Konchesky

I think the answer to both of those questions is: Probably not.

Konchesky didn't deserve to be dropped in the first place; he was playing alright, then lost it at Forest an picked up a 3-game ban. However, not deserving to be dropped doesn't necessarily equate to deserving to get straight back into the team. It was the same with Matty James earlier in the year: He picked up a suspension (far more unfortunate), Drinkwater and King played well, and he had to wait on the sidelines. Similarly, Liam Moore has played well all year, got a very unfortunate injury, then returns to Wasilewski looking very solid in defence. These players took their chance and good performances kept them in. I see no reason why it should be different with Schlupp.

However, there is another issue at hand here: We know what we're getting with Konchesky. He's signed up for another year, and I suspect he's well aware that he'll have a fight on for a starting spot next year and that we'll be looking to bring in another left back. For the management, this is a single, glorious opportunity to see how Schlupp fares in a prolonged period at left back. Even the games are useful: Ipswich at home, Charlton, Barnsley, Blackpool - none of whom are among the real promotion chasers. He'd get a tougher test at Blackburn away; if he comes through that we have Yeovil at home, then comes the big one at Burnley away: What a great opportunity to play someone like Schlupp for a decent stretch to see how he copes with what the division can throw at him. Moreover, what a chance to see whether we have a brand new left back within our ranks...

So far, the biggest accusation levelled at him is that he hasn't really been tested. Maybe so, but neither has he made any mistakes that have led to goalscoring chances for the opposition, and I think his positioning looks like it's come on massively - so much better than we've seen of him previously. He's mopped up several attacks very coolly and sensibly in the last three matches, and I think he deserves credit (rather than just attributing it to our recent general dominance over the opposition) that he's looked comfortable there. The fact is that he's done very well so far and hopefully this can give him confidence for the tougher games to come, where we have a chance to really find out his potential. It's a very good start though, and I hope he continues to play and keeps it up.

Pearson doesn't get in to the habit of changing a settled winning side so I'd expect Jeff to keep his place on Saturday.

Yep as per all of the above. Jeff should and will keep his place mainly because it's Blackpool at home.

The players will be buoyed by Burnley dropping points yesterday and we need another win to keep them at arms length for the big one on the 29th.

Konchesky is a regular 6.5-7/10 performer. He’s very consistent and, apart from the odd aberration (Forest away and was it Leeds away when he seemed to lose it completely?), you know exactly what you’re getting. As a manager it’s great if you’ve got a player who’ll give you a consistent performance week in, week out, which I guess is why Pearson has been selecting him.

The other side to the coin is that Konchesky is rarely an 8 or 9/10 player. He’s generally ok, but you never really expect him to go to that next level. He’s great in a side that is inconsistent and looking to build and consolidate because he’s a safe pair of hands. Whether he’s the right choice in a winning side that is moving forward is slightly less clear.

A big part of being a defender is experience and Jeff needs to gain that experience. I still feel he’s more likely to put in a 4/10 game than Konchesky, but also much more likely to give you a 9/10 game. This is the reason it’s exciting to watch him develop. He has potential whereas Konchesky is probably already playing to the limit of his.

In short in a side that is winning games regularly and has not conceded a goal since Jeff has been playing left back there seems every reason to keep him playing there and watch him develop. There seems little point in bringing Konch back until we need his steadying influence again and, considering the position we’re in, that hopefully won’t be for some time.

I hope you're all right. I agree that Schlupp has both te potential to have a weaker/stronger performance than Konch, but I prefer to have a top player who has off games rather than ok player all the time.

Let's hope that Jeff quickly develops in to a consistent 7+ performer so he can convince himself to give it a crack at left back in the prem.

No offence intended to Konch. He's been a good pro and steadying influence this year - exactly what we needed. But we're getting to the point where we need to start planning for a higher level (everything crossed) and I think Jeff has what it takes.

Go Jeff.

Well Konch is my man and Schlupp is defiantly going to get better. So NP will not change a winning team.
But don't write him off just because you dont like him.

For me Sclupps position should left wing IMO

I'd bring Konch back in. He's been there through most of the present amazing run, and shares the credit. If and when promotion is fully assured - that's the time to blood new talent.

Now I'm a fan of Konch, but there's no doubt in my mind that he will have to wait his turn to get back into the starting 11. Earlier in the season, when out with injury if I remember rightly, he had to wait for young Jeff to under perform. Matty James took a few games to get back in after serving his suspension for the Charlton red card, Liam Moore still can't get back in following his injury despite being MotM week in week out before hand.

Nigel picks his matchday 11 on form, not on reputation. Jeff is playing some super stuff, looking very accomplished at LB, and whilst that continues I'm afraid Konch will have to wait.

I'd guess it's likely that another of my 'mates', Lloyd Dyer will experience exactly the same in the next week or two as well.

What Fox in Leeds said; couldn't put it better

This policy of Pearson's has other benefits. Having seen James and Was come in, take there chance and stay in the team, gives Schlupp incentive to perform as he knows if he does well he stays in the team. He'll feel part of the squad and not just there to fill in in case of injuries or suspension. I think this is essential in keeping the team harmonious and together knowing that if given the chance and they take it they stay in the team. This will also keep the players in the team on their toes.