Martin Petrov’s three-match ban for the red card received in last night’s defeat to Everton could hand a midfield role to Javier Garrido. The left-back has filled in for Petrov from the bench late on in games and with the Bulgarian’s absent against Wigan, Reading and Spurs, it could now open the door for the Spaniard to make a return to first-team action in a more advanced role.
Garrido was an early fantasy favourite this season but lost his place to Ball. Classified as a defender and available at a budget price, he would be a decent short-term option if Sven were to pitch him into a midfield role.