Baines or Oviedo?

[barneygumble]

Oviedo's performances at left back have been at a level Baines is yet to achieve this season and dare I say it, this calendar year. Take away those two free kicks against west ham and he's been pretty average this season.

Problem is that he can't do no wrong by our fans and will always escape criticism after a poor performance. On this seasons evidence, Oviedo is better and not only that, Pienaar has improved with him behind him.

This.

Sometimes the facts are hard for the blueeyes, Baines hasn't under performed as such, but not been the same player, Pienaar has been much better since Oviedo has been in, and whilst Baines' free kicks are great, haven't we scored two since he's been out? Still love him like.

 

[chriswho]

Baines at LB as long as he is a blue. That being said, I have been saying for a long time that I think Oviedo is ripe for taking that spot should we sell him. What we saw today is what I think may be the best option, put Bryan in midfield and see if Baines and Ovi can build up some chemistry. God knows Baines and Pienaar have never regained the magic they had a few seasons ago.

Between the 3 (Baines, Pienaar, and Ovi), Pienaar is the one least deserving automatic selection based on form.

One other thing to consider, as great as Ovi has been, is there possibly a connection between the fact that Lukaku's form dipped the same time Baines was out of the side? harder to prove, but is there something with the way that Baines plays that draws defenses attention and creates more space for Lukaku? Certainly Baines creates some of the best service in the league for the big fella too. Don't know, personally, I think there is something to be said about the fact that Lukaku seems to do better when Baines is on the field too.

And also, with Jags out, I would expect Baines is our captain the next few weeks too...

 

[applecrumble]

Baines at LB as long as he is a blue. That being said, I have been saying for a long time that I think Oviedo is ripe for taking that spot should we sell him. What we saw today is what I think may be the best option, put Bryan in midfield and see if Baines and Ovi can build up some chemistry. God knows Baines and Pienaar have never regained the magic they had a few seasons ago.

Between the 3 (Baines, Pienaar, and Ovi), Pienaar is the one least deserving automatic selection based on form.

One other thing to consider, as great as Ovi has been, is there possibly a connection between the fact that Lukaku's form dipped the same time Baines was out of the side? harder to prove, but is there something with the way that Baines plays that draws defenses attention and creates more space for Lukaku? Certainly Baines creates some of the best service in the league for the big fella too. Don't know, personally, I think there is something to be said about the fact that Lukaku seems to do better when Baines is on the field too.

And also, with Jags out, I would expect Baines is our captain the next few weeks too...

Pienaar played a lovely through ball that set up the goal today and he has been playing well - no way I would not drop Pienaar and Baines has to be first choice when fit no questions.

 

[Tree13]

Baines at LB as long as he is a blue. That being said, I have been saying for a long time that I think Oviedo is ripe for taking that spot should we sell him. What we saw today is what I think may be the best option, put Bryan in midfield and see if Baines and Ovi can build up some chemistry. God knows Baines and Pienaar have never regained the magic they had a few seasons ago.

Between the 3 (Baines, Pienaar, and Ovi), Pienaar is the one least deserving automatic selection based on form.

One other thing to consider, as great as Ovi has been, is there possibly a connection between the fact that Lukaku's form dipped the same time Baines was out of the side? harder to prove, but is there something with the way that Baines plays that draws defenses attention and creates more space for Lukaku? Certainly Baines creates some of the best service in the league for the big fella too. Don't know, personally, I think there is something to be said about the fact that Lukaku seems to do better when Baines is on the field too.

And also, with Jags out, I would expect Baines is our captain the next few weeks too...

This with bells on. Oviedo has been much better than we could have hoped for and Pienaar is going through a patch of indifferent form - he was largely anonymous when he came on today, poor against Sunderland and has created little for Lukaku in recent weeks.

I'd go with Baines at LB and Oviedo in LM, with the freedom to constantly swap back and forth. Let Pienaar have a couple of twenty-minute sub appearances running at tiring defenders to get him back on form.

 

[Coach]

We improved dramatically when Peienaar came on. Watching it live, Baines and Oviedo was nowhere near as effective. The shape of the team and the movement was much worse. Maybe it was a tactical instruction but it didn't work compared to when Pienaar was playing.

For the record, Baines first but as the person who stared the Oviedo thread I think he is a great replacement if needed.

 

[Zatara]

Which helps Martinez more;

A-- Having Baines and Oviedo in the squad and playing one out of position or on the bench?

B-- Selling Oviedo and strengthening another area?

C-- Selling Baines and strengthening another area?

D-- Go all out for champions league and selling Baines after the world cup?


For me, it is either C or D.

1-- Can Garbutt/Distin/Barry cover oviedo if he is out?

2-- Can we strengthen considerably with the funds in other areas?

Yes to both. Bruno martins Indi could be signed AND/OR a left midfielder/left sided central midfielder in January + we would have a pot for a striker.

For me, business sense says baines should be sold.

 

[ilikecheese]

We really need a knee jerk gif here...

So many silly knee jerkers on this bloody forum. Baines is the starter...hands down, no doubt about it. Oviedo has done excellent, and proved that he defo good enough for us (remember lads, up until a month ago, we had no idea if he was even good enough).

I blame the British tabloid press for the knee jerking mentality that so many of you have. Let's just enjoy the fact that we have arguably the best left back in the world, and we have now found out we have excellent cover for him as well. It's a good problem to have.

 

[toffeestillidie]

what a fantastic problem to have

 

[Yeldah]

Oviedo has been outstanding since he came into the side and for me, it would be a SLAP IN HIS FACE if he is dropped for Baines, who has, in all honesty, been distinctly average this season, and was even more so yesterday...there, I said it...sue me...

 

[Hibbo]

Oviedo has been outstanding since he came into the side and for me, it would be a SLAP IN HIS FACE if he is dropped for Baines, who has, in all honesty, been distinctly average this season, and was even more so yesterday...there, I said it...sue me...

Court order in the mail.

 

[ScouseBlueBoy]

Baines every time for me. I don't want him to be sold. Bryan has done a brilliant job - but what if he goes Jelavic on us?

 

[ilikecheese]

Oviedo has been outstanding since he came into the side and for me, it would be a SLAP IN HIS FACE if he is dropped for Baines, who has, in all honesty, been distinctly average this season, and was even more so yesterday...there, I said it...sue me...

You < Muppet

 

[Gwladys St. Glory]

Who was that duo that started off the break to get the game-winning goal yesterday...oh, right.

 

[AaronTheBlue]

Oviedo right wing baines left back.

 

[Yeldah]

You < Muppet

Really Mr Cheese; my opinion...