wliucci:

not even a question. if everyone is fit it will always be Rio and Vidic and will be so for at least the next 2 years. Youth is nice but in defensive positions experience and proven quality is always the priority

At least the next two years? Rio will be 36 when that happen, not a chance we will see a partnership of a 36 and 33 year old anywhere on the pitch, let alone center defence where they play the majority of the games.

not even a question. if everyone is fit it will always be Rio and Vidic and will be so for at least the next 2 years. Youth is nice but in defensive positions experience and proven quality is always the priority

Vidic and Evans, without a doubt. Rio played well last season, and will be valuable in europe, but I'd rather see Jones and Smalling push harder for those places. Though I can see them both starting quite a few games in midfield (Jones) and right back (Smalling) next season. It won't be a permanent thing for them, as they're natural centre backs, but are at an age where it's good for their development to add some versatility.

Vidic, if he's fit enough anyway, and Evans. Things will be rotated though so everyone will get there share of games.

Evans and Rio. Don't think Vidic would be ready.

Vidic and Evans/Smalling for me.....

No way that Rio can play week in week out. Vidic + Rio will be primarily used in key games or away games, with Evans and Smalling on rotation.

Rio and Evans, Vidic eased back in.

rio and vidic. Both are still head and shoulders above the other defenders. Thats if rio doesnt get banned by FA for you know what!

vidic and rio ... smalling as backup, then evans.

mvg17reddevil:

Undoubtedly Vida and Evans for me. I know 90 % of the people here hate Evans (choose to remember his 1 bad game while forgetting 37 great ones) . But Vidic and Evans with Smalling and Jones playing back up would be great . I wish we sold Ferdinand , then again , people disagree (they choose to remember his 1 good game while forgetting 37 terrible ones and not to mention his annoying tweets while getting himself involved in controversies which have no connection to him- refusing to shake Suarez's hand when all the 9 players bar Evra did)

Vidic & Evans / Vidic & Smalling. Or we could keep it simple & opt for Vidic & Rio partnership.

The two who show the most and are in the best form.

Id go with Rio and Vidic as first choice CB's.

Smalling would be my choice if one of those guys are injured or playing bad. Smalling really impressed me towards the end of the season, apart from that goal against City he was solid, hes the CB that should be replacing Rio in the very near future.

I like Evans, however i just feel those guys are the better options. As for Jones im not sure he will be a CB and if he is going to be it wont be this year, perhaps something will change but for now....

Difficult! I think there will obviously be rotation but it depends on what type of game it is. The best natural pairing when fully fit is still Rio & Vidic for me. Therr's styles compliment each other perfectly. This depends on how Vida's knee hold's up and Rio's back. You can't underestimate expierence in the centre back position and at 33 & 31 these 2 are far from finished. 1 issue i see with playing Rio & Vidic though is a lack of pace so if we want to push up and press the opposition they wouldn't be the best for that style cos the gaps behind them could then be exploited by a good counter attack with pacey players but there's no doubt they have a great understanding and were the best partnership for 2 or 3 years so if injury free i would say they could be 1st choice, Smalling & Evans the 2 replacements but as i say there will be rotation so they will all get games.

Smalling has to be there because he compliments either Vidic or Evans better than they do eachother.