Ahead of a home clash with West Ham and next week’s double, David Silva and James Milner have both recovered from hamstring injuries. Sergio Aguero – an unused sub at Spurs on Sunday – is “okay”, according to Roberto Mancini in today’s press conference.
For United, Sir Alex Ferguson appears to have somewhat backtracked on yesterday’s comments regarding his intentions to hand some fringe players increased game time. Speaking at today’s press conference, Ferguson’s thoughts will be a little more reassuring for Robin Van Persie owners, who had feared a drop to the bench for the Dutchman now the title is sewn up:
“We have a few bumps and bruises from the other night but it is hopefully nothing serious and I expect to have a strong side on Sunday. Having won the league, there’s always a danger of falling into the trap of ‘it’s all over and we can relax’ and enjoy ourselves but I think we’ve got a duty to other clubs who are chasing Champions League places. Also, the rivalry we’ve had with Arsenal and then Chelsea over the years does put an edge to these games anyway so hopefully we’ll represent ourselves in the right way.”
David Moyes is optimistic Phil Jagielka, Darron Gibson and Victor Anichebe will all be available for tomorrow’s match with Fulham. Jagielka missed out last week after an ankle wound reopened, while the latter two were both subbed off in the 1-0 defeat at Sunderland.
Harry Redknapp has real problems ahead of QPR’s relegation battle at Reading. Andros Townsend has been ruled out with a hamstring injury and Adel Taarabt remains a real doubt due to a shoulder problem – with Bobby Zamora serving the last of a three-match suspension, Redknapp will be more reliant than ever on Loic Remy as he attempts to postpone the inevitable drop to the Championship for another week.
Hatem Ben Arfa has spoken of his desire to start tomorrow’s match with Liverpool. The Frenchman has been gradually edged back into the action from the subs bench after another hamstring injury but is keen to be involved from the kick-off as Newcastle look for a vital victory in their bid to beat the drop:
“My hamstring is completely fine now and I feel happy that the injury has gone and I can return to full fitness. I am 100 per cent fit. I’m happy that have come back into the team slowly and gradually. The manager and the doctor have put in place a programme to ensure I return gradually rather than rush back and get further problems in the future. I am happy with the work of the backroom staff and the manager because this was my first muscular injury and it was important that the healing ran its course.”
As always, this has all been collected for you in our team news section, where you’ll find our current predicted lineups for the weekend matches.
Rate My Team has been updated to reflect the very latest with the Projections due their update in a short while.
Keep an eye on our Twitter stream as always, for any late breaking news.
