Well why have a 25 man squad then???. It's up to the manager who he picks. If he did put a second string out there will be no re percussions as he hasn't done anything "wrong". He has selected 11 players to play out of his named 25 available.Villa could end up in hot water if they play a weakened team. Just imagine if the 3 points Burnley get are what sends Leeds down, how much money that would cost Leeds. Not only is it bringing the competition into disrepute they could face legal action as well. Like how Derby got threatened with legal action or the whole Tevez West Ham thing.
Besides isn't it in Gerrard's best interest to beat Burnley and finish the season higher up the table?
Besides isn't it in Gerrard's best interest to beat Burnley and finish the season higher up the table?
Surely he has to play his strongest side against Burnley and then see how the land lies for our game. Integrity of the league at stake. Also given that if results go their way they could finish 11th rather than 14th that could be worth a few million to the club which may go directly to a transfer kitty. Can't imagine Leeds and Neverton will be happy if he 'rests' those six players you mentioned. If you are those teams you are thinking that Burnley will lose to Villa and Newcastle, what you don't want them to do is pick up anything at Villa.Gerrard's press conferance was quite telling. Looks like Watkins/Ings, Mcginn, Mings, Martinez and Digne will be rested tomorrow.
Another shit show, just like Soton with their team selection. Clear as day they were in in talks with Klopp beforehand. No way were either team resting all those players if they knew the other team were full strength.
Hasn’t Pep said much the same when we’ve had games close to each other? Especially the bit about players needing to be readyGerrard said “Obviously, they’re going to be two different challenges, we know that, one fighting at the top-end of the league and one at the bottom. We need to prepare for both in the best way that we can.
“They’re coming within a short space of time so all of my players need to be ready because I’ll be very surprised if the team will be the same for both games.”
Why is he even talking about putting different teams out? he wouldn't usually do that one game after another. You can bet your house on which game he'll save the best players for.
But won’tSurely he has to play his strongest side against Burnley and then see how the land lies for our game. Integrity of the league at stake. Also given that if results go their way they could finish 11th rather than 14th that could be worth a few million to the club which may go directly to a transfer kitty. Can't imagine Leeds and Neverton will be happy if he 'rests' those six players you mentioned. If you are those teams you are thinking that Burnley will lose to Villa and Newcastle, what you don't want them to do is pick up anything at Villa.
EDIT: Checked and Watkins has started 31 PL games, McGinn 33, Mings 33, Martinez 35, Digne 14 but he was signed in January and Ings 22. So apart from Ings if the others are fit they play so to suddenly start resting them would, IMO, be somewhat odd and the media should be asking WTF is going on.