Aston Villa (H) - Tue 22nd April, 20:00 | PL | Pre-Match Thread

[Blue_Lightsaber]

I can seriously not understand that line up.

Even if playing for a draw I don’t get that team

This is all down to loyalty nothing else

Almost but McAtee in for Foden.. he is at least willing to admit Foden's not doing it this season!

 

[balotelli's back pocket]

Not sure Nico has a whole lot more pace than the old guys to be fair, although he's certainly a lot more powerful and better defensively.

Pretty clear Pep doesn't really see him as a 6 when he won't play him in games like this one.

 

[Johnny Mars Bar]

Is Gundo Peps secret love child…

He’s been by far the best of the old guard as of late.

 

[GaudinoMotors]

Mate stuck at work - won't get here - free tkt going if on the off chance you're at the ground without one. Pm me - if no response it's gone.

 

[Jonas.shaffer]

Sick of this shit, you cannot play silva, gundo and kova in the same line up as it stifles any pace. Villa are a pacy team and will run us ragged in midfield!! Why nico is not playing is beyond me and doku should have been playing, not great but he causes problems. Looks like a cautious line up and expect side to side boring football and we will get out done by villa

Why are we acting like Nico is significantly faster than the guys you mentioned?

So far, if I had one criticism of Nico in his early days here, it is his lack of pace and still getting caught on the ball too much. I'm okay with Pep going with the experienced players in this one.

 

[chesterbells]

Is Gonzalez just another completely average midfielder we’ve signed?

Is he quick?

 

[half & half derby scarf]

Our best two players Khusanov (sub) and Bobb (not in squad). Is Bobb injured again?

 

[waspish]

It’s a shocking line up. Fair play it worked against Palace when KDB rolled back the years but the pathetic display in the derby was also a similar pace less side

Yep someone has to step up individual maybe Marmoush will

 

[chris85mcfc]

Matty Cash basically starts every game booked. Surely we would want a winger running at him from the off

Or perhaps one to just run at him for the last half an hour when he's knackered?

We all know Doku is shit over a 90 minute game, but he's an excellent impact sub and he could be that for us tonight

 

[eboblue]

Don’t panic captain Mainwaring!

We're all doooomed!

 

[bluemoon32]

Is he quick?

Speedy

 

[HypnoticBlue]

That lineup fills me full of dread, be amazed if they’re not out of sight by half time.

 

[xMatMcC]

Going to get dominated in the midfield tonight. Villa are too physical for Gundo, Bernardo, and Kova. We'll be lucky to get 3 points today. Come on City!!

 

[Blueknows]

Until they are either injured or taken away from him he’ll continue to pick them..

Still dunno why Silva and Gundo are getting regular starts, wheres Reiss, Gonzalez, Echeverri and Bobb?

 

[Ajm1985]

The old lads will do well not to be absolutely blown off the pitch first half. By the time Pep makes his subs (70th minute) we'll only be in it if they all have insane games.

 

[Chak19]

Not sure Nico has a whole lot more pace than the old guys to be fair, although he's certainly a lot more powerful and better defensively.

Pretty clear Pep doesn't really see him as a 6 when he won't play him in games like this one.

Oh so you mean it's more money down the drain ? it's becoming a lot now.

 

[balotelli's back pocket]

I find it very weird that McAtee keeps getting more and more chances while he seems to be getting linked with a move away in the summer. Pep really does like him, clearly.

 

[blue b4 the moon]

Pep may be in the middle of a 4d chess masterstroke.

Let's be honest a boring 1-0 ? I'll be delighted but, all his arm waving to get the crowd going....this team in 2025 isn't going to be swashbuckling to engage a large percentage of fans.

 

[Blu1]

Almost but McAtee in for Foden.. he is at least willing to admit Foden's not doing it this season!

I’m fine with foden not playing & mcatee starting

I just don’t get Kev, Gundy, Bernie & Kova when we have nico, Jack, doku & savi on the bench. We can play 2 oldies at most not all 4 at home v villa in a must win game

 

[lonestay]

This is gonna be prime Ali rope a dope tactics ! Frustrate villa (and us) by not allowing them the ball and trying to take them with the subs on the 70min mark .