Does fit-again Leighton Baines deserve to start for Everton at Swansea?

[toffeesnuggs]

No, I'd stick with Oviedo, to send a message to the rest of the team and squad that if you come into the team and play really well and don't make any mistakes, you get loyalty shown to you by the manager and get to keep your place.

Plus you can bring Baines back for either of the 2 home games. Use your squad as we're playing 4 league games in 11 days.

this ^ ^ ^

 

[sageyefc]

To be honest i cant see roberto rushing him back, he lets his players recover 100%.

And i think oviedo has been better than what baines has this season

 

[Deleted member 28206]

This is a difficult thread to see.

Confidence and form should ensure Oviedo stays in the side. He has the best LB in the world breathing down his neck.

 

[ANDYEFC95]

Baines was world class last season and oviedo didn't get a look in this year Baines got injured oviedo replaced him and been outstanding so far, so now its time for Baines to wait his chance until oviedo has a few bad games shame the position we have 2 quality players fighting for a place is lb and not up top

 

[Bungle]

Oviedo should keep his place

 

[wandyr79]

No offence to Oviedo but a fully fit Baines has to come back in, I do however think that we are in a great situation where we have a player that we know can deputise incredibly well so there is no need to rush and Martinez can slowly get him to full fitness for however many games it takes.

 

[Pat's Van]

Oviedo baby

 

[Furey1878]

Have Baines on the bench and start him in the FA Cup against QPR.

 

[Sheedy's Third]

Why rush him back? The lad is doing a great job .Save it for a home match but really I am torn , because Oviedo has been fantastic . It´s a good problem to have.

 

[bignev23]

Don't change a winning team.

 

[hudd101]

Don't think he's fully fit so I wouldn't risk him. Play Oviedo tomorrow and Thursday then Bainesy next Saturday.

 

[Khalekan]

No he should not start ahead of Bryan.

And short of Oviedo baby having an absolute 'mare in a gane, Baines should not be picked ahead of him until the transfer to Manchester United saga has been put to bed and he commits to us.

If and when Baines decides he wants to stay with us then I will revisit the question.

Until then......Oviedo bay-bay, Oviedo oh-oh-ohhhhh....

 

[Khalekan]

No offence to Oviedo but a fully fit Baines has to come back in, I do however think that we are in a great situation where we have a player that we know can deputise incredibly well so there is no need to rush and Martinez can slowly get him to full fitness for however many games it takes.

I would agree with that if Baines was sure to be staying here in January.

But he isn't.

So it's a no brainer......Oviedo appears to be the future so why run the risk of de-moralising the lad?

 

[Toffeelover]

That I think is a tough call for Roberto. With the lay off Leighton has had, is he fully match fit? For me on the bench with a view to bringing him on later in the game or start him and then rest him.

 

[paulbefc]

I want Baines back asap. We are a better side with him in the long-run, considerably. Oviedo's done well, but he's very unfortunate to have quite possibly the very best player in his position up against him.

If Baines is 100% ready and can do 90 mins, he goes back in for me.