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

[paulbefc]

No, is there any need for the insults. Again who would want Baines when arguabley only 2/3 years left in him.

I think he'll be quality into his 30s personally. Then when you take into account his personality, attitude and excellent injury record, he's a managers dream. I'm sure there'd be a lot of top clubs desperate to take him.

 

[Gwladys St. Glory]

Some laughable stuff in here...Oviedo was never bought as a replacement, first of all. Second, Leighton lost his spot because of injury, not form. The team, as a whole, was still getting used to the new system and I think that was affecting Leighton more than anything. Bryan's going to have to continue ripping it up to keep his place and rightly so.

 

[evilwebby]

It's not a question of who is most "deserving". We have to manage our resources to try get as many points as we can over the coming fixtures, and Baines' return from injury is going to play a big role in that. You do what is right to keep the squad a fresh as possible.

 

[evilwebby]

Ovideo keeps his place.

I think that he's been absolutely fantastic, and the team has adjusted well to the shift. Pienaar has noticeably improved now that the "Baines underlap" isn't the only play in town.

Baines will have to fight to get his place back, and I'd expect the same of any other player in such a situation. Nobody is bigger than the squad, no should be an automatic starter on the teamsheet.

 

[mawders]

No reason to change things. McCarthy in for Osman should be the only change, although it might be mccarthy in for barkley

 

[Shaun4658]

Think we should start Baines on Boxing Day now. Prior to the Swansea game, I def thought Oviedo should be kept in. Players on form should always start. However, watching Oviedo today, I saw signs he was tired.

Remember, up until very recently, he wasn't getting any game time and now he's played 4-5 games back to back and is looking a bit short of match fitness. So bring Baines in, help him get to match fitness again and rest Oviedo so he's fresh for us over the intense holiday period.

 

[WA Toffee]

It is going to be a really difficult decision for Martinez. I don't think there is any doubt that Baines is the better player, however, when your back up player comes in and performs the way Oviedo has for the past 5 games, it is very difficult to leave him out.

My guess is that Baines will be on the bench against Sunderland, and probably start against Southampton. Perhaps back to Oviedo for Stoke on New years day.

That way you ease Baines back in while also showing Oviedo that he deserves to start based on his perfrormances

 

[Khalekan]

I thought Oviedo was superb today.

In his five games he has played better than Baines did before he was injured.

There is no way he should be omitted at the moment nor do I think El Bob will omit him.

There is a sparkling vitality to hi play that sits very well with Bob's New Model Everton.

 

[deipnosophist]

Oviedo retains his place to start v Sunderland. probably introduce Baines with 20 to go. There's about 3 games in 10 days after that so opportunity for both in the immediate future.