We see out 2011 with a programme of seven Premier League fixtures, after Gameweek 19 got under way last night with a 3-1 win for Liverpool over Newcastle. The Dugout Discussion opens for the final time this year, and the incoming team news from Old Trafford suggests that a certain Scot has begun his birthday celebrations a tad early…
Man Utd XI: De Gea, Rafael, Jones, Carrick, Evra, Nani, Valencia, Park, Welbeck, Hernandez, Berbatov.
Blackburn XI: Bunn, Lowe, Samba, Hanley, Pedersen, Henley, Nzonzi, Petrovic, Rochina, Formica, Yakubu.
Sir Alex Ferguson, who turns 70 today, names a peculiar looking side for the second game running. Given United’s 5-0 drubbing of Wigan last time out, who are we to question his selection? However, eyebrows will be raised at the exclusion of Wayne Rooney from the matchday squad, after only featuring for half an hour on Boxing Day.
Phil Jones returns from illness to partner Michael Carrick in defence rather than midfield. Nani and Antonio Valencia play in midfield behind a trio or strikers, leaving Ji Sung Park to man the middle of the park.
As for Steve Kean’s side, injuries to both Junior Hoilett and David Dunn (surprise, surprise), mean Radosav Petrovic and Ruben Rochina start. After his heroics at Anfield, Mark Bunn continues in goal.
After that we’ve five 3pm fixtures, and no evening game allows us to be unfashionably on time for our New Year’s shindigs. This is my last post of 2011, so I wish you all a Happy New Year! See you in 2012!
The Dugout Discussion chatroom can be accessed right here.
