A Rest For Finnan?

[blacky]

All this talk of squad rotation and keeping players fresh for the season but there's no sign of Finnan being included in this. Will he be rested against the Geordies or Spurs....................surely he will and if so who will replace him?

[Shaggy]

This is the problem innit. We hoped and prayed Finnan wouldn't get injured due to the lack of cover, but we didn't imagine a situation where he'd need resting - or dropping, as it used to be known.

Finnan has been very, very ponderous going forward so far this season and he's been way short of last season's standards, IMO. Imagine if we had the thrust, power, pace and aggression of Alves? Finnan has been exceptional over the last couple of seasons, but I still feel Benitez wants a bit more from his full backs and he'd replace him if he could.

He should play against the Barcodes though.

[blacky]

I'm just concerned that Rafa seems so eager to rest other important players but yet Finnan is overlooked. Damien Duff will be a big test for Finnan on Wednesday so maybe the game on Saturday at home to Spurs might be the time to slot Carra into RB and give Finnan a break. Rafa needs to be consistant in his squad rotation!!

[Shaggy]

As solid as he is, I really don't wanna see Carra playing full back. It's a waste of a top centre half and it would limit us going forward. It's got to be Finnan - unless he fancies reverting Momo to right back and thus solving the Gerrard problem at the same time. Stevie/Xabi in the middle with Momo at right back? He played him there for Valencia so it could be a possibility.

[blacky]

Don''t want to see Carra there myself but if he has to rest Finnan then options are limited. I heard Momo can play there but not sure what he would offer going forward!! Who doi we have playing RB in the reserves?

[Shaggy]

Lee Peltier isn't it? He didn't convince in the friendlies, although he's obviously very young and inexperienced.

Gerrard's a good right back.

[paulcooper4]

Lee Peltier isn't it? He didn't convince in the friendlies, although he's obviously very young and inexperienced.

Gerrard's a good right back.

steven derby

[ronan]

peltier played at wrexham didnt he but i dont think its his natural position.
imo i think finnan had built up a good relationship with sg last yr and they linked up well together, maybe hes struggling to know what who ever is playing on rm this yr is going to do .