Fredericks blow

Ryan Fredericks took a knock on the training pitch during the week ahead of the Everton game and was never in consideration for the match as a result.

Amid all the selection surprises few might have noticed that the free signing from Fulham was not even in the squad but the situation was cleared up by a club insider talking to ClaretandHugh by phone.

He said: “He’s not had a lot of luck since he joined us and this was another blow but he took a knock and that ruled him out.”

Against speedy Everton wing men and with the manager wanting the full backs to play high, Fredericks would probably been a better option than Zaba given his speed and ability to get back.

However, despite that the 26 year old may be a victim of being in the wrong club at the wrong time with Zaba still very much a Pellegrini favourite and academy product Ben Johnson emerging as a contender for the position.

We understand that the manager is determined to do everything possible to persuade Zaba to agree to another contract after making 24 appearances this season.