GNeeUs

_____________________Guzan_________________________

__________Lowton______Vlaar_______Clark______________

__Curruthers___Ireland_________Delph______Bennet_______

____________________N'Zogbia________________________

__________Benteke______________Gabby_______________

Paul Lambert needs to get the lads in first thing tomorrow and play them Coach Carter.

Then he needs to get a fitness expert in to get these players able to run for 90 minutes +.

N'Zogbia hats off, thought he was fantastic. Bannan and Holman have no place in a Premier League team!

We are getting outplayed by Bradford.

Well played to them but this is shit. **** Villa, **** their overpaid players. **** Lambert. **** Lerner and **** **** ****.

Can't watch this no more. **** going out!!

NZOGBIA = SHITE

DELPH = SHITE

BANNAN = **** TERRIBLE.

PAUL LAMBERT BUY A **** MIDFIELD.

THIS IS TERRIBLE!!

Yes, lets just drop our best player this season.

I am completely confused, bamboozled etc. as to what has happened to Villa this week. The notion of dropping Guzan is simply the iceing on the cake.

Laughable.........

If Mark Hughes was still in charge I would have expected us to go for the win yesterday.

With Harry Redknapp (a new manager) being in charge, 1st game and with his record I think a draw is a fantastic result.

Fact is our last two matches, we have played in my opinion quite poorly but have got 4 points. If we can play poor and pick up points this can only be a good thing!!

Our defence (considering) have been fantastic last 3 matches (1 goal in 3). We just miss that someone to link defence with striker, supply some goals for Benteke, Bent, Gabby, Weimann etc. I do not know who that person is in our team? Ireland?

I like Bannan but he is just so wasteful in the last 3 matches. Holman looks more an impact player. Delph did well defensively today. KEA? Until we can get some decent supply, whats the point in playing Bent anyway?

im slightly confused now about general opinion on here of what positions need strengthening (although whatever we say means nothing to what PL actually does in the window)

weve already been linked to a few players but typical villa, theres nothing firm yet

a few people, including me, said we need a left back, one has been mentioned, yet a few are saying we dont need a new LB even though its clear we are weak in this position

same has been said about centre back

a few have said we need a defensive midfielder, but we have herd, westwood, delph and even el ahmadi who can pay that role, so why do we need a fifth?

a left winger has been mentioned, but we arent playing wingers now, were playing 3 strikers with one out wide, also, isnt it time to give carruthers a chance?

and lastly, striker, if bent leaves, maybe so, but is the next striker going to be willing to sit on the bench behind benteke, gabby, andi and bowery?

THIS!!

Villa's BIGGEST issue is at Centre Back. We need a new CB. Dunne will be off soon leaving 3 CB's - one arguably inexperienced in Baker.

Just thought I would add my piece.

Bent is a FANTASTIC player at what he does, one of the best. He was the missing piece to our puzzle when we had Milner, Barry, Petrov, Young & Downing playing for us. Sadly Bent arrived when we sold 4 of these 5 players. Luckily he was one of potentially many reasons for us avoiding relegation last couple seasons and I thank him for that.

HOWEVER

We are a team who struggles to create many chances. We lack the creativity and ability to get it to feet in the box for someone like Bent to score. Right now Lambert is possibly correct to not play Bent. I am a believer that apart from scoring goals Bent offers very little else in regard to holding up the ball and chasing down the ball - I think he's quite lazy. We are a team who often hoofs the ball up the park and out of Benteke & Bent the man who is most likely to challenge for the ball, hold the ball up or make any flick ons is Benteke. Sadly Benteke isn't all that fond of chasing the ball either, or closing players down.

I then think Benteke & Bent would make quite a good partnership up front - despite the Southampton result. But where does that leave Gabby? For me Gabby's mindset is utterly brilliant, the lad works his socks off. Bent, Benteke, Gabby would not work as three players up front. Gabby would have to go back to being a winger - could be an option?!

From what Lambert says Bent doesn't seem to have the best attitude towards training and as such Bowery has proven that he is more hungry to get the 4th choice striker option - fair play to Bowery & Lambert.

Whether Bent is off in January for certain, whether we owe Sunderland £6 million more if Bent plays another minute for Villa I'd sell him in January.

Crazy I know!!

If Bent does not have the correct mind set & determination to give his all for Aston Villa FC during training and on match day what is the point in playing him? Sport is hugely Psychological and if we can get 11 players on a pitch with the right mental attitude & of course technical ability that is when Villa will play their best. You know what...I am excited about what this young team has to offer. There is still dead wood at Villa - Hutton, Warnock, Ireland, N'Zogbia...possibly Bent and a couple others and it will take a couple seasons for this to be rectified.

If Bents heart isn't at Villa, lets get some cash for him. Teams like Arsenal, Liverpool etc are crying out for a new striker and we could easily get 12-15 million for him which could be spent in improving the X11.

Im normally the first to credit the team, even when we lose HOWEVER that was a horrific Villa performance.

No composure, terrible passing, lots of hoofs, lack of closing down. Where was the Arsenal & Man U performances?

Bannan had a shocker which was a shame. Scrappy.

Nevertheless the lads should be delighted with another clean sheet and the 3 points, it is what we needed. Mission done in terms of goal. Performance needs improved dramatically!!

Holman to start tonight - apart from that unchanged providing Vlaar is fit.

____________________Guzan____________________

__Lowton____Vlaar____________Clark_____Stevens__

________Weswood____________Bannan____________

_Weimann___________Holman_____________Gabby__

___________________Benteke____________________

Delighted with how the lads played AGAIN today. We were very unlucky Vs Utd, ROBBED yet deserved to lose at City and a nice draw tonight which could have been more Vs Arsenal.

Im surprised by Stevens, last few games I have been quite impressed considering I thought he would be nowhere near X11. Joe Bennett is going to have his work cut out when he returns from injury.

We also have to remember people that once Vlaar got injured our back four were all about 22 years and younger. I hope Vlaar will be ok but need to strengthen in January!!

Bannan and Westwood have formed a fantastic partnership in the middle of the park. They were both outstanding - who goes in as No.3? Delph, Holman, El Ahmadi, Ireland?

Weimann continues to impress and Gabby worked his socks off.

Ratings?

Guzan: 7 - Didn't have much to do.

Lowton: 7 - Solid at Right back, composed at CB.

Stevens: 8 - Really impressed me!!

Vlaar: 7 - Solid

Clark: 8 - Made some great interceptions.

Bannan: 8 - Worked his socks off, some great passes.

Westwood: 8 - Worked his socks off, held the midfield together.

El Ahmadi: 6 - Did OK, weakest link in our midfield. I do not like our players diving either.

Weimann: 7 - Played well.

Gabby: 8 - Worked his socks off, some great runs, skills and a few shots too.

Benteke: 7 - Didn't really have much to do. Held the ball up well and bashed about the Arsenal defence.

Subs:

Lichaq: 7 - Solid when he came on.

Holman: 7 - Ran about as always.

Albrighton: No score.

The future is bright people, the future is clarent and blue. UP THE VILLA!!

Shocking decision(s) from the lines man today however we were always second best and I do not believe we deserved the 3 points anyway. The only thing the lines man did to us today is ruin our goal difference from the perspective that heads went down after the silly decision(s).

Nevertheless I am not worried at all by Villa's position. I am actually quite excited by how we have been playing on occasions this season - and it is a million times better than how we played under McLeish. I think what Lambert is doing is fantastic and we are on the rise....will just take time im afraid lads.

___________________Guzan___________________

__Lowton___Vlaar____________Clark__Lichaq____

____________________KEA____________________

____________Holman_______Bannan____________

___________________Gabby____________________

___________Benteke_______Bent________________

Saying that though, thought Delph should maybe get a shot. Maybe swap Gabby for Bent and put Delph attacking mid?!

1. What are your thoughts on the start to the season you have made?

Inconsistant but see what PL is trying to achieve at Villa. Everton & Soton we were hopeless....Newcastle, Swansea and Man City we were sublime.

2. What are your thoughts on our start to the season?

Impressive!! Keep that up and West Brom will comfortably finish top half of the table!!!

3. Do you feel that the authority of West Midlands football is changing? I.e. We're finally becoming top dogs ahead of yourselves?

Not really, West Brom finished above us last season in easily one of the worst seasons Villa have had in recent memory with a manager who was completely clueless. I would say currently we are matched, history is a different level.

4. What are your opinions of WBA as a club and its supporters?

No issues with West Brom what so ever. I think the "rivalry" is very much one sided. West Brom to me is simply another game.....

5. What are you expecting from Villa for the remainder of the season?

Mid-table I would be happy with, top half would be exceptional. 14th or worse we will have seen no progression - I believe we have already progressed since last season.......

6. What are you expecting from Albion for the remainder of the season?

Mid-table, same as Villa. Will be a close call as to whom finishes above who.

7. Your thoughts on your summer transfer business?

Impressed!! Bought a number of fantastic hidden gems on cheap fee's with low wages. Lowton, Vlaar, Bennet, KEA & Benteke superb signings!!

8. Players we should look out for, and players you fear in our side?

Holman - All he does is run. Vlaar - Rock solid at the back. Benteke - A lot to handle up front.

9. Team Paul Lambert is most likely to choose on Sunday?

Guzan, Lowton, Vlaar, Clark, Bennet, KEA, Holman, Bannan, Gabby, Bent, Benteke.

10. And finally, score predictions?

God knows, we are inconsistant. 2-1 Villa?

___________________Guzan__________________

__Lowton_____Vlaar__________Clark___Bennett__

____________________KEA____________________

__________Holman___________Bannan_________

___________________Ireland__________________

_____________Bent__________Benteke__________

_________________Guzan____________________

__Lowton___Vlaar_________Clark___Bennett____

__________________KEA_____________________

_________Holman__________Bannan___________

_________________Ireland____________________

__________Benteke_______Bent_______________

Or

__________________Guzan____________________

____Lowton___Vlaar_______Clark______Bennett___

___________KEA_____________Delph___________

____Gabby________Benteke________Holman______

___________________Bent______________________

As much as i dislike it I think Lambert likes the 442!! Keeping that in mind......

___________________Given___________________

__Lowton_____Vlaar________Clarke___Warnock__

___Holman___KEA_________Ireland___N'Zogbia__

___________Weimann______Bent_______________

Fantastic Assesment and would agree with it on the whole.

Personally think we need rid of Hutton, Collins & Potentially Warnock.

Definitely need a new CB (Vlarr would be excellent) and possibly a new LB if Warnock leaves.

Midfield is a head scratcher. I honestly believe Makoun is a superb player (if given a chance) and could set up a fantastic pairing with KEA. Delph also has the ability to step up. If one of those was to be sold Id be in the market for a new CM. Potentially loan out Herd, Gardner or Johnson.

Wingers I think we are fine. I always will see Bannan as a winger (he's too lightweight in the middle). With that in mind that gives us Albirghton, Holman, N'Zogbia, Bannan and Curruthers.

Would like to see a target man up front with Benty/Gabby. Whether that Carroll we'll see.

In order we need desperately CB, LB, F, CM.

Id bring in a good back room team.

Someone related to Villa as Assistant Manager - Ian Taylor esq...someone that gives a toss.

GK Coach, Defensive Coach, Midfield, Attack etc.

Id get the players working to certain positive tactics. The whole playing Warnock and Herd/Clarke in central midfield is a joke.

Id then ship out a handful of our players - like of Hutton, Warnock, Collins, Delfoneso & Cueller/Heskey (Leaving already).

I would then make sure I get Makoun & Delph back playing a positive role in the team. I would also sign a number of player (mostly on bosmans) who will fit certain positions to fit my tactical ideas.

Team?

GK: Given, Guzan & Marshall (Maybe Seigrist)

RB: Lichaq & Herd

LB: New & Stephens

CB: Dunne, Clarke, New, New, Baker (can play LB too)

CM: Makoun, Delph, New, Gardner, Johnson,

RM: Holdon, Albrighton

LM: Nzogbia, New, Bannan (can play RM too)

AM: Ireland, New

F: Benty, Gabby, Weimann, New

Think we should bring in 6 new players. Don't know who. Guthrie and the left back at Newcastle have been mentioned. I heard Berbatov is on a bosman?

We are completely unbalanced.

Subs:

Warnock for Gardner (put Clark at LB)

Lichaq for Hutton

Ireland or Keane for Bannan so we can get another winger (if you can call Barry that) on the pitch!!

CAN WE KEEP THE BALL ON THE GROUND?

WE HAVE THE TWO WORST FULL BACKS IN THE LEAGUE!

EVERY WEEK McLEISH PICKS AN UNBALANCED TEAM WHICH IS NEVER GOING TO WORK!!

IM FURIOUS!!

We need to fill our midfield and abuse their left back issues using Albrighton.

I'd love to see:

____________________Given______________________

___Hutton_____Collins________Dunne_____Warnock__

____________________Clark______________________

____________Petrov________Ireland________________

____Albrighton______________________Gabby_______

____________________Benty______________________

Or

I think we should keep the same set-up but start with Bent, allowing Albrighton a rest on the bench and putting Gabby out wide

.................Guzan

Cuellar.Dunne.Collins.Warnock

............Petrov.Clark

N'Zogbia...Ireland...Gabby

...................Bent

This

If Petrov is out I'd play:

____________Guzan_____________

_Cueller_Collins__Dunne_Warnock_

____________Clark______________

__N'Zogbia___________Albrighton__

____________Ireland_____________

______Gabby________Bent________

I can see McLeish taking this tournament quite serious. I see a mixture of youth and experience in the team!!

_____________________Guzan____________________

__Beye_______Collins___________Clark____Warnock__

___________Makoun______________Delph___________

__Albrighton___________Bannan___________Ireland___

______________________Heskey___________________

Id be interested to see Collins & Clark play as a centre back pairing. Thought Dunne was our weakest link at the back today however apart from that thought was were alright at the back.

As someone pointed out where do we play Heskey. The guy works his socks off, runs and is a big influence. I think he is wasted on the wing but would be better as a partner to Bent!?!

Petrov was USELESS in midfield today. I just do not understand how he gets the nodd. He loses possession, passes sideways/backwards...is slow and is meant to be the CENTRE/CAPTAIN of our team.....just madness!! BENCH!!

As for our best team? Hard one....I think I would start with Vs Fulham:

_________________________Given__________________________

_______Young_____Collins__________Dunne____Warnock_______

________________________Makoun_________________________

___Gabby_______Ireland________________________N'Zogbia___

_______________________________Heskey___________________

_________________________Bent___________________________