Premier League - Who Wants a Suspension?

There was much discussion and controversy over Cesc Fabregas‘ yellow card against Reading. Many believe that it was a purposeful move on his part so that the game he would miss would be of minor threat to Arsenal - a visit from a struggling Wigan.

Currently suspended for this weekend’s games are Bolton’s Nicky Hunt and Kevin Nolan - both serving suspension after receiving five yellow cards. I think it is fair to say that these were not intentional as Bolton could use all the help they can get when they face up to Liverpool this weekend. Michael Brown from Wigan is also serving a one match ban for five yellow cards and will miss the encounter against Manchester City. Villa’s Nigel Reo-Coker will be able to play in the clash against Blackburn tonight, but will have to serve his suspension on the weekend. Chelsea’s Michael Essien is suspended for the next three games after his red card against Derby.

There are a number of players who are treading on thin ice with four yellow cards to their name. It is wise to take these into account when making crucial transfers. You do not want to miss out on the opportunity on guaranteed points through a suspension and it may be worth holding onto your transfers for another couple of games. Here is the list of players on the brink of suspension…

Any player who is shown the yellow card five times before February 29th has to serve a one match ban. Any player with 10 bookings before April 13th will serve a two match ban.

Birmingham: Liam Ridgewell and Medhi Nafti have both got four yellow cards apiece. Probably not enough to concern too many fantasy managers with Birmingham struggling of late. They are up against Tottenham this weekend and with plenty of pace against them they will need to watch out for late challenges. Expect a suspension before December is over.

Blackburn: Christopher Samba has been enjoying an excellent season so far at Blackburn and many people drafted him in for his double header last week. Even if 2-2 against Fulham was not a dream result he managed to go the full 90 minutes without getting on the booking sheet. Be warned for bringing him in in the future. David Bentley is also on four yellows, and with two goals and two Key Contributions and 41 points to his name, you may be looking at drafting him in, just do it with the knowledge he is one card away from a suspension.

Chelsea: Along with his three match ban for his red card against Derby (which is currently being appealed) Michael Essien has got four yellow cards to his name. His team mates have backed him up, saying it is just the way the Ghanaian plays - even in training. Which may come as a surprise as to why not more of the Chelsea players are injured. Or this might be where Drogba gets his diving practice in…

Liverpool: Jamie Carragher has been helping hold the Liverpool defence firm, but maybe missing out on a game pretty soon should he make the ref reach for his pocket one more time.

Manchester City: Didi Hammann has fallen under the radar slightly with his two midfield compatriots Elano and Petrov soaking up all the glory, and this could be even more so if he has to miss out a game if he gets another booking.

Middlesbrough: George Boateng is in the middle of a team that is plummeting down the table. He may even be grateful for a weekend off the pitch to avoid that sinking feeling again. One more booking and his wish will come true.

Portsmouth: It has been an excellent season for Pompey thus far although they will be ruing the thought of the African Cup of Nations coming along in January to steal half of their players. Sully Muntari is one of them and the break may allow him to survive beyond February 29th with just the four bookings.

Reading: Ivar Ingimarsson proved a popular pick amongst YTM managers, but he may turn a few smiles into frowns if he picks up another card and wastes an opportunity to score some points.

Sunderland: Michael Chopra had such a bright start to the season and was one of the bargain finds, however since his last goal he has only managed a single assist and four yellow cards. After the 7-1 drubbing from Everton not too many people wil be looking to Sunderland players, and here is another reason to think twice about Chopra.

West Ham: Newly added player to YTM Carlton Cole comes into the game after having already picked up four yellow cards. Be warned if you see this potential point scorer as a bargain - he may be on the sidelines before he makes his first appearance for your team!

Good luck with the transfers this week, and remember that Arsenal have a double fixture this week. Beware the suspensions. They can be costly to any team - especially when the YTM Cup starts, you will need all the points you can get!

Cheers,

Chris @ YTM