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Rotating the CB pairing

marion52

Well-Known Member
Dec 10, 2006
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Something we've done quite often, anyone remember King? He couldn't play 3 games in a week so the the CB's always being changed/rotated or whatever you want to call it long before AVB. Sometimes think these pundits just have to find something to be critical of.
 

Pringle

Well-Known Member
Dec 25, 2006
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Something we've done quite often, anyone remember King? He couldn't play 3 games in a week so the the CB's always being changed/rotated or whatever you want to call it long before AVB. Sometimes think these pundits just have to find something to be critical of.

Not to this extent though - last year we had so many injuries that we had to do it but this year it seems its much more out of choice
 

Harry_Snatch

Well-Known Member
Jul 16, 2009
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I think rotating centre backs is risky, but Gallas can't play twice in 3 days anymore, so it's needed I guess. I'd hope that when Kaboom is back fit its just him and Vertonghen and they are kept together to form a partnership.

This. A partnership of Vertonghen and Kaboul has absolutely everything if they click.
I am all for rotating if it makes sense. I think we got away with it a bit today because Dawson gave away some silly free kicks but the combo of him and Caulker still did a great job of limiting Sunderlands chances.
Last season, we seemed to burn out but I'm not convinced that wasn't just running out of ideas. On this point I actually think Modric was overrated.
Anyway the only player that could be in danger of burning out at this stage is Sandro. He goes hell for leather 90mins of every game and plays every game. I guess he's ok with it and it would b e very tough to break up that midfield partnership but hopefully Parker starts a few of the Europa and FA cup games.
 

chadders

Active Member
Mar 21, 2009
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You pick your players to win the individual battles. AVB has done it well using Daws against physical strikers & gallas against quicker players, not because he is quick but he reads the game well (or he used too). Effective management.
 

Pringle

Well-Known Member
Dec 25, 2006
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Unsure why Chris Scottspur has just dumbed my opening post (question) in this thread?
Not a single post to your name and the first thing you do after joining is dumb a member for asking for peoples opinions? hmmmm - someones gonna get on well in here lol
 

mark87

Well-Known Member
Nov 29, 2004
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Rotation is vital to keep the players in top condition, as long as the rotation isn't every game. Our goalkeeper needs to have a general first choice CB pairing to get used to playing behind them, when Kaboul is back I expect him and Verts to be the first choice, I'd then want Caulker as 3rd and Gallas and Dawson fighting for 4th.
 
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