Solid back four...

[Ryan]

Finnan----Sami---Carra---Riise

That was one of the best back fours in Europe last season, I see no reason to change it, despite the promise shown in glimpses by Paletta, Aurelio and Agger.

First game of the season away to Sheffiled United, that should be our back four - Agreed???...

[Harv]

unless injuries have a bearing, then yes! that should be the starting back four.

there is two spots up for grabs though.

LB: Riise should start instead of Aurelio, but i would expect Aurelio to have taken his place in the starting eleven.

CB: If Paletta continues to impress Sami's position would be under threat, but it would be unlikely that Rafa would throw Paletta straight in. Agger also has some say in this...he impressed me last season when he played, he just has to get fit.

One things for certain! Our back four looks very very tight.

[Rich]

I'd have Riise starting in ahead of Aurelio against Sheff Utd, even if Aurelio is fit. The reason is that I can see Sheff Utd turning up to battle and fight their way to the victory - we need our strongest and most aggressive players out on that pitch to fight fire with fire.

Keep Aurelio for some of the easier games, until he gets to grips with the pace of the English game.

[Harv]

sorry i meant he would of taken Riise's place by the end of the season

[Peter Delvechio]

I'd be very surprised if that's not the starting back 4 and the back 4 that plays most of the games this season.

[Maestro]

Finnan----Sami---Carra---Riise

That was one of the best back fours in Europe last season, I see no reason to change it, despite the promise shown in glimpses by Paletta, Aurelio and Agger.

First game of the season away to Sheffiled United, that should be our back four - Agreed???...

I'd agree with that -it ain't broke, so no need to fix anything. The back four know that we have solid players who can replace them if their performance is not up to standard, and the new guys know they'll have a job getting into our team - it's great ... we now have real quality in depth, and hungry players which is crucial for a top team.

[Rich]

True about the Strength in depth - not many teams can call upon a second XI back four of:

Kromkamp (Dutch International) - Paletta (Soon to be called up?!) - Agger (Danish International) - Aurelio (International 'quality', he is Brazilian after all!!)

[dww]

I'd be very surprised if that's not the starting back 4 and the back 4 that plays most of the games this season.

I think if he is fit Aurelio will probably end up as first choice left back. I think that while Riise has improved defensively he gives the ball away and the added passing skill of Aurelio will in the end be Rafas favoured option.

I agree that Riise should play against Sheffield though.

[Ryan]

I'd be very surprised if that's not the starting back 4 and the back 4 that plays most of the games this season.

Exactly Peter.

[Shaggy]

Finnan----Sami---Carra---Riise

That was one of the best back fours in Europe last season, I see no reason to change it, despite the promise shown in glimpses by Paletta, Aurelio and Agger.

First game of the season away to Sheffiled United, that should be our back four - Agreed???...

Agreed, although ideally Aurelio will replace Riise in the long term as I don't think JAR is good enough at the very highest level. In the longer term, Sami will obviously need replacing and we have Agger and/or Paletta to step in. Nice.

[Rich]

I still think that Sami is going to be around for at least the next 2 years, maybe longer. He is still easly one of the best headers of the ball in the Premiership, and I don't think we have anybody at the moment that can match Hyypia for his aerial powers.

Also, he might get slower as he gets older, but he's never been fast, so it wont effect his play too much.

Rafa proved with his time at Valencia that age ain't nothing but a number, with the back 4 he picked time and time again....

[MrMichael]

Considering the achievements of that back line last year I think it would be foolish for Rafa to mess with it for the start of the season. The first few league games are often so crucial in setting the tone for the whole season, and we must start quicker than we did last season to really be in with a genuine shout. Looking at our urchases so far this summer I think the only 2 in with a real chance of starting the first few games (injuies allowing) are Pannant and Bellamy, the 2 players with Prem experience. In the long term Aurelio may well push JAR for his place, and Agger or Paletta will definately replace Sami in time, but I doubt that time is yet.

Our backup defence of Kronkamp - Paletta - Agger - Aurelio looks to have a lot more strength and potential to push for first team spots than anything we've had for time, but on the basis of last year the back four ain't yet broke, so I wouldn't fix it at all

[Ryan]

i really do have my concerns about Agger.

There's just something not quite *right* about it, and I can't put my finger on it...

[Rich]

Might have something to do with the fact he *still* doesn't have his picture on the offal site......

[Peter Delvechio]

I'm worried about him too and he wasn't cheap.

It's so quiet that it's almost like he never signed at all.