AntrimBlack Posted January 17, 2016 Share Posted January 17, 2016 Considering that we have played 2 matches within this past week, and have a possibly winnable league match coming up on Saturday, should we play the out of favour first teamers who have not played recently, augmented by under-21s, against Wycombe, in order to keep our first teamers fresh for WBA? If an under strength team lose to Wycombe, it would not effect the morale of our first teamers, and any victory would probably be short lived anyway as Man City await the winners. I have bad memories of us playing under strength teams previously, and the effect it had on subsequent events, but in light of the seriousness of our situation, I wonder if it might not be an acceptable strategy at this time. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jackbauer24 Posted January 17, 2016 Share Posted January 17, 2016 You would hope a team with Guzan, Richards, Clark, Richardson, Sanchez, Grealish and Gabby with a few youngsters and then first teamers on the bench would be enough against Wycombe, especially at home. Now the 'monkey' is off our back in terms of waiting for a win, this game is less banana skin that it was before. I'd definitely rest a majority of the team that played Saturday. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Demitri_C Posted January 17, 2016 Share Posted January 17, 2016 League all day long. What's the point with city next? Don't mind getting through but only with a weakened side. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Richard Posted January 17, 2016 Share Posted January 17, 2016 Like we have a choice! It doesn't matter 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
avfc1982am Posted January 17, 2016 Share Posted January 17, 2016 Yep league regardless of our position. We aren't down just yet! I do think it is vitally important we try to maintain not losing games though as a defeat against Wycombe puts us back to square one psychologically. My 11... Bunn Richards.........Okore.......................Lescott/Clark......Cissokho Gana Bacuna.........................................Westwood/Richardson Sinclair Gestede....................Kozak Bench.. Guzan, Clark/Lescott, Westwood/Richardson, Gil, Ayew, Veretout, Hepburn Murphy/ Gabby(if he's bothered). Before you all jump over the decisions to include, Clark, Richardson, Sinclair and Gabby I think it is improtant Ayew, Gil, Veretout and Lescott are rested if needed for next Sat and if better options were available they wouldn't be there, but needs must, in this instance. The baggies next week is now a massive game and if we win it, it will take the confidence of the players onto another level. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rds1983 Posted January 17, 2016 VT Supporter Share Posted January 17, 2016 League comes first. Id rather give staying up a shot then chance of a cup win. Winning the league cup hardly saved Birmingham City from embarrassment when they were relegated. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tomaspg Posted January 17, 2016 Share Posted January 17, 2016 I would keep anyone that starts or plays regularly in the first 11 away from the game, we need to focus on the league. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
useless Posted January 17, 2016 Share Posted January 17, 2016 Lets smash Wycombe into the ground to give us some confidence going into the WBA match. Momentum is a great thing. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
useless Posted January 17, 2016 Share Posted January 17, 2016 Just ask Leicester. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mikeyp102 Posted January 17, 2016 Share Posted January 17, 2016 League Give Lyden et al a go 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
John Posted January 18, 2016 Share Posted January 18, 2016 I have always said up until now that we should play our strongest team in the FA Cup because it is a trophy we need to add to our collection since we last held it in 1957. But whilst there is still even a 1% chance of staying up and with a vital local derby at the weekend I would rest as many of our first team as we possibly can. Who knows by doing that we might win the cup in any case. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MakemineVanilla Posted January 18, 2016 Share Posted January 18, 2016 Villa seem to have two teams available which are roughly as good/bad as each other, so the difference between playing one or the other is minimal, in terms of risk. But Villa definitely need to maintain the little bit of positive momentum they have going at the moment and the best way to achieve that is to win games. And when it comes to fitness, playing two games a week is much better than training for building stamina and mental sharpness. But judging by Garde's very late substitution on Saturday, when he brought Sinclair on, I think he will use the cup game to make sure all the squad players feel involved, even if he has a different idea of what his best team is. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nigel Posted January 18, 2016 VT Supporter Share Posted January 18, 2016 We have to give ourselves a chance in the league! Forget this competition and play the kids/reserves for me. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Grasshopper Posted January 18, 2016 Share Posted January 18, 2016 League 100% priority so rest our main men Bunn hutton Richards Clark Bennet Lynden Sanchez Richardson grealish Sinclair Gestede subs guzan bacuna crespo westwood Gaby/Kozak Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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