Who should start at cb at birmingham

[linkenholtroyal]

With a rejuvenated Ferdinand (which I fought I'd never say) keown hector mcshane all fighting for 2 places who do you think will start, I think hector and Ferdinand (btw I'm not adding cooper as he is Injured)

[tee peg]

Ferdinand and Hector.

[Pepe the Horseman]

McShane (c) and Hector.

[tidus_mi2]

With a rejuvenated Ferdinand (which I fought I'd never say) keown hector mcshane all fighting for 2 places who do you think will start, I think hector and Ferdinand (btw I'm not adding cooper as he is Injured)

Anyone who dismissed Ferdinand because of his injuries was being very short-sighted, he showed in his very brief playing time last season how much quality he still has.

[MoorgateRoyal]

It's difficult but it's a nice problem to have.

I think it will be McShane and Ferdinand with Keown on the bench, to allow Hector some more recovery time after playing in two tournaments this summer.

Throughout the season I think Hector and McShane will likely be the preferred partnership, but if Ferdinand or even Keown start well, it could be their shirt to lose.

It was a shame for Cooper to get injured at a bad time and he's probably been pushed further down the pecking order now. Perhaps he will be loaned out when he's fit?

[Pepe the Horseman]

With a rejuvenated Ferdinand (which I fought I'd never say) keown hector mcshane all fighting for 2 places who do you think will start, I think hector and Ferdinand (btw I'm not adding cooper as he is Injured)

Anyone who dismissed Ferdinand because of his injuries was being very short-sighted, he showed in his very brief playing time last season how much quality he still has.

He did look class in his cameo. But given that he only managed about 48 mins in the whole season, I don't think you can blame anyone for writing him off.

[tidus_mi2]

With a rejuvenated Ferdinand (which I fought I'd never say) keown hector mcshane all fighting for 2 places who do you think will start, I think hector and Ferdinand (btw I'm not adding cooper as he is Injured)

Anyone who dismissed Ferdinand because of his injuries was being very short-sighted, he showed in his very brief playing time last season how much quality he still has.

He did look class in his cameo. But given that he only managed about 48 mins in the whole season, I don't think you can blame anyone for writing him off.

It's fair enough to be concerned about whether he'll be the same player after a big injury like that, but people were already deciding he was rubbish when his brief cameo suggested quite the opposite.

[Pepe the Horseman]

Don't think anyone decided he was rubbish, they just assumed he'd never be fit enough to play.

[genome]

McShane and Hecs innit

[SCIAG]

Hector has to start if he's fit because of his form last season. I think he will be.

Ferdinand is probably the best central defender at the club and the most ready to play.

McShane probably isn't going to be fit and probably won't be first choice anyway.

Keown isn't really a centre back and isn't on the same level as those three yet.

[UpThePrem]

Maybe even go for a back 5 with Hec, McShane and Ferdinand which would allow Gunter and Obita to get forward more. Not sure if Clarke has ever used this formation though.

[MoorgateRoyal]

I don't know if I'm a fan of a back 5, but the game is always changing.

This has become more popular recently though, and would probably accommodate Gunter and Obita's abilities well.

[Maidenhead Royal]

The back 5 is a stretch IMO given Clarke wanted more width, but if he did, it'd probably be:

Hector Ferds Mcshane
Gunter. Obita

Mccleary Quinn Fosu

Sa Samuel/Pog

More probably a 442 without Mcshane and with Norwood or Williams.

[mikey0406]

Hector will need a break from a busy pre season and will not be rushed into starting, then I think your looking at Fredinand and one of either McShane if fit or Keown.

Been impressed with Keowns pre season and warrants a starting role on merit but needs to be nurtured into the first team and not rushed

Side issue on the captaincy, think it's Williams all day, natural leader on the pitch and good energy for others to follow

[Vision]

Can't really see Hecotr coming back into the squad. Clarke obviously rates McShane but unless he plays against Espanyol then it's very doubtful if Clarke will risk him for the opener (tho Clarke did make a point of saying how naturally fit he was as if he was paving the way.

Personally I've always subscribed to the view that the best individuals don't necessarily make the best partnership. I'd have no problem with Ferdinand and Keown starting and seeing how that goes whilst McShane and Hector get up to scatch.

[Jano]

5 at the back, Ferdinand as a sweeper, not heard that before

[John Smith]

Hector has to start if he's fit because of his form last season. I think he will be.

Ferdinand is probably the best central defender at the club and the most ready to play.

McShane probably isn't going to be fit and probably won't be first choice anyway.

Keown isn't really a centre back and isn't on the same level as those three yet.

Oh dear, you've done it again haven't you.

Anyone who thinks Anton Ferdinand has quality (and in this includes the major attribute for a centre back: concentration) is being extremely naive, and in the case of SCIAG, has their head firmly in the sand.

[MoorgateRoyal]

Hector has to start if he's fit because of his form last season. I think he will be.

Ferdinand is probably the best central defender at the club and the most ready to play.

McShane probably isn't going to be fit and probably won't be first choice anyway.

Keown isn't really a centre back and isn't on the same level as those three yet.

Oh dear, you've done it again haven't you.

Anyone who thinks Anton Ferdinand has quality (and in this includes the major attribute for a centre back: concentration) is being extremely naive, and in the case of SCIAG, has their head firmly in the sand.

He looks alright when he's fit. Add in his experience and he's a decent asset at this level.

[melonhead]

depends totally on hectors fitness/tiredness

Ferdinand and hector if fit and not tried
Ferdinand and mcshane if fit
Ferdinand and keown otherwise

[3points]

McShane and Ferdinand at CB, with Hector playing right back instead of Gunter