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

Match Result Prediction

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I want this mentality!

jedi-surrounded.gif
 
Dax777 said:
I currently don't trust this team's form. Long-term, it has shown the ability to resolve whatever is ailing it. We have the last 8 years of evidence to prove that. But at present, the problem persists.

To name a few:
1. An off-form Erling (Even though he is so much ahead of other strikers that he is still far ahead of them.) But he is not cooking a the moment.
2. A disjointed team. Partly due to the new additions (Doku and Josko), who, while individually having some fantastic traits, haven't fully and seamlessly embedded yet. You can add the two Matt's who are constantly injured or off-pace.
3. The constant injurie to Ake and John, which makes it harder to have a more competitive backline and a more settled one.
4. The shoehorning of Walker (as captain and first name on the sheet). Which reduces cohesion and the ability to keep the ball more comfortably.
5. The poor form of Rodri. Call it being tired, making shit decisions that cost him games, or just bad form. But he, like Haaland, is in a (not so rich) vein of form. It sucks because he and Haaland, even in bad form, look better than most, but they are failing to provide us with that superior edge. I might still not be able to point out a better DM in the league, but he hasn't fallen back closer to the pack.
6. And most importantly, the absence of our most cutting-edge player, Kevin. It's been a struggle to replace him.


For all the above reasons, I don't currently trust our team... Yet, as usual, I expect nothing but a victory. I know we will play better. Whether that is enough to win is a different question.
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Blimey
With that level of positivity you’re going to smash it in the match day forum!
 
Lovebitesandeveryfing said:
Interesting timing, that. A tad too early, maybe. I'd say that's January rhetoric.
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Nah I dunno, he'll look at our next 5 or 6 games, and those of Liverpool and Arsenal, and see it as an opportunity to put some pressure on them during the next few weeks.

It might be what was needed to reignite the players, but only time will tell.
 
It’s a strange one, 2 years ago this exact fixture was played in the same window when an injury ravaged City went to Villa. We started well scored 2 lovely goals, conceded late and hung on by our fingernails.

Since then Villa have been transformed by investment and a very good manager. We’ve improved as well though we’re going there while ravaged by injuries and suspension.

I’m not as confident as I usually am about tomorrow night’s match, we are making some horrible mistakes in turning over cheap possession which is lethal with counterattacking sides (like Villa). Defensively we’re losing a lot of the 50:50s and upfront Haaland has been surprisingly wasteful. It’s the type of game that Rodri’s loss will be keenly felt so we really need Stones back and get some balance back into midfield.

One thing in our favour is Pep’s record against Emery is very very good, hopefully it continues tomorrow.

Feels like the kind of game we need to roll our sleeves up and get a result any way we can.
 
I feel no Grealish or Doku could be a blessing in disguise. I love them both but I think not having any to choose from will zone Pep's tactics in on control which, against a Villa side who are rapid and clinical in transition, won't necessarily be a bad thing.

Would like to see Bernie on the wing for this one, he's more effective there, and Lewis in the middle with Stones. But not sure how that would work so think he'll be in the middle. And Walker not venturing forward without any real attacking prowess!

Ederson

Walker
Akanji
Ake
Gvardiol

Bernie
Stones
Lewis

Foden
Haaland
Alvarez
 
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