STO

Even players like Wijnaldum are perhaps beyond us at the current time, unless the manager has a sway because of their relationship. Much as it pains me to say it, I think our pool of players will be those who are either tried and tested at this level but likely to be surplus to requirements, at their current club such as, and for example a Shelvey or McTominay, or we pay over the odds for the likes of Bissouma, which I would prefer to be honest as he is a better player. If we could get Wijnaldum, I would snatch their hands off. Interestingly, Steven Gerrard did recently say that age, in terms of players, doesn't bother him. I just hope Lange is currently looking at better players than the two named above!

Will be interesting to see if Luiz gets back in to the starting 11 today. He has been as poor as anyone else in the midfield but is all we have at the moment, until Nakamba, who was improving under Steven Gerrards, gets fit.

Who would want a Manager who enjoys losing? The days of 'we go again' have passed and I'm am pleased that we have a Head Coach who hates losing.

Sanson will be loaned out if we can't sell him. Clearly not trusted enough by either Smith or now Steven Gerrard. I think we may want to cash in on him to raise as much funds as possible.

Villa won't stockpile players. Bringing in both Bissouma and Phillips, whilst a really good idea, will mean that Nakamba goes as we also have new contract Tim Iroegbunam too. McGinn, Luiz, Ramsey, Buendia can all play further forward, even if we don't sign Coutinho, which I sincerely hope we do if we are to sign two excellent central midfielders like Bissouma and Phillips. With Digne and Cash getting forward at every opportunity, we would have some real quality both offensively and defensively.

He is not a defensive midfielder. He lacks height, physicality and aggression for that. I really don't rate him in that position and would like to see him played further forward. We are never going to get the best out of Luiz in the DCM role. He is absolute garbage in there.

Given we have Wesley, El Ghazi, Trezeguet, Targett as former first teamers out on loan, then the likes of Luiz, Bailey, Sanson either not fancied or not good enough, I honestly expect Gerrard to bring in at least 4 players and get rid of some of those named. The squad needs changing, call it a rebuild if you like.

He has reached his limit. Both he and Luiz are sellable and I think this is exactly what will happen in the window, might be a case of a player swap perhaps.

I can see at least a ten player turnaround this summer with several coming in and several going out. Gerrard will not want wasters at the football club. Steven Gerrard will want his own players around him and I think the owners will back him.

Dodged a bullet here. He isn't great at all.

Everton really do look like they are in trouble. They suddenly look a really poor team. Doucoure is a relegated Watford Player, so used to being down there. Richarlison looks less than bothered and defensively, they look disorganised. I still can't see them going down, simply because I think this is Burnley's turn.

I wouldn't be in the least bit surprised to see both Luiz and McGinn replaced in the summer. The latter stays with us but has more time on the bench. As for Luiz, I think he is very over-rated.

Good to see some positivity with this thread. Sadly, I think we may have left it a bit late this season but next? Might herald a return to big European nights at Villa Park.

What a wonderful player. Three year contract and let Buendia learn from him.

He's an absolute unit but just doesn't have the goals in him. Shame, because he's skilful as well. I think Forest, in the play off area, is his standard.

Scott (OBE) will remember me as we asked to speak to Doug Ellis just before the takeover by Randy, hence the 'Call the Police, they have banners' headline. Good days! Been spying for years but never able to get on til now! Up the Villa.