Tuesday night opens up another chapter in the prolonged story of Gameweek 24 with a pair of Premier League fixtures. United arrive at Bloomfield Road looking to extend their lead at the top of the table, while at the DW Stadium, Gerard Houllier will be looking to build on the 1-0 win over City at the weekend by getting one over on struggling Wigan on their home turf.
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After much speculation this evening, the team news is in and both Dimitar Berbatov and Wayne Rooney (playing wide left) start at Blackpool. It’s another strong lineup from Alex Ferguson with Rafael returning from his suspension to replace John O’Shea at right-back, while Chris Smalling continues to deputise for groin-injury victim and Tweeter extraordinaire, Rio Ferdinand. Darron Gibson and Paul Scholes are drafted into midfield for Ryan Giggs and the stricken Michael Carrick. As for Ian Holloway’s side, the headline news is that wantaway skipper Charlie Adam starts, whilst DJ Campbell returns up front and Richard Kingson recovers from a head injury to take his place in goal.
Roberto Martinez makes changes after the polite showing at the Emirates at the weekend. It’s drastic measures, as James McCarthy returns after a three-month absence to take his place in midfield. Franco Di Santo lends his weight to the attack, whilst James McAurther comes into the middle, with Ronnie Stam, Ben Watson and Mohamed Diame making way. Reports of the latter being subject of transfer enquiry from Wigan’s tourist information board have so far been denied by the Latics boss.
As for Villa, they surprisingly change a winning side, handing a debut to new signing Jean Makoun in midfield, with Nigel Reo Coker returning alongside him. The unfortunate Marc Albrighton and club skipper Stiliyan Petrov, drop to the bench. Nathan Baker gets a start at left-back – presumably because Ciaran Clark has suffered an injury or illness. More on that, hopefully, in the Scout Notes.
