WakefieldVillan

I like Albert, in the fact he comes across as a real genuine, nice, likeable fun chap who does little dances when he scores and seems to have a good relationship with his team mates and supporters alike... but... He just isn't very good his he?! Rarely beats his man, not got any pace, his final ball his dodgy at best, he offers a little more protection than a Bolasie or an El Ghazi but that aside he should not be starting (m)any more games for Villa. For me, he had one major purple patch, where to his credit, he was knocking a fair few goals in, but even in this period I personally had my doubts about his overall contribution and his abilities as a footballer. Now don't get me wrong, he's not let us down as such, but if we are to progress as a team I think there is no room for a player of his ilk.

I agree, just trying to find any solution not to play Taylor

This for me, except El Ghazi for Adomah. Also, thinking about it, if Hause is fit and can play LB would he be a better option over Taylor?! But anyway, hopefully we have enough, vital we get 3 points. Prediction 1-2 Villa.

Good post. The worry for me in the last few games is that as well as the results, the performances haven't been there either. I understand that the main reason is more than likely due to the loss of Tuanzebe and Grealish but nevertheless a tad disappointing after such a promising start under Smith. We have Wigan (A), Hull (H), Ipswich (H) and Reading (A) coming up, we need to be looking at 12 points out of 12 to get us firmly in the play-off mix, I think we have a great chance of doing that then hopefully Jack will be back and along with a couple of additions it will be an interesting few months.

I agree totally

I agree, the defence is obviously the area that we need to strengthen first and foremost.

Great post. I believe Maupay is actually smaller than Hogan, but he's younger and a far more aggressive player who has a much better all round game. His strengths apart from his tenacity are running the channels, his movement in and around the box, he has a decent touch and can pick a pass, he's a strong runner and can obviously finish. Having said all that, a lot of these traits are what Hogan does offer (just not in the same capacity) and I can see why you would have concerns that we would be getting someone that doesn't fit our style of play - I would hope though that under Smith we are going to be play a much more fluent style and that players like Maupay will fit in perfectly.

It's the nasty streak he has that makes me want him over his other traits. For far too long we have become a soft touch, we need players with fire in their bellies.

Yes Smith said that he felt we were still in the game at 0-2 but also he took O'Hare off to protect him.

Didn't see any of the game but voted anyway because I wanted to see the other votes voted Lansbury MOTM based on the match thread, voted very poor for the manager based on the result and team selection. Very disappointing day, hate going out of the cup so early Was surprised with our line up, which looked quite 'strong' for a cup tie, but even more surprised by our opponents starting eleven, much stronger than I imagined it to be and knew prior kick off it wasn't going to be easy. We need to remain positive as fans and get behind Smith, it's been a dodgy few weeks but I am sure he will turn it around and I suppose it is the league that is priority. Looks like a few of the players have not taken their chance today and the consolation of our defeat today is surely the owners/gaffer will be in the market to improve us moving forward. First move for me would be raiding Brentford for Mepham, Watkins & Maupay, give them Hogan as part of the deal. (I know it aint as easy as that, but we need to get players in and out!) And this is for another thread!

The best part for me was Kompany calling him a pu55y three times whilst he was rolling on the floor I wouldn't have been surprised if a red card had been given, looked a little out of control.

Main difference for me between Abraham and Kodjia is desire. Tammy has it in abundance whereas Kodge often looks disinterested. Ability wise I don't think there is much between them but Tammy has really led the line well this season and it's difficult to say if Kodge would have had the same impact in terms of goal input. There is however still room for huge improvement to Tammy's overall game (his hold-up play and being more clinical in front of goal being two areas) and I hope that he decides that staying at Villa is the best solution for him at this stage of his development. The game where he missed a few sitters was away at Albion but he's missed chances in other games too, what i do like about him though is that even when he misses he doesn't go hiding, he will come back for more, which is what you need from your goalscorers. The worry is when they are not even getting (into positions for) chances.

If City play with the same intensity as last night and can keep Fernandhino fit and away from any suspensions I could see them going on an unbeaten run until the end of the season dropping very little (if any) points in the process. United away for me is the toughest fixture they have left, but one they would still probably go into as favourites. The 4 point gap however still puts Liverpool as slight favourites (unfortunately)!

Cracking game, City deserved it, work-rate was immense. Fernandinho was excellent, closely matched by B.Silva and Sane. Fingers crossed they can stop the Scousers from winning the title (Hopefully Aguerrrrrrrrooooooo last-second style to make it more painful for the reds)!

Got £10 on Mane FGS, I felt a bit dirty wanting that effort to go in, hate Liverpool. Fancy them to win this though, unfortunately.

Agree with the defence, but although Whelan didn't feature against QPR he did play huge chunks of the previous four games and at 34 a rest wouldn't do no harm, but as another poster has mentioned it is all dependant on who is fit and available. El Ghazi in a central role is an interesting one, though I would be surprised to see it. Biggest thing for me though is that this is a perfect chance for Hogan and/or Davis to get some playing time. No doubt Swansea will be reciprocating us by resting some of their first team squad so with this is in mind I am confident we can put in a positive performance and have enough to see us through to the next round.

Kalinic Bree Elphick Hause Taylor Jedinak Bjarnsson Lansbury Adomah Hogan Kodjia Subs; Steer, Elmohamady, Revan, Whelan, Bolasie, El Ghazi, Davis Important to rest/not risk; Chester, McGinn, Hourihane, Abraham

The times I have seen this guy play I have been very impressed, in an ideal world (for me) we keep Tammy (at least till the end of the season) and sign Maupay.

This would certainly help another aspect of our play and hopefully give us chance to press higher on teams, but we may still be susceptible to teams like Preston looking to hit long balls over the top which we are struggling to defend.

I agree mate, though I don't think Bree is much quicker either, the loss of Tuanzebe has really hurt us. Hopefully any new (defensive) signings can add an injection of pace (& power) to our team.

I want him to succeed here but just don't think he's ever going to be up to it & missing chances like that are just going to make the haters hate even more (understandably)! I actually would have started him over Whelan today, not because he is any better, just for a bit more energy which I think we needed in the middle of the park, but the miss was terrible, really really poor at any level.

I agree with you and I think Albert should/will be moved on at the end of the season too and Kodjia is predominantly a striker who is filling in on the wing. Not ideal. I'd much prefer Bowen and Lolley on each flank, both far more industrious and can assist/score at the same time.

From what I have seen and heard he's been playing pretty well at Hull and though his time at Villa he has been poor, hopefully he will be coming back to us more positively and can push on and cut out the mistakes. I would definitely start him next game (that he's available) and line up; Bree Elphick Chester Hutton/Taylor However typing our defence out makes me wince

I can't really comment on the game as I didn't get chance to see it, just followed it on the Villa Talk match thread and by all accounts we have not played well and lucky to get a point, whilst also possibly sneaking all 3 late on. Must say I am surprised Smith made no changes to the side, whether it would have made a difference who knows, but it sounds like we looked leggy out there today and a bit of freshness may have helped. No game is easy in this league as other results today show, but it is disappointing not to capitalise and seems to be typical Villa. Without sounding like a broken record, we need Jack back ASAP!

I haven't said any differently