David Silva recovers from an ankle problem to help Man City pick up another win. Rio Ferdinand could miss out at the weekend after suffering from concussion, Ryan Taylor has no qualms about playing in central midfield, while Stephen Ireland is finally settling at Villa.
Silva gave his Fantasy owners a significant boost by recovering from an ankle injury in time to take on Wigan last night. The Spaniard set up City’s only goal and his twelfth assist of the season means he has now drawn level with Gareth Bale as top-scoring midfielder in FPL. With Mario Balotelli again absent with an ankle problem, Edin Dzeko led the line once again, joining Sergio Aguero up front. Dzeko’s winner was his first goal since gameweek 11, though it’s clear he is more than capable when given a chance in the starting XI, with 11 goals in 11 starts so far this season.
Micah Richards missed out for City last night with a hamstring problem but Roberto Mancini expects the right-back to be available for next week’s home showdown with Tottenham. Another clean sheet –despite Vincent Kompany also being sidelined due to suspension- means City have conceded a single goal in their last six fixtures and with a strong run of games on the horizon, investment in their defence looks essential. City’s narrow 1-0 win continued their lack of real attacking threat on the road- the league leaders have scored just 3 goals in their last five away games, compared to 15 in their last five at the Etihad.
Reports suggest Rio Ferdinand is an early doubt for Man United’s trip to the Emirates this weekend. The centre-half suffered concussion in last Saturday’s win over Bolton and, post-match, took to twitter to say he couldn‘t remember the game. Ferdinand will be closely monitored and is expected to undergo a series of tests by the club’s medical department before a decision over his availability is made.
Ryan Taylor has admitted he is happy to play anywhere right now for Newcastle. Taylor’s versatility once again saw him change roles for Alan Pardew’s side in Sunday’s win over QPR- starting at right midfield, he moved central after an injury to Yohan Cabaye and admitted yesterday he is comfortable with the position:
It was maybe just a one-off because we lost Yohan early on. There were a couple of replacements on the bench but they didn’t have much experience so I think the manager was prepared to use my experience and versatility. It’s not like I’ve never played in centre midfield before. I played there throughout my youth but you become less familiar with the role. However, if the gaffer wants me to play in any position, I will.
Stephen Ireland reckons Alex McLeish is finally starting to trust in his abilities after a slow start to his Aston Villa career. Ireland struggled to make an impact in the previous regime under Gerard Houllier but is now finally stepping up in performance. Ireland has started the last three games for Villa and has returned 1 goal, 2 assists and 4 bonus points for his Fantasy owners. At 5.6, he’s reasonably priced and offers perfect home and away rotation with Jonathan Walters- given the Stoke man’s poor performances on the road, it makes Ireland a somewhat intriguing prospect. The player said yesterday:
Probably since I first got here I haven’t been given that trust – but I have now. And I’m improving game by game. I’ve just been out of the game so long. Now I’m getting a good run of games and I feel like I’m getting better and much fitter. I’m working as hard as I can and thanks to the gaffer he has been playing me and giving me a run of games. I feel like I’m getting there. I’m going in the right direction and the more football I get it will improve.
Paul Lambert may be forced to dip into the market for a back-up keeper after Declan Rudd was ruled out for up to two months. The Canaries had to draft teenage keeper Jed Steer onto the bench for the trip to West Brom last weekend and Lambert admitted yesterday that he may need more cover, with Rudd set to undergo ankle surgery.
