Saving Ledley King

[vegassd]

Let's presume that we will take 3 points off a relegated Burnely - not a given, but close considering recent form, overall class and lack of purpose for them.

Taking 3 points against Bolton means we will finish above Villa and Liverpool no matter what, barring a goal-fest from Villa which won't happen.

It also means that City have to take 7 points from 3 games, including beating us, whilst maintaining at least the same goal difference against Villa and West Ham as we do against Bolton and Burnley.

There are endless permutations, but no matter how you look at it our next game is the most important so let's play our best team, go and get the 3 points, then see if anyone else in the league does us a favour.

COYS.

 

[gibbs131]

Best starting 11
Every game
Rest of season

 

[Pinto]

Best starting 11
Every game
Rest of season

For once me and Gibbs agree. mg:

King could just as easily get hurt in warm ups for the City match and then we don't see him again this season. For me whenever King is healthy he starts, 3 points are crucial and we can't take Bolton for granted.

 

[Mornstar]

It's a bloody good question and a decision I am glad I don't have to make! I am sure Harry will make the right one.

For what its worth, I would save him for City. Could be a good poll question?

Cheers, have some rep:dance:

 

[nickspurs]

Yep, big dilemma indeed.

I have to go with the big picture argument. I think Daws and Bassong can handle Bolton. Given Ledley would be out against Citeh if he plays against Bolton then I say save him.

Don't get me wrong, it could backfire but I am all about the strategy and that's the risk I'd take.

 

[Spurger King]

I'd prefer him to play against Bolton and Burnley. Obviously the Man City game is huge, but the Bolton/Burnley matches are the sort we could lose or draw through inexperience, when experience radiates from Ledley.

I still think we can beat them without him, but I wouldn't take any chances, especially if there is any possibility of getting complacent.

And besides...Dawson and Bassong would be mere spectators against Man City, as we'll be too busy knocking them in at the other end...

 

[Spurz]

just get him to play all 3 and retire a hero

 

[bubble07]

Its a toughie. Logic would say play him for City but if we can get 2 more games out of him why not Bolton and Burnley

This season he has started 16 league games when the aim was 25. If it wasn't fr that thigh injury he picked up in Feb..

 

[WexfordTownSpur]

Isn't Kevin Davies perfect for Dawson to play against? All those high balls for him to compete with, not quick and tricky, plays to all Dawson's strong points:shrug: It 'yes' then save Ledley for the Citeh game as Burnley don't have much goal threat.

Dawson is great with slow high balls, but Davies's movement will cause Dawson a problems for sure. King has a better brain and movement.

HOWEVER, I think the biggest game, the one that has most potential for a loss is the City game, so I guess we will have to have him fit for that - Unfortunately we just can't have him for city and another game.