Weekend Injuries: Man City may miss their Silva lining

 

Titus Bramble, David Silva and - if he is ruled out - Gabby Agbonlahor, will be big misses for their clubs' Premier League and FA Cup fixtures...

 

Gabby Agbonlahor - Aston Villa v Fulham (Saturday, 15:00)

As Aston Villa continue to battle the dreaded drop, the last thing Paul Lambert needs is to lose one of a select crop of Premier League veterans to get injured. He may only be 26 but it feels like Agbonlahor has been around forever, having made his Villa debut as a fresh-faced 19-year-old in 2006. The forward has been extremely influential in his side's recent resurgence, scoring three times in his last four Premier League appearances, while having a hand in a good few more goals. Agbonlahor is an integral member of Villa's three-pronged attack which sees him play on the left of central figure Christian Benteke and Andreas Weimann on the right and, without him, the team's threat would be reduced.

Recommended Bet: Back the draw @ 3.45

 

Titus Bramble - Newcastle v Sunderland (Sunday, 12:00, Sky Sports 1)

Sunderland's predicament is getting worse by the week and you feel that they must get something against their fiercest rivals at St James' Park to stop the rot. On a parallel to Villa, what new boss Paolo Di Canio needs to aid his ailing side is experienced heads in his dressing room to help others around them in this scrap. While Bramble is no Franco Baresi, at 31, the centre-back has a wealth of experience to offer and, when it comes to a derby game of this intensity, that's exactly what is required. Without Bramble against Chelsea, Di Canio was forced to bring in Matt Kilgallon for only his sixth league appearance of the season, in which he was unfortunate to concede an own goal.

Recommended Bet: Back Newcastle to win @ 1.99

 

David Silva - Chelsea v Man City (Sunday, 16:00, ITV)

While Man City finally decided to play like champions in their derby victory over neighbours United on Monday, the one negative arising from the game was an injury sustained by David Silva. The Spanish midfield maestro has not always operated at his lock-picking optimum this season but looked some way back to his best against their fiercest foes at Old Trafford. However, Silva limped off with a hamstring injury which could seriously jeopardise their chances of overcoming FA Cup machines Chelsea on Sunday. With United all but unassailable in the league, City have long been relying on this competition to provide a silver lining to their otherwise disappointing season. Without Silva, City will lose some rhythm and potentially their chance of a trophy.

Recommended Bet: Back Chelsea to win in extra time @ 15.0

 

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