Lee Barnard is starting for Oldham against Pompey today. Had a nightmare against them when he was at Bournemouth.
Just checked...we didn't lose a single game last year where De Ridder was an unused substitute. Talisman.
Just seen the Utd team. So Fergie is resting players then. If this happens to be a repeat of the QPR/Chelsea match I'll be peeved.
I wouldn't say he was resting many players. That's his strongest defence and nearly full strength attack + midfield. The only player who isn't playing who would play in a big match would be Rooney and possibly Valencia I reckon.
John Cross of the Mirror: "Arsenal's passing is quite poor. They're giving possession away and adding to their own nerves. Villa doing OK, Weimann playing v well"
For some reason, I didn't check this year. According to Soccernet's stats, he was an unused substitute once this year...and we didn't lose that one, either. Three wins and three draws over the past two years with De Ridder nailed to the bench, and Bolton with a draw in the only game where he has gone unused.