It was obvious that Salomon Rondon was not 100% fit at St. Mary’s last week.
But with another week of training under his belt Rafa Benitez could even start the Venezuelan International today as he looks for players who can score goals – so we have a chance of beating Watford today.
Rondon has been out for four weeks with a thigh problem and he is not match fit either, having hardly been available since he signed on loan at Newcastle in the final week of the summer transfer window.
Salomon Rondon in training – could start today?
Here’s what Rafa said yesterday about Rondon:
“There are two different things,” “You know – your physical fitness and your match fitness.”
“You can be training and be fit, and when you play it’s a different thing.”
“It’s so intense. How can you improve the match fitness? Playing games. If you’re asking me ‘is he better than last week?’. I hope so.”
“Is he ready to play 90 minutes? Maybe. Maybe not. The match fitness has to improve by playing games.”
“If you do not play him, he will not improve his match fitness.” “It’s quite difficult to find the balance.”
We wouldn’t be too surprised if Rafa starts Rondon today but we will have to wait and see.
We need as many players up front who can score goals for us today.
Comments welcome.
10 comments so far
Bladey
Nov 3, 2018 at 8:50 AM
Comment #1I know who will start as RAFA has just been kissing his arse and drooling over those 8 goals he scored last season i might add Perez
ASH OUT RAFA OUT
DubaiMicky
Nov 3, 2018 at 8:54 AM
Comment #2My ideal team:-
Dubravka
Yedlin Fernandes Lacelles Dummet
Ritchie Ki Shelvey Kenedy
Rondon
Muto
Sadly it will be more like:-
Dubravka
Yedlin Fernandes Lacelles Dummet
Ritchie Diame Shelvey Kenedy
Perez
Rondon
Mag52
Nov 3, 2018 at 8:55 AM
Comment #3From the comments Rafa makes, it is pretty clear that he is very much in touch with fans’ feelings and opinions about players, tactics, substitutions etc.
Wouldn’t at all surprise me if he didn’t check out this blog on a regular basis.
Novocastrian66
Nov 3, 2018 at 8:58 AM
Comment #4I’m not a fan of Perez. The lad has talent but all too often he is on the periphery of the game.
He had a purple patch at the end of last season however he was abject for the majority of it.
Munster Mag
Nov 3, 2018 at 8:58 AM
Comment #5I’d be very surprised to see rondon start but hopefully I’m wrong
lochinvar
Nov 3, 2018 at 8:58 AM
Comment #6BBC article this morning. The last sentence says it all. A damming Indictment of Del Boy. Even Baldrick had a plan albeit a dodgy one.
What is Mike Ashley’s game plan?
The founder of Sports Direct seems intent on taking over the UK’s High Streets.This week the businessman, who has a retail empire that spans budget sportswear and luxury fashion, added Evans Cycles to the High Street names in his sprawling and intertwined retail empire.The cycle chain came wrapped for a quick sale in a special arrangement which freed it of its debts. The price tag was just £8m for the cycle chain after it had been placed into administration.It followed the £90m deal by Sports Direct in August to buy House of Fraser, after the department store chain had been placed in administration.
Richard Hyman, a strategic adviser to retailers, said: “I don’t really think he’s got a strategy as such. He’s an opportunist.
Mag52
Nov 3, 2018 at 9:00 AM
Comment #7My team for today (note for Rafa):
Dubravka
Yedlin Lascelles Fernandez Dummett
Shelvey Ki Kenedy
Ritchie Rondon Muto.
HWTL – IRWT
giimps
Nov 3, 2018 at 9:03 AM
Comment #8I reckon Rafa might just play Rondon and Muto up top, rest Perez and maybe bring him on when Rondon tires.
I think though , the usual suspects will start, defensively we will be sound, we just need the midfield quartet to create the chances ala Man U game and hopefully, Muto and Rondon can click.
Watford are a decent side who we’ve struggled against in recent years, I’m hoping we can turn that around and get the win ……2-0
Mag52
Nov 3, 2018 at 9:04 AM
Comment #9Lochinvar.
It’s a bit like the way I play monopoly. Grab whatever you can while the going’s good.
Mag52
Nov 3, 2018 at 9:13 AM
Comment #10Gimps.
Yes. Perez on when Rondon tires, and in a striker’s role.
When he first joined us, he was played as a striker because, usual story, we had no one else, and he looked a bit lightweight but pretty good.
He scored some lovely goals for us in that position. He’s that much older and stronger now and could be useful in a striking role.