This lunchtime, weβre updating you on those players who are just one mistimed tackle or display of dissent away from a two-match ban. At present, four players β Gareth Barry, Phil Bardsley, Lee CattermoleΒ andΒ Neil TaylorΒ β are on the precipice with nine yellow cards to their nameΒ and will be tiptoeing their way towards the April 12 cut-off date.
Eagle-eyed readers may haveΒ noticed the omission of Jack Colback from our suspension shortlist β much to manager John Carverβs ire, the Newcastle midfielder picked up the crucial tenth yellow for throwing the ball away in frustration after being pulled up for a foul during Saturday’s 5-0 hammering at City. The 25-year-oldβs ill-discipline means heβll sit out home ties against Aston Villa and Manchester United
Gareth Barry served a one-match suspension by missing Evertonβs encounter with Leicester City and will now needΒ to time his tackles perfectly if selected to face Arsenalβs elusive forwards next weekend. Meanwhile, Lee Cattermole returned for Sunderland following a six-match injury break, giving the no-nonsense midfielder the near-implausible task of refraining from any rash challenges for sixΒ Gameweeks.
With no new additions to the nine-yellow club, Blues duo Diego Costa and Cesc Fabregas remain the most high-profile candidates just two slip-ups away from a spell on the sidelines. Southampton and Aston Villa have the most representation β with four each β among those players needing three yellows or fewer to topple off the tightrope.
In terms of players serving out suspensions, Joey Barton and Nemanja Matic both face three-match bans on the grounds of violent conduct, with the latter reacting to a dangerous tackle from Burnleyβs Ashley Barnes. Upon further review, the FA decided not to take any further action against the Claretsβ forward, citing the fact that referee Martin Atkinson witnessed the incident as justification for sticking with the on-field decision. Nonetheless, Chelsea are reportedly set to appeal Maticβs ban.
Elsewhere, Ron Vlaar was given his marching orders after being shown a second yellow card for hauling down Stoke Cityβs Victor Moses in the penalty box last weekend, meaning heβll sit out Aston Villaβs Gameweek 27 clash away to Newcastle United. Likewise, West Hamβs Morgan Amalfitano will play no part his teamβs upcoming London derbies against Palace and Chelsea, having seen straight red in the Hammersβ 4-0 FA Cup defeat to West Brom.
Finally, Southampton welcome Ryan Bertrand back into the fold for their match-up with the Baggies next weekend βΒ the former Chelsea left-back sat out the third and final match of his suspension during Sunday’s home loss to Liverpool.
