A trio of protagonists are set to sit out their respective sides’ upcoming domestic fixtures after the weekend’s action. Steve Sidwell and Youssouf Mulumbu both picked up their fifth cautions of the campaign and are unavailable for Gameweek 18, while Gary Cahill’s dismissal in Chelsea’s World Cup Championship loss to Corinthians will earn him a one-match ban for the Blues’ midweek Capital One Cup trip to Leeds:
Sidwell’s suspension curtails his recent rise to form – the midfielder has returned a goal and assist over his last couple for Fulham, while tough-tackling Mulumbu’s loss is likely to have a knock-on effect for James Morrison. With Claudio Yacob remaining a doubt for West Brom, Morrison looks set to continue in a deeper-lying role as Norwich roll up to the Hawthorns next Saturday.
Cahill’s clash with Emerson, which led to his red card, is set to be reviewed by FIFA’s disciplinary committee this week. While they could potentially increase the ban, it is not expected to be extended, meaning he will be available for the home clash against Villa next Sunday.
Elsewhere, the tightrope welcomes five new members after their weekend indiscretions. Mike Williamson, Adel Taarabt, Billy Jones, Kevin Nolan and Jermain Defoe must now be on their best behaviour over the next three Gameweeks – another caution will earn them an automatic one-match ban before the limit is extended to 10 yellows at the New Year.
Heading into this evening’s match at the Madejski, there are five players currently sitting on three yellows apiece. Olivier Giroud, Thomas Vermaelen, Noel Hunt, Mikele Leigertwood and Adrian Mariappa are all just one caution away from joining the above-mentioned players on the tightrope as the festive period picks up in pace.
The main topic of contention this week, however, is the possible ban facing Marouane Fellain after his headbutt on Ryan Shawcross in Saturday’s 1-1 draw at the Britannia. If the FA decide to act, as expected, it remains to be seen just how many matches he could potentially miss – David Moyes has already admitted Everton won’t contest any charge. Behind the scenes, we’re making tentative plans for a Fellaini suspension, with an article set to follow later this week on the myriad of exit routes available should he fall foul of the authorities.
