It’s all going according to plan for the Wembley stadium PR machine. Last night had an inevitable ring about it but what did we learn apart from, if you going to insist on hitting Lampard, it’s wise to throw a feint first?
Manchester United vs Middlesbrough
United lined with Giggs and Richardson in midfield and Smith up front. O’Shea and Park were rested to the bench. Heinze continued at left-back and Evra did not appear in the 16. This situation is perhaps the most tricky to predict going forward for United. Evra is by no means assured of gaining his starting spot back, so Fantasy Managers should certainly hold fire on investing in either player right now. The United lineup will also undergo a shake-up for the Blackburn game with Saha Solskjaer and maybe Neville, scheduled to return from injury, while Scholes will be back from suspension. Given that United face Roma in the Champions League on the Wednesday following this match, there is the possibility that Fergie will introduce some rotation. I’ll speculate on that nearer the time, but it’s worth being cautious now if you’re looking at United players for your squad.
Boro almost lined up as expected with Pogatetz and Arca both recovering from injuries to take their place in the side. The interesting news from a Fantasy Manager’s perspective, was the inclusion of Xavier at right-back for Parnaby. There was no reported injury for Parnaby , so we can assume the Xavier is back in favour in this position. Morisson’s dismissal creates an interesting situation for Boro in their next match. Both he and Cattermole are now suspended which could see Euell, Rochemback or even Mendieta, return to the 11. Mendieta is due to appear for the reserves next time out. The absence of Morisson and Cattermole does appear to assure Arca of his place in midfield, making him even more an attractive proposition, given that he is classed as a defender in many games.
Tottenham vs Chelsea
Spurs had Berbatov, Keane and Lennon returning to their lineup as expected. Ghaly and Huddlestone dropped to the bench while Malbranque kept his place in midfield as did Jenas. Last night’s 11 looks likely to be Jol’s strongest lineup right now, at least while King and Gardner are out injured. Huddlestone then, looks resigned to the bench and cameo appearances given that Tanio will also be in the frame next time out having returned from injury.
Chelsea were without Essien once more so they recalled Mikel to midfield after his 4-match suspension. Wright-Phillips kept his place with Robben benched and Diarra got the right-back spot as expected. The Robben/Wright Phillips situation is interesting. Given Shevchenko’s form it appears that Robben’s starting spot is very much under threat. Essien’s return will surely mean a midfield of Lampard, Makelele, Essien and Ballack. It’s unlikely Robben will displace Shevchenko, and now Wright-Phillips has put himself forward with 2 goals in 2 games, Robben looks to be on shaky ground. Drogba picked up his 8th booking last night, which means he must get to April 15 without picking up another 2 bookings or face a 2-match suspension. Certainly a consideration for Fantasy Managers.