Baines targets return against Aston Villa

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I have hopes that Pienaar can come back into the team at some point, but maybe, long-term, it's Cleverley that could provide Baines with that much needed support down the left.

Also, I sincerely hope Baines has been practicing his set pieces while he's been getting back to fitness. He went from world class to abysmal in the space of 12 months. In his absence, I can count on one hand the number of times Barkley has beaten the first man with his corners. Such a basic skill that we seemingly neglect.

Come on Bainsy! Back to your best please!

He is a big lad so should be trying to get on the end of them.

Baines should get back in if Galloway has a dip in form or is unavailable for whatever reason; not before.

I'd like to think it could become part of his game when necessary but I certainly wouldn't be wasting his talents by throwing balls into the box at him. Have you seen him in our own box for corners?

Interesting to note that Funes Mori was converted to centre-back during his three academy years with River Plate. His original position was defensive central midfielder where he scored goals and started counter attacks.

Playing DM for his Championship winning College team, they won 12 out of 13 and he scored 14 goals with 17 assists.

We will then have somebody who can take free kicks around the 18-yard box.

Howard
Coleman, Stones, Galloway, Baines
McCarthy, Funes Mori
Deulofeu, Barkley, Kone
Lukaku

Although, I'd really like to see this:

Howard
Coleman, Stones, Galloway, Baines
Funes Mori (or McCarthy or Barry)
Deulofeu, Barkley, Mirallas
Lukaku, Kone

Pretty sure Roberto said the latest injury was caused by Leighton being kicked right on the surgically-repaired part of his ankle. It's part and parcel to get your ankles kicked. It's going to happen again, without a doubt. His straight-line speed, cutting, and free kicks will all be affected.

Combined with all the miles on his legs at his age, I think Baines's time as one of the best LBs in Europe has passed.

Re Funes Mori, I don't see him as midfielder, but as the Jags replacement – he's a genuine left-sided player whereas neither Jags nor Stones are, and his distribution is much better than Jagielka's, who I believe is still of value to the club.

Galloway is a bonus but he's really a CB, Garbutt has potential, but still, in the long term, unproven. Oviedo was bought as a Baines replacement, but due to injury may never hit the heights he once did.

Short version; the LB position is not as well covered as we thought it was.

With two great young left backs (Galloway and Garbutt) ready to step up I'd love to see Bainesy and Oviedo getting a chance in MF. Be brave Roberto.

Some truly bizarre opinions on here like playing Galloway at right back, the lad can barely stand on his right foot let alone use it! A promising defender, of that I've no doubt... but he is still a long way off being a regular starter. He was startled by West Ham and Man City before that.

Oviedo would've been the natural sub for Bainesy but that wasn't to be. Still, I think young Brendan has been magnificent and he has a great career ahead of him.

I saw him a lot in the U21s last year and picked him out as the next to break into the first-team as he looked a class above the rest, and that was playing mainly in the centre of defence. It will be interesting to see which position he ends up in as he still has a lot to learn and will develop physically.

Funes Mori is getting better and I am sure he will form a good partnership with Stones as the season progresses.