I suspect that Tuesday's starting line-up will be the same as Saturday's with the exception of Vargas. ( That's why I didn't put 'Team v Villa' as the title. ) I was critical of the team v WBA on the Match Day thread and I'm more than happy that I was made to quaff my words. I really didn't see that starting Xl producing that kind of performance or indeed that result. I've just watched the Man U v Villa game and also saw Danny Higginbotham's post match synopsis on 'Goals on Sunday.' He made a few interesting observations. He reckons that in order to win the midfield battle you have to go long to go short in the first fifteen to twenty minutes. ie Man U played the ball long to Feillaini which made Villa player deeper than they wanted to, especially their midfield which doesn't want to drop deep. This then leaves pockets of space for United's midfield to pick up the ball and have more time on it between the two lines. Which allows the two wide men to make runs and stretch the defence. Now I know we don't have the same calibre of player as Utd but I noticed that the Villa defence looked rattled every time the ball came near them in and around their box. If we can get Zamora playing the Feillaini role or a similar one Villa will suffer the same problems as they did on Saturday. It's one theory anyway. If it works it may well keep the Villa faithful quiet too which would be good for us. Especially as it looks like they're struggling to sell their tickets for this game..... https://www.eticketing.co.uk/avfc/details/event.aspx?itemref=9401 I'm not sure yet who I'd play instead of Vargas if he isn't fit. I think I'd like to see Sutherland if Taarabt isn't fit but it maybe a bit too much to blood another rookie at this level just yet.
Super analysis 999's I think you're spot on with the methodology to unsettle Villa. I'd perhaps try Nico as the replacement for Vargas if not fit and assuming Tarbs is also still injured. I think all most of us hope for is another "go, get at them" performance from whomever is the starting line-up
They have more injuries than we do Ellers...... http://www.physioroom.com/news/english_premier_league/epl_injury_table.php I still worry with them having Agbonlahor and Benteke though. Hopefully Clint or Nedum boot em up in the air early doors.
I agree mate, good old up and at em blood and guts football. With a little guile and craft thrown in too of course.
Nico came on for Vargas so is the obvious choice, however if CR wants to get at Villa early he might play Hoilett out wide for the added pace, it should be the same team apart from that!
Last time we played them i said we need to watch Benteke The last time we played them i kept say all week before the game we must watch Benteke/Agbonlahor/Weimann, we all knew what happened. The thing i noticed from the WBA game was we can't defend crosses so lets hope CR sorts. Another thing we didn't have Charlie Austin last time, we do this time.
Controversial perhaps but I'd drop Zamora. The goal was absolutely sublime, one of the best I've seen live, but two games in quick succession is a hell of a risk with him and he did very little IMO on Saturday apart from the goal.
Probably but none of the options are great assuming Vargas is out. Hoilett on a Tuesday night in a massive game doesn't appeal. God knows, just play Zamora and hope for the best.
What is it with Adel now? As he wasn't even on the bench I doubt he can play. If he can I'd have him in an attacking intetchanging midfield 3 with Phillips and Nico, and use Bobby as Sub. Or leave him on and play Austin in the 3. May be worth dropping Yun and playing Clint or Traore.
I feel the same mate. Regardless of our personal opinions on certain players, it's all a bit weird that some start and then just disappear without appearing on the injury list. This site .. http://www.physioroom.com/news/english_premier_league/epl_injury_table.php is a good indicator of injuries and return of personnel, Where is SWP, Traore & Adel ? Something is amiss. I thought Ramsey would be more transparent than Headcrapp, but it appears that this is apparently not so.
Was Vargas Left wing at Brom? didn't actually see him in the position other than a 30 second cameo, Typical the moment he got his position right his knees exploded. Junior would be almost unexpected due to his ****ness, so it would represent a curve ball of sorts, failing that its likely Nico will start. Here's a thought, what about Traore. Ducking for Cover.
There's a danger after Saturday's results that we might go in overconfident and get suckered. I'd stick with Kranjcar and play to OBZ roughing their back line up, it's sensible to keep it simple. Sherwood was apparently very reliant on Ramsey at Spurs, it'll be a fascinating duel and they'll be second-guessing tactics for sure...
OBZ is definitely up for the fight....and although in a different world where Vargas or Fer were fit...I would like to play a no 10 playing off Austin's shoulder....it ain't going happen, and the only chance we have is playing the formation and team that the players are happy with. So OBZ plays...and he will play his best till he drops...No worries about that..... It is really just down to whether he plays Junior or Kranky. Only Ramsey knows who is up for this match....I suspect it is Kranky. On the Traore and Adel front. Traore looked to be a liability in the matches I saw him play in......confidence shot. Adel is an enigma in a mystery......he is either the most injury prone player ever or has seriously bad advisors. He will be playing in backwaters next season at this rate
I have a sneaky feeling that Fer is ready to play. It has been kept very quiet apart from the "he is two weeks away" from a week ago. If so he could play left midfield and do as Vargas did, i.e. move in as soon as we get the ball. Straws...?
If Adel is not training properly he will be injury-prone as a result, I've long since dismissed the notion that he will ride to our rescue, such a waste of talent is unforgivable...
I am not sure if Krancar got enough credit for the pass to Phillips for the 4th goal. It had tremendous vision and near pin-point accuracy. Then there is the flick on for Austin's goal. Certainly earns a starting place if fit enough imo.
The problem is with Kranky is that he has the talent but recently has been off the boil. It wasn't that long ago everyone was chanting his name. Did i also read that CR said that TS would keep Villa up 'without a shadow of doubt', WTF! He should keep his gob shut and not say anything. CR is sounding like Harry 'biggin' the opposition up before we play them.
