Four players fell foul of the five-yellows limit in Gameweek 20, with Gareth Bale the most high profile protagonist to earn a one-match suspension ahead of a home match with Reading. West Ham pair Kevin Nolan and James Collins also sit on the naughty step for their game against Norwich at Upton Park, as does Bradley Johnson of Norwich City…
Despite seeing red on Saturday, Steven Nzonzi will be available for Stoke’s trip to City after the club lodged an appeal for wrongful dismissal last weekend. The midfielder was set to serve a three-match suspension for a challenge on Southampton’s Jack Cork but he’ll take his place in a likely rearguard effort at City in tomorrow’s clash.
Conflicting reports surround Samir Nasri’s availability. The Frenchman was handed a straight red for his “headbutt” attempt on Norwich’s Seb Bassong at the weekend – while the local press reported the club had decided to appeal, the Mail, however, have suggested that City won’t appeal. Earlier today, Roberto Mancini admitted he was uncertain whether the club would take any action – a three-match ban would see the Frenchman miss an FA Cup clash with Watford and league trip to former club Arsenal, in addition to the Potters’ clash.
The New Year brings a little more leeway now, with the Suspension Tightrope loosening considerably. Players now have to accrue 10 yellow cards to trigger an automatic suspension – if they reach that landmark by the second Sunday in April (Gameweek 33), they will be handed a two-match ban. So far, there are five players just three bookings away from – Luis Suarez, James Perch, Angel Rangel, Craig Gardner and Mark Noble have all received seven cautions apiece. Our sidebar widget has been updated accordingly and will be tracking all the way through to the April 14 date.
Elsewhere this week, Marouane Fellaini returns to the Everton fold for a trip to Newcastle after completing a three-match ban, while Mike Williamson will be hoping to help shore up the Magpies defence after he sat out the 7-3 loss at Arsenal due to a one-match ban. Stoke will be relieved Ryan Shawcross and Geoff Cameron are back in contention for the trip to City, having conceded three at home to Southampton in the duo’s enforced absence at the weekend. Fabian Delph is available for Villa once again, as Paul Lambert tries to address his side’s woeful form as they head to Swansea tomorrow.
