striker

Yeah fair point about Jedinak but I'm not sure McCormack has delivered much in the time he has played for Villa hence the limited game time with both the previous manager and Bruce. Just think that Ayew has offered the Villa more going forward and tracking back so far but it is a game of opinions.

Not this season and hasn't looked the same player while at Leeds and Fulham. Has been a major disappointment for me in a Villa shirt and Villa are doing well enough without him.

I'd be letting McCormack go before Ayew.

Didn't see yesterday's game so really can't comment but I thought Westwood had his best game in some time against Brighton with one through ball on the right side of midfield catching the eye. Overal though he hasn't really improved much from last season in an inferior league so I'm sure Bruce has already noted where Villa need strengthening to push on and I wouldn't be surprised at all to see Westwood shipped out when the time is right.

You are debating under the premise that with Xia and Bruce, Villa could not get better central defensive cover than Elphick or for that matter Hutton, Westwood and Bacuna in the January window, even on loan? Is that what you are actually saying? In my opinion that's utter nonsense. Yes he is using those players because at the moment he has to. My point is like many other managers who want to improve their squad when the January transfer window opens Bruce will have an opportunity to replace those players he feels are not up to the job and like any other manager he will do it if Xia backs him. I do not know which players Bruce thinks are surplus to requirements and those who he wants to keep. Neither do you, but in my opinion Elphick is one of those players he should be looking to improve upon especially when Baker is suppceptable to injuries. Concerning injuries isn't Elphick also prone to injury? He suffered with his ankle at Bournmouth and now injury here. Not exactly a stable replacement for Baker or Chester.

Again missing the point. Bruce will only have to persevere with those players until January whereby he can then start to bring his own players in. He doesn't have to keep them if he thinks they can be improved upon. I don't think Elphick is a good player in the same way that many others scratch their heads in despair when Hutton, Bacuna or Westwood play in the team but that's only my opinion and again I would state that Villa look a lot more stable at the back without Elphick. To answer your question I don't know if Elphick and Baker would make a good partnership or if Elphick might improve under Bruce. I do hope though you and others are right as I like Elphick's attitude it's just his ability I question.

Totally missing the point I was trying to make. Of course you need a squad to fall back on if injuries hit but if certain members of that squad are being targeted due to a lack of pace or slow on the turn what do you do? Do you persevere with the player knowing that weakness is going to be continually exposed or do you sell and bring someone better in when there is a chance to do so? It's called improving the squad. I'm also not sure there would be a que for Elphick's services either. There wasn't a stampede for his services when at Bournmouth and I don't think he has exactly covered himself in glory at the Villa. Villa look far more solid at centre back since Elphick was replaced by Baker and there's a good reason for that.

Really it's just my opinion as mental as it may be. I felt watching Elphick's last few games before injury teams were targeting him as a weak link. Chester looks a much better player alongside Baker and the Villa have become even more solid as a consequence. If Baker doesn't get an injury and Elphick spends most of his time getting splinters on the bench then the player himself might negate this debate anyway by wanting first team football elsewhere. I really don't want to see Elphick in a Villa shirt again but as StefanAVFC has posted Elphick might be better under Bruce although I doubt it.

Maybe because he isn't good enough and before his injury other managers were starting to target him as a weak link?

Thanks for the advice but Villa's defence has looked a lot more solid without him. I suppose if you were to really think about it there is such a thing as a transfer market which Bruce could utilize to replace him....... in January.

Would like to see Elphick sold in January. Too slow.

Not sure but I think I read somewhere that one of the main reasons why Bruce left Hull was a lack of financial backing? I cannot see Bruce coming to Villa without it although I do not expect anywhere near the summer expenditure in January as the squad doesn't need it. A RB and striker (Rhodes to cover for the African Nations) on loan plus midfield strengthened should be all that is needed to push the Villa into the playoffs.

Would rather see Ayew play for the Villa any day of the week than Agbonlahor.

Another good solid appointment. Villa starting to get things right at last and it's showing on the pitch.

The improvement since Bruce came in has been massive. Excellent point but could and probably should have won the game if Villa had been more clinical. A pity that Bruce wasn't in charge from the start of the season.

Being preoccupied with former players coming back doesn't do it for me. Villa should be looking forward now and not into the past.

Would rather have Lansbury from Forest or Loftus Cheek on loan than Joey **** Barton.

Agreed. A bit strange when he is getting more game time and playing well. Maybe that's the reason and doesn't want international duty to interfere with that now? Getting a second chance I mean?

First decent manager Villa have had in a very long time and low and behold the losing mentality is changing. Great to see.

Emily Ratajkowski.

Cattermole is bang average at best and no better what the Villa already have. Ask Roy Keane. Should have signed Hendrick.

@AvfcRigo82 Thanks for that mate. A very interesting read. Doesn't look like he's coming back but what if no one wants to buy him at a suitable price for the Villa?

As an alternative to Agbonlahor should be getting more game time now and hopefully will in January so the club should and probably are making every effort to get him signed up long term.

Is there anything at all in Vertout coming back or is this just banter and discussion?

Noted this as well. Maybe on the same fitness programme as Agbonlahor?