WakefieldVillan

Speak for yourself, I more often than not just casually side-foot it with power into bottom corner. Easy. . Back to Keinan, he definitely isn't a "natural" finisher but as I have said before he has a lot of other attributes to his game. I would play him Wednesday and if he performs he stays in for Liverpool. Simples.

Assuming Jack isn't available for this, which would be a shame, I would go for the following; Steer Elmo Konsa Mings Targett Luiz Lansbury Hourihane El Ghazi Trezeguet Davis Subs; Heaton, Chester, Taylor, Nakamba, Kodjia, McGinn, Wesley. I think the team should be good enough to win but it won't be easy. Really want to win this game and I think it would be a huge confidence boost going into a real difficult game against the league leaders. Hopefully a bit of game time for Kodjia and Chester if we're in control, obviously these two are dependent on being totally fit. 2-1 Villa Ps Forgot about Hause, who will probably play, but I'd personally like to be stronger at the back and worry about the scousers at the weekend!

In before all the negative comments. I thought we did ok. They are obviously a class above but we competed for the full 90. Didn't let our heads drop and didn't fall apart a la Sputhampton. We are a work in progress, we are trying to play the right way and we are a completely different animal from the side that played under Bruce. I would have took a 3 - 0 defeat prior to kick off which may sound defeatist but let's be realistic. I'm actually a bit disappointed with the goals we conceded because all 3 were avoidable and Heaton hardly had a shot to save. The second goal I have watched over and over and still unsure whether it should be given, but for me, Sterling in an offside position and interfering with Heaton, who can't really dive until late. Let's support the boys, EVERY SINGLE ONE OF THEM, comments re Wesley and Guilbert are ridiculous, they both struggled but it wasnt due to lack of effort, Guilbert was up against the most in-form player in the league and didn't let his head drop. I do think it's time for Davis to have a run in the side as you can see the influence he had when he came on and I am embarrassed to hear the comments saying "yeah but he doesn't score" - though that can be a criticism he's got a lot more than that to his game. Luiz MOTM for me. Oh and fair play to the Villa fans at the game, singing out loud till the death, give me this club over theirs every day of the week!

Mate, its DAVIS !! Really not a difficult one

The problem for Lansbury is that he plays in a position where we are probably at our most strongest, if for instance he was a winger he would be featuring a lot more because we have players out wide who are far less consistent. I still think he has a part to play for us and I think it is harsh to suggest that he shouldn't be involved in one of the three upcoming games we have, which I believe will be the Wolves game. I think Luiz is more suited to City away and Liverpool at home where we probably will have a little less of the ball - but I see no harm in putting Henri in against Wolves, with a few other changes (not wholesale) and still progress into the next round as Wolves will be playing a weakened side too. One of the big plus points since Smith arrived is that we have a happy, bonding squad and long may it continue, giving squad players match minutes when possible is part of the good team spirit in my opinion.

Funny how people see things differently, I might be wrong and I hope I am, but I doubt we will have that much of the ball that we will be earning loads of free-kicks in dangerous positions. I like Conor and he has good attributes to his game which we benefit from in certain games, but he's a player that contributes more to the team when we have more possession and on the front-foot, I don't think this will be one of those games.

*Davis *Conor

@Teale's 'tache Yeah I see what you're saying regarding the full backs - I guess that's why I have chosen an extra centre half to give us a more solid look defensively but hopefully still give the full backs a bit of license to push forward (if possible) but even then I realise that we could get penned in too which would be a detriment to the team. I think Luiz over Hourihane is a no-brainer for this one, I think we will need his energy and tenacity and hopefully he will feel like he has a point to prove to Pep. It's a fascinating one for me what team Smith picks, what formation he goes for and how we approach it, bottom line is we will need all our team to have 9/10 performances and City to be under par to stand a chance - Just hope we do ourselves justice

I agree that it's more a case of picking our moments than "playing on the counter" and maybe I didn't word it correctly, but bottom line is they will dominate possession so for me our best chances will come from quick breakaways. Re; the fullbacks - I really can't see that happening to be honest, it's going to be a struggle for any of our full backs up against the likes of Sterling, Mahrez, B Silva ETC, but at least Guilbert and Targett are better on the ball. What team / formation would you pick out of interest?

Well, the one we have all been dreading, the Champions away from home, our form against them prior to them winning the lottery was abysmal and it will be difficult to see that changing on Saturday. I just hope that we can produce a positive performance and not be embarrassed a la when Watford turned up at the Etihad last month. Already seen contradictions on some posts above as to how we approach this game, IE pressing high at their weakened defence or parking the bus and to be honest let's face it which ever way we decide to play it is going to be extremely tough against better opposition. I personally feel that we need to do neither. I don't think we can go chasing their centre halves high up the pitch and leave huge gaps in front of the defence but also we can't just put eleven men behind the ball and try to contain for 90 minutes because we just haven't got the personnel to play that way, so for me we need to play to win, but to try have a bit more solidity. City always dominate possession and will do against us, but I think we can allow them knock it about in their half but then press in the right areas and try to hit them on the counter. Easy right?! I think we need to play an additional centre half and let the full backs bomb on - but only when the opportunity arises, which might not be too often to be fair, I think having pace in our side on the counter could also be crucial - IE Traore for Wolves tore City to shreds a fortnight ago, we need a similar performance and style to that of Wolves, very much doubt it will happen but I would be tempted to play Trezeguet up top and look to hurt them in behind. Whatever formation/team, we need to keep compact, fight like lions, support each other and what will be will be; Heaton Konsa Engels Mings Guilbert Targett Nakamba Luiz McGinn Grealish Wesley/Trezeguet Subs; Steer, Elmohamady, Lansbury, Hourihane, El Ghazi, Wesley/Trezeguet, Davis UTV

I think they may be feeling a bit like we did prior to the victories against Norwich and themselves to be honest - in the fact that their performances have merited more points than they actually have. They have lost away at Man City & Chelsea (no shock), lost to Southampton but played with 10 men for an hour and lost to us which even our gaffer said was harsh. The three draws they have had, they have been the better team, more chances, more possession ETC and have probably dropped 6 points in these games. I would envisage a league table finish between 12th -15th - similar to us IMO.

Bit harsh for me. I think he has decent attributes, strength, pace, brings others into play, probably needs a run of games like most strikers do to get his confidence up. Today, he was 50/50, a couple of times it didn't stick when played into him, but the turn and run on the half way line and the chest and strike in the box was very good, it's moments like that show he has some potential.

Never in doubt... But seriously, nothing quite beats a last minute winner does it?! Harsh on Brighton, I think a point was a fair result, they cut through us quite a few times, in both halves, which was quite worrying and I feel we had too many players a bit off their game this afternoon - we will play much better and lose games this season. Quickly running through the team, Heaton solid, both full backs hit and miss, centre halves never really came to terms with Maupay dropping off into space and they had too many chances for my liking; you could really see a Man City or Liverpool battering us if we perform to a similar standard. Our midfield shape was a bit all over the place, we never got to grips with our closing down (got better in second half with the extra man advantage) but Stephens was dropping deep and dictating play, we need to hunt in packs but we were doing it as individuals. Hourihane went missing (goal aside, sorry one-goal- yes **** you VAR), McGinn wasn't is usual self, El Ghazi weakest of the lot. Wesley needs to do more for sure. The subs I think contributed ok, two of them could have been match winners themselves. On to VAR - Well what can we say that hasn't already been said?! I personally detest it - it's killing football for me and the whole celebrations of a 'goal'! Scrap it, please. Finally, last word on the one that deserves it the most... JACK GREALISH... absolutely different class today, one goal one assist, gave the ball away twice at most, one of them occasions he ran 60 yards into his own box to win it back. Glides past players nonchalantly, it was like watching him in the Championship all over again, you can see that he's adjusting to life in the Premier League like we all know he could. All this in front of the England manager too, without doubt will be in the next England squad and deservedly so and when he gets his chance he will slot in with ease, well done Jack carried us today

Literally don't care what the result is on Sunday, hate both clubs with a passion, but probably edge towards hating Liverpool more (know more of their fans). A draw would probably be my least favourable outcome.

I think he proved at Norwich he is. Just one game I know, but I think you're being incredibly harsh to be honest.

Tickets arrived - can't wait for this one, should be an entertaining game with both sides in confident mood with fantastic results at the weekend. Same team as Norwich (Injuries aside) - I think 99% will agree with that! My (Liverpool supporting) mate just said to me we will win this 3-1 with Maupay scoring 1st goal for them - I have a feeling it will be a desmond with us behind, then in front, only to concede again. Hopefully he's right and I'm wrong. I think the key to victory will be our defensive display, we can't afford to be shipping in silly goals, cut out the mistakes we will be fine because going forward we have proved we have the tools to hurt teams.

I agree with this, I think a call up due to another player dropping out wouldn't make it quite as special for Jack and I think Southgate is aware of this too. However, if Jack keeps up with these latest level of performances I will be amazed if he isn't in the next England squad. Watched the Norwich highlights again last night and his goal just oozed class - driving past the centre half, laying the ball at the right time (may have tried slipping Wes in but was a harder ball, which may have been cut out), holding his position for the cut back then placing the ball with his weaker foot rather than lashing it - it was a thing of beauty (even though it was very simplistic) and for me shows one of the improvements in Jack's game.

I meant I was going off topic responding about the successful early 80's side, not you fella

Off topic, but I love hearing your views of our successful 81/82 side, I would give anything to witness something like that in my lifetime - I was only 4 or 5... Hopefully one day.... You also talk lots of sense on your posts With regards to Kodjia, will be nice to see him as an option from the bench, he is a different alternative to what we have, capable of real class moments, but can be frustrating to watch at the same time. Not sure how many years are left on his contract but I feel that this season might be his last in a Villa shirt (if we stay up more so). I think this has to be his time to kick on and prove his worth. Really hope he can.

I think that Smith has persisted with playing Wes to try not to knock his confidence totally, but I think we will see Davis start on Saturday and hopefully it will add something to our attacking play. As others have said, my only gripe too with the gaffer is the lack of options we have up top coming into the season, but we are not privy to what is going on behind the scenes and I am sure we were searching for other forwards but for whatever reason it didn't happen. Footballing wise we are trying to play the right way, despite surrendering possession (& ultimately leads) I don't think that is solely down to the manager, more so the belief of the players, OK maybe he could bring on a fresh pair of legs a little sooner, but that aside, not much to grumble at. I have seen and read comments with people slating his post match analysis, but for me he his quite honest in his assessment of games, which I like, he seems to be picking the side based on performances of players and players know that if they perform they will ultimately get a chance and if they do perform they keep the shirt. Quite simple really. I think the premier league quality has improved since we last stunk the league out and I think our points total today is an indication of this but I am hopeful and to be honest confident that Smith is the man to guide us to safety this year (with a decent cup run) and push on next season.

I agree with @VillaFaninLondon 3 points against Burnley and I would have took a point here, but I feel we need 3 to get the belief into the squad whilst putting one over our rivals. It won't be easy, regardless of their injury list however a game we should look to play on the front foot and aim for our first away points. Hopefully Targett is fit for selection and if he is, I would go for the same line up as Burnley but with Davis in for Wes whom I think needs a game out of the firing line. If Targett is unavailable then I think I'd go with Hause or perhaps playing a back four of Guilbert Konsa Engels Mings would be a stronger defence?! 1-2 Villa

Post of the year

I wish we would just get behind our players ALL our players including Wesley. Ok he's not setting the world alight but he's a young player, from a different country and he's had about 8 games! Let's not write him off just yet!

I like the sound of this!

It's funny you should mention that... but.... nope.... i'm not going to go there Some decent tables there though thanks, you we're doing so well...