Heroes & Villains, the Aston Villa fanzine
Heroes & Villains => Match Threads & Player Ratings => Topic started by: Drummond on November 03, 2021, 01:47:07 PM
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Moving on, this is only a couple of days away.
I'm not sure who is available and who isn't right now but this is what I'd go with.
Martinez
Cash Hause Mings Targett
Luiz Nakamba
McGinn
Buendia Watkins Bailey
We need a win, and this looks more solid to me than other options. I reckon we may end up with Tuanzebe in rather than Hause, just to change things yet again.
If Traore is fit, he could be a sub, similarly Archer and Chukwuemeka.
*p.s. not started one of these before... fingers crossed eh?
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Whatever team he picks unless there is a change in tactics I can't see anything other than a loss. We need to return to a passing, moving and pressing game, no booming it into the corners, no long balls for the sake of it, vary our set pieces, particularly throw ins, cut out the all in wrestling approach to tackling we've seen of late.
Then and only then will I feel there is any hope for Smith, we might not even win but a decent showing and something to take from the game might give us a chink of light.
But then I thought that last Sunday and the first thing we did was bladder the ball into touch from the KO.
I'm sorry, I just can't see it.
3-0
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Absolutely dreading this game. If i was betting on it then seems written JWP will take the utter piss and add another nail into it all
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Moving on, this is only a couple of days away.
I'm not sure who is available and who isn't right now but this is what I'd go with.
Martinez
Cash Hause Mings Targett
Luiz Nakamba
McGinn
Buendia Watkins Bailey
We need a win, and this looks more solid to me than other options. I reckon we may end up with Tuanzebe in rather than Hause, just to change things yet again.
If Traore is fit, he could be a sub, similarly Archer and Chukwuemeka.
*p.s. not started one of these before... fingers crossed eh?
That's a reasonable suggestion for a line up that should be good enough to beat Southampton despite the confidence level.
We need a player that can link the play from defence to attack and Luiz is the only player I can tell, that's capable of doing it. I'm fed up of seeing the ball played round the back for a short while and then being hoofed aimlessly up the field.
Hopefully Luiz is fit and able to play and then just tell Nakamba to win the ball back and give it him. The only time I want to see Ashley young on the pitch is if Target or Cash are injured and Id still rather see someone else.
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Absolutely dreading this game. If i was betting on it then seems written JWP will take the utter piss and add another nail into it all
Well if ever there's a situation to catch the Villa, it's something like that.
I feel that we may get something out of it, but I've no idea what I'm basing that on given the last three games in particular.
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With the flea in his ear recently swatted would love to see an inspired Sanson put Romeu and co to the sword.
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Mings needs to be back among the starters as does Sanson.
Luiz hopefully to anchor the midfield in the absence of a proper dcm, because at least he can receive the ball from defence and is capable of making a decent pass. I’d like to see Traore involved at some stage also.
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I’d go:
Martinez
Cash Hause Mings Targett
Chukwuemeka McGinn Luiz
Buendia Watkins Bailey.
Hopefully that will still leave Ings and Traore to come on to change things if we need to.
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Moving on, this is only a couple of days away.
I'm not sure who is available and who isn't right now but this is what I'd go with.
Martinez
Cash Hause Mings Targett
Luiz Nakamba
McGinn
Buendia Watkins Bailey
My assumption is that Tuanzebe will replace Konza and Mings will return.
Otherwise, I hope Sanson gets enough game-time to demonstrate that he still has some sort of future with us.
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I'm hoping to see Sanson in action. He's hardly had a kick since he came through injury (and 'illness') and I reckon he's got a lot to offer.
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I'm now starting to think I'd rather have Chukwuemeka in the starting line up ahead of Nakamba. (I'm presuming Sanson won't be fit otherwise I'd stick him in there).
We've had such a disjointed start to the season and haven't been able to name a strong unchanged team.
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this is what I'd go with.
Martinez
Cash Hause Mings Targett
Luiz Nakamba
McGinn
Buendia Watkins Bailey
Me too. If Sanson is off the naughty step he could step in for Luiz if hes still injured or Nakamba if Luiz is fit.
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I think this is going to be a game that will stick in the memory.
Not sure if that will be in a good way or a bad way.
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No Nakamba please.
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We'll probably need to score atleast 3 to win. Cant see it happening.
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I’d go:
Martinez
Cash Hause Mings Targett
Chukwuemeka McGinn Luiz
Buendia Watkins Bailey.
Hopefully that will still leave Ings and Traore to come on to change things if we need to.
That would be my line up.
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For me its
Martinez
Cash Hause Mings Young
Nakamba McGinn Luiz
Buendia Watkins Bailey
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This could be the end of DS if there isn’t a significant improvement in performance, and I don’t think he’ll keep his job if we don’t get a win…but I think it will be a scrappy score draw and he’ll get the tin tac. 2-2.
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Hause gives his all but will be horrible at RCB. Tuanzebe should replace Konsa for me and give us some balance at centre half.
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It doesn’t seem to matter what midfield three we put in there, it still looks really weak. Attack seems the best form of defence, so Dean has to go for it.
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With zero confidence and tactical flip flopping I would be very surprised if Smith has managed to turn things around in four days .
Not sure how Southampton are playing but I suspect it's going to be another defeat.
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Isn't Luiz injured and Ings and Sanson both out with covid?
Its really threadbare in midfield if this is the case. If they are our injuries, i would go with;
Martinez
Cash
Tuanzebe
Mings
Targett
Nakamba
McGinn
Chukeumeka
Beundia
Watkins
Bailey
Im normally positive/delusional in regards to scorelines, but with form, morale and injuries, i fear this could be 2 or 3 nil to them and sadly the end game for Deano.
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To be perfectly honest and brutal, it doesn’t seem to matter who we play at this moment in time. Just hope we can turn things around.
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Isn't Luiz injured and Ings and Sanson both out with covid?
Its really threadbare in midfield if this is the case. If they are our injuries, i would go with;
Martinez
Cash
Tuanzebe
Mings
Targett
Nakamba
McGinn
Chukeumeka
Beundia
Watkins
Bailey
Im normally positive/delusional in regards to scorelines, but with form, morale and injuries, i fear this could be 2 or 3 nil to them and sadly the end game for Deano.
Think this is our best chance - maybe Young for Target. I just want to see them playing for the manager more than they have in the past few games. Mings, McGinn, Watkin & Beundia need big performances IMO
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We’re going to win this. I’ve just found my lucky Villa mug in the wrong part of the kitchen cupboard. It was on the top shelf where we keep our not so nice mugs, just in case we have lots of guests. It’s been up there for a few weeks I reckon. That’s the reason we’ve been shit.
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All set up for an 89th Ward Prowse 25 yard free kick winner isn't it?
Really could do with Ings and Doug fit for this. Would guess at Mings and Axel being the CBs. Midfield already looks a mess if Luiz still out.
2-1 them and then all bets are off as to what happens in next two weeks.
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Southampton 2 Villa 0
Then two weeks to dwell on it....
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Really looking forward to this as it's my first away game since the Championship years!
Not sure whether I'll be a lucky charm or not but staying over so no travelling home after which is good.
2-1 Villa.
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I have a feeling we’re winning this one - we simply have to, otherwise I think Deano could be in hot water. I’ll go a nervy 2-1 away win, and that slow single road crawl out of Southampton won’t feel half as bad.
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I do not believe this game has any bearing on who the manager will be by the time we play our next game.
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Our self belief is fragile the Wolves game still haunts us, I don't see how we get a result on Friday. DS could like so many of his predecessors when under intense pressure go ultra defensive and try not to lose the game.
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We've just played and lost to three teams who were coming into form. Southampton look similar. So, Southampton 3 Aston Villa less than 3.
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We'll win this. Smith's Agincourt.
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0-2 Villa
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I really hope, as we all do that Villa win, bust hoping for something doesn’t mean it will come true, so Saints 2-1 Villa
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Media reporting that Ings is "losing his battle to be fit". Could be a good thing, Oli up top and at least Ings isn't playing for them. All Mings has to do is stop the bluenose
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Sadly, a disjointed performance ending with a loss meaning the end of the Smith era which I suspect will please some of the players. Hope they prove me wrong but just can't see it. On a positive note, shops now 30% off and free postage!
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Them 1-1 Us. We won't deserve it. But it'll spark the old girl back in to life, we'll beat Brighton (unconvincingly), draw with Man City, beat Leicester, and the Smith Out thread will be consigned to another 5 months down on page 30, until we hit our next blip.
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Them 1-1 Us. We won't deserve it. But it'll spark the old girl back in to life, we'll beat Brighton (unconvincingly), draw with Man City, beat Leicester, and the Smith Out thread will be consigned to another 5 months down on page 30, until we hit our next blip.
Well there's wishful thinking and
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Think it all depends if our defence turns up or rather the ability to not make a complete fuck-up as some point. Looking at their recent form there's been a upturn recently but they've been playing the weaker sides this season. You could pretty much make a case for a win draw or loss to be honest. 0-0.
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Lot more confident about this one than last week. I think the performance rather than the result will show if he’s still got the backing of the players. We badly need a win but first and foremost a battling performance and look like we know what the fkn plan is.
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Think it all depends if our defence turns up or rather the ability to not make a complete fuck-up as some point. Looking at their recent form there's been a upturn recently but they've been playing the weaker sides this season. You could pretty much make a case for a win draw or loss to be honest. 0-0.
Unfortunately we are one of the weaker sides.
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1-1
They are not prolific in front of goal, so our back 4 plus Emi play sensibly they should contain them.
Other end being away will help us i think. Bailey to score.
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We normally struggle against them and I can’t see it being any different.
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Think it all depends if our defence turns up or rather the ability to not make a complete fuck-up as some point. Looking at their recent form there's been a upturn recently but they've been playing the weaker sides this season. You could pretty much make a case for a win draw or loss to be honest. 0-0.
Unfortunately we are one of the weaker sides.
well yeah there is that, but we should be able to at least create some chances against them. I'd settle for a clean sheet personally.
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Our one local game. Would love to think Villa will turn it around but after the last four performances I'm struggling to be positive.
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Ramsey is fit which is good news.
I would be starting the normal back 4 with Tuanzebe for Konsa simply to have a right footer on that side. McGinn, Ramsey and Nakamba kind of picks itself. As does Bailey, Buendia and Watkins. Only argument I would have is to play El Ghazi over Buendia.
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2-0.
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Wolves are similar to us and we lost a close game, arsenal finished above us and spent an additional £100 million + (they're better than us), spurs finished above us (they're better than us and west ham finished significantly higher than us and again spent additional funds (they're better than us). Southampton are closer to where we are so let's not make them out to be prime Barcelona.
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Wolves are similar to us and we lost a close game, arsenal finished above us and spent an additional £100 million + (they're better than us), spurs finished above us (they're better than us and west ham finished significantly higher than us and again spent additional funds (they're better than us). Southampton are closer to where we are so let's not make them out to be prime Barcelona.
Pretty sure that the owners were not thinking we would lose to those teams so easily having invested so heavily.
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Sanson FIT.
Luiz, Ings and Traore all still injured/unavailable. Didn't read about Ramsey but assume he won't make it.
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I'm just gobsmacked we haven't picked up another couple of injuries by now. Have they cancelled training?
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Sanson FIT.
Luiz, Ings and Traore all still injured/unavailable. Didn't read about Ramsey but assume he won't make it.
Ramsey is fit too
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Midfield easy to predict
Mcginn ramsey and nakamba
A easy midfield to run through. I expect another losing battle there and another loss
For me chuk comes in for nakamba
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Would be even easier to run through!
I would be sorely tempted to play Chuck in a free role further forward, not too unlike Jack had, maybe coming from the left side.
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If Sanson is actually fit I'd get him on the pitch as soon as possible.
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I heard that McGinn got himself a suspension with his yellow card at the weekend, I guess that was bogus info. I also heard Ramsey was out for a couple of months.
My midfield 3 if Sanson and Luiz are fit:
Sanson-Luiz-Nakamba
Sanson basically plays the McGinn role, but with better technique, and I think ball retention is crucial. Nakamba can do the headless chicken role as long as he selects the simple pass.
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As long as they don't press us we're in with a chance. We're at our best when we press the opposition but still haven't worked out what to do when they do it to us.
I'd love a win but predict a 0-0. Hope I'm wrong and we finally start showing the quality we have.
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I heard that McGinn got himself a suspension with his yellow card at the weekend, I guess that was bogus info. I also heard Ramsey was out for a couple of months.
My midfield 3 if Sanson and Luiz are fit:
Sanson-Luiz-Nakamba
Sanson basically plays the McGinn role, but with better technique, and I think ball retention is crucial. Nakamba can do the headless chicken role as long as he selects the simple pass.
McGinn is on 4 yellows so one match ban next time he gets booked.
Available for Friday.
My middle trio would be Nakamba-Sanson-McGinn. Might aswell give Sanson a run to see what he can do now.
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SJM has played a lot of football this season and probably needs a rest. Agree that Sanson is the obvious right side replacement. The only question is whether he's up to speed or not. It would be a very brave man to drop McGinn tomorrow despite a very poor performance against West Ham.
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Midfield easy to predict
Mcginn ramsey and nakamba
A easy midfield to run through. I expect another losing battle there and another loss
For me chuk comes in for nakamba
No, Sanson has to start...
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Think we need to get McGinn playing a lot closer to Watkins. He's wasted sitting in front of the back four. It's still not a bad team on paper.
----------------Martinez
Cash, Tuanzebe, Mings, Targett
---------Luiz, Nakamba
Buendia, McGinn, Bailey
---------------Watkins
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Wolves are similar to us and we lost a close game, arsenal finished above us and spent an additional £100 million + (they're better than us), spurs finished above us (they're better than us and west ham finished significantly higher than us and again spent additional funds (they're better than us). Southampton are closer to where we are so let's not make them out to be prime Barcelona.
Pretty sure that the owners were not thinking we would lose to those teams so easily having invested so heavily.
So from an arsenal perspective what would be thinking coming against villa? In fact, all those teams. They would be looking at a club that has replaced a world class player with a decent one, hasn't strengthened in any other area of the first team and so are a weaker version of the team they finished above. Would make sense to fancy yourself against us. Southampton though are more along the lines of the opposition that we are favourites against.
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Wolves are similar to us and we lost a close game, arsenal finished above us and spent an additional £100 million + (they're better than us), spurs finished above us (they're better than us and west ham finished significantly higher than us and again spent additional funds (they're better than us). Southampton are closer to where we are so let's not make them out to be prime Barcelona.
Pretty sure that the owners were not thinking we would lose to those teams so easily having invested so heavily.
So from an arsenal perspective what would be thinking coming against villa? In fact, all those teams. They would be looking at a club that has replaced a world class player with a decent one, hasn't strengthened in any other area of the first team and so are a weaker version of the team they finished above. Would make sense to fancy yourself against us. Southampton though are more along the lines of the opposition that we are favourites against.
i am sure that would be the pre match speech in the opposition dressing room.
I am also pretty sure that Smith, Purslow and Lang didn't say to Wes and Swaris , despite the money you have spent we will soon be in the bottom 6.
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Moving on, this is only a couple of days away.
I'm not sure who is available and who isn't right now but this is what I'd go with.
Martinez
Cash Hause Mings Targett
Luiz Nakamba
McGinn
Buendia Watkins Bailey
We need a win, and this looks more solid to me than other options. I reckon we may end up with Tuanzebe in rather than Hause, just to change things yet again.
If Traore is fit, he could be a sub, similarly Archer and Chukwuemeka.
*p.s. not started one of these before... fingers crossed eh?
Ok, So with the presser done this morning.....
Martinez
Cash Tuanzebe Mings Targett
McGinn Nakamba
Ramsey
Buendia Watkins Bailey
Is what I think we'll see.
Subs Steer, Hause, Young, Sanson, Chukwuemeka, Ramsey A, AEG, Archer, Davis,
Sanson back in training, which means he won't be available, same with JPB.
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Same as v West Ham just Mings in for Konsa
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Wolves are similar to us and we lost a close game, arsenal finished above us and spent an additional £100 million + (they're better than us), spurs finished above us (they're better than us and west ham finished significantly higher than us and again spent additional funds (they're better than us). Southampton are closer to where we are so let's not make them out to be prime Barcelona.
Pretty sure that the owners were not thinking we would lose to those teams so easily having invested so heavily.
So from an arsenal perspective what would be thinking coming against villa? In fact, all those teams. They would be looking at a club that has replaced a world class player with a decent one, hasn't strengthened in any other area of the first team and so are a weaker version of the team they finished above. Would make sense to fancy yourself against us. Southampton though are more along the lines of the opposition that we are favourites against.
i am sure that would be the pre match speech in the opposition dressing room.
I am also pretty sure that Smith, Purslow and Lang didn't say to Wes and Swaris , despite the money you have spent we will soon be in the bottom 6.
There's a difference between fans discussing realistic expectations and what is said pre match in the dressing room. Ridiculous
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Same as v West Ham just Mings in for Konsa
Two left footed centre backs? Probably.
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I’d be very surprised if Ramsey is fit. That’s one speedy recovery from what looked like a really nasty twisted ankle if he’s back in the squad.
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I’d be very surprised if Ramsey is fit. That’s one speedy recovery from what looked like a really nasty twisted ankle if he’s back in the squad.
Agreed- I'd say Tuanzebe and Sanson come into the side that started vs Spammers.
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With the news on Sanson and Ramsey, it changes a lot, i’d have them both starting in the middle with McGinn.
Martinez
Cash
Tuanzebe
Mings
Targett
Sanson
McGinn
Ramsey
Beundia
Watkins
Bailey
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With the news on Sanson and Ramsey, it changes a lot, i’d have them both starting in the middle with McGinn.
Martinez
Cash
Tuanzebe
Mings
Targett
Sanson
McGinn
Ramsey
Beundia
Watkins
Bailey
Can't imagine Smith will start Sanson a couple of games after he threw a bottle at him...but he really should. Give him 60-70 mins. Nakamba more likely to get the nod.
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Midfield easy to predict
Mcginn ramsey and nakamba
A easy midfield to run through. I expect another losing battle there and another loss
For me chuk comes in for nakamba
No, Sanson has to start...
If he is fit then yes i agree
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With the news on Sanson and Ramsey, it changes a lot, i’d have them both starting in the middle with McGinn.
Martinez
Cash
Tuanzebe
Mings
Targett
Sanson
McGinn
Ramsey
Beundia
Watkins
Bailey
Can't imagine Smith will start Sanson a couple of games after he threw a bottle at him...but he really should. Give him 60-70 mins. Nakamba more likely to get the nod.
If he's fit, if he's apologised, then yes. If either of those aren't the case then he shouldn't.
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Wolves are similar to us and we lost a close game, arsenal finished above us and spent an additional £100 million + (they're better than us), spurs finished above us (they're better than us and west ham finished significantly higher than us and again spent additional funds (they're better than us). Southampton are closer to where we are so let's not make them out to be prime Barcelona.
Pretty sure that the owners were not thinking we would lose to those teams so easily having invested so heavily.
So from an arsenal perspective what would be thinking coming against villa? In fact, all those teams. They would be looking at a club that has replaced a world class player with a decent one, hasn't strengthened in any other area of the first team and so are a weaker version of the team they finished above. Would make sense to fancy yourself against us. Southampton though are more along the lines of the opposition that we are favourites against.
i am sure that would be the pre match speech in the opposition dressing room.
I am also pretty sure that Smith, Purslow and Lang didn't say to Wes and Swaris , despite the money you have spent we will soon be in the bottom 6.
There's a difference between fans discussing realistic expectations and what is said pre match in the dressing room. Ridiculous
I think it is ridiculous to pass off the last 4 performances simply by saying those teams are better than us.
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In fairness Sanson really isn't a DM, he's more similar to McGinn so going into an away game without a natural DM is pretty risky so Nakamba is certain to start for all his limitations.
Ramsey fit is massive surprise so really it's him or Sanson.
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I thought Marvelous did really well the other day, I'd play him tomorrow for sure.
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There seems to be a lot of optimism about Sanson. Has he improved that much whilst hardly playing this season? It's always possible, although he's had fewer than 45 minutes in the first team this season (and OK, he was OK).
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There seems to be a lot of optimism about Sanson. Has he improved that much whilst hardly playing this season? It's always possible, although he's had fewer than 45 minutes in the first team this season (and OK, he was OK).
its desperate, players often get better the longer they are out and the worse we get.
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With the news on Sanson and Ramsey, it changes a lot, i’d have them both starting in the middle with McGinn.
Martinez
Cash
Tuanzebe
Mings
Targett
Sanson
McGinn
Ramsey
Beundia
Watkins
Bailey
Fuck it. I'd go 4-4-fucking-2. Pack the midfield. Nakamba in for *tosses coin* Buendia.
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Some welcome news on Ramsey being available. Presume we’ll go with the same central midfield that started against West Ham.
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There seems to be a lot of optimism about Sanson. Has he improved that much whilst hardly playing this season? It's always possible, although he's had fewer than 45 minutes in the first team this season (and OK, he was OK).
He played fine at Chelsea after 6 months out. I know it wasn't their strongest team but was still probably better in some areas than what Southampton will put out.
If he's not happy then give him a chance to show he's as good as he thinks he is. We have to anyway, guy cost 15m so don't think the owners will approve if we're signing players for those prices and move them on without barely starting a game. You can get away with doing that to likes of Engels and Gulibert as 5-7m is hardly anything in modern football. Both also had plenty of starts in first half of 19/20 season aswell.
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There seems to be a lot of optimism about Sanson. Has he improved that much whilst hardly playing this season? It's always possible, although he's had fewer than 45 minutes in the first team this season (and OK, he was OK).
He played fine at Chelsea after 6 months out. I know it wasn't their strongest team but was still probably better in some areas than what Southampton will put out.
If he's not happy then give him a chance to show he's as good as he thinks he is. We have to anyway, guy cost 15m so don't think the owners will approve if we're signing players for those prices and move them on without barely starting a game. You can get away with doing that to likes of Engels and Gulibert as 5-7m is hardly anything in modern football. Both also had plenty of starts in first half of 19/20 season aswell.
I think we would have beaten Chelsea in the Cup if he hadn't gone off injured.
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I reckon we will stop the rot and get a point in a 1-1 draw.
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I’m going for a 2-1 to us. We’re too good to continue playing the way we have and this game will stop the rot
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There seems to be a lot of optimism about Sanson. Has he improved that much whilst hardly playing this season? It's always possible, although he's had fewer than 45 minutes in the first team this season (and OK, he was OK).
its desperate, players often get better the longer they are out and the worse we get.
Or some fans want to see something different and to see what he can do?
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a win please Villa
UTV
The Doc
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There seems to be a lot of optimism about Sanson. Has he improved that much whilst hardly playing this season? It's always possible, although he's had fewer than 45 minutes in the first team this season (and OK, he was OK).
its desperate, players often get better the longer they are out and the worse we get.
Or some fans want to see something different and to see what he can do?
we have been waiting quite a long time.
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Martinez
Cash
Hause
Mings
Targett
Nakamba
Sanson
McGinn
Buendia
Watkins
Bailey
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There seems to be a lot of optimism about Sanson. Has he improved that much whilst hardly playing this season? It's always possible, although he's had fewer than 45 minutes in the first team this season (and OK, he was OK).
its desperate, players often get better the longer they are out and the worse we get.
Or some fans want to see something different and to see what he can do?
we have been waiting quite a long time.
Hence why people want to see him. There's nothing desperate about it.
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There seems to be a lot of optimism about Sanson. Has he improved that much whilst hardly playing this season? It's always possible, although he's had fewer than 45 minutes in the first team this season (and OK, he was OK).
I think much of that optimism comes from the fact that when he did play - against Chelsea in the cup - he looked the best player on the pitch for the 35 or so minutes until he got injured. That, for me, is reason enough to be optimistic about what he can bring to the side. The optimism might ultimately be mistplaced, but it's not based on 'nothing'.
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There seems to be a lot of optimism about Sanson. Has he improved that much whilst hardly playing this season? It's always possible, although he's had fewer than 45 minutes in the first team this season (and OK, he was OK).
I think much of that optimism comes from the fact that when he did play - against Chelsea in the cup - he looked the best player on the pitch for the 35 or so minutes until he got injured. That, for me, is reason enough to be optimistic about what he can bring to the side. The optimism might ultimately be mistplaced, but it's not based on 'nothing'.
Also he’s proven his ability elsewhere before signing for us.
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There seems to be a lot of optimism about Sanson. Has he improved that much whilst hardly playing this season? It's always possible, although he's had fewer than 45 minutes in the first team this season (and OK, he was OK).
He played fine at Chelsea after 6 months out. I know it wasn't their strongest team but was still probably better in some areas than what Southampton will put out.
If he's not happy then give him a chance to show he's as good as he thinks he is. We have to anyway, guy cost 15m so don't think the owners will approve if we're signing players for those prices and move them on without barely starting a game. You can get away with doing that to likes of Engels and Gulibert as 5-7m is hardly anything in modern football. Both also had plenty of starts in first half of 19/20 season aswell.
He looked a proper player that night
it Was his best performance in the few games he’s in played so far
So based solely on this I’m still hopeful that after all his setbacks we have a good midfield option in him
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Whatever midfield we select, it isn't strong enough. Attack is the way to go until January, when Smith realises all along that the key thing missing is a unit, like Romeu. I'm going bold, 0-0.
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I think Sanson might be a good player. I hope he can stay injury free now.
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He was being looked at by Moyes at West Ham the summer before for £28-£30m. There is a player in him, it is finding some fitness and getting him out there consistently. Trouble is he is too similar to McGinn and Ramsey in stature. I hope he gets on the pitch and saves Smith's job for him with a string of excellent displays.
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I don't think it's an exaggeration to say, on a personal level at least, this is the most important game in DS's managerial career. I think if he loses he'll be given his cards and he'd struggle to have too many complaints.
So an entertaining 2-2 draw that leaves a 'will they or wont they' scenario.
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Happy Matchday everyone. At least I really, really hope it is!
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I don't think this is quite the decisive game that others do for Smith, but he needs to get something from the next three games (Soton, Brighton, Palace). To me, a 4 game losing streak is par for the course for any team even in to the European places ... an 8-9 game losing streak, however, going to get you the sack at any club, bar one expecting to be anchored to the bottom of the table.
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I was told once that the magic figure for getting the boot was eight with win so Deano has a few more games to go yet!
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To me this is a must win. Need to recover our season
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IF everyone was fit (and i know they are not) but i would be dropping the seemingly undroppable McGinn
His losing of the ball with sloppy passing is costing us every game
I would like to see a 3 of Luiz / Nakamba / Sanson given a go with Nakamba holding
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Where is the poll please?
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I don't think this is quite the decisive game that others do for Smith, but he needs to get something from the next three games (Soton, Brighton, Palace). To me, a 4 game losing streak is par for the course for any team even in to the European places ... an 8-9 game losing streak, however, going to get you the sack at any club, bar one expecting to be anchored to the bottom of the table.
yeah its still pretty close at this point with us being 6 points off 7th and a win puts us roughly where we ended last season. Hardly an insurmountable gap. I think its more the manner of the defeats and the 11 goals conceded in 4 games that's getting people twitchy.
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I think McGinn is one card away from a suspension so i assume that will be tonights game to collect it.
Sometimes change is driven by thin gs like this for the better
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I don't think this is quite the decisive game that others do for Smith, but he needs to get something from the next three games (Soton, Brighton, Palace). To me, a 4 game losing streak is par for the course for any team even in to the European places ... an 8-9 game losing streak, however, going to get you the sack at any club, bar one expecting to be anchored to the bottom of the table.
Just checked previous managers.
Lambert was sacked after 5 straight defeats (no wins in 10 overall)
Sherwood was sacked after 6 straight defeats (no wins in 11)
RDM sacked with no wins in 9 games (shows what a balls up he made of that)
Bruce sacked with no wins in 9 aswell
O.k different owners but DS from that probably a few games away from being under serious pressure if that's the metric.
However we obviously have a better squad than in those times and we've now established ourselves back as competitive premier league club so that needs to be taken into account aswell compared to some of those bleak seasons.
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I don't think this is quite the decisive game that others do for Smith, but he needs to get something from the next three games (Soton, Brighton, Palace). To me, a 4 game losing streak is par for the course for any team even in to the European places ... an 8-9 game losing streak, however, going to get you the sack at any club, bar one expecting to be anchored to the bottom of the table.
Just checked previous managers.
Lambert was sacked after 5 straight defeats (no wins in 10 overall)
Sherwood was sacked after 6 straight defeats (no wins in 11)
RDM sacked with no wins in 9 games (shows what a balls up he made of that)
Bruce sacked with no wins in 9 aswell
O.k different owners but DS from that probably a few games away from being under serious pressure if that's the metric.
However we obviously have a better squad than in those times and we've now established ourselves back as competitive premier league club so that needs to be taken into account aswell compared to some of those bleak seasons.
and £300million
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We've also been terrible. It's one thing to go on a losing streak, it's another to look every inch like relegation candidates.
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Ive got a good feeling, the sun is shining here, a few personal things have sorted themself out, and I think the necessary talks have happened between the squad and management.
Team is going to play peak Dean Smith style attacking football, and at least one of our forward line will answer their critics.
Think he'll go positive with:
Emi
Cash
Mings
Hause
Young
Sanson
McGinn
Ramsey
Beudia
Watkins
Bailey
Southampton like to press, and well have 2 left footers in the center of defense, so the ball will be moved quickly to the midfielder hence why Sanson.
I think 3-1 Villa:
Sanson, Beudia and Watkins
Will be tight - with the us making it look move convincing then it is.
Players will carry Dean Smith off, and well go on a 10 game unbeaten run til Jan - at which point they finally buy the f**king CDM we have needed for years.
UTV
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I don't think this is quite the decisive game that others do for Smith, but he needs to get something from the next three games (Soton, Brighton, Palace). To me, a 4 game losing streak is par for the course for any team even in to the European places ... an 8-9 game losing streak, however, going to get you the sack at any club, bar one expecting to be anchored to the bottom of the table.
Just checked previous managers.
Lambert was sacked after 5 straight defeats (no wins in 10 overall)
Sherwood was sacked after 6 straight defeats (no wins in 11)
RDM sacked with no wins in 9 games (shows what a balls up he made of that)
Bruce sacked with no wins in 9 aswell
O.k different owners but DS from that probably a few games away from being under serious pressure if that's the metric.
However we obviously have a better squad than in those times and we've now established ourselves back as competitive premier league club so that needs to be taken into account aswell compared to some of those bleak seasons.
Yeah, but equally Arsenal lost 3 games on the bounce at the start of the season and have come back alright. Liverpool had 4 defeats on the trot last season (picked up 10pts in 12 games for the first 2.5 months of 2021, which is definitely relegation form) and finished 3rd.
I just don't think that bad runs are particularly unusual or unique to ourselves. I might be wrong, but I don't think Dean Smith will (or ought) to feel under a lot of pressure right now. If the bad run continues through November and in to December, though, that might be a different matter.
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I don't think this is quite the decisive game that others do for Smith, but he needs to get something from the next three games (Soton, Brighton, Palace). To me, a 4 game losing streak is par for the course for any team even in to the European places ... an 8-9 game losing streak, however, going to get you the sack at any club, bar one expecting to be anchored to the bottom of the table.
Just checked previous managers.
Lambert was sacked after 5 straight defeats (no wins in 10 overall)
Sherwood was sacked after 6 straight defeats (no wins in 11)
RDM sacked with no wins in 9 games (shows what a balls up he made of that)
Bruce sacked with no wins in 9 aswell
O.k different owners but DS from that probably a few games away from being under serious pressure if that's the metric.
However we obviously have a better squad than in those times and we've now established ourselves back as competitive premier league club so that needs to be taken into account aswell compared to some of those bleak seasons.
Yeah, but equally Arsenal lost 3 games on the bounce at the start of the season and have come back alright. Liverpool had 4 defeats on the trot last season (picked up 10pts in 12 games for the first 2.5 months of 2021) and finished 3rd.
I just don't think that bad runs are particularly unusual or unique to ourselves. I might be wrong, but I don't think Dean Smith will (or ought) to feel under a lot of pressure right now. If the bad run continues through November and in to December, though, that might be a different matter.
A point a game for nearly a whole calender year.
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I cant get away from our midfield looking weak tonight whatever combination of available players. I wouldn’t play Nakamba, even though Sanson, Ramsey, McGinn might be lightweight. If Sanson tires and things are going well (which I’m not convinced they will) i might bring Sanson off for Nakamba to see out a game.
In the cut and thrust of the match last week, in an agitated, apprehensive but generally supportive Holte End, i thought Nakamba played ok. But looking back in hindsight, it was hectic and at times headless enthusiasm, there was no control over anything he was doing, he looked more impressive because of the lacklustre nature of other player performances.
I’m struggling to see how the defence gets any adequate cover from the middle tonight. I do hate being like this, im usually full of nerves on match day, but just feel a bit flat. I hope im badly wrong.
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Midfield easy to predict
Mcginn ramsey and nakamba
A easy midfield to run through. I expect another losing battle there and another loss
For me chuk comes in for nakamba
No, Sanson has to start...
doesn’t really matter who starts. Smith talked a few weeks back of starters and finishers instead of substitutes. If he can get that right then we may be a chance. We need every player giving it the full Ron Saunders whether they start or finish the match. Need to cut out giving the ball away, so maybe drop McGinn
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We've also been terrible. It's one thing to go on a losing streak, it's another to look every inch like relegation candidates.
I think a little perspective it is needed. We have only been terrible on the first game of the season against Watford and for 45 minutes against Arsenal. We certainly didn't look like relegation candidates at Old Trafford, home to Everton and even 80 minutes against Wolves.
Even against West Ham it was one of those games that every conspired to go against us.
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We've also been terrible. It's one thing to go on a losing streak, it's another to look every inch like relegation candidates.
I think a little perspective it is needed. We have only been terrible on the first game of the season against Watford and for 45 minutes against Arsenal. We certainly didn't look like relegation candidates at Old Trafford, home to Everton and even 80 minutes against Wolves.
Even against West Ham it was one of those games that every conspired to go against us.
Don't think we've been watching the same games! Everton wasn't great from either side before Bailey but that's fine, and United was a defensive counterattacking performance as was Chelsea where we had space to break into. In every other game our attacking has been haphazard at best and blunt as a spoon at worst - and the only thing that went against us vs. West Ham was our own terrible performance.
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Ive got a good feeling, the sun is shining here, a few personal things have sorted themself out, and I think the necessary talks have happened between the squad and management.
Team is going to play peak Dean Smith style attacking football, and at least one of our forward line will answer their critics.
Think he'll go positive with:
Emi
Cash
Mings
Hause
Young
Sanson
McGinn
Ramsey
Beudia
Watkins
Bailey
Southampton like to press, and well have 2 left footers in the center of defense, so the ball will be moved quickly to the midfielder hence why Sanson.
I think 3-1 Villa:
Sanson, Beudia and Watkins
Will be tight - with the us making it look move convincing then it is.
Players will carry Dean Smith off, and well go on a 10 game unbeaten run til Jan - at which point they finally buy the f**king CDM we have needed for years.
UTV
Notwithstanding Sanson being the current beneficiary of the "better the less he plays" boost, I quite like that team. Better to not play a DCM than play a shite one
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Ive got a good feeling, the sun is shining here, a few personal things have sorted themself out, and I think the necessary talks have happened between the squad and management.
Team is going to play peak Dean Smith style attacking football, and at least one of our forward line will answer their critics.
Think he'll go positive with:
Emi
Cash
Mings
Hause
Young
Sanson
McGinn
Ramsey
Beudia
Watkins
Bailey
Southampton like to press, and well have 2 left footers in the center of defense, so the ball will be moved quickly to the midfielder hence why Sanson.
I think 3-1 Villa:
Sanson, Beudia and Watkins
Will be tight - with the us making it look move convincing then it is.
Players will carry Dean Smith off, and well go on a 10 game unbeaten run til Jan - at which point they finally buy the f**king CDM we have needed for years.
UTV
Notwithstanding Sanson being the current beneficiary of the "better the less he plays" boost, I quite like that team. Better to not play a DCM than play a shite one
Easy this manager lark - just need Deano to remember it.
I think Sanson will be the exception that proves the "better the less he plays" boost, and go on to be better than David Silva
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I felt all a bit 'meh' about Sanson until that Chelsea game, when he really did look like one of the best players on the pitch. If he can maintain that level then he'll massively improve our midfield, because I haven't seen McGinn or Luiz play as well as that for us in a very long time. Of course, the fucker needs to a) stay fit for longer than 40 minutes every 3 months and b) not fall out with the manager first.
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I worry if they score early.
I really hope we win as I'd love Smith to work out, but it's not looking good.
I've lost track of who is and isn't available.
I think he'll go...
Martinez
Cash
Mings
Tuanzebe
Targett
Nakamba
McGinn
Ramsey
Beudia
Watkins
Bailey
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I've taken Mcginn out of the FF side so I reckon a goal and an assist is guaranteed. May try and buy Nakamba to ensure he doesn't play either.
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It's as near as dammit to a pivotal game for Smith. Managers don't usually survive 5 or 6 straight losses and Dean is dangerously close.
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I cannot believe that facing Southampton has me nervous.
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SJM has played a lot of football this season and probably needs a rest. Agree that Sanson is the obvious right side replacement. The only question is whether he's up to speed or not. It would be a very brave man to drop McGinn tomorrow despite a very poor performance against West Ham.
Yes, McGinn, Luiz, Mngs and to a lesser extent Martinez will all prob need to be rotated throughout the season. With the late ending of the season last year and their commitments in the summer. Makes the folly of not bringing in a CM/ DCM even harder to fathom.
We won down their last year but used up a fair degree of luck in the process.
Battling draw at best in this one. 1-1 or 2-2.
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No respite tonight.
3-1 defeat, we will be over-run in midfield, and out-coached by Hassenhuttl
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I don't think this is quite the decisive game that others do for Smith, but he needs to get something from the next three games (Soton, Brighton, Palace). To me, a 4 game losing streak is par for the course for any team even in to the European places ... an 8-9 game losing streak, however, going to get you the sack at any club, bar one expecting to be anchored to the bottom of the table.
Just checked previous managers.
Lambert was sacked after 5 straight defeats (no wins in 10 overall)
Sherwood was sacked after 6 straight defeats (no wins in 11)
RDM sacked with no wins in 9 games (shows what a balls up he made of that)
Bruce sacked with no wins in 9 aswell
O.k different owners but DS from that probably a few games away from being under serious pressure if that's the metric.
However we obviously have a better squad than in those times and we've now established ourselves back as competitive premier league club so that needs to be taken into account aswell compared to some of those bleak seasons.
Different manager too, Smith being superior to all of the others. I have faith in Smith’s ability to turn it round while the others were just various levels of poor managers
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I’m not looking forward to this…it feels like being made to watch something that you really don’t want to watch. A few indicators for me will be the players body language, communication, team spirit and performance…regardless of the result, if we don’t see positives from those things then it’s safe to say that DS is a dead man walking.
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Saints will press high from the start just like Arsenal. Please God Smith will have an answer this time. To me we need to pass into the channels for the first ten minutes, turning Saints around and not play out from the back and invite pressure.
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Time for Hassenhuttl’s annual 0-9 defeat tonight I think.
The fight back starts here !
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I’m quite glad I’m in Otter St Mary tonight watching the locals run through the streets with burning tar barrels on their shoulders.
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I’m quite glad I’m in Otter St Mary tonight watching the locals run through the streets with burning tar barrels on their shoulders.
I read about that, I've been through there on the way to Escot with the kids. Looks ace!
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Anyway bollocks to it, fire up the Rocky training montage, we're going to win tonight.
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I cannot believe that facing Southampton has me nervous.
Same here: I've been feeling physically sick all day. I need to find some calming dolphin music on YouTube...
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Right, ftf tonight boys, all together in the fight!
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Saints will press high from the start just like Arsenal. Please God Smith will have an answer this time. To me we need to pass into the channels for the first ten minutes, turning Saints around and not play out from the back and invite pressure.
This. Until now we have no answer when teams press us.
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Sadly I expect this to be Dean's last match in charge of the team.
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I expect that could well be the case, especially as Villa have not denied the rumours going round in the press that they are possibly looking at Paulo Fonseca to replace him.
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I’m quite glad I’m in Otter St Mary tonight watching the locals run through the streets with burning tar barrels on their shoulders.
I went to this about 15 years ago. Mad bastards. We couldn’t understand how it was still allowed.
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I - like most of us - desperately want DS to be a success but I fear for him if we lose tonight. Southampton probably think we're there for the taking - the maddening thing is they're right.
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Are we actually playing tonight. Seems to me that there is only one match this weekend, that being the Manchester Derby!!
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I’m quite glad I’m in Otter St Mary tonight watching the locals run through the streets with burning tar barrels on their shoulders.
I went to this about 15 years ago. Mad bastards. We couldn’t understand how it was still allowed.
One for next series of We Are The Champions?
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Always the same with sky. We're just fodder for the big six as far as they're concerned and we should know our place.
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Is it a Big Six or Seven these days? Two mancs, three London, Liverpool, their blue neighbours trying to punch their weight these days, chuck in Leicester to the mix and you're looking at ninth being a competitive finish, assuming West Ham revert to type.
It really is a different league at the top now. We need to start barging our way in. Starting tonight.
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I don't think this is quite the decisive game that others do for Smith, but he needs to get something from the next three games (Soton, Brighton, Palace). To me, a 4 game losing streak is par for the course for any team even in to the European places ... an 8-9 game losing streak, however, going to get you the sack at any club, bar one expecting to be anchored to the bottom of the table.
Just checked previous managers.
Lambert was sacked after 5 straight defeats (no wins in 10 overall)
Sherwood was sacked after 6 straight defeats (no wins in 11)
RDM sacked with no wins in 9 games (shows what a balls up he made of that)
Bruce sacked with no wins in 9 aswell
O.k different owners but DS from that probably a few games away from being under serious pressure if that's the metric.
However we obviously have a better squad than in those times and we've now established ourselves back as competitive premier league club so that needs to be taken into account aswell compared to some of those bleak seasons.
Pedant alert *sorry*.
RDM did win one game, 2-0 at home to Rotherham, I think. Nevertheless, he was indeed a poor appointment.
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For the first time in God knows how long Im not watching it tonight. Hoping that will bring a change in our fortunes but not holding my breath.
I think Southampton will smell blood and press us hard when we have it at the back resulting in at least one goal for them.
Please win Villa.
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Di Matteo had 11 games from the start of a season before getting the elbow.
His successor had 11 games from the start of a season before getting the elbow.
Tick, tock...
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This is the biggest team selection in smiths career so far.
If it gets it wrong and we lose its curtains for him. I hope he can turn it around i really i do but i cant see it