Frank Lampard is set to start for Chelsea at Villa tomorrow. Rafa Benitez has doubts over Eden Hazard once again, while Victor Moses is also causing the Blues boss concern. Michel Vorm is struggling to make Swansea’s trip to United, reports suggest Wayne Rooney is set for a bench role in Sir Alex Ferguson’s final home match in charge, while Yaya Toure is full fit ahead of City’s FA Cup final showdown with Wigan tomorrow:
Rafa Benitez was a little more forthright than usual in yesterday’s press conference. With the Europa League final against Benfica taking place next Wednesday, Benitez still has selection problems to mull over but the Spaniard confirmed he will definitely hand Frank Lampard a place in the starting XI against Villa tomorrow. The midfielder is just one strike short of equalling Bobby Tambling’s club record of 202 goals and Benitez shared his thoughts on the matter:
“What I can say is that Lampard will play against Aston Villa and I can’t say anything about the final. After, we’ll decide the team for the final. The only player I can guarantee for Saturday is Lampard. For the final, I haven’t decided. If he can score against Aston Villa, it will be easier for me in the last two games. I will do what I have to do to win games. If, at the same time, I can help Frank, I will do it.”
Benitez has already indicated he will rest and rotate for the Villa trip, admitting his squad were somewhat fatigued after Wednesday’s game with Spurs. Lampard has already earned over 12,000 new owners this week but while his appeal has been bolstered by Benitez’s comments, owners of Eden Hazard will be hovering over the “transfer out” button after his manager went on to say:
“We’ll have to keep an eye on Hazard. Hazard couldn’t play the last game because he had a calf problem. We have to manage carefully. Not just because of the knock. I think he will be fine. It was still a concern for us. I didn’t have any idea of the team in my head. It was just to wait and see each game at a time – prepare each game at a time. I will see the players tomorrow and we’ll make a decision. Victor Moses was limping a little bit. Ryan Bertrand is still not available…Some players, we’ll have to decide tomorrow. “
Hazard was omitted from the trip to Old Trafford with the problem and lasted just over 70 minutes against Spurs in midweek before being hauled off again. Considering Benitez left him out against United, then, he’ll clearly have no qualms over resting the Belgian for the Villa trip ahead of the European final – with the Blues squaring up to Everton in David Moyes’ last match in charge in Gameweek 38, many may decide to offload Hazard before tomorrow’s deadline. Benitez made just three changes for the Spurs match but there’d be no surprise if he makes several alterations in order to ensure his key men are well rested to face the Portuguese side.
Swansea’s hopes of spoiling the party at Old Trafford on Sunday are looking a little slim, with Michel Vorm remaining doubtful for Sir Alex Ferguson’s final home match in charge of United. The Dutchman was forced off against Wigan on Tuesday following a clash of heads with Ben Davies and although he’s well on his road to recovery, question marks remain over his availability for this weekend, with Gerhard Tremmel on standby to deputise between the sticks. Michael Laudrup is still not certain Chico will be ready in time from the arm and calf problems that kept him out of the midweek DW clash and with Garry Monk likely to be called upon, Robin Van Persie’s owners will be anticipating a sizeable haul as the United looks to fire the goals and give Ferguson the perfect send-off. Reports in the local press yesterday indicated that Michu’s hamstring problem is not quite as bad as Laudrup first feared, suggesting the Spaniard may yet return to action before the season is over.
Reports suggest Wayne Rooney will be on the bench for United on Sunday afternoon. The forward’s decision to hand in another transfer request – his second in recent years – is said to have dismayed Ferguson and in a season where his form and attitude have been highly questionable, Rooney could well be set to watch on as a substitute as Ferguson hands Van Persie the chance to add to his 25-goal haul.
Yaya Toure has handed City a boost by confirming he is fit and available for tomorrow’s FA Cup final. The Ivorian was subbed off at half-time in last weekend’s draw at Swansea after sustaining a knock during the pre-match warm-up and was omitted from the squad entirely for Tuesday evening’s home game with West Brom. One of the few players to rarely, if ever, suffer from Roberto Mancini’s rotation policy, Toure has been sold by over 26,000 FPL managers already this week but with a trip to Reading on Tuesday, could potentially return to the fold if Mancini decides to roll out most of his regulars against the Royals:
“I am good. Sometimes it is difficult to play all the games at the same level and sometimes you can get an injury. But we have worked on that, trying to keep injury far away and try to concentrate on delivering at the weekend. I am already fit. I started training three days ago and I am well in now. I want to deliver a good game and help the team to achieve something important.”
