Paul Lambert looks ahead to Saturday.
Ron Vlaar, Andreas Weimann, Nathan Baker, Gabby Agbonlahor and Charles N'Zogbia are all injury doubts ahead of Wigan.
Villa's quality quartet are all struggling for Saturday's clash.
Vlaar has missed six games with a calf problem.
Weimann also injured his calf in the game at Chelsea and was absent from the Tottenham match.
Baker limped off against Tottenham with a hamstring problem while Agbonlahor and N'Zogbia have hip and knee issues respectively.
Lambert said: "The injury situation is not helping us at the minute. There are a lot at the football club. You have just got to go with what you have got though.
"With Ron, I don't know. He's doing alright at the minute but has not played since Arsenal.
"He has not trained with us. He's still working on his rehab.
"Nathan has a hamstring problem. We don't know how bad it is. Andreas has injured his calf.
"Gabby still has a problem with his hip area and with Charles it's his knee. They are still struggling a bit."
Asked if any might come back for Wigan, he added: "I am not so sure. I don't think there will be many of them coming back."
Paul Lambert looks ahead to Saturday.
Ron Vlaar, Andreas Weimann, Nathan Baker, Gabby Agbonlahor and Charles N'Zogbia are all injury doubts ahead of Wigan.
Villa's quality quartet are all struggling for Saturday's clash.
Vlaar has missed six games with a calf problem.
Weimann also injured his calf in the game at Chelsea and was absent from the Tottenham match.
Baker limped off against Tottenham with a hamstring problem while Agbonlahor and N'Zogbia have hip and knee issues respectively.
Lambert said: "The injury situation is not helping us at the minute. There are a lot at the football club. You have just got to go with what you have got though.
"With Ron, I don't know. He's doing alright at the minute but has not played since Arsenal.
"He has not trained with us. He's still working on his rehab.
"Nathan has a hamstring problem. We don't know how bad it is. Andreas has injured his calf.
"Gabby still has a problem with his hip area and with Charles it's his knee. They are still struggling a bit."
Asked if any might come back for Wigan, he added: "I am not so sure. I don't think there will be many of them coming back."
Surely that's a quintet?
We must be getting desperate if people want N'Zogbia to play.
2-1 win.
Not having the injured players will be a massive blow though. Missing Baker AND Vlaar would be the difference, and if out I would have Lichaj into right back, Lowton in alongside Clark at centre half. In fact, I would do that anyway and leave out Herd.
Benteke needs a partner up front too. If we go in 5-3-2 I would play Bowery right up with Benteke and give him his shot. We need pace and someone to do the running up there, we missed Weimann running the channels and stretching the back 4 really badly. That option to pass too not being there automatically makes the midfield go sideways and back, and then results in the hoof.
One good thing that came out of yesterday was glimpses of Ireland and Benteke linking up well. I'd start Ireland just behind, with maybe a midfield three of Westwood (if fit) Bannan and Holman.
One good thing that came out of yesterday was glimpses of Ireland and Benteke linking up well. I'd start Ireland just behind, with maybe a midfield three of Westwood (if fit) Bannan and Holman.
I'm afraid KEA is utterly inept.
A poor signing.
As Baker is injured, i'm assuming it will be 4-4-1-1 against Wigan.
One good thing that came out of yesterday was glimpses of Ireland and Benteke linking up well. I'd start Ireland just behind, with maybe a midfield three of Westwood (if fit) Bannan and Holman.
I just don't see it tbh, Ireland looks decent in unimportant areas of the pitch, other than the odd decent pass he does very little around the box. If we're playing someone off Benteke as the lone front man they need to be a bit of a goal threat and, for me, Ireland isn't remotely that. If you take out his 1 season where he got 13 you're left with an attacking midfield with a record of 11 goals in 180 games (in context on average he offers around 3-4 goals a season), which isn't good enough to be paid what he is or regarded as highly as he is by some. We need to replace him with someone who is a goal threat.
For all Holman's limitations regarding technique he is willing to shoot and has provided 3 assists so far so he can be effective for us.
I'm afraid KEA is utterly inept.
A poor signing.
I'd move herd into midfield give us some tackling ability in there.
Would love to see Guzan - Lowton, Vlaar, Clark, Bennett - Westwood, Bannan - Weimann, Holman, N'Zogbia - Benteke
subs: Given, Lichaj, KEA, Gabby, Ireland, Bowery, AN other
That would be a significant step up from the side that finished today.
How massive is this game?? Nervy 0-0 until well into the second half - both teams concede the majority of their goals in the second half - Wigan 66% & us 75%. Last gasp winner for Villa.
If Baker and Vlaar are out, I'd play Lichaj at RB and Lowton in the middle.
Where is Hutton BTW?
If Baker and Vlaar are out, I'd play Lichaj at RB and Lowton in the middle.He will be reunited with McLeish then as he's on his way there
Where is Hutton BTW?
Forest I think.
I'm afraid KEA is utterly inept.
A poor signing.
agree, him and Delph gave away the ball all night.
I'm afraid KEA is utterly inept.
A poor signing.
agree, him and Delph gave away the ball all night.
They both had an 86% pass success rate last night. Only 2 of the Spurs starters (Defoe and Dembele) had better.
The way we're going with injuries it will be a case of find 11 fit players and then work out what formation to use based on who is fit. Anyone know if Seigrist can play midfield?
Our subs for Saturday:
(https://fbcdn-sphotos-d-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/532005_447488431973179_1432187687_n.jpg)
Humpty-Dumpty is warming up.
Humpty-Dumpty is warming up.
Humpty-Dumpty is warming up.
Wigan will come here and fancy their chances, it will be a very tough game , Lowton may need to step into centre defence the way things are going, am i right in thinking Delph is suspended too?
Wigan will come here and fancy their chances, it will be a very tough game , Lowton may need to step into centre defence the way things are going, am i right in thinking Delph is suspended too?
Yeah, he is. Do we know for sure that Westwood picked up an injury last night, or was he subbed off for tactical reasons?
Wigan will come here and fancy their chances, it will be a very tough game , Lowton may need to step into centre defence the way things are going, am i right in thinking Delph is suspended too?
Yeah, he is. Do we know for sure that Westwood picked up an injury last night, or was he subbed off for tactical reasons?
Wigan will come here and fancy their chances, it will be a very tough game , Lowton may need to step into centre defence the way things are going, am i right in thinking Delph is suspended too?
Yeah, he is. Do we know for sure that Westwood picked up an injury last night, or was he subbed off for tactical reasons?
Not sure, i presumed it was for an injury at the time.
Wigan will come here and fancy their chances, it will be a very tough game , Lowton may need to step into centre defence the way things are going, am i right in thinking Delph is suspended too?
Yeah, he is. Do we know for sure that Westwood picked up an injury last night, or was he subbed off for tactical reasons?
Not sure, i presumed it was for an injury at the time.
Noticed that he had a lot of vapour rub on his shirt against Chelsea, so I wonder if he's not been well.
I'm afraid KEA is utterly inept.
A poor signing.
agree, him and Delph gave away the ball all night.
They both had an 86% pass success rate last night. Only 2 of the Spurs starters (Defoe and Dembele) had better.
I wonder how many passes were over 10 yards or more though, kea looked good in pre season and of all the signings I thought he would have the biggest impact, he really has flattered to deceive .]
would be no harm to bring in some actual kids for this game like carruthers. its tragic watching albrighton these days. think lowton needs a breather. id drop him for this one and play lichaj on the right.
would be no harm to bring in some actual kids for this game like carruthers. its tragic watching albrighton these days. think lowton needs a breather. id drop him for this one and play lichaj on the right.
If we stick with the ridiculous 3-5-2 we'll lose and be in the bottom three again.
LORD LAWRO SPEAKS100% agreed.
We know what Villa boss Paul Lambert is trying to do in terms of building his own team, and that he is playing a lot of youngsters, but he really needs to get two or three experienced players in there to help the kids out.
"There were no boos at the end of the Spurs game so the Villa fans understand the situation, but it is difficult to know what Lambert can do apart from freshening his side up in January.
They look short of confidence, understandably, but the other thing they need badly at the moment is a goal.
At the moment, they are a long way short. I was watching them against Spurs and, if the ball didn't stick when they played it up to Christian Benteke, it just ended up going to the opposition and they are not good enough to cope with being under sustained pressure.
For me, its a bit simplistic to say we need experience. We had experience last season and it got us no where. I think what we are lacking is quality and leadership. That could come from a 23 year old or a 32 year old.
Correct me if i am wrong but i dont think we have beaten wigan at home
The problem with that is that none of the attacking midfield can play on the left, we genuinely have no one who can fill that gap currently with Gabby and nzogbia both out.
That'd be my key signing in January.
Ok i'd go......
Guzan
Lichaj
Lowton
Clark
Bennett
Westwood
Bannan
Holman
Albrighton
Ireland
Benteke
With Ireland just playing off Benteke.
Ok i'd go......
Guzan
Lichaj
Lowton
Clark
Bennett
Westwood
Bannan
Holman
Albrighton
Ireland
Benteke
With Ireland just playing off Benteke.
Let Wigan lick their lips, rub their hands or their balls, as they wont be leaving B6 with anything other than a good fucking hiding.
Just look on OS this is the outfield players we have left who are not injured or on loan
Clark
Bennett
Stevens
Lichaj
Lowton
Williams
Ireland
KEA
Albrighton
Westwood
Bannan
Herd
Johnson
Carruthers
Benteke
Bowery
Burke
Holman
Gulp
Just look on OS this is the outfield players we have left who are not injured or on loan
Clark
Bennett
Stevens
Lichaj
Lowton
Williams
Ireland
KEA
Albrighton
Westwood
Bannan
Herd
Johnson
Carruthers
Benteke
Bowery
Burke
Holman
Gulp
Gulp at left back for me.
If Wigan are going to play 3 at the back, let's stick to up front and occupy them. It's no good just playing Benteke against 3 centre backs. They'll be too much for him.
Just look on OS this is the outfield players we have left who are not injured or on loan
Clark
Bennett
Stevens
Lichaj
Lowton
Williams
Ireland
KEA
Albrighton
Westwood
Bannan
Herd
Johnson
Carruthers
Benteke
Bowery
Burke
Holman
Gulp
If Wigan are going to play 3 at the back, let's stick to up front and occupy them. It's no good just playing Benteke against 3 centre backs. They'll be too much for him.
It's why i've suggested Ireland in an advanced role and Albrighton out wide. That's three forward thnking players they'll have to contend with. Not ideal i know but with 3 strikers out, there's not a lot of options.
If Wigan are going to play 3 at the back, let's stick to up front and occupy them. It's no good just playing Benteke against 3 centre backs. They'll be too much for him.
It's why i've suggested Ireland in an advanced role and Albrighton out wide. That's three forward thnking players they'll have to contend with. Not ideal i know but with 3 strikers out, there's not a lot of options.
Ireland or Holman just off benteke maybe, but I don't think albrighton should start.
This. Last bits of the deadwood.If Wigan are going to play 3 at the back, let's stick to up front and occupy them. It's no good just playing Benteke against 3 centre backs. They'll be too much for him.
It's why i've suggested Ireland in an advanced role and Albrighton out wide. That's three forward thnking players they'll have to contend with. Not ideal i know but with 3 strikers out, there's not a lot of options.
Ireland or Holman just off benteke maybe, but I don't think albrighton should start.
I'd be tempted to tell Ireland not to bother coming, for all the fucking use he is.
Given that they play with wing backs we'd be best off employing a similar strategy to what chelsea did to us, ie pick 2 wide attacking players and tell them to stay high up the field and try to force their wing backs into a back 5. If we had a full squad to pick from this game would be ideal for nzog and weimann either side of benteke and Holman in the hole.
Without those wide players though I just don't think we can play that way, could try Albrighton and Carruthers I guess.
Just look on OS this is the outfield players we have left who are not injured or on loan
Clark
Bennett
Stevens
Lichaj
Lowton
Williams
Ireland
KEA
Albrighton
Westwood
Bannan
Herd
Johnson
Carruthers
Benteke
Bowery
Burke
Holman
Gulp
Even with looking at that I think we have enough to win tomorrow, provided Lambert gets it right tactically. What should have been seen as a routine win has become a massive 6-pointer.
Guzan
Lichaj Lowton Clark Bennett
Westwood Bannan
Albrighton Ireland Holman
Benteke
I'd be tempted to tell Ireland not to bother coming, for all the fucking use he is.
but, he's our player of the season ! ;-)QuoteI'd be tempted to tell Ireland not to bother coming, for all the fucking use he is.
Yes
I have read or heard injury updates on Dunne, Bent and Baker but does anyone know the score with Vlaar, N'Zogbia, Gabby and Weimann?
Paul Lambert insists Villa can now either sink or swim after the two heavy festive defeats - and he has no plans to drown in despair.
Lambert accepts that it's been a frustrating time, with twelve goals conceded in the clashes with Chelsea and Tottenham.
But he says he's far from despondent about the rest of the campaign as he eyes victories to push Villa into the mid-table region.
He is confident the fans are with him and can appreciate the long-term future of the club, which he insists is bright.
Asked if fans should keep their eyes on the project, he said: "Yes I would say so. It's easy for to say that after we've been smacked but prior to these two games everyone could see the big picture.
"I understand the frustrations. But I can see the bigger picture. I know what we want to achieve.
"I know we're not a million miles from mid-table. If you hit a little run.
"We have played two tough games there with a lot of injuries. I think we will be fine.
"You have to put those barriers up. You take that criticism on the chin. It makes you stronger. There's no hiding from it. It makes you stronger - you think okay, no problem. You go again.
"There are two ways of looking at it. You pick yourself up or you sink. We're certainly not going to go sinking.
"I think the fans can see that we're trying to lift it and do the right things for the football club. We're doing everything we can.
"But listen, we're not sitting bottom. We are not in the bottom three and we're only a few points from mid-table!
"We want to make a success of this place. A more experienced teamthan we have right now has flirted with relegation the last few years. So it just shows you, you have to earn the right.
"But I think the future for the club is really good.
"It wasn't too long ago that we beat Liverpool and everyone was 'Aston Villa this and Aston Villa that.' You are going to take these hits along the way. If you ask most managers, they have been through what we're going through now.
"If someone said to us that we'd take three points from the games against Liverpool, Chelsea and Tottenham and drew the three, people would think differently about it.
"There are ways to look at it. It's whether you want to be positive or negative about it. I try to be positive.
"And we will get the team up and running. They will go again on Saturday."
Lambert is also confident his starlets will become "better players" in the long-term as a result of the two heavy defeats.
He added: "They will become better players for it, no doubt. When they look back in their late 20s, they will think 'jeez, I remember getting smashed there.' You do your utmost to try and make sure you don't have that feeling again."
Bloody hell is Vlaar ever going to get fit.When is Blancmange Ron due to return?
Albrighton just needs to get back to the flat crossing he was doing when he got into the side, he's started floating them across a lot more and it's not as effective.
Crossing is about hitting a space more than hitting a player, if you can consistently cross to the right areas you'll create chances, when you start to try to pick out a man there's a tendency to take some of the pace off the ball, which is what's happened to him and made him a lot less effective.
Watch highlights of him under mcdonald and houllier and you'll see what I mean.
Guzan
Lichaj Lowton Clark Bennett
Westwood Bannan
Albrighton Ireland Holman
Benteke
Looks a balanced team to me. If Westwood and Bannan can control possession then we could do well.
If not then the team could be a tad fragile mentally after the results recently.
Twitter chat is KEA is out as heading to African nations cup.Anyone know if this is true
Twitter chat is KEA is out as heading to African nations cup.Anyone know if this is true
Thats abit early most players are leaving around 5th Jan
Twitter chat is KEA is out as heading to African nations cup.Anyone know if this is trueGood news then. Perhaps give Johnson a game .
KEA will play tomorrow, I imagine we'll ask for dispensation to delay his departure for a bit.
Pretty sure I heard on the radio Holman is out?
I would actually keep Herd in. Di Santo and Kone will be physical and will back into our centre halfs and be niggly all game, bit worried if it's Clark and Lowton as that looks lightweight, Baker will be a miss that's for sure.
Last year we comfortably beat them at VP by playing a narrow midfield so at least we still have a few options there.
Let their wide players attack us, I went to the Arsenal game up there and their wing backs can't cross the ball at all. Beaujscjor and Ronnie Stam who played more like Jaap Stam going forward.
Yes. I'd like to see him given a chance.
Isnt Warnock back with the club. Why not play him in midfield or for that matter left back.
Guzan
Herd Lowton Clark Bennett
Westwood Bannan
Albrighton Holman Carruthers
Benteke
Guzan
Herd Lowton Clark Bennett
Westwood Bannan
Albrighton Holman Carruthers
Benteke
That would probably be the poorest Villa team I would have ever seen.
Guzan
Herd Lowton Clark Bennett
Westwood Bannan
Albrighton Holman Carruthers
Benteke
That would probably be the poorest Villa team I would have ever seen.
Guzan
Herd Lowton Clark Bennett
Westwood Bannan
Albrighton Holman Carruthers
Benteke
That would probably be the poorest Villa team I would have ever seen.
I an seriously worried if that is the extent of standard of available players ........
Guzan
Herd Lowton Clark Bennett
Westwood Bannan
Albrighton Holman Carruthers
Benteke
That would probably be the poorest Villa team I would have ever seen.
I an seriously worried if that is the extent of standard of available players ........
Well there are not many other options I can think of, KEA and Ireland perhaps
Guzan
Herd Lowton Clark Bennett
Westwood Bannan
Albrighton Holman Carruthers
Benteke
That would probably be the poorest Villa team I would have ever seen.
It's certainly a team which lacks big names and established stars but it does have potential.
Given our current injury plight I think leaving Ireland out is madness; we need experience and despite his faults he at least has that
He can also pick a pass out and looks a more viable option behind Benteke than Bowery, Albrighton, Carruthers etc
Given our current injury plight I think leaving Ireland out is madness; we need experience and despite his faults he at least has that
He can also pick a pass out and looks a more viable option behind Benteke than Bowery, Albrighton, Carruthers etc
Given our current injury plight I think leaving Ireland out is madness; we need experience and despite his faults he at least has that
He can also pick a pass out and looks a more viable option behind Benteke than Bowery, Albrighton, Carruthers etc
He certainly can pick out a pass, but lets be honest, how many have we seen in his time at Villa? The guy has been a liability, even more so given the talent he undoubtedly has
Given our current injury plight I think leaving Ireland out is madness; we need experience and despite his faults he at least has that
He can also pick a pass out and looks a more viable option behind Benteke than Bowery, Albrighton, Carruthers etc
He certainly can pick out a pass, but lets be honest, how many have we seen in his time at Villa? The guy has been a liability, even more so given the talent he undoubtedly has
Agree he has not exactly earned his money thus far but given the piss poor squad we have available to pick from he surely has to be worth a spot above those named previously
We are paying him enough!
It is the game which will shape the future of the club for a long time to come. It will. rightly or wrongly, be the game which shows whether our young team was broken by the Chelsea result or knocked back to come again stronger than before.Exactly my view too, Brian; both on the squad ethos and my response to next season.
I am totally in favour of the ethos of youth, enthusiasm and team spirit over age, experience and past record players brought in at any price and on whatever length of contract they demand but today is crunch day.
I can't speak for anybody else and would never presume to do so but my take on our present situation is that if we get relegated playing or trying to play attractive, passing football I shall be buying my season ticket as normal and supporting them home and away in the Championship. If they get relegated playing stupefyingly boring percentage football by overpaid has-beens I shall not.
It is the game which will shape the future of the club for a long time to come. It will. rightly or wrongly, be the game which shows whether our young team was broken by the Chelsea result or knocked back to come again stronger than before.
I am totally in favour of the ethos of youth, enthusiasm and team spirit over age, experience and past record players brought in at any price and on whatever length of contract they demand but today is crunch day.
I can't speak for anybody else and would never presume to do so but my take on our present situation is that if we get relegated playing or trying to play attractive, passing football I shall be buying my season ticket as normal and supporting them home and away in the Championship. If they get relegated playing stupefyingly boring percentage football by overpaid has-beens I shall not.
It is the game which will shape the future of the club for a long time to come. It will. rightly or wrongly, be the game which shows whether our young team was broken by the Chelsea result or knocked back to come again stronger than before.
Am thinking of rashly driving to Brum for the game, God knows why the weather's so bad here but sort of feel like I should be there to support the lads.
Where's the best place to sit in the Holte as I've always been Witton/Trinity? Am looking for a bit of atmosphere for once!
Also looks like you can't get tickets online as it's too late, how much time do I need to give myself to queue up for a ticket? Any news on how many have been sold? Cheers!
Am thinking of rashly driving to Brum for the game, God knows why the weather's so bad here but sort of feel like I should be there to support the lads.
Where's the best place to sit in the Holte as I've always been Witton/Trinity? Am looking for a bit of atmosphere for once!
Also looks like you can't get tickets online as it's too late, how much time do I need to give myself to queue up for a ticket? Any news on how many have been sold? Cheers!
Am thinking of rashly driving to Brum for the game, God knows why the weather's so bad here but sort of feel like I should be there to support the lads.
Where's the best place to sit in the Holte as I've always been Witton/Trinity? Am looking for a bit of atmosphere for once!
Also looks like you can't get tickets online as it's too late, how much time do I need to give myself to queue up for a ticket? Any news on how many have been sold? Cheers!
Losing Clark, on top of Vlaar, Baker and Dunne, would be a nightmare.
For all the discussion on the squad, side etc, we have been desperately unlucky with the amount of injuries to key players we have had for 3 seasons in a row now. Makes you wonder if the pitch/ bodymoor is to blame at all.
This game frightens me, regardless of how we play we must win. Not sure if even a Wibble or a pie will help, we need a few players to get a grip...