Solid back four...

[Ryan]

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

Exactly.

A free transfer who's never kicked a ball in the Premiership, and he should automatically be brought straight back into our back 4?

Rubbish.

Johnny Riise's a smashing defender, who's always given us great service, plenty of goals, and was an integral part of our very solid back four last season.

He does not deserved to be replaced.

[Shaggy]

Exactly.

A free transfer who's never kicked a ball in the Premiership, and he should automatically be brought straight back into our back 4?

Rubbish.

Johnny Riise's a smashing defender, who's always given us great service, plenty of goals, and was an integral part of our very solid back four last season.

He does not deserved to be replaced.

You're right insofar as Aurelio will have to earn his place in the side and shouldn't walk straight into the side at Riise's expense.

That said, I don't think Riise is quite good enough at the highest level. He's one of our very worst offenders for hoofing the ball aimlessly and while he can run all day and has a tremendous engine, he's painfully one paced and even more painfully one footed. His total lack of a right foot is utterly frustrating and frankly a bit shameful on Riise's part.

Credit to him though - last season was probably his best for us and Rafa seemed to get the best out of him. At the time of Houllier's departure, I probably would have had him sold.

[Le Chacal]

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

Rafa's convictions are very clear: Riise is our number one LB.

[Bob]

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

Zenden has been earmarked for Didi's previous role at the club.

You'll find several quotes from rafa on this on the web somewhere.

I have to say i think he's more suited out wide though who am i to argue against the great man!!

[dww]

I think that he is better in the middle. He did alright for us on the left in the couple of matches he filled in but I still remember his failure at Chelsea. He was good for Boro though.

I think Warnock might get a chance against Sheffield at left mid (unless Harry is fit).

[Bob]

Exactly.

A free transfer who's never kicked a ball in the Premiership, and he should automatically be brought straight back into our back 4?

Rubbish.

Johnny Riise's a smashing defender, who's always given us great service, plenty of goals, and was an integral part of our very solid back four last season.

He does not deserved to be replaced.

The stats from last season prove we were our most effective when Riise was at the back. However that is probably more of an indictment of our cover! Technically Aurellio is a better player, and once he's blooded into our game i expect him to be our first choice LB. Yes, i watch a lot of Aurellio - Sky offer good coverage of spanish football (Ryan - hint ). This is all my humble opinion and although Riise is not perfect he's certainly a very good player who i feel will play a big part in our future whether at LB or LM!