Herman22

If we are going for Vida you have to think we are thinking of playing 3 central defenders more often. He's a good defender, goes to ground a bit more than I would like but might be what we need at the heart of a three with Mings on the left and Konsa on the right.

I'd agree with this. Think Villa and Grealish last year. Having said that he is exactly the type of player we need. So good in both boxes!

For me this was a nothing game. People will say we should take the FA cup seriously but meh. We played a decent championship team in Fulham and we put out a decent championship team of our own. They won the game with two wonderful strikes. We move on. For me the main concern is the lack of firepower. A front 3 of Jota, Kodija and ElGhazi is mid table championship level.

Can't say I blame DS for getting Grealish, Mings and Douglas out of the firing line. All three are too important now.

I think of we're going to play 3-4-3 we should stick with it today. I'd leave Mings and Grealish out. Nyland Konsa Engels Hause Guilbert Lansbury Hourihane Taylor Jota Davis Trez If Davis isn't fit stick Kodija up top.

I'm in Ireland and the game isn't showing up on my TV guide. Eir is showing the Brighton Wednesday game. Unless the games on the red button.

Bluenose?

One other thing, seeing Westwood was a great thing. Reminded me why I had no time for him in a Villa shirt. Does nothing going forward, doesn't do enough defensively and his set piece deliveries are generally poor.

Such a huge 3 points away to Burnley which is a tough place to go. DS got the team spot on. Having Mings back is huge. Hope Wes and Heaton aren't too badly injured. Let's not talk about VAR. Beyond a joke now.

9mins. Hold on to your hats.

What are we looking at? 10 mins added time?

How is that push on Konsa not seen?

I know what you mean. But I'd assume Luiz was speaking Portuguese to him and the medical team don't want the entire team all round him. The reaction to the goal tells me they are a pretty tight group.

That's I can't stand Kodija. Handy tap in but he takes on the shot.

New striker in Jan is now a must. That looks a bad injury.

People will say Mee got the ball bit that's a bad tackle. 2 footed and siccors action. It's a red for me.

We need to be smart second half. What's been good first half is the closing down and the energy in midfield. We need to keep that up second half. We score a third here it's over.

Best half of football all year!

If you want to see what's needed today go turn on the Brighton Bournemouth game. Brighton bang on it today. High energy and high intensity. We need to see that from Villa today.

I think that's been a pretty even first half. ElGhazi misses at least one easy chance a game. It's also been a exhibition of terrible refing. The lad McLean has taken to diving when anyone comes within 20ft of him as the ref keeps giving him freekicks. Big second half needed.

I'm going to go against the trend here. I don't want wholesale changes. For me a winger with a bag of pace and a poacher type striker. For me that's Said Benramha and I'd see if we can get Gayle from Newcastle on loan. We need to keep the faith with the players bought in the summer. They will come good.

I was saying on here the other day that I think a diamond might suit our players at the minute. This system is all about having intelligent players. So if Guilbert goes forward McGinn needs to fill in, same for Targett/ Hourihane. If Kodija or Wesley pull wide Grealish/ McGinn/ Hourihane need to be getting in the box. But the most important is Nakamba needs to be disciplined. He needs to be directing those around him and breaking things up. Southampton are a decent team with one of the most in form strikers in the league up top. We will need to play well and I worry we will need three goals to get all three points.

This is a bit of a tricky one. We need to balance the players who need a rest and the players who need to play. I think I would go with: Heaton Elmo Konsa Hause Taylor Nakemba Lansbury Hourihane Jota Kodija Wesley I think the above team is when we are in possession. We can fall back into a more standard 4-3-3 when in defense with Jota and Kodija taking up wider positions. I'd be tempted to leave McGinn, Targett, Mings, etc out of the squad completely. Maybe put the likes of Vasilev and Sea on the bench. I would have Grealish, Engels, Guilbert, Luiz on the bench if needed.

I agree with you on the formations but I'd like to see us play a 4-4-2 diamond with a Marvelous, McGinn, Hourihane and Grealish in midfield. And Wes and Kodija up front.

Didn't get to watch today but not the result I had hoped for. Do we have to look at a change of formation? Maybe try to get a second striker on the pitch from the beginning? The next three games will define our season.