07.12.2011 - "Boca vende" es una frase hecha y repetida por propios y ajenos. Estos porque reniegan del favoritismo de la prensa (Riquelme en las tapas de Olé) y los árbitros. Los propios porque reniegan de la trascendencia que toma el mínimo hecho puertas adentro. Hoy estarán discutiendo si Boca tiene 50 o 51 campeonatos mientras un tercer grupo que, ni propio ni ajeno, se lleva los dividendos.

The main question this weekend appears to be whether Rafael van der Vaart will return to the starting line up and reclaim his regular place behind the main striker.

According to manager Harry Redknapp, VDV is fit once again to challenge for his slot but there is a doubt over Sandro who has picked up a groin problem.

Harry Redknapp has a few injury concerns ahead of Sunday's game with Stoke but the extra day could give Ledley King, Jermain Defoe and Gareth Bale the time they need to get fit.

There is cover in place for King and JD but Harry will certainly be reluctant to take to the field without Bale, who is back to his best and scored both goals here in our 2-1 win last season.

Injuries and suspension at the centre of defence could force Harry Redknapp to bring back Ledley King for Sunday's game against Martin O'Neill's side. Harry reports that Ledley is struggling but we've been in this position before where the club captain makes an unexpected return to the line up.

Many of the newspapers and websites are giving the nod to VDV this morning for his all round contribution to yesterday's win. Rafa linked up with the two strikers well after Harry shuffled the pack on 27 minutes and his neat pass let in Pavlyuchenko for the goal.

Pav could conceivably be a contender too while elsewhere, Scott Parker made his usual telling contribution.

For the first time in many games, there are far more questions to deliberate ahead of predicting the starting XI for tonight's match.

As we all know, Aaron Lennon has been ruled out of this game while Gareth Bale remains a major doubt. There are question marks too over Ledley King, Jermain Defoe and Emmanuel Adebayor.

With so many hamstring injuries at the Lane this week the team for tonight virtually picks itself. The big news once again is with Rafael van der Vaart whose scan seemed to give the Dutchman the green light to return to the starting XI.

Before the game, Harry spoke about VDV and gave some news about other recent injury victims.