Solid back four...

[Ryan]

His 'Harry Kewell-like' persistently anonymous injuries concern me.

[LFCman]

I think the key here is depth. Riise is good but after him who? Traore and Warnock are not good enough so Aurelio adds depth and competition to the LB spot.

Same with Paletta and Agger.

[dww]

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.

I think due to Kewells constant niggles that the left mid position may well be up for grabs. I know you said injuries allowing but I think it is unlikely that Kewell will be fully fit wether injured or not.

[MrMichael]

I think due to Kewells constant niggles that the left mid position may well be up for grabs. I know you said injuries allowing but I think it is unlikely that Kewell will be fully fit wether injured or not.

True. I wouldn't be suprised if Zenden started there against Sheff U in that case (if he is fit). Or Risse with Warnock behind. We've played them under Rafa before haven't we and he knows they'll basically try to kick lumps out of us so I'm just not sure he'll start the first game with Gonzales, or Aurelio if he is fit. But then I'm almost invariably wrong about stuff like this, as you will find when we get to score prediction times

[stevenage_kop]

that would be my starting back 4. But its godd we are finally getting cover for defence if any1 is injured or suspended

[Infadel]

We can all give our opinions on what the back four should be or who should be in the starting line-up, but it's just that - opinions, and and not even informed opinions at that. Rafa will make the decisions based on how the players have trained, how fit/sharp they are and how they have adapted to his tactics.
Having said that, it's great that the season is nearly here and we can all say what we would do and who we would play! It's all about "opinions"!!

[LFCman]

We can all give our opinions on what the back four should be or who should be in the starting line-up, but it's just that - opinions, and and not even informed opinions at that. Rafa will make the decisions based on how the players have trained, how fit/sharp they are and how they have adapted to his tactics.
Having said that, it's great that the season is nearly here and we can all say what we would do and who we would play! It's all about "opinions"!!

Isn't that what a forum is for?

[calvoboy]

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???...

Definitely. It's nice to have proper cover in every position though, so that if you see that one of them are injured you're not going to the game thinking "oh ****e, it's traore at left-back again"!

If we can just sign another striker then we'll have two specialists for every position and lots of "possibilities"

[Hamstrung]

I think Aurelio will play more as a Left midfielder than left back, and that Sami will get rested a lot more than last season, just because he can be. That'll be the 1st choice for the majority of "big" games though, and the one that starts the season I should think.

[Infadel]

Isn't that what a forum is for?

Partly it is - it's also a place where you can post silly rhetorical questions!

[Le Chacal]

That will be our back four.

[Stevie M]

Absolutely no reason at this point that we should play anything other than our back four from last season. With Reina in nets and Alonso & Gerrard certain starters, the only question marks are wide midfield areas and upfront.

You'd think Bellamy's pretty certain to start with either Crouch or Fowler to partner him (if we don't sign anyone else). Current injuries may mean it's either Gonzalez or Zenden on the left.

The big decision is whether Pennant starts of the right or Sissoko starts in the centre... and I wouldn't like to predict that one just yet.

[Rich]

The more I think about it, the less I'd be surprised to see Alonso on the bench for the Sheff Utd game. With Zenden on the left, Sissoko and Gerrard in the middle and Pennant on the Right. Crouch and Bellamy starting up top.

[Gavzie]

Nope I dont agree

Aurelio if fit should start against Sheffield

I dont think Riise offers us anything special in defense and going forward he is ordinary considering the amount of ball he gets.

Rafa may go conservative however I think he will have the courage of his convictions if Fabio is fit

[Jack D Rips]

Nope I dont agree

Aurelio if fit should start against Sheffield

I dont think Riise offers us anything special in defense and going forward he is ordinary considering the amount of ball he gets.

Rafa may go conservative however I think he will have the courage of his convictions if Fabio is fit

And have you seen enough of Aurelio to convince you that he should play there?