It’s been confirmed that Steven Gerrard faces a three-week lay-off after suffering a torn hamstring in last night’s battle at Goodison.
Gerrard’s injury is a bitter post-Keane blow for Rafa and a major problem for those fantasy managers who have recently invested in the Liverpool skipper who had shown such strong form over Christmas and through to mid January. I’d expect plenty of fantasy squad shuffling and an FPL price rise for double gameweek Ronaldo as a result of this development.
Here’s the full notes from this week’s FA Cup replays…
Everton’s win in a bitter Merseyside derby last night saw injuries to Gerrard, Pienaar and Fellaini – major concerns for fantasy managers. The match itself – a bad tempered affair from the off, was won by Everton sub Dan Gosling’s goal, but lost by Lucas. The Brazilian was once again endorsed by Rafa, who handed him a starting role in midfield for Mascherano. Lucas duly rewarded the faith put in him by getting himself sent off for two bookables.
Aside from including Lucas in his midfield, Rafa also brought the maligned Dossena back into his defence but other than that, Liverpool were unchanged. Skrtel again preferred as the partner to Carragher at the back – he is now cemented as Rafa’s first choice back there, ahead of Hyypia and Agger and offers decent fantasy value as a result.
As for Everton, Moyes once again kept faith with Baines, keeping a fit-again Yobo on the bench. He too provides some significant value at the back for fantasy managers, particularly given Everton’s favourable run of games to come (BOL new WBA bla STK). Elsewhere, Fellaini returned from his suspension to replace Anichebe who had earlier in the week had a falling out with Moyes. Sadly, the giant midfielder apparently picked up an injury early in the second-half, although he was having a mare to that point, and was replaced by the eventual match winner.
Fellaini’s injury wasn’t the major blow to fantasy managers on the night however. As early as 16 minutes, Liverpool skipper Gerrard hobbled off with a hamstring injury. Scan results have now revealed that he will face a three week layoff missing games against Portsmouth this weekend and most likely the Man City game a fortnight later. That’s likely to push Kuyt up front with Torres – just days after Rafa allowed Keane to return to Spurs. Another cruel twist for Benitez who just can’t seem to get away with any potential mistakes at the moment.
It’s difficult to take much from Villa’s 3-1 win over Doncaster. O’Neill made a string of changes to his side, welcoming back Ashley Young from suspension but resting a host of players including Barry, Milner, Agbonlahor, Friedel and Knight who all dropped to the bench. Heskey was cup-tied, while Petrov sat out through suspension. Carew’s start here, his first for three months, could well see him rested to the bench at Blackburn this weekend, with Heskey keeping his place up front. That’s likely to be one of many changes that O’Neill makes having rotated his troops for this one.
O’Neill was the only one to rotate for the Cup replays, as Allardyce made eight changes to his Blackburn side for the tie with Sunderland. Robinson, Nelsen and Santa Cruz were the only three to keep their starting roles. Santa Cruz being a particularly interesting choice – perhaps indicating that Roberts will start up front against Villa at the weekend. Givet earned his Rovers debut, while Villanueva enjoyed a lively game and will have elevated himself in the thoughts of Big Sam – it seems unlikely that he, or the likes of Khizanishvili, Mokoena or Treacy will earn starts at the weekend however. Rovers are now nine games unbeaten under Allardyce, while McCarthy’s extra time winner after coming off the bench, was his fifth goal in his last seven starts for Rovers.
Sunderland also made a string of changes, Sbragia keeping just five of his starting lineup from the weekend. Gordon made a return from injury in goal and enjoyed a storming game that seems likely to see him regain the number one jersey from Fulop. There were also starts for Leadbitter, Healy, Murphy and Kay at right-back – none of which are likely to feature against Stoke at the weekend.
Tuesday’s replay saw the Baggies come a cropper at Turf Moor against Cup specialists Burnley. For fantasy managers it was most notable for the injury to Jay Simpson. The striker on loan from Arsenal limped off with a hamstring strain. Simpson remains a major doubt for the home game with Newcastle at the weekend according to the latest from Mowbray.
Injuries and Bans
Aside from the hamstring injuries to Gerrard and Simpson, Everton lost Pienaar to an injury on the hour mark. With Fellaini also picking up a knock, it could be that Gosling earns a start for the league game with Bolton this weekend.
Lucas will now serve a one-match ban and will miss the weekend trip to Portsmouth. Surely a blessing in disguise. Alonso will also miss that game having picked up his fifth yellow against Chelsea last weekend.
In the Everton ranks Pienaar picked up his fifth booking of the season and will now miss the FA Cup fifth round tie with Villa. Cahill, Neville and Arteta all moved onto the suspension tightrope by picking up their fourth yellow cards of the season.
Blackburn’s Mokoena was a hero on the night with a spectacular goal but he also earned his fifth booking and will now miss the next round of the FA Cup against Coventry.