ASTON VILLA: Guzan; Clark, Vlaar, Baker; Bacuna, El-Ahmadi, Westwood, Delph, Luna; Agbonlahor, Kozak. BENCH: Steer, Lowton, Albrighton, Sylla, Tonev, Benteke, Weimann.
Yoshida's an interesting pick. Not much in terms of attacking midfielders on the bench. The lack of depth there is a bit of a concern. I feel a bit sorry for Osvaldo, I'm sure he'd prefer to start at home to Villa rather than away at Chelsea!
I wonder if Fonte missing out is tactical. You would assume if it were down to injury he wouldn't be on the bench, especially as we have Hooiveld on the bench anyway. Slightly surprised that Yoshida has been picked over Hooiveld with Kozak and Benteke to combat. Although Agbonlahor is pacey. We'll need to defend well from set pieces. As has been noted for a while. We are very light of attacking options on the bench.
Leaving Maya out until now has given him a big point to prove, as he wants to be in the Japan squad this summer. I'm sure he'll be determined to impress. However, I do feel that he simply doesn't have a ton of ability.
This is a real test for us...can we turn out our 'usual' performance when we have a few players replaced. In theory all our players are trained in the same system, but it doesn't seem to work in cup games. Are we only excellent with our first eleven? Some might think that it is better to find out against a team like Villa, but I don't agree. I would rather get 3 points here and take our chances against City. Academic as it has been forced on Mauricio, but I admit I'm a bit nervous tonight.
I've always rated Yoshida higher than Fonte, so I wonder if it's just that now Yoshida is finally match fit, he's back in the team. It is odd that he's hardly even been on the bench until now though.
I wouldn't get too anxious. The cup games have largely featured mostly fringe players. This is mostly first elevens with a few fringe players, so the core of the team is the same. We should be OK.
Mauricio surely has to look at tonight's bench and reconsider his supposed stance that we don't need reinforcements in January, unless he really does have faith that the youngsters just pushing through are ready not just for outings for experience sake but to properly contribute to the team.
I'd hazard a guess that his stance was always rote answer more than conviction. One, you're sacrificing leverage by stating that you're in dire need of an X; two, you're sending the message to the players in the squad that they are not good enough. There's evidence that we've been reaching out to a couple players in attacking roles...I'd expect a transfer or two.
No, 3-5-2. More like 5-3-2 to be honest. Not sure why Yoshida is starting, Fonte must have a knock? Fonte is a much better player than Yoshida in my opinion.
Harrison Reed and Sam Gallagher have been part time first team squad players and from January the 1st that becomes permanent, I believe. So they are knocking on the door all right.
Indeed, I would hope/think so, that's why I said 'supposed' stance (I didn't want to outright call lovely Mauricio a liar!).
OK I can't find anything about Osvaldo's absence from the squad. Can someone enlighten me please? EDIT: Yeah don't worry about that. I'll just read the squad again properly eh?
