This lunchtime, we’re 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 – Gareth Barry, Phil Bardsley, Lee Cattermole and Neil Taylor – are on the precipice with nine yellow cards to their name and will be tiptoeing their way towards the April 12 cut-off date.
Eagle-eyed readers may have noticed the omission of Jack Colback from our suspension shortlist – much to manager John Carver’s 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-old’s ill-discipline means he’ll sit out home ties against Aston Villa and Manchester United
Gareth Barry served a one-match suspension by missing Everton’s encounter with Leicester City and will now need to time his tackles perfectly if selected to face Arsenal’s 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 six 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 – with four each – 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 Burnley’s Ashley Barnes. Upon further review, the FA decided not to take any further action against the Clarets’ 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 Matic’s ban.
Elsewhere, Ron Vlaar was given his marching orders after being shown a second yellow card for hauling down Stoke City’s Victor Moses in the penalty box last weekend, meaning he’ll sit out Aston Villa’s Gameweek 27 clash away to Newcastle United. Likewise, West Ham’s Morgan Amalfitano will play no part his team’s upcoming London derbies against Palace and Chelsea, having seen straight red in the Hammers’ 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 – the former Chelsea left-back sat out the third and final match of his suspension during Sunday’s home loss to Liverpool.
