s reserves. David Silva is back in contention for City’s clash with PSG tonight, whilst John Terry closes in on a comeback for Chelsea.
Rooney steps up recovery
Wayne Rooney built up his match fitness after returning from injury last night. The Red Devils skipper was afforded a 61-minute run-out for United’s U21 outfit in a 1-0 victory over Middlesbrough.
The Scout Says: With a midweek FA Cup replay against West Ham up next tomorrow night, Rooney has the chance to earn further minutes ahead of the Red Devils’ upcoming double Gameweek (AVL & CRY). With Louis van Gaal desperate to clinch a top-four spot, there’d be no surprise if his captain imminently returned to the starting XI in a move that would see Marcus Rashford drop down to the bench. The fledgling marksman was withdrawn at the break against Tottenham Hotspur and proved largely ineffectual in his previous quartet of starts, chalking up just five attempts and two shots on target. Moreover, the Red Devils managed a mere two goals and the fewest attempts (27) of any side in their last four fixtures, so Rooney’s deployment at the lone-striker berth could spark an improvement. Given that Rooney fashioned the second-most key passes (10) of any forward across his previous four outings, Anthony Martial’s 26,000 new owners will welcome the return of Man United’s captain before those tantalising home encounters against Villa and Palace’s defences.
Terry nears Blues return
In an attempt to speed up his recovery from an Achilles complaint, John Terry has undergone platelet-rich plasma therapy. On that note, Gus Hiddink expects the Chelsea captain to be passed fit in the “upcoming days”.
The Scout Says: Considering that the Blues enjoy a double Gameweek 37 (sun & liv), we’re still keeping tabs on a defence that only managed to shut out an abject Aston Villa outfit in their previous eight outings. Certainly, Terry’s (6.6) reinstatement – alongside Gary Cahill – would renew our confidence in Chelsea’s clean-sheet prospects, though Hiddink’s decision to bench Thibaut Courtois (5.3) last weekend again underlined the uncertainty surrounding his team sheets as he looks to hand squad members pitch time over the run-in. Should he prove his fitness in time, however, Terry – bearing in mind that this looks set to be his final season at Stamford Bridge – could well be reinstalled to the first XI for his last few matches in a Chelsea shirt.
Mixed news for City
Manuel Pellegrini confirmed that David Silva has been passed fit for Manchester City’s Champions League tie against Paris Saint-Germain, while Vincent Kompany is not quite ready for a return. Nicolas Otamendi has shrugged off an ankle complaint in time for this evening’s match.
The Scout Says: Although Kompany will not feature against the Ligue 1 champions, yesterday’s return to first-team training suggests he could be in line for a start at Chelsea this weekend. As such, Eliaquim Mangala’s security of starts certainly looks a little less certain ahead of the Sky Blues’ double Gameweek (che & new). Meanwhile, Silva’s paucity of goal threat (one goal in 1735 minutes) and lacklustre form (three assists in nine) is unlikely to persuade many to take a punt ahead of their pair of fixtures. Indeed, in the event that Pellegrini’s men progress through to the semi-finals of the Champions League (the first leg takes place on April 26-27), the Chilean’s team selection at home to West Brom last weekend suggests further rotation could be on the cards as he focuses on Europe in the final few matches of his tenure.
8 years, 26 days agoEssentially all GW33 has done is cancelled out the potential points advantage we would have gained in the upcoming GW with BB, while leaving us with inferior squads for the rest of the season.
Discuss.