There are few interesting team selection decisions to note today. In the evening kick-off, David Moyes restored the Lescott/Yobo partnership at the centre of Everton’s defence. Stubbs was out with a hamstring injury so Naysmith came in at left-back with Lescott moving back to the centre. While Stubbs was injured, even when fit, I can’t see Stubbs dislodging the Lescott/Yobo partnership. With Pistone and Hibbert also returning from injury, Stubbs’ opportunities look limited now. For Fantasy Managers who had bought Stubbs at a bargain price in recent weeks, it could be time to sell.
The Everton situation is interesting. Moyes played 4-4-2 today, which meant no place for Osman. He duly popped up with lovely goal to give Moyes a nudge. But Osman’s place is doubtful now that Fernandes has arrived and is performing well. Even if Everton adopt a 4-5-1 formation once more, it could be that Hibbert returns at right-back, pushing skipper Neville into midfield, leaving no place for the unlucky Osman.
Earlier today, we got some clues as to how severely the likes of United and Liverpool will rotate their lineups following Champions League ties. United fielded an almost full-strength side, indicating that the likes of Ferdinand, Evra, Scholes, Rooney, Giggs and Ronaldo should not being sitting out too many games, at least while the title race is still on. In contrast, Liverpool rested Alonso, Bellamy, Kuyt, Agger and Arbeloa. Evidence enough that Fantasy Managers should be cautious before considering Liverpool players while their Champions League run continues. Only the likes of Carragher, Gerrard, and maybe Finnan look safe from “Rafa rotation”. As a sidenote, Rafa later announced that Reina didn’t appear because his wife was giving birth. How inconvenient.
Darren Bent looks sharp enough to be considered again – although West Ham’s defence is perhaps not an ideal barometer. Johnson’s performance at Watford also indicated the he could well hit a streak of goals. Kitson came on for Reading and made things happen – I’d expect him to start the Cup replay against United although Kevin Doyle’s return is another variable in that particular equation. Julio Arca continued in midfield for Boro despite Cattermole’s return.
More ramblings to come. Let’s see what tomorrow’s matches bring.