WakefieldVillan

3 minutes ago, KentVillan said:

Good finishers take it early with a low backlift and without telegraphing which corner they're aiming for. They have the calmness of mind to be aware of what the keeper is doing, and will take advantage if the keeper has his angles wrong or has left his legs open. That ability to execute under pressure is something that comes naturally, and it's why most decent strikers show goalscoring ability from a young age. 

Keinan does what most of us do when we're through on goal in a 5-a-side game - bangs it as hard as he can in the general direction of the goal with a huge swing of his left peg. Unless you're Alan Shearer, that kind of finish usually plants the ball straight down the keeper's throat.

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! 

1 minute ago, Robtaylor200 said:

its happening, all that we dreaded. We have brought this on our selves by not doing the sub earlier. Davies for Wes 60 minutes too late 

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.

4 hours ago, mikeyjavfc said:

Connor needs to start for me. City are a dirty side and we will get set pieces in range of their goal. Set pieces will be an important element of our attack if we are going to get anything from this game.

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.

4 hours ago, Robtaylor200 said:

I would play Davies to start in this one and bully them a little, Let them know we are there, kick them off the ball a few times and make them look out for were we are

*Davis 

4 hours ago, mikeyjavfc said:

Connor needs to start for me. City are a dirty side and we will get set pieces in range of their goal. Set pieces will be an important element of our attack if we are going to get anything from this game.

*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  

18 minutes ago, Teale's 'tache said:

I don't think we can really use Wolves result at City as a blueprint. Their game is built around a solid defence with minimal mistakes, and they made great use of the freakishly quick player they had available, our defence is not as miserly and we don't have a player with the raw pace of Traore.

We don't have enough genuine pace on the counter to really bother them, I wouldn't advise a high press against them either, having a high press means you have to have a high defensive line or you will be leaving too much space between the lines, so we are going to have to play this a bit smarter. Pick our moments when to go forward and when it's best to sit in and ride out a storm, there will be opportunities to counter but we'll need to pick which ones to take and how many bodies to commit forward and should they breakdown get back in to position quickly, the whole team will need to move up and down the pitch together to negate space between the lines. Serious organisation is needed. We need to be smart in possession, and work hard off the ball for each other, they are going to press us like crazy but if you can get it through that press  then you can really get some joy, so expect a lot of squeaky bum playing it out from the back shenanigans...

Wouldn't be too surprised to see both full backs changed, positional awareness and discipline will be vital especially on the wings, although the current incumbents have done nothing wrong so it would feel a bit harsh.

It's not impossible, there are many ways to win a game of football, kind of feel like we are going to have to score at least a couple to get anything from this though.

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

31 minutes ago, hippo said:

Like I say 2 wins so far.

Looking like you might win - isn't good enough.

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.

44 minutes ago, av1 said:

Won't make it at this level 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. 

1 hour ago, sir_gary_cahill said:

I just don’t think he’s anywhere near Prem quality, just my opinion 

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.

On 07/10/2019 at 20:28, The Inspiration said:

You’re not wrong.

I think Jack would rather get in the squad when originally announced mind you, seems a lad who’s quite driven by the principle of things rather than receiving a “second best” call up when someone drops out.

I could be wrong mind you, just feel it might take the gloss off his first call up a little bit I could be talking poo tbf

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.  

8 hours ago, TRO said:

Thanks very generous...I try.

It may have appeared off topic.....but it wasn't meant to be.

I was trying to Highlight the disparity between a skillful jinky player like Kodj.......and a whole hearted player, who forces opponents in to errors.. like Andy Gray  or Peter withe......we have one in midfield in John McGinn...we need more.

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

1 hour ago, TRO said:

If only watching video clips of magic moments was the answer.....to all our woes.....We would be league champions.

but sadly there is a  element of pitch craft that involves decison making, physicality, durability, competitiveness and game management that has a huge bearing on the out come of games.....sadly its overlooked by some.

We pay our money, for moments of entertainment,nothing wrong with that, but its a results business which gives it that crucial competitive edge....They call it the best league in the world, not because those magic moments are better than the the other European leagues, they produce them too.....but because the lower teams are not cannon fodder and can affect wins against the higher teams by work rate, durability , physicality and an ability to grind out results, through graft and tenacity.

We didn't win the League and European cup, because we had the best technically gifted  team, arguably Ipswich had that accolade at home and Bayern Munich was much better than us Technically on the continent.

Ron Saunders had a vision and it was driven primarily by the funds he had to operate with, his Mantra was 110% work rate, but he built a team full of round pegs in round holes etc and it worked as a team....sure there was some technical ability, Like Gary Shaw, who I can't remember getting caught on the ball & a nose for scoring &  Sid with his "Hoddle" like passing or Peter withe with his aerial prowess......but in the main, its was all the other things outside pretty football that gave us that competitive edge that our opponents found challenging.....In those days by and Large, we went 1-0 up the game was all over, they were scrooge like in conceding......They knew how to contain, they knew how to wait for their moment, they knew how to manage a game.....we wasn't big scorers in those days, his previous team was with Gray,Deehan and Little when we come fourth, but Ron wanted the title and knew we had to be less cavalier and more mean.

We have some fine players, but as a team we need to have the ability to tighten up at crucial moments.....No one advocates defensive football and all out attacking is cavalier and naive......We have to find the balance that gives us the ability to secure points in this league.

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 

3 hours ago, OutByEaster? said:

It makes you wonder doesn't it?

We should have had a point against Palace, we should have had something against Arsenal, should have beaten West Ham and we absolutely should have won this one at a canter - we've got two points to show for those four games and it really could have been eight.

It makes you wonder if things balance themselves out - at the moment it certainly doesn't feel like it - if we tossed a coin and called heads it'd come up tails, if we tossed it again it'd roll down the drain. We were the better team today by a distance, in the first half particularly and we should have gone in two or three goals up at the break.

It's hard to talk too much about our shortcomings, because in truth we haven't had many over the last four games - yeah, we're blunt up front, Wesley isn't having a great time of it and we lack a bit of pace - but McGinn and Grealish and co, are creating chances, we're moving the ball around, making angles, hurting teams, heck we've got four goals in our last two games.

It's not even just that we're not defending well - we've not been great at the back today, with Mings looking a bit too relaxed following his stint with England, but we're not allowing many chances - not here, and not really in any of our recent games - it's just that when they come, teams are putting them away - seemingly every single time.

We've been the subject of outrageous refereeing thus far in this league, and today was no different, although at least today for once VAR only caused confusion, not disdain. By the time VAR had said its piece on our opener, most of us had finished celebrating and had no idea VAR were even looking at it - it's frustrating when "that goal from a while ago" gets chalked off, but if it was offside, then it was offside - VAR is reasonably good at that, so I'll take their word for it.

Today's refereeing let down came in the form of the absolute kicking their midfield were able to dish out to McGinn and Grealish - Jack Cork should have been booked three times in the first half, and there must have been another half a dozen challenges that you'd ordinarily see cards for - the one at the end on Grealish that did produce one could have been red - the result of that refereeing largesse will be writ large on the shins of John McGinn this evening. It's been like that all season and we need someone at the club to make a fuss - it'd be worth a touchline ban for John Terry to wake people up to this - the papers would listen to a controversial statement or two from the superstar coach and we might find a fairer approach - we need to do something, because at the moment we're being refereed out of this league and our best players are collecting scar tissue left right and centre.

It makes you wonder how we change it - we're playing well - we're outplaying our opposition and we're doing the right things - yes, there are weaknesses in the squad, but we're still winning games in every way except the one that actually counts - all the battles we win - all the wars we lose. Maybe it's a mental thing, maybe there's a little bit of us not being sure if we belong, or if we can do it at this level - but it doesn't look like it - we look good, we're playing good football. 

That's the thing, if we're playing well and not winning, what does that do to our confidence, what does that do to the fight in these players?  At the moment, these results are taking bites out of us, they're hurting and they're reducing us and our ambitions - it's so important we find a way to put an end to this ridiculous run, because we're not a bad side at all, we're doing alright - the table lies.

It's supposed to even out, it's supposed to reward you for your efforts, for your qualities, but right now, week in, week out, the game is finding ways to f*** us over and if our luck doesn't change soon, then we know where we're headed.

We've battered Burnley today - we looked twice the team they are - they're organised and willing, but we looked a class apart from them. I don't know what else to say. I'm baffled - we must have run over a troop of black cats belonging to a gypsy in a field of four leaf clover. Yes, Wesley isn't pulling up any trees, yes we've got no pace up front, yes we're not great at protecting a lead - but give us a fair go and we'll be more than okay. 

I can't find reasons, I can't find tactical changes or personnel changes, or problems with mentality - we're doing enough to get more points - we're just not getting the rub of the green - and if we don't find some luck that isn't bad luck soon, it makes you wonder if this just ain't our season.

Unlucky 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!

59 minutes ago, StefanAVFC said:

Squeeze it out to 11 and do a Best XI, with the floor plan at the entrance, the formation.

Top table the God table, obv x

I like the sound of this! 

37 minutes ago, rjw63 said:

McGregor Table

Saunders Table

1982 Table

McParland Table

Sir Brian Little Table

Drink Up You word removed Table

WTF Have I Done table

The Bridesmaid's Got No Panties On Table

RJW's DHUTWU Table

The In Laws Are All cabbages Table.

 

Sorry, I seem to have strayed off topic towards the end.

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...