Keep Baines as Oviedo back up?

[Gwladys St. Glory]

Is that before or after hes sold in Jan?

Shut up, Pizza the Hutt...

 

[Brennan]

Oviedo can't be dropped the way he's playing, it's as simple as that. If Baines walked back into the starting eleven, then it'd be a return to the bad old days of David Moyes IMO; where favourites were picked every week, every year regardless of form and, often, actual footballing talent - see Phil Neville for details.

It won't happen though thankfully. If Oviedo is playing like this when Baines is fit, then he'll stay in the team.

Baines is the better player, it has nothing to do with David Moyes really.

 

[johnnydawg68]

Baines is the better player obviously. The only thing you would need to consider at some point is if he really does want to leave for United, would we be better off with the 20 million to spend elsewhere and Oviedo at left back.

It's a question that was unthinkable a month ago.

 

[Brennan]

Baines is the better player obviously. The only thing you would need to consider at some point is if he really does want to leave for United, would we be better off with the 20 million to spend elsewhere and Oviedo at left back.

It's a question that was unthinkable a month ago.

The answer to that question is yes, imo.

We need to stop worrying about what Lukaku might do and start looking for another striker to sign instead. If Lukaku decides he wants to stay another year then it's a bonus, but we shouldn't be pinning our hopes for next season on a loanee.

To do that, we need cash. With United in the mire we might be able to get a big fee for him, and with him being 29 in a few days it could be our last chance to do so.

 

[Del]

Baines is obviously the better player but his form this season has been very average

If he gets to full fitness and walks back into the team with Oviedo playing so well then it sends the wrong message to the other players on the fringe of the squad

You play well you keep your place, Play in form players

 

[sageyefc]

No player has the devine right to play.

Oviedo has contributed more in the time hes played than what baines has this season.

Then again baines might come back like his old self having had a rest and a little kick up the arse from good competition.

Its boss having so many good player for each position

 

[ford_uk]

Play them both ?

 

[Woolly Blue]

I think over Christmas we'll need to rotate players so might see Baines or Oviedo doing a shift in the wide left position.

Spot on that. The beauty of Bryan's form in the last few games is that he's shown he's more than up to the task in the first team. Baines, when fit, will be first choice but Martinez is now 100% sure that he can rotate at left back and gives Baines a rest now and then.

 

[paulbefc]

Stunned at how well Oviedo's done.

Someone linked the Arsenal forum before and he was even singled out for praise there. I didn't think he had the build for the English game and didn't think he had any real outstanding assets as, to be fair, he hadn't shown them. Talk about hitting the ground running though, bloody hell.

Not a patch on Baines, atm, but a good little player that fits our style.

 

[zebedee]

on reflection this injury and oviedo playing so well should clear the mist. he hasnt been our bainsey for a couple of games. played well dont get me wrong but bearing in mind the lad hasnt had a rest to reflect on things. if i were him sitting at old trafford wednesday night would have had a huge impact on me kinda looking at a crystal ball. If ginger nuts stays hes guarenteed a starting line up tbph that aint gonna happen (not another hate campaign) theyre a business now not a football club.

 

[Groucho]

Or rather, we've a great left side pairing if Baines is back as LB and Oviedo plays left wing, with Pienaar in a more central role.

Or options?

 

[Fensta]

The only thing Oviedo doesn't have over Baines is scoring beautiful free kicks, without Baines we woulda lost to West Ham for example. As good as Oviedo is, i'd rather play Leighton just in case we need a 25 yard belter to scrape a result in a tight game.

 

[CahillsCornerFlag]

If I was Roberto I'd be saying to Baines right now, either sign a new contract or we'll let you go in January to United. If you really want to go and play for a team on the decline then that's fine as we have a more than capable replacement already in Oviedo.

Reckon Leighton's head has been turned and as brilliant a player as he is, and as much as I love him, if his head isn't in it then play hardball with the lad. Nobody is bigger than the club.

 

[Brennan]

Or rather, we've a great left side pairing if Baines is back as LB and Oviedo plays left wing, with Pienaar in a more central role.

Or options?

Don't think Oviedo is a winger mate tbh.

 

[TX Bill]

Baines will be back in his starting role when healthy. Oviedo will give him a break from time to time but will also see time at left mid when needed.