David Bentley’s chances of starting the Carling Cup final against Manchester United on Sunday have significantly improved after Harry Redknapp has left him out of the squad to face Shakhtar Donetsk in the the second leg of the UEFA cup tie tonight.
But Bentley could still lose his place to Jamie O’Hara on Sunday.
Since arriving from Blackburn, Bentley has done very little to warrant a place in the club’s biggest domestic match of the year (with the exception of his goal against Arsenal, he has been weak and showed a poor work rate). This has been noticed by Redknapp who has favoured the energy and bite of Jamie O’Hara – an example of the so called ’steel’ that Redknapp wanted and the reason behind signing Wilson Palacios from Wigan in January. Far too often Bentley will run (if you can call it that, it’s more of a stroll) with the ball and lose it, or release it with a misplaced pass. He always tries one too many touches or little flicks to, which rarely pay-off (mis-placed audacity and flair, and unfit are probably the best words to describe his performance at the Lane to date.) The free kicks and crossing ability which excelled at Blackburn and earnt him a couple of England caps in 2008 has been non-existant.
Alongside the league, the Cup final has been made a priority by Harry Redknapp. Does Bentley therefore really deserve a place?
O’Hara’s selection could free up Luka Modric to play in the hole.
Meanwhile, Woodgate’s position at the back has been secured after he shrugged off injury worries after he suffered a gash on the head at Hull on Monday night.
