[CKee]

Wonder why Rafa don't start Mascherano as often these days.
Back to the BPL... Hope Gerrard's injury is within 1-2 weeks.[/QUOTE]

I always wonder abt Rafa's team selection (@ certain times he reminds me of the great tinkerer at Chelsea, Claudio Ranieri). Admirer of Mascherano who reminds me of the tough tackling Souness but there is no strength in depth on certain key players. Torres without Gerrard and vice versa is like ice kachang without either the ice or kachang. And there is the constant groaning and moaning of the lack of a competent 2nd striker to support Torres. In a long season where players are subject to the rigours of the EPL, Champions League, international fixtures, playing in winter, some money making tours, etc. injuries will be sustained. With the possibility of Gerrard out in either the short or mid-term, whom is an able replacement to step up to the plate to support Torres??