GazzlarrGoesHuge

I wouldn't worry about his current form, as it appears to me that it's all a matter of confidence. On stats from last season and this season so far it's clear he's just not going about the game with the same conviction, seeming hesitant when it matters. Average shots per game has fallen from 3.1 to 2.5 roughly a seventh reduction, aerials won form 7.9 to 6.9, however his offsides are decreasing dramatically and key passes are on the up, his general positioning seems fine, perhaps he's not gambling as much but his overall play, (Target/hold up) I believe is getting better. We've seen he has the ability to produce something spectacular from little opportunity, and at times playing for villa it's the only way, you don't loose that ability overnight, the key thing (determination) is still there, he's lost some composure in-front of goal, he's taking the extra touch, apprehension! It will pass. Hopefully sooner rather than later!

I agree we probably won't change anything for now, but for me I firmly believe, Baker and Okore to be our best central defensive pairing, and I hope to see this materialise throughout the season, I will admit I'm not a huge fan of Vlaar, for someone dubbed with leadership skills, he doesn't strike me as a leader of men, and I find his apparent (not that i'm sure i agree) inability to play at LCB disturbing, his inability to adapt is ridiculous. I just believe he could be much more commanding of the area, and a lot more vocal if it's his experience were to utilise, Chelsea's pace in the final third could tear apart the wooden approach Vlaar boasts, but i agree Sylla>KEA any day of the week his grit, determination and defensive prowess would prove vital against Chelsea.

Are we not all villa fans here, what's with the pessimism, sure Chelsea ran rings around hull on Sunday, but did you not notice the space they were given, we have a much younger, energetic team, sure the Chelsea team posses some pure class, but we can easily get in amongst the quick passing, force them into dead ends and utilise our youthful strength, admittedly I fear Vlaar's lack of pace and think we need to give Okore a start, I know we've got the ability up front to break them down, especially if Agbonlahor puts in another blistering performance, besides the last game we played against Chelsea I believe we deserved to win, and thought we looked to do so until Benteke got sent of, still 2-1 was hardly a pounding, and an interesting fact for you; Jose Mourinho has won none of his last four Premier League matches against Aston Villa, three ending in draws and the other a villa victory, so we get in amongst them tonight, make not silly mistakes and I truly believe a 2-1 villa victory is on the cards!!!!

Hello all, I'm Garrick from Stourbridge, only 19 years of age, but an avid villa fan nevertheless, often travel to villa park to watch games particularly cup, and when possible european matches, in particular part of the crowd that roared villa on to victory against ajax back in 2008. I am excited for the season ahead, with great management and exuberance from the youth, I strongly believe we can be top ten contenders, this is a start of a new era, one where I see villa returning to their european status, and I want to be here from the off, doing all I can behind the scenes (these forums) to rally the troops!