Week 38 - Update

I had planned to write this on Saturday but we had so much good information today - with many manager's doing their press conferences a day early - that it seemed silly not to post it up now and update it if anything new comes through tomorrow. So...let's jump straight in to it!

We'll start at Old Trafford, where Alex Ferguson has confirmed he'll actually be playing a reasonably strong team against Blackpool. Darren Fletcher, Paul Scholes, Anderson, Dimitar Berbatov, Patrice Evra and Edwin Van Der Sar will all start the game. I'm expecting Rio & Vidic to be rested so Smalling & Evans should start too but there was no news on Fabio, Nani or Owen. I think they'll all start, but it is a risk.

You all would've heard by now that Carlos Tevez has (for the 347th time) said he wants to leave Man City this summer. I asked the question on Facebook, "Does this affect his starting status for the final game" but Mancini has since come out and reiterated Tevez is staying. I guess if there's any chance of this happening then it won't be helped by benching him but it has got me slightly concerned. Kolarov should also be back as Zabaleta has an injury and Balotelli is being tipped to return.

Van Der Vaart is out of Spurs' game against Birmingham which increases Luka Modric's value massively - he'll take set pieces and penalties - and I'm annoyed I dropped him at 8 whilst moving things round to get Tevez in. Things are less clear defensively; Hutton, Assou Ekotto, Gallas and Gomes are all fit to return which could spell trouble for Kaboul, Rose, King & Cudicini, although Redknapp will be aware those players were excellent in the win over Liverpool.

One of the most important pieces of news for me regards West Brom, and the fact Peter Odemwingie will miss the final game of the season against Newcastle due to injury. Why is this important? Well, he's the main source of goals for the Baggies and with him missing I think this makes Newcastle big favourites - Krul @ 1.76? Yes please!

Wolves could name the same the same team that defeated Sunderland after doubts emerged over Kevin Doyle and possible re-occurrence of his knee injury, which would mean Ward & Fletcher continue up front. It would also mean Matt Jarvis remains on the bench, although he'll push Stephen Hunt all the way.

Birmingham have Craig Gardner and Liam Ridgewell back from suspension but Cameron Jerome, Lee Bowyer and Martin Jiranek are all doubts.

Blackpool have no new injury worries, while Wigan have a full fit squad to choose from.

Chris Samba, Junior Hoilett & Jermaine Jones have all recovered from injuries picked up against Man Utd.

Meireles is the only doubt for Liverpool so it could be the saem XI which lost against Spurs.

Fabregas out of Fulham game while Clichy, Nasri and Diaby will all have late fitness tests. Djourou could be back and would surely replace the woeful Squillaci if he is, while Vermaelen will continue.

Aston Villa are at full strength and should keep the team that beat Arsenal.

Fabrice Muamba is the only doubt for Bolton so Tamir Cohen could come in, and Elmander is set to play his final game for the club, with his contract up in June.

Jose Bosingwa, Yossi Benayoun and Ramires are out for Chelsea and Carlo Ancelotti may go with Drogba over Torres after another poor showing from the Spaniard against Newcastle. Alex should continue ahead of David Luiz.

Tim Cahill is unlikely to be risked by Everton and Bily is suspended.

That's pretty much everything although I'll have another check tomorrow and update the information if necessary - there are a few more press conferences to come so it's very possible.

My current team:

Krul, Craddock, Fabio, Vermaelen, Hitzlsperger, R.Taylor, O'Hara, Adam, Suarez, Van Persie, Tevez

I'm thinking of going with O'Hara instead of N'Zogbia (although he's still held @12 behind the scenes), although I'm also considering getting Modric back in. Either of these moves give me the funds to go Wilson > Fabio. Berbatov may also come in for Tevez if I'm still feeling nervous about his starting status, but that's a decision I'll make closer to deadline. The rest should stay.

That's it! Remember, with no football over the summer I'll be taking a bit of a break from blogging in the off season, but I'll definitely be back next season. There may well be some changes coming, so please join the AM Blog Facebook Group or follow me on Twitter to allow me to keep you updated on any exciting developments!

How's your team shaping up?

Cheers,
AM