King May Get to Go

The big news that has emerged throughout the day is that Harry seems to think that Ledley King will be fit for tomorrow's match against Sunderland. This is very good news for the club, as 2 of our few away wins have come with King in the side this season. Dawson and Woodgate have been tremendous throughout the year, but with Dawson playing Sunday and Wed. he could probably use a rest, although Woody is still probably smarting with that Achilles injury, so maybe he takes a seat. Either way, this is great news for the club because Ledley does bring a calm to the back four.

Harry seems to believe that Ledley will be able to play most of the games through the rest of the season. With us out of the FA Cup and UEFA Cup we have no more midweek games, and Ledley can usually come out once a week, so as long as his knee doesn't swell up he should be out in the side a good bit in the run-in.

My question with Ledley has to deal with the captaincy. He's the club captain Harry said, and Robbie Keane is the team captain, but why wouldn't Ledley lead the team out when he is fit to play? It would be good for Ledley to be able to do that, he's been a loyal servant to the club, but either way we really have two solid leaders out on the pitch, one in the front and one in the back spurring the boys on. (Pardon the pun)

Keane's game against Boro makes me realize why Liverpool were willing to pay 20 million for him in the summer. He scored one, set up two and was probably unlucky not to have an assist or score another one. He and Pavy might be starting to have a rapport, making it seem like deja vu for Jermaine Defoe when he is fit again.

Still no word on if Corluka had a knock the other night or was just being rested, but I expect to see him tomorrow. Does this signal something with Harry that even though Chimbonda was Cup-tied and well rested he didn't play a part against Boro, with Zokora in defense. Could he be leaving again this summer?

The midfield should remain the same, they are starting to come together a little bit. Modric is creating well, and we still have the grit in the middle that we need, with Palacios and Jenas holding things together. And of course Aaron Lennon will probably be running circles against whomever is on the left side of Sunderland's side.

The match up I most want to see is Anton Ferdinand versus Robbie Keane. I like Ferdinand, but if Robbie plays the way he did Wed. night, I don't see Ferdinand keeping up with him too well.

As I said the other day I think we can get a win, but am expecting a draw, but with Sunderland only having won 3 games out of their last 10, we could have a chance. I still will say a draw, something along the lines of 2-2, but I am very hopeful we'll nick it at the end and bring the three points home and all be able to breathe easier.

My updated projected lineup:

Gomes

Corluka, King, Woodgate, BAE

Lennon, Palacios, Jenas, Modric

Pavlyuchenko, Keane (C)

Substitutes: Cudicini, Dawson, Chimbonda, Huddlestone, Bentley, O'Hara, Bent