Heroes & Villains, the Aston Villa fanzine

Heroes & Villains => Match Threads & Player Ratings => Topic started by: Risso on January 28, 2021, 04:10:32 PM

Title: Southampton v Aston Villa pre-match thread - Saturday, January 30th, 8pm
Post by: Risso on January 28, 2021, 04:10:32 PM
Live on Sky Sports.


Southampton haven't been in great form in the league, with 1 win in 7, albeit against Liverpool.


We need to get back to winning ways, and three points starts to separate us from Southampton and the bottle neck in the middle of the table. Need to keep Ings quiet as he's a player who always seems to do well against us, and not give away free kicks in dangerous areas.


1-3.
Title: Re: Southampton v Aston Villa pre-match thread - Saturday, January 30th, 8pm
Post by: Drummond on January 28, 2021, 04:30:15 PM
Should be a good game. We need energy for this one and as in a other thread, Traore out for Trez, Barkley out for Ramsay to give us legs then change at 60 mins to bully them near the end.
Title: Re: Southampton v Aston Villa pre-match thread - Saturday, January 30th, 8pm
Post by: Dr Butler on January 28, 2021, 04:45:52 PM
a win please Villa

Southampton nil too please Villa :)

UTV
The Doc
Title: Re: Southampton v Aston Villa pre-match thread - Saturday, January 30th, 8pm
Post by: LukeJames on January 28, 2021, 04:47:21 PM
If we could not give any free kicks away within 15 yards of our area, that would be great.
Title: Re: Southampton v Aston Villa pre-match thread - Saturday, January 30th, 8pm
Post by: Nev on January 28, 2021, 04:54:01 PM
Tough game and I would've taken a draw but for last night's aberration. I expect us to be a little less fluid, more compact with a couple of personel changes. We'll squeak it.

0-1
Title: Re: Southampton v Aston Villa pre-match thread - Saturday, January 30th, 8pm
Post by: Toronto Villa on January 28, 2021, 05:18:06 PM
Both teams are coming off poor results. I would like to think we are more than a match for this lot. They are a good side. I'll go with a rare 1-1

Watkins to carry on scoring
Title: Re: Southampton v Aston Villa pre-match thread - Saturday, January 30th, 8pm
Post by: Toronto Villa on January 28, 2021, 05:18:18 PM
No poll. Amateur
Title: Re: Southampton v Aston Villa pre-match thread - Saturday, January 30th, 8pm
Post by: Steve67 on January 28, 2021, 05:21:12 PM
Bogey side Southampton?  Need a win with three losses in four. More ruthless please Villa, it’s the only thing missing from our game!
Title: Re: Southampton v Aston Villa pre-match thread - Saturday, January 30th, 8pm
Post by: ChicagoLion on January 28, 2021, 05:53:25 PM
I watched them in their last game. The lack pace but make up for it as they are very well organised as a team and attack and defend as a team.
I have no idea what to expect from this Villa team.
Title: Re: Southampton v Aston Villa pre-match thread - Saturday, January 30th, 8pm
Post by: Legion on January 28, 2021, 05:58:25 PM
2-0.
Title: Re: Southampton v Aston Villa pre-match thread - Saturday, January 30th, 8pm
Post by: wittonwarrior on January 28, 2021, 06:20:21 PM
We won’t win not the Villa thing At Southampton. 0-0
Title: Re: Southampton v Aston Villa pre-match thread - Saturday, January 30th, 8pm
Post by: Bad English on January 28, 2021, 06:24:26 PM
FTPFFBHFCDFRSAFTS! UTV! 1-3
Title: Re: Southampton v Aston Villa pre-match thread - Saturday, January 30th, 8pm
Post by: manic-road on January 28, 2021, 06:29:15 PM
I went to St Marys last season to witness one of the most pitiful performances I have ever witnessed from a Villa team, I still have nightmares of Reina jogging back from the Southampton half to pick the ball out of the net.

Anyway we are a completely different team now so 1-2 to us, Watkins and Konsa.
Title: Re: Southampton v Aston Villa pre-match thread - Saturday, January 30th, 8pm
Post by: OCD on January 28, 2021, 06:40:45 PM
If we could not give any free kicks away within 15 yards of our area, that would be great.

Defend corners better too and be more clinical when we create chances. I hope we see a positive reaction. This is the second time now that we've played them having had a poor 45 minutes beforehand, we can't afford to have a poor first half against them this time around.
Title: Re: Southampton v Aston Villa pre-match thread - Saturday, January 30th, 8pm
Post by: The Edge on January 28, 2021, 06:43:29 PM
I'm gonna try a different approach for this one.
3-0 to them. That should all but guarantee a Villa victory.
Title: Re: Southampton v Aston Villa pre-match thread - Saturday, January 30th, 8pm
Post by: CT on January 28, 2021, 06:54:52 PM
Hopefully we’ve gone a long way from last season which was one of our worst performances all year.

Don’t give away free kicks and corners if possible after what happened at VP, I’m assuming that giant centre half will be playing for them.

I’ll go a tight 0-1 for us.
Title: Re: Southampton v Aston Villa pre-match thread - Saturday, January 30th, 8pm
Post by: PaulWinch again on January 28, 2021, 07:34:18 PM
Need to win this one.
Title: Re: Southampton v Aston Villa pre-match thread - Saturday, January 30th, 8pm
Post by: Andy_Lochhead_in_the_air on January 28, 2021, 08:46:03 PM
Southampton celebrity fans.

 Chris Packham.  :)

 Craaaaaig Daaaaavid.   ::)

 Rishi Sunak.  >:(
Title: Re: Southampton v Aston Villa pre-match thread - Saturday, January 30th, 8pm
Post by: Flamingo Lane on January 28, 2021, 09:19:36 PM
I would like to see Ramsey in for Barkley, and El Ghazi in for Traore.  Trez would also do in place of Traore but on the basis of how well he'd done before being dropped I think El Ghazi should be in.
Title: Re: Southampton v Aston Villa pre-match thread - Saturday, January 30th, 8pm
Post by: Des Little on January 28, 2021, 11:19:49 PM
Can only see a draw here. We need to have fixed our defensive brain farts by Saturday.
Title: Re: Southampton v Aston Villa pre-match thread - Saturday, January 30th, 8pm
Post by: tony scott on January 29, 2021, 02:54:39 AM
I think that Burnley defeat has dented our confidence, and they will definitely test our zonal marking 2:0 however I have a slight hunch that Watkins might get a hatrick 2:3 I’ve got splinters
Title: Re: Southampton v Aston Villa pre-match thread - Saturday, January 30th, 8pm
Post by: robbo1874 on January 29, 2021, 02:57:54 AM
Got absolutely no idea about this one after Burnley. Probably another one that we should win but likely won’t. I’d take a draw in all honesty.
Title: Re: Southampton v Aston Villa pre-match thread - Saturday, January 30th, 8pm
Post by: Toronto Villa on January 29, 2021, 03:00:47 AM
The only confidence that has been dented is that of the fans. Teams lose games. Sometimes ones they shouldn’t. It has happened to every team this season including the ones at the top of the table. We didn’t become a bad side. Bad sides don’t create the number of chances we do and have still one of the best defences in the league. We are a really good side and we have proven it often. We have a hard game now but one we can certainly win.
Title: Re: Southampton v Aston Villa pre-match thread - Saturday, January 30th, 8pm
Post by: robbo1874 on January 29, 2021, 03:08:22 AM
Id like to see Sanson at some point, whether as a starter or off the bench, just to get a look at him. Would like to see Louie Barry on the bench too, if has been suggested Southampton lack a bit of pace. Ideally 2-0 up with 10-15 mins to go and chuck him on.
Title: Re: Southampton v Aston Villa pre-match thread - Saturday, January 30th, 8pm
Post by: WALTERS WARRIORS on January 29, 2021, 04:06:10 AM
Hope he starts with Barkley then gives Sanson 30 mins. He missed last weeks game against Monaco because of this transfer. But will be match fit. We need a win with intent here for confidence and progression .......
Title: Re: Southampton v Aston Villa pre-match thread - Saturday, January 30th, 8pm
Post by: Nev on January 29, 2021, 07:21:43 AM
Looking back at Burnley in considered hindsight, does the presence of Barkley and Bertie weaken us from a resilience point of view? A point worth considering with regards to team selection for this one.
Title: Re: Southampton v Aston Villa pre-match thread - Saturday, January 30th, 8pm
Post by: sid1964 on January 29, 2021, 08:08:34 AM
Can’t see us getting anything at Southampton 2-1 to them
Title: Re: Southampton v Aston Villa pre-match thread - Saturday, January 30th, 8pm
Post by: Mouse Potato on January 29, 2021, 08:23:59 AM
Can’t see us getting anything at Southampton 2-1 to them
I can, and so do the bookies as we're the favourites
Title: Re: Southampton v Aston Villa pre-match thread - Saturday, January 30th, 8pm
Post by: stubbsyandy on January 29, 2021, 08:47:03 AM
Score first then we always win.......oh
Title: Re: Southampton v Aston Villa pre-match thread - Saturday, January 30th, 8pm
Post by: andyh on January 29, 2021, 09:44:29 AM
I literally have no idea on this one.
We could win, we might draw or they could beat us.

Tough one to call after the other night.
Title: Re: Southampton v Aston Villa pre-match thread - Saturday, January 30th, 8pm
Post by: Risso on January 29, 2021, 09:48:54 AM
I literally have no idea on this one.
We could win, we might draw or they could beat us.


Thanks Mystic Meg, now about those lottery numbers! ;)
Title: Re: Southampton v Aston Villa pre-match thread - Saturday, January 30th, 8pm
Post by: Gareth on January 29, 2021, 09:50:42 AM
            Martinez
Cash Konsa Mings Targett
          Luiz McGinn
    Trez Barkley Grealish
             Watkins

Heaton, Engels, Elmo, Taylor, Sanson, Nakamba, El Ghazi, Traore, Davis

As many have said we need to not give away silly free kicks in JW-P range, likewise conceding corners has to be last resort

Would go with Trez work rate to start over Traore, bringing him on for last 20, if Barkley not 100% after 2 quick games after his injury would advance McGinn & bring in Marvellous

Would be unfair on Ramsey to miss out but I’d guess likliehood is either Sanson won’t get international clearance in time or someone will be out with a knock after laying those cloggers on Wednesday night so he will probs be in.

Looking forward to this and the West Ham games - two decent but not spectacular teams should be v competitive
Title: Re: Southampton v Aston Villa pre-match thread - Saturday, January 30th, 8pm
Post by: fbriai on January 29, 2021, 10:07:54 AM
I fancy us to get revenge for the result at our place. I'm going 1-2. Ings for them. Watkins and Barkley for us.
Title: Re: Southampton v Aston Villa pre-match thread - Saturday, January 30th, 8pm
Post by: The Edge on January 29, 2021, 10:13:31 AM
I think that Burnley defeat has dented our confidence, and they will definitely test our zonal marking 2:0 however I have a slight hunch that Watkins might get a hatrick 2:3 I’ve got splinters
We don't know yet if the Burnley game has affected the players confidence but it has dented the fans confidence. I agree about the zonal marking though. Burnley did their homework and got their rewards. When that giant scored against us at Villa Park I think it was McGinn marking him (trying to) from a corner. That can't be allowed to happen. As great as our defensive record has been this year zonal marking from set pieces scares me.
Title: Re: Southampton v Aston Villa pre-match thread - Saturday, January 30th, 8pm
Post by: not3bad on January 29, 2021, 10:23:08 AM
Bogey side Southampton?  Need a win with three losses in four. More ruthless please Villa, it’s the only thing missing from our game!

This ^^^
Title: Re: Southampton v Aston Villa pre-match thread - Saturday, January 30th, 8pm
Post by: Drummond on January 29, 2021, 10:30:17 AM
I think that Burnley defeat has dented our confidence, and they will definitely test our zonal marking 2:0 however I have a slight hunch that Watkins might get a hatrick 2:3 I’ve got splinters
We don't know yet if the Burnley game has affected the players confidence but it has dented the fans confidence. I agree about the zonal marking though. Burnley did their homework and got their rewards. When that giant scored against us at Villa Park I think it was McGinn marking him (trying to) from a corner. That can't be allowed to happen. As great as our defensive record has been this year zonal marking from set pieces scares me.

Some fans. That result against Burnley was just another one of those games. Southampton are in a tricky patch but they've been good this season. I think we'll be fine.
Title: Re: Southampton v Aston Villa pre-match thread - Saturday, January 30th, 8pm
Post by: in exile on January 29, 2021, 10:39:03 AM
2-2
Title: Re: Southampton v Aston Villa pre-match thread - Saturday, January 30th, 8pm
Post by: dicedlam on January 29, 2021, 10:42:31 AM
Sadly, I can't see anything more than a draw for this one.

1-1 Watkins.
Title: Re: Southampton v Aston Villa pre-match thread - Saturday, January 30th, 8pm
Post by: Nunkin1965 on January 29, 2021, 11:17:30 AM
I think that Burnley defeat has dented our confidence, and they will definitely test our zonal marking 2:0 however I have a slight hunch that Watkins might get a hatrick 2:3 I’ve got splinters
We don't know yet if the Burnley game has affected the players confidence but it has dented the fans confidence. I agree about the zonal marking though. Burnley did their homework and got their rewards. When that giant scored against us at Villa Park I think it was McGinn marking him (trying to) from a corner. That can't be allowed to happen. As great as our defensive record has been this year zonal marking from set pieces scares me.

Some fans. That result against Burnley was just another one of those games. Southampton are in a tricky patch but they've been good this season. I think we'll be fine.

I have to say that I've got no problem at all with our progression. And that's what it is. Progression.
We lost against Burnley after a fantastic first half showing and they were always going to come back at us. Sometimes you just have to give the other side some credit rather than just blaming every single issue as a fault of ours. We'll lose games.
We've made amazing progress and people need to be patient.
Title: Re: Southampton v Aston Villa pre-match thread - Saturday, January 30th, 8pm
Post by: LeeB on January 29, 2021, 11:17:39 AM
4-1 to us.

We're due a game where everything goes in for us, fuck me we've been on the end of a few this season, the reverse fixture being the prime example.
Title: Re: Southampton v Aston Villa pre-match thread - Saturday, January 30th, 8pm
Post by: Allan C on January 29, 2021, 11:19:39 AM
I think that Burnley defeat has dented our confidence, and they will definitely test our zonal marking 2:0 however I have a slight hunch that Watkins might get a hatrick 2:3 I’ve got splinters
We don't know yet if the Burnley game has affected the players confidence but it has dented the fans confidence. I agree about the zonal marking though. Burnley did their homework and got their rewards. When that giant scored against us at Villa Park I think it was McGinn marking him (trying to) from a corner. That can't be allowed to happen. As great as our defensive record has been this year zonal marking from set pieces scares me.

Some fans. That result against Burnley was just another one of those games. Southampton are in a tricky patch but they've been good this season. I think we'll be fine.
Exactly this. It was a defeat but they do occur!!! We’re a million miles from where we were last season and in honesty we could have been 5 up at half time. I havnt lost confidence in them and I’m sure the team havnt either
Title: Re: Southampton v Aston Villa pre-match thread - Saturday, January 30th, 8pm
Post by: SoccerHQ on January 29, 2021, 12:29:16 PM
Bogey side Southampton?  Need a win with three losses in four. More ruthless please Villa, it’s the only thing missing from our game!

We've beaten them the grand total of once since they came back up in 2012.

Think that amounts to 11 games now so not a good record at all and we always massively struggle v their press. They made us look like a proper championship team in the two games last season (when they were only narrowly above us) and I thought we were really poor v them in first half at VP although going 4-0 down with the goals they scored was a bit of a freak occurence.

Will be interesting team news. I thought Trez is a cert to start as with their front 3 we need to make sure both FBs don't get exposed. Suppose it's a question then if we take Traore out or just move him a bit centrally and take Barkley out. Perhaps Sanson will start aswell but think he's more likely to be on the bench.

I think after the defending the other day we'll be far more cautious and play it like we did at Leicester and Wolves and not just attack for the sake of it. 1-1.
Title: Re: Southampton v Aston Villa pre-match thread - Saturday, January 30th, 8pm
Post by: SoccerHQ on January 29, 2021, 12:30:51 PM
Hopefully we’ve gone a long way from last season which was one of our worst performances all year.

Don’t give away free kicks and corners if possible after what happened at VP, I’m assuming that giant centre half will be playing for them.

I’ll go a tight 0-1 for us.

Vestegaard been out for a few weeks and won't make our game apparently so that's a bonus as was too easy for him to score the first at VP.

They weren't great v Arsenal missing their first choice FBs although I think Ryan Bertrand was only suspended so will be back.
Title: Re: Southampton v Aston Villa pre-match thread - Saturday, January 30th, 8pm
Post by: OCD on January 29, 2021, 12:44:08 PM
Smith likes a settled side so I expect the 11 to be the same. Trezeguet could have had a hat-trick in the reverse fixture.
Title: Re: Southampton v Aston Villa pre-match thread - Saturday, January 30th, 8pm
Post by: Deano's Mullet on January 29, 2021, 12:51:45 PM
Definite bogey side in the early Premier League days but that was primarily because they had bloody Matthew  Le Tissier. He loved scoring against us and even when we looked like beating or drawing against them he’d grab a last minute goal for them. The only win that stands out in my memory of recent meetings is the one at St Mary’s under Lambert where we had three shots and won 3-2.
Title: Re: Southampton v Aston Villa pre-match thread - Saturday, January 30th, 8pm
Post by: Bobby Boy on January 29, 2021, 12:56:51 PM
At the start of the week I felt more confident of a decent result against Burnley than against Southampton.

Southampton are a better footballing team than Burnley but they also have the threat from corners and free-kicks that cost us against Burnley and in the Southampton game at our place.

It will be a good game and we can beat them if we avoid the mental errors that killed us against Burnley.

I'd play either El Ghazi or Trez for Traore though for definite and I'd be really surprised if Dean doesn't make that change.

2-1 to us.
Title: Re: Southampton v Aston Villa pre-match thread - Saturday, January 30th, 8pm
Post by: AlexAlexCropley on January 29, 2021, 01:36:40 PM
If the home match was another 10 minutes we win. Southampton fade in matches,keep it tight first half, batter em second. 3-0 us.
Title: Re: Southampton v Aston Villa pre-match thread - Saturday, January 30th, 8pm
Post by: Jon Crofts on January 29, 2021, 02:30:46 PM
Christ almighty the last time we beat these stripey, south coast, yacht haven, nobodies was December 2013!
Title: Re: Southampton v Aston Villa pre-match thread - Saturday, January 30th, 8pm
Post by: Risso on January 29, 2021, 02:48:05 PM
Christ almighty the last time we beat these stripey, south coast, yacht haven, nobodies was December 2013!

We did have four years of that in a different division though.  But still, let's put it right tomorrow.
Title: Re: Southampton v Aston Villa pre-match thread - Saturday, January 30th, 8pm
Post by: LeeB on January 29, 2021, 03:15:35 PM
Christ almighty the last time we beat these stripey, south coast, yacht haven, nobodies was December 2013!

I'd have finished with "Howard's Way c**ts", but I'm nitpicking.
Title: Re: Southampton v Aston Villa pre-match thread - Saturday, January 30th, 8pm
Post by: darren woolley on January 29, 2021, 03:44:37 PM
2-1 Villa win.
Title: Re: Southampton v Aston Villa pre-match thread - Saturday, January 30th, 8pm
Post by: Rudy Can't Fail on January 29, 2021, 04:46:29 PM
We need to get back to winning ways with one win in last six. We're generally playing well enough to not be too concerned but 3 points tomorrow are vital to set us for the visit of West Ham and Arsenal next week.

We need to get at the Saints defence that looks very weak. I'd consider bring Trez back for his workrate down the right. Other than that, same team as Burnley.
Title: Re: Southampton v Aston Villa pre-match thread - Saturday, January 30th, 8pm
Post by: PaulWinch again on January 29, 2021, 05:13:12 PM
Yes I agree we’re playing much better than recent results - so we need to start accumulating the points.
Title: Re: Southampton v Aston Villa pre-match thread - Saturday, January 30th, 8pm
Post by: PhilVill on January 29, 2021, 05:53:22 PM
If they don't get sucked into making daft challenges close to the 18 yard box I think we could win this one comfortably. You have to think that the team are really hurting from the 2nd half shit show on Wednesday night and want to put that right. 0-2 methinks (me hopes!)
Title: Re: Southampton v Aston Villa pre-match thread - Saturday, January 30th, 8pm
Post by: The Edge on January 29, 2021, 05:56:16 PM
I think that Burnley defeat has dented our confidence, and they will definitely test our zonal marking 2:0 however I have a slight hunch that Watkins might get a hatrick 2:3 I’ve got splinters
We don't know yet if the Burnley game has affected the players confidence but it has dented the fans confidence. I agree about the zonal marking though. Burnley did their homework and got their rewards. When that giant scored against us at Villa Park I think it was McGinn marking him (trying to) from a corner. That can't be allowed to happen. As great as our defensive record has been this year zonal marking from set pieces scares me.

Some fans. That result against Burnley was just another one of those games. Southampton are in a tricky patch but they've been good this season. I think we'll be fine.
Exactly this. It was a defeat but they do occur!!! We’re a million miles from where we were last season and in honesty we could have been 5 up at half time. I havnt lost confidence in them and I’m sure the team havnt either
Just to clarify I haven't lost confidence in them. I often annoy people by defending certain players even when they probably don't deserve it. It's just in my nature. Of course we can win and I'm looking forward to watching the boys in full flow with some of that silky football which is so great to watch.I really can't wait to be in Villa Park and witnessing this team in the flesh.
Title: Re: Southampton v Aston Villa pre-match thread - Saturday, January 30th, 8pm
Post by: Abbeyfealeavfc on January 29, 2021, 05:57:49 PM
I'd be tempted to start the same team that started at Burnley (cause that 1st half was ace). We just need to take our chances.
Against Newcastle and Burnley we fell off the pace in the 2nd half (maybe due to the enforced covid layoff), so I would definitely replace Barkley on 60 mins with Sanson if he's available (Barkley doesn't have the stamina for a full 90 mins, he doesn't look match fit and he's only a luxury if we've got the ball).
Nakamba may need to come on for McGinn around the same time and whoever our dms are need to cover the full backs as part of their roles. I'll be interested to see Sanson given a runout as I don't know very much about him.

Edit-I forgot, we also need to defend corners better!
Title: Re: Southampton v Aston Villa pre-match thread - Saturday, January 30th, 8pm
Post by: SaddVillan on January 29, 2021, 07:58:48 PM
4th game in 11 days.
Almost the same starting (and finishing) XI each time.
How much has Covid affected the squad?
Are some of the players showing signs of burnout?
Title: Re: Southampton v Aston Villa pre-match thread - Saturday, January 30th, 8pm
Post by: Risso on January 29, 2021, 08:30:59 PM
4th game in 11 days.
Almost the same starting (and finishing) XI each time.
How much has Covid affected the squad?
Are some of the players showing signs of burnout?


In my opinion, not at all. Watkins has played 21 games. Son at Spurs has played 31.
Title: Re: Southampton v Aston Villa pre-match thread - Saturday, January 30th, 8pm
Post by: BoVillan esq on January 29, 2021, 08:39:25 PM
After throwing away Burnley I'd settle for a draw v Southampton, get something, we do have Jack, a real game winner if he gets the chance.

1-1
Title: Re: Southampton v Aston Villa pre-match thread - Saturday, January 30th, 8pm
Post by: villa `cross the mersey on January 29, 2021, 09:13:31 PM
Tired legs resulting in a 3-1 defeat .......
Title: Re: Southampton v Aston Villa pre-match thread - Saturday, January 30th, 8pm
Post by: SoccerHQ on January 29, 2021, 09:22:09 PM
Definite bogey side in the early Premier League days but that was primarily because they had bloody Matthew  Le Tissier. He loved scoring against us and even when we looked like beating or drawing against them he’d grab a last minute goal for them. The only win that stands out in my memory of recent meetings is the one at St Mary’s under Lambert where we had three shots and won 3-2.

We had a pretty good run v them from mid 90s onwards.

Won at the Dell three years running (last was that 4-1 win when we were celebrating at the end breaking unbeaten start to the season) and we also regularly beat them at VP during that time. Think we were also one of the first to win at St Marys aswell and when they went down in 04/05 we beat them home and away including comeback win from 2 down in the away game so only really become a massive pain in the backside since 2012.

Never had a problem with them though probably due to Le Tissier but also because they've always seemed to try to play football in the right way and have one of the best youth set ups in football when you look at the players they've produced in last 15 years, very impressive set.
Title: Re: Southampton v Aston Villa pre-match thread - Saturday, January 30th, 8pm
Post by: brontebilly on January 29, 2021, 09:51:14 PM
4th game in 11 days.
Almost the same starting (and finishing) XI each time.
How much has Covid affected the squad?
Are some of the players showing signs of burnout?

Think Smith could and should be making changes as a result. Obvious one is Trez and AEG for Barks and Traore. Nakamba for Luiz possibly also.
Title: Re: Southampton v Aston Villa pre-match thread - Saturday, January 30th, 8pm
Post by: GordonCowansisthegreatest on January 29, 2021, 10:08:58 PM
I looked through the photo's of the team going through their paces on the official site, there are three or four showing Barkley, on every one he looks shattered!
Everyone else is smiling and laughing. Maybe he needs a rest. Bring him on for the last 15/20 minutes when they're tiring?
Title: Re: Southampton v Aston Villa pre-match thread - Saturday, January 30th, 8pm
Post by: Deano's Mullet on January 29, 2021, 10:19:16 PM
Definite bogey side in the early Premier League days but that was primarily because they had bloody Matthew  Le Tissier. He loved scoring against us and even when we looked like beating or drawing against them he’d grab a last minute goal for them. The only win that stands out in my memory of recent meetings is the one at St Mary’s under Lambert where we had three shots and won 3-2.

We had a pretty good run v them from mid 90s onwards.

Won at the Dell three years running (last was that 4-1 win when we were celebrating at the end breaking unbeaten start to the season) and we also regularly beat them at VP during that time. Think we were also one of the first to win at St Marys aswell and when they went down in 04/05 we beat them home and away including comeback win from 2 down in the away game so only really become a massive pain in the backside since 2012.

Never had a problem with them though probably due to Le Tissier but also because they've always seemed to try to play football in the right way and have one of the best youth set ups in football when you look at the players they've produced in last 15 years, very impressive set.

I remember a 1-0 on Sky Monday Night Football, Super Tommy Johnson scored.
Title: Re: Southampton v Aston Villa pre-match thread - Saturday, January 30th, 8pm
Post by: danno on January 29, 2021, 10:37:57 PM
I remember Kachloul and Hadji tearing these a new one about 2001 or 2002 ish.

Sadly them pressing us from the off at Villa Park last season, and McGinn getting injured is also fresh in the memory.

Heres hoping that with Ward-prowse playing for them, we avoid giving away stupid corners and free kicks.
Title: Re: Southampton v Aston Villa pre-match thread - Saturday, January 30th, 8pm
Post by: Sdwbvf on January 29, 2021, 11:08:14 PM


We had a pretty good run v them from mid 90s onwards.

Won at the Dell three years running (last was that 4-1 win when we were celebrating at the end breaking unbeaten start to the season) and we also regularly beat them at VP during that time. Think we were also one of the first to win at St Marys aswell and when they went down in 04/05 we beat them home and away including comeback win from 2 down in the away game so only really become a massive pain in the backside since 2012.


That was the season  where I sat 2 rows behind Doug Ellis at St Mary's. Can't really remember much of the game as the hospitality beer was free! I do remember Crouch having a great game and cursing that he was never much cop for us.
Title: Re: Southampton v Aston Villa pre-match thread - Saturday, January 30th, 8pm
Post by: trinityoap on January 30, 2021, 12:14:13 AM
Was it an urban myth that just before Christmas about twenty years ago a tree was stolen from outside the players entrance and a letter was received saying "  Drop Benali or the tree gets it"?
Title: Re: Southampton v Aston Villa pre-match thread - Saturday, January 30th, 8pm
Post by: Rudy Can't Fail on January 30, 2021, 12:33:37 AM
After throwing away Burnley I'd settle for a draw v Southampton, get something, we do have Jack, a real game winner if he gets the chance.

He's up against a real wind-up merchant, forget his name but no doubt tomorrow night we'll all be cursing his name. Jack needs to man-up and control his temper or he'll be missing more than one game. Hurt them where it hurts.
Title: Re: Southampton v Aston Villa pre-match thread - Saturday, January 30th, 8pm
Post by: RamboandBruno on January 30, 2021, 08:18:54 AM
There a good team, with a good style of play and a good manager, don’t mind them as a club either. Saying all that, there form is as bad if not slightly worse than ours, that giant centre back is out injured as well I think.
Whilst I agree we probs need to change it up at some point, the problem is offensively I think Traore is looking better than both El Ghazi or Trez, there is the issue with his tracking back granted, so it might be worth bringing trez in away from home just for that.
The whole time Smiths been in charge with the style of football he likes, we’ve been really reliant on wingers playing well in the offensive third. Barcklay gives us a real threat going forward down the middle as well. He doesn’t look that fit and doesn’t do the defensive side that well, but we are more predictable attacking wise without him in the team.
I’d pick the same 11 as the Burnley game and see if they can make amends, but with a view of making a subs earlier on 60/70 mins depending how the game is going.
Really hard one to call, could go either way, optimistically 1-2 villa (Watkins, Barcklay)
Title: Re: Southampton v Aston Villa pre-match thread - Saturday, January 30th, 8pm
Post by: john2710 on January 30, 2021, 10:25:51 AM
I'd give a debut to Sanson in place of Barkley.  Maybe Trez in place of Traore.

Maybe bring them on with 20 mins to go if needed.

We need a centre-half marking their centre-half at corners & free-kicks.
Title: Re: Southampton v Aston Villa pre-match thread - Saturday, January 30th, 8pm
Post by: Ads on January 30, 2021, 10:36:35 AM
Martinez

Targett
Mings
Konsa
Cash

Dougie

McGinn
Morgan

Grealish
Watkins
Trez

Part of me is wondering whether we adapt to Southampton, hence my feeling of a double 8 press to smother the 2-2 element of their formation in midfield.

But do we blunt our quality and take Traore out? They're weak at full back, have their main centre half out with injury along with their right back and we were sensational first half at Burnley and pretty good second half going forwards too.
Title: Re: Southampton v Aston Villa pre-match thread - Saturday, January 30th, 8pm
Post by: RamboandBruno on January 30, 2021, 11:30:01 AM
Martinez

Targett
Mings
Konsa
Cash

Dougie

McGinn
Morgan

Grealish
Watkins
Trez

Part of me is wondering whether we adapt to Southampton, hence my feeling of a double 8 press to smother the 2-2 element of their formation in midfield.

But do we blunt our quality and take Traore out? They're weak at full back, have their main centre half out with injury along with their right back and we were sensational first half at Burnley and pretty good second half going forwards too.

It’s a really tricky one. There’s been criticism of Traore for not supporting Cash and rightly so and that could leave us exposed against their press. For me though, he’s become far more of a threat in our attacking third than either Trez or El Ghazi, he just has more skill. Tough call for Smith today.
Title: Re: Southampton v Aston Villa pre-match thread - Saturday, January 30th, 8pm
Post by: ChicagoLion on January 30, 2021, 11:33:55 AM
I don’t think we can get away with Traore and Barkley playing, not for long periods anyway. I would go with Ads team to start.
Title: Re: Southampton v Aston Villa pre-match thread - Saturday, January 30th, 8pm
Post by: GordonCowansisthegreatest on January 30, 2021, 11:37:16 AM
I'd give a debut to Sanson in place of Barkley.  Maybe Trez in place of Traore.

Maybe bring them on with 20 mins to go if needed.

We need a centre-half marking their centre-half at corners & free-kicks.

This! Saved me typing it out.
Bring them on with a tiring defence but plenty of time to do some damage.
Title: Re: Southampton v Aston Villa pre-match thread - Saturday, January 30th, 8pm
Post by: Ads on January 30, 2021, 12:03:27 PM
With 2 runners in McGinn and Sansom, we might me more capable of playing Traore.

Title: Re: Southampton v Aston Villa pre-match thread - Saturday, January 30th, 8pm
Post by: Clampy on January 30, 2021, 12:14:59 PM
I'd try and keep to the same side if possible mainly because of how bloody good we looked in that first half against Burnley. I wouldn't blame Smith if he decided to mix it up though what with it being our 4th game in 11 days. Like a few have said though, tough one to call.
Title: Re: Southampton v Aston Villa pre-match thread - Saturday, January 30th, 8pm
Post by: Rory on January 30, 2021, 12:20:35 PM
4-2 to us, after going 2-1 down in the first half.
Title: Re: Southampton v Aston Villa pre-match thread - Saturday, January 30th, 8pm
Post by: Risso on January 30, 2021, 12:23:14 PM
With 2 runners in McGinn and Sansom, we might me more capable of playing Traore.



Overall I prefer Barkley starting to Traore. Not because he's necessariy in better form, but I think Jack is so much better on the left than in the number 10 position, which is where he gets shifted when Ross is out.
Title: Re: Southampton v Aston Villa pre-match thread - Saturday, January 30th, 8pm
Post by: OCD on January 30, 2021, 12:26:45 PM
Could Traore play as a 10?

The idea of playing with a 3 of McGinn, Luiz and Sanson is an interesting one though especially with how Southampton line up.
Title: Re: Southampton v Aston Villa pre-match thread - Saturday, January 30th, 8pm
Post by: Risso on January 30, 2021, 12:29:05 PM
Could Traore play as a 10?

The idea of playing with a 3 of McGinn, Luiz and Sanson is an interesting one though especially with how Southampton line up.

I think you need your 10 to put in a shift, even more than is required as a wide forward.  Barkley did this at Leicester to very good effect. Traore is very skilful but still doesn't quite do enough in my book to be a regular starter. I wouldn't be putting him more centrally until he's learned to give Cash a bit more support.
Title: Re: Southampton v Aston Villa pre-match thread - Saturday, January 30th, 8pm
Post by: Matt C on January 30, 2021, 01:49:19 PM
Trez for Traore maybe?  Not sure, my guess is he’ll go with an unchanged side.
Title: Re: Southampton v Aston Villa pre-match thread - Saturday, January 30th, 8pm
Post by: Lastfootstamper on January 30, 2021, 02:04:06 PM
Trez for Traore maybe?  Not sure, my guess is he’ll go with an unchanged side.


I think we'll be unchanged. Performance wise, it's hard to fault our first half display of last time out. A lack of ruthlessness was all that prevented a cricket score at the break.
Title: Re: Southampton v Aston Villa pre-match thread - Saturday, January 30th, 8pm
Post by: Villa Lew on January 30, 2021, 02:14:28 PM
If we play like we did against Burnley in the first half, then we're gonna win this in a canter, would start with the same team and hopefully will get to see Sanson sometime in the 2nd half. The good news is we won't need to worry at corners about defending against a 6 feet 8 inch giant, I understand Vestergaard is still not fit to come back.
Title: Re: Southampton v Aston Villa pre-match thread - Saturday, January 30th, 8pm
Post by: Astnor on January 30, 2021, 02:43:14 PM
I hope we can produce some of the magic they showed 1. half at Burnley, then I hope they dont fell into not so sharp defending as they did 2. half at Burnley. As we lost that game Smith should be free to make changes in the team. Southampton away can be difficult and with what happened at Burnley I would try a formation with a midfielder with more defensive qualities than Traore instead of him - unchanged else. Please win so I can say "we where the better team, you cant deny it!". :).
Title: Re: Southampton v Aston Villa pre-match thread - Saturday, January 30th, 8pm
Post by: jwarry on January 30, 2021, 03:34:14 PM
Come on boys we owe them one for the defeat earlier in the season
Title: Re: Southampton v Aston Villa pre-match thread - Saturday, January 30th, 8pm
Post by: tomd2103 on January 30, 2021, 04:45:52 PM
We haven’t done well against them since returning to the top flight.  From seeing them last season, they play with a diamond or tight four in midfield and really push their full-backs on.  Given that we have looked vulnerable defending down our right side this season, I can see them causing us problems if that continues tonight. 

Need to be switched on defending set pieces today as they caught us cold earlier in the season.
Title: Re: Southampton v Aston Villa pre-match thread - Saturday, January 30th, 8pm
Post by: SamTheMouse on January 30, 2021, 05:06:19 PM
Fucking hate Southampton. They always seem to do well against us, ever since the Le Tissier days.

Not optimistic.
Title: Re: Southampton v Aston Villa pre-match thread - Saturday, January 30th, 8pm
Post by: Mister E on January 30, 2021, 05:10:27 PM
Trez for Traore maybe?  Not sure, my guess is he’ll go with an unchanged side.


I think we'll be unchanged. Performance wise, it's hard to fault our first half display of last time out. A lack of ruthlessness was all that prevented a cricket score at the break.
A lack of ruthlessness and more solidity i the second half - Trez coming on earlier would have helped.
Title: Re: Southampton v Aston Villa pre-match thread - Saturday, January 30th, 8pm
Post by: SheffieldVillain on January 30, 2021, 05:14:03 PM
Really looking forward to this. I reckon it could be a cracker of a game (don't blame me when it's a dull 0-0). Two very decent sides.

2-2. Watkins and McGinn for us.
Title: Re: Southampton v Aston Villa pre-match thread - Saturday, January 30th, 8pm
Post by: SoccerHQ on January 30, 2021, 05:28:47 PM
Fucking hate Southampton. They always seem to do well against us, ever since the Le Tissier days.

Not optimistic.

We were unbeaten against them from December 1994-December 1999, included 4 straight wins at the Dell in those seasons. Then wins dried up a little but we still didn't lose that many in the next few seasons.

Become a massive pain in the backside since 2012.

Everton result made me more confident for this, reckon a few of the squad watched it at lunchtime and that will give us a boost as win and we go 1 point off them.
Title: Re: Southampton v Aston Villa pre-match thread - Saturday, January 30th, 8pm
Post by: SoccerHQ on January 30, 2021, 05:31:22 PM
With 2 runners in McGinn and Sansom, we might me more capable of playing Traore.



Easy solution really is to keep Traore in but play him at number 10 so he has less requirement to help a full back out. Bring in Trez for Barkley and that still looks reasonably balanced in final third and give issues to opposition.

Going to be the most interesting 11 for a while I think as given this is our fourth game in 10 days it's the point where fatigue sets in and 2-3 changes wouldn't be a terrible decision.
Title: Re: Southampton v Aston Villa pre-match thread - Saturday, January 30th, 8pm
Post by: Risso on January 30, 2021, 05:34:46 PM
Bit of an old fashioned 6 pointer this. If we win, the top and bottom halves of the table start to look quite distinct, with us well established in the top half.
Title: Re: Southampton v Aston Villa pre-match thread - Saturday, January 30th, 8pm
Post by: Toronto Villa on January 30, 2021, 06:21:27 PM
I know they were missing a couple of players but Arsenal tore them apart at times. And Arsenal are very, very average and proving it again vs Man U who should be in front. We need to go at their back four and defend well. We gave away stupid free kicks last time and they scored another great goal by Ings. Those things are don’t always happen. We can certainly beat this lot and will be a threat every time on the break.
Title: Re: Southampton v Aston Villa pre-match thread - Saturday, January 30th, 8pm
Post by: Brend'Watkins on January 30, 2021, 06:29:00 PM
I just hope that at corners we have our bigger players marking their bigger players not like in the first encounter.
Title: Re: Southampton v Aston Villa pre-match thread - Saturday, January 30th, 8pm
Post by: The Edge on January 30, 2021, 06:36:11 PM
I just hope that at corners we have our bigger players marking their bigger players not like in the first encounter.
Their giant who scored at Villa Park is out so they won't be such a threat from set pieces. But the players who do pose a threat need to be picked up by Mings/ Konsa and not left to the smaller players. That tactic proved suicidal against Burnley.
Title: Re: Southampton v Aston Villa pre-match thread - Saturday, January 30th, 8pm
Post by: steamer on January 30, 2021, 06:55:13 PM
And do not give free kicks within shooting range !
Title: Re: Southampton v Aston Villa pre-match thread - Saturday, January 30th, 8pm
Post by: The Edge on January 30, 2021, 07:02:04 PM
And do not give free kicks within shooting range !
For sure but they wiil be looking for them after what happened in the first game. Something our players will acutely aware of. Hopefully.
Title: Re: Southampton v Aston Villa pre-match thread - Saturday, January 30th, 8pm
Post by: cdbearsfan on January 30, 2021, 07:05:28 PM
Ugh, I had forgotten about sodding Walcott. Add him to the list of Bastards That Always Raise Their Game Against Villa.

Villa starting eleven unchanged. Carnival of the Animals is on the bench.
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