Liverpool and Manchester United are on tenterhooks as several of their star players are just one yellow card away from suspension ahead of this weekend’s Premier League fixtures.
The Reds’ Alexis Mac Allister and United’s Lisandro Martinez and Kobbie Mainoo are all walking a disciplinary tightrope, with league rules stating that one more booking will see them miss the next match. Liverpool are set to take on Aston Villa at Anfield in the 8pm slot on Saturday, while United welcome Leicester to Old Trafford on Sunday.
Liverpool boss Arne Slot will be particularly worried about the prospect of losing Mac Allister for the upcoming clash with Southampton, which is scheduled for Sunday following the international break. The Argentinian has been instrumental in Liverpool’s midfield this season, featuring in all 10 Premier League games and playing a key role in the Reds’ currently occupying top spot in the league.
Meanwhile, United’s caretaker manager Ruud van Nistelrooy will be overseeing his final game against the Foxes before new head coach Ruben Amorim takes over on Monday, November 11. Amorim will undoubtedly be keeping a close eye on the Leicester match, as any misstep from Mainoo or Martinez could result in either or both being sidelined for his first game in charge – an away fixture against Ipswich Town on Sunday, November 24.
Martinez has been a stalwart in United’s defence this season, making nine appearances so far. The Argentinian defender has been cautioned in matches against Chelsea, Tottenham, Crystal Palace and Liverpool. Meanwhile, Mainoo has seen yellow cards in games against Aston Villa, Southampton, and Brighton, and, like Martinez, in the 3-0 defeat by Liverpool.
Mac Allister has accumulated four yellow cards in consecutive fixtures. The World Cup winner was booked in games against Brighton, Arsenal, Chelsea and Crystal Palace.
Players who accumulate five yellow cards in their first 19 games face a one-match suspension. Chelsea’s Nicolas Jackson joined the precarious group of 23 players after receiving his fourth card against United last weekend.
The list of players on the brink of suspension includes Newcastle’s Fabian Schar, Joelinton and Dan Burn, as well as Spurs’ Micky van de Ven. Bournemouth’s Ryan Christie, Justin Kluivert and Antoine Semenyo are also treading on thin ice.
If a player receives 10 bookings across their first 32 Premier League matches, they will be suspended for two games. However, these yellow cards do not carry over to the EFL Cup or FA Cup. Liverpool will be aiming to extend their lead at the top of the Premier League when they host Villa at Anfield on Saturday.
However, Unai Emery’s side will be looking to disrupt Liverpool’s plans and bounce back from a run of just one win in their last five league games, hoping to bring their Champions League form into the challenging Merseyside contest.
Meanwhile, United’s 2pm kick-off against Steve Cooper’s Leicester presents an opportunity for the Red Devils to continue stabilising under interim coach Van Nistelrooy following a 1-1 draw with Chelsea last weekend. However, both United and Liverpool will need to keep a close eye on Mainoo, Martinez, and Mac Allister.
