Who is best option to play in Fernandinho's position?

[Blue Til Death]

I think Otto would be ok in that role or even Stones if his form had not dropped off, too risky while he is off the pace..!

 

[lozzers8]

Fernandinho could even be fit for Sunday's game with Chelsea. [@StuBrennanMEN]

 

[Charlie Chuck]

Stick him on the bench against Arsenal and see if he can pick up a yellow by abusing the fourth official. Take the suspension while he's injured.

Lol. It sounds like a plan.

 

[Eds]

Ferny is one booking away from a two game ban so he needs to avoid picking up a booking in the next five matches (CL game doesn't count). We play Arsenal, Chelsea, Stoke, Everton and then the rags before the cut off point. He misses Arsenal and I suspect he will miss Chelsea. Booked against Stoke he misses Everton and the derby. Booked against Everton he misses the derby and Spurs and booked against the rags he misses Spurs and Swansea. Can he go until after the derby without a card - has he gone four games (as he misses Arsenal) without a card this season?

 

[west didsblue]

Plenty of options. Delph is the obvious answer but until he's back Gundogan would do a job there. It was Vinny's position under Hughes so I'm sure he could fill in if necessary as could Stones. It would be a waste playing KDB there because we'd lose creativity further forward when playing against packed defences.

 

[citizenyank76]

Probably Ilkay but I worry he may be a little guy shy. Man I wish Delph wasn't suspended.

 

[St.Pauli support]

Ferny is one booking away from a two game ban so he needs to avoid picking up a booking in the next five matches (CL game doesn't count). We play Arsenal, Chelsea, Stoke, Everton and then the rags before the cut off point. He misses Arsenal and I suspect he will miss Chelsea. Booked against Stoke he misses Everton and the derby. Booked against Everton he misses the derby and Spurs and booked against the rags he misses Spurs and Swansea. Can he go until after the derby without a card - has he gone four games (as he misses Arsenal) without a card this season?

7 league matches in a row from 29 November till 27 December.

 

[Eds]

7 league matches in a row from 29 November till 27 December.

Cheers - so it is feasible he can go without a yellow until after the derby

 

[CityInWashingtonState]

In order of preference assuming available to play: Delph, Danilo, KDB (KDB would likely be best in the position but I'd rather see him play further forward in a more offensive role).

Kompany if he weren't so fragile would perhaps do well in the pivot.

Beyond that - I don't trust Stones/Otters and especially Laporte to hold - too slow or much too slow.

Maybe Zinchenko played out of position?
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At any rate - the loss of Fernandinho is not a small matter - we have no really good replacement for him in our squad IMO; we'll cope with his absence, but our side will be weaker for it.

 

[The Lightbowne Cowboy]

I fully expected that to be his position when we signed him.

Vinny swapped the other way and became our greatest ever centre back.. I can't see anything not to like about my excellent recommendation on Stones. Ha ha CTID