Aston Villa (A) - Wed 6th Dec, 20:15 | PL | Pre Match Thread

[youngbob]

 

[Father Paul]

We need the control back
Ederson Walker Stones Dias Ake
Kova Lewis
Silva Alvarez Foden
Haaland

Not sure we get it back with that team but it is probably as close to the best we can field currently.
For me we have to adopt a more conservative approach for the next few games and concentrate on stopping the goals flooding in. Every time we lose the ball the defence is under pressure and a goal scoring chance is likely. The problem is that we are losing the ball far too often and this has energised the opposition. We need to grind our way into games by frustrating the opposition and earning the right to control the game. An ugly win on Wednesday is just what we need as I fear a repeat of what we have seen recently may end in defeat and a mini crisis.

 

[Skrastins]

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i don't think Doku will play this one with the injury concerns, most likely it will be Grealish

 

[youngbob]

i don't think Doku will play this one with the injury concerns, most likely it will be Grealish

Grealish suspended. Had forgotten about Doku's injury, though. Will be Alvarez or Bobb on the left.

 

[TrentGrisham]

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I like it but would be very surprised if Doku is fit, and even if it's not too bad, I doubt Pep risks him two days later given his injury history.

 

[pavelsrnicek]

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I think that will be the team bar Alvarez central and Phil on the left. Maybe Walker in for Akanji.

 

[Crooked_rain]

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Pretty much what I expect, except Foden left, Alvarez middle, Bernado right..

And walker instead of Akanji.

 

[GaudinoMotors]

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Can't see Jeremy Marsh starting this week.

 

[argyle]

When I questioned why we would sign a Wolves flop on the transferforum this summer I was told by half the forum that one of the best things about signing Nunes was not only that he apparently is one of the best midfielders in the world, he would also offer elite level cover for Rodri.

Yeah Nunes seems a panic buy. We needed another talented midfielder that could rotate with Rodri. Nunes doesn't play in that position?

Before his injury he won a penalty and that's about it this season.

 

[elbearos]

Try not to panic, they scraped a last minute draw at Bournemouth,

 

[argyle]

Try not to panic, they scraped a last minute draw at Bournemouth,

...and will raise their games against us.

They are good and quick on the counter which is our main weakness.

 

[shevtheblue]

Try not to panic, they scraped a last minute draw at Bournemouth,

Also beat the living shit out of this Spurs team, who also controlled most of the game...

 

[Ashton Moss Messi]

Solid defence for this one plus an attack with a bit of pace.
4-2-3-1 but Pep potentially playing his gotcha card and could even see 4-3-2-1.

Akanji looks like he doesn't know whether to stick or twist in the CDM role so back in defence, could be LB with Gvardiol in CD. Pep does like to play an "I am a genius" gotcha card now and again.

Missing Rodri but hopefully Stones fit and available to join Kovacic.
Rico and Bernardo to support in defending midfield when needed.
Maybe even see Rico playing in the 3-man DM.

Haaland and Foden attack.
Assuming Doku is not 100% fit and will not start.
Alvarez looks like he needs a good sub appearance.

Ederson
Walker-Dias-Gvardiol-Akanji
(Silva)-Stones-Kovacic-(Rico)
Silva-Foden-Rico
Haaland-(Foden)

Ake and Alvarez main bench cover plus Bobb Gomex and Phillips(!)

Erling is guaranteed to score, I've taken him out of my Fantasy team along with Dias and Bernardo, normally a good way to get a turn-round performance.

 

[EastMidlandsBlue]

Wow genuinely can't remember the last time Bluemoon voted us to lose a game

 

[richards30]

Ederson
Walker
Stones
Dias
Ake
Kovacic
Foden
Bernardo
Nunes
Alvarez
Haaland

 

[GaudinoMotors]

I don't rate Watkins at all - so stand by for his match winning hat-trick.

 

[ArniArason]

Some real pussy 'oles on here. Ffs. The things we've done in the face of adversity and more have voted we will get beat than win. Shame on you

 

[The Lightbowne Cowboy]

This is the time when the champions need to stand up and be counted. We're all feeling sorry for ourselves after these last few games but we need to get behind the lads and grow a pair. We're Manchester fucking City! Treble winners and league winners 3 years on the bounce..we didn't achieve any of this by rolling over and having our bellies tickled when the going got tough. We're WINNERS and a few indifferent results will not define us, our ability to go out and start beating teams on the pitch from this point will. CTIFD.

 

[ArniArason]

This is the time when the champions need to stand up and be counted. We're all feeling sorry for ourselves after these last few games but we need to get behind the lads and grow a pair. We're Manchester fucking City! Treble winners and league winners 3 years on the bounce..we didn't achieve any of this by rolling over and having our bellies tickled when the going got tough. We're WINNERS and a few indifferent results will not define us, our ability to go out and start beating teams on the pitch from this point will. CTIFD.

YUS!

 

[TinFoilHat]

I think we'll win by 4 clear goal and Kalvin will get MotM.