The appeal against the red cards dished out to Adebayor and Obi Mikel have be thrown out by the FA. Mikel will now serve a 4-match suspension as it is his second sending off the season. Adebayor meanwhile, will automatically miss 3 games – including the Cup replay with Blackburn tomorrow night, the Reading game on Saturday and, maybe, the Cup Quarter Final with City the week after, if Arsenal progress. However, having been charged earlier today, Adebayor also faces an extension of his ban, which could mean a further 2 or more matches are added to his suspension.

For Fantasy Managers, the absence of Obi Mikel is not a major blow. Adebayor’s prolonged suspension is an interesting one though. With Van Persie still out for 4-8 weeks, it ensures Henry will be ever present and also that either Baptista or Aliadiere will appear in at least 2-3 games each, if not more.

Earlier today, Eboue was also charged and is also likely to be handed a 3-match absence. Fantasy Managers will now be monitoring the progress of Hoyte, who when fit, will slot into the right-back spot for the next 3 matches at least. Hoyte is currently struggling with a hamstring injury.