Alex Ferguson has all but confirmed that he’ll field a weakened side for the trip to Hull on Sunday, prior to next week’s Champions League Final.
The United boss has spoken out today on the strength of his squad, singing the praises of the likes of Rafael, Fabio, Welbeck, Macheda and Gibson – all of which seem set to figure at the KC Stadium. That’s likely to see Vidic, Evra, O’Shea (who has been confirmed as a starter on Wednesday), Carrick, Ronaldo, Rooney and Tevez/Berbatov all kept in cotton wool for the clash with Barcelona.
There could well be one familiar name on the United teamsheet however, with Ferguson stating that Rio Ferdinand requires a run-out in order to prove his fitness for Wednesday. That will be scant compensation for Southgate, Shearer and Sbragia who will be praying for a United win, or indeed for us fantasy managers who will face major lineup surgery for the final game of the season…
Personally, I’m left with Vidic, Evra and Ronaldo as Fantasy Premier League bench fodder for the gameweek – which has me leaning towards two transfers in order to use up the Ronaldo cash surplus.
The United winger might well throw a sulk if he’s denied a Golden Boot as a result of being rested for the Hull game but it looks unlikely that Ferguson will risk him to allow him to pursue yet another trinket. That will open the way for Anelka, or even Gerrard, to claim the prize. Liverpool’s Gerrard – surely a certain starter at home to Spurs, looks the most worthy option for concerned Ronaldo owners.
As for replacing the United defenders – again Liverpool look to provide a good solution with Arbeloa or Carragher seemingly worthy and secure replacements for Vidic and Evra owners. If you’re risking points on a second transfer and want more than a clean sheet, then you may have to look at the likes of Blackburn’s Samba, still playing in attack, at home to West Brom.
The United situation is not the only concern for Sunday’s games – Chelsea and Everton have an FA Cup Final in mind, while there is a chance that Wenger and Benitez will hand opportunities to second string players for their home games with Stoke and Spurs respectively. We’re facing a far from comfortable end to the season. There’s more on this in “Rotation Watch” in this week’s podcast, recorded earlier today which should be with you tomorrow evening.