The Baines Gamble

David Moyes has stated publically that Leighton Baines is considered the best left back at Everton. However competition for starting spots in the Everton backline is fierce, and the things have been shaping up that Baines may not have gained a starting role. His smaller size seems to have counted against him as Lescott and Yobo are more robustly built, and these players seemed to be the favorites of the gaffer.

So Jakielka, Yobo, Neville and Lescott are the likely defensive starters; Everton are strongest with these four at the back.

Surrounded by a fully fit squad, things might not have looked good for our Bainesy. However, the recently broken toe of winger Steve Pienaar may yet turn Baines into FF gold.

For starters, Baines is cheap. At £5.0 million he is certainly one of the cheaper defenders. With both Pienaar and his fellow midfielder Cahill injured, Everton now face a midfielder crisis. One likely solution is that Moyes elects to play Baines at left mid. If this happens, Baines could be in for an absolute torrent of points in the first week.

Because Baines is listed in FF as a defender, he gets a Clean Sheet bonus should Everton shut out Blackburn on Saturday. If Moyes plays him as a midfielder, he is much more likely to score or be involved in assists. If he scores a goal, it is worth 6 points instead of 5 (for a midfielder) or 4 (for a striker). Basically, players listed as defenders but playing as midfielders are worht their weight in gold.

Blackburn have lost Brad Friedel and David Bentley, and Roque Santa Cruz suffered an Achilles injury during Blackburn's 4-2 friendly defeat at Wolves at the start of August. There is a possibility he may not be available for the season opener, which will make Blackburns tough task even tougher. Finally, Everton have home ground advantage. The bookies have Everton as clear favorites to win. Baines is between 8:1 and 14:1 to score a goal, and most bookies expect between 2 - 3 goals in the game.

There is a lot of "maybes" in this equation. But if Baines does play in the midfield, and Everton keep a clean sheet or Baines scores - or both! - then Baines owners could be in for a big dividend. All for a mere £5.0 million. Could be well worth a gamble.