Heroes & Villains, the Aston Villa fanzine

Heroes & Villains => Heroes Discussion => Topic started by: Percy McCarthy on October 12, 2024, 07:29:19 PM

Title: Villa’s best XI
Post by: Percy McCarthy on October 12, 2024, 07:29:19 PM
All fully fit and firing, for a Cup Final tomorrow, what’s your team?

Mine:

Martinez

Konsa
Carlos
Pau
Maatsen


Kamara
Onana

Bailey
Tielemans
Rogers

Watkins
Title: Re: Villa’s best XI
Post by: VillaTim on October 12, 2024, 07:32:58 PM
--------- Martinez --------
Cash Konsa Mings Digne
--- Kamara - Tielemans -
McGinn ------------- Ramsey
-- Rogers --- Watkins ---
Title: Re: Villa’s best XI
Post by: pauliewalnuts on October 12, 2024, 07:35:02 PM
All fully fit and firing, for a Cup Final tomorrow, what’s your team?

Mine:

Martinez

Konsa
Carlos
Pau
Maatsen


Kamara
Onana

Bailey
Tielemans
Rogers

Watkins

Probably that but tempted not to have Konsa at RB.

I can't wait till Kamara comes back. Losing him and Mings, two of our most important players for so long and still achieving what we did was very impressive.
Title: Re: Villa’s best XI
Post by: paul_e on October 12, 2024, 07:36:27 PM
I mostly agree with Percy but I'd be tempted to give Kamara a go a centre back at some point as well because I think he could be really good there with Konsa playing at RB.
Title: Re: Villa’s best XI
Post by: Percy McCarthy on October 12, 2024, 07:37:06 PM
All fully fit and firing, for a Cup Final tomorrow, what’s your team?

Mine:

Martinez

Konsa
Carlos
Pau
Maatsen


Kamara
Onana

Bailey
Tielemans
Rogers

Watkins

Probably that but tempted not to have Konsa at RB.

I can't wait till Kamara comes back. Losing him and Mings, two of our most important players for so long and still achieving what we did was very impressive.

Fair enough. Just shows you, Tim’s got several different names but it’s still a top side.
Title: Re: Villa’s best XI
Post by: VillaTim on October 12, 2024, 07:40:47 PM
I think the team selection / set up would change based upon the opponent , there are a few areas now too hard to call which is what we always wanted .
Title: Re: Villa’s best XI
Post by: pauliewalnuts on October 12, 2024, 07:42:45 PM
Our strength in depth, particularly when the injured come back, is fucking impressive.
Title: Re: Villa’s best XI
Post by: Percy McCarthy on October 12, 2024, 07:43:51 PM
I think the team selection / set up would change based upon the opponent , there are a few areas now too hard to call which is what we always wanted .

I’m imagining us playing Real Madrid when I pick my team.
Title: Re: Villa’s best XI
Post by: pauliewalnuts on October 12, 2024, 07:46:47 PM
I was at a work offsite in Milton Keynes the day after the Bayern match. The guy on reception when i checked into the hotel clocked the Villa badge on my phone wallpaper and launched into a discussion about the game and how great it must be to be a Villa fan these days.

Then at the meal, a colleague spotted the same, and we started chatting. He's an Everton season ticket holder and started talking about how fucking miserable it was for them. It brought back so many horrific memories from the recent path. Told him i kind of feel they need to bottom out before they start rebuilding, a bit like we did.

He was pointing out the grim thought of going down in their last season at Goodison and starting the first season in the new place in the second flight.

How grim. Thank fuck those days are over for us.
Title: Re: Villa’s best XI
Post by: Percy McCarthy on October 12, 2024, 07:53:03 PM
It is grim for them, but I think there’s no way they’ll go down. Maybe if Calvert-Lewin can’t stay fit, which I suppose is not beyond the realms of possibility.
Title: Re: Villa’s best XI
Post by: VillaTim on October 12, 2024, 08:04:45 PM
Our strength in depth, particularly when the injured come back, is fucking impressive.
66/1 for the league when i last checked
Title: Re: Villa’s best XI
Post by: VillaTim on October 12, 2024, 08:06:07 PM
I think the team selection / set up would change based upon the opponent , there are a few areas now too hard to call which is what we always wanted .

I’m imagining us playing Real Madrid when I pick my team.
No longer a distant dream .

I also agree Everton will be fine. Mid-table finish
Title: Re: Villa’s best XI
Post by: RamboandBruno on October 12, 2024, 08:49:36 PM
I think Everton will probably be ok, but I also have a feeling unlike last year, its not a done deal all the promoted sides will go down. Southampton looked doomed already, but I think Ipswich and Leicester will have a go. If they do stay up and with Forest starting well, it makes Wolves look even more in trouble and might make it more nervy than it normally would for Everton.

And yes, we are really good and we also can remember what its like to be perennially shit.
Title: Re: Villa’s best XI
Post by: edgysatsuma89 on October 12, 2024, 10:00:04 PM
Everton won't go down, I've seen enough to know they're good enough.

My team would probably be the same as Percy's. I honestly have no idea what my preference is anymore on the right side of defence so I don't care eitherway. Hopefully someone new in January!
Title: Re: Villa’s best XI
Post by: Chip Butty 111 on October 12, 2024, 10:44:54 PM
In a few weeks, if Mings, Kamara, Mcginn and Ramsey are fit, I wouldn't like to say who are our best first 11. For me Kamara comes straight back in, Mings would have to dislodge Torres which would seem unlikely atm. Tielemans and Rogers are on form so no guarantees for Ramsey /Mcginn starting. Maatsen /Digne I couldn't honestly choose. So I haven't got a clue...I think we will be flying by mid November though...
Title: Re: Villa’s best XI
Post by: VillaTim on October 12, 2024, 11:05:57 PM
Our defence is mid to lower table level in terms of goals A . Mings cannot come back soon enough .
Title: Re: Villa’s best XI
Post by: Chip Butty 111 on October 12, 2024, 11:25:25 PM
We finished 4th without him. I like Mings, but don't think he walks back into the team easily. Kamara will give some assurance defensively.
Title: Re: Villa’s best XI
Post by: VillaTim on October 12, 2024, 11:34:27 PM
We finished 4th without him. I like Mings, but don't think he walks back into the team easily. Kamara will give some assurance defensively.
sort the defence , we win things .
Title: Re: Villa’s best XI
Post by: Percy McCarthy on October 13, 2024, 06:32:26 AM
Our defence is mid to lower table level in terms of goals A . Mings cannot come back soon enough .

Since Carlos came back in, in 4.5 games against Young Boys, Ipswich, Wolves, Manure & Bayern, we’ve conceded 3 goals.
Title: Re: Villa’s best XI
Post by: Baldy on October 13, 2024, 08:33:14 AM
                      Martinez

       Konsa       Mings        Pau

Cash       Kamara     Tielemans       Digne

     Bailey                            Rogers

                    Watkins

With tonnes of quality on the bench.

Exciting times.
Title: Re: Villa’s best XI
Post by: DeeBoy1 on October 13, 2024, 08:53:26 AM
I don’t mind the 3 at the back as an option if Mings comes back strong, but for me it means we don’t need Cash or Digne. We can get more attacking players in if we play Onana and Kamara in front of a 3.

                              Emi
            Konsa      Mings      Pau

                      Kamara  Onana   
     Bailey              Tielmans.        Maatsen
                                     
                   Watkins      Rogers
   
             
Could easily become 3-4-3 or 3-5-2. For easier games Tielemans replaces Onana and Rogers drops back in place of Duran starting. Philogene would be perfect in the Bailey role and McGinn could play in any of the front 7 roles other than the No9. Not saying it’s best 11 but it’s an interesting option with 3 strong CBs + Kamara. Loads more options off the bench with Ramsey, Barkley & Emi
Title: Re: Villa’s best XI
Post by: Dick Edwards on October 13, 2024, 09:19:29 AM
A fully fit Mings and McGinn would be starters for me. What a great problem deciding who to leave out.
Title: Re: Villa’s best XI
Post by: Baldy on October 13, 2024, 09:27:55 AM
Like  it DeeBoy1.

My concern would be the opposition playing the diagonal 'get out' ball towards the right of our defence which area has often been exposed/exploited this season.

With Cash and Konsa it should strengthen that area and when appropriate Cash can still be an attacking option. Granted, Cash still has room for improvement in an attacking sense but for now he is the best we have in that duel role.
Title: Re: Villa’s best XI
Post by: VillaTim on October 13, 2024, 09:53:13 AM
You win games now with 14 or 15 players, having a strong bench is vital and can make the difference when you are throwing on top quality players after 60 mins .
Title: Re: Villa’s best XI
Post by: DeeBoy1 on October 13, 2024, 09:54:32 AM
I hear you Baldy and again there are options to play Cash/Ned or Bailey/Philogene depending on the oppo. What I would say is that in a 3 next to Mings, with Kamara ahead as well, I’d have alot of faith in Konsa marshalling that ‘get out’ channel without the protection of an orthodox RB. Either way loads of options!
Title: Re: Villa’s best XI
Post by: Baldy on October 13, 2024, 10:06:45 AM
Indeed, tonnes of options. McGinn can operate on that right side as well and is brilliant at switching play to the left.

 
Title: Re: Villa’s best XI
Post by: olaftab on October 13, 2024, 11:42:16 AM
Our defence is mid to lower table level in terms of goals A . Mings cannot come back soon enough .
Since Carlos came back in, in 4.5 games against Young Boys, Ipswich, Wolves, Manure & Bayern, we’ve conceded 3 goals.
Percy, please stop destroying mythical beliefs with facts.
Title: Re: Villa’s best XI
Post by: VillaTim on October 13, 2024, 11:56:33 AM
We've conceded 9 in 7 in the Prem, 10th in the defending table , nothing mythical about that .
Title: Re: Villa’s best XI
Post by: ChicagoLion on October 13, 2024, 12:18:57 PM



Martinez

Konsa
Carlos
Pau
Digne


Kamara
Tielemans

Bailey
SJM
Rogers

Watkins
I want to see the axis of Kamara Tielemens as above.

Title: Re: Villa’s best XI
Post by: Baldy on October 13, 2024, 12:25:37 PM
We've conceded 9 in 7 in the Prem, 10th in the defending table , nothing mythical about that .

I'm with VillaTim.

In addition to goals conceded, Unai clearly prefers to play out from the back and gain control through possession. In last few matches, we have played the long ball a lot more. Possibly because Diego Carlos not as comfortable on the ball as other defenders.

Also, Mings a much better option on defending/attacking set pieces at both ends of the pitch.
Title: Re: Villa’s best XI
Post by: eye digress on October 13, 2024, 04:14:35 PM
We've conceded 9 in 7 in the Prem, 10th in the defending table , nothing mythical about that .
In last few matches, we have played the long ball a lot more. Possibly because Diego Carlos not as comfortable on the ball as other defenders.
Possibly also because Carlos strikes a mean long pass with little backlift (talking distance here, he doesn't have the passing quality of Torres, obvs).

Also, don't we play three at the back anyway, when in possession?
Title: Re: Villa’s best XI
Post by: Mister E on October 13, 2024, 04:21:12 PM
It depends on the opposition and circumstances, but this would be a lovely thing to behold:
                      Martinez
             Konsa   Mings    Pau
Nedeljkovic     Kamara       Maatsen
    Ramsey    Tielemans    Rogers
                   
                      Watkins
Title: Re: Villa’s best XI
Post by: colin69 on October 13, 2024, 09:21:28 PM
Mings (if fit) would be in my starting line up if at all possible.
We have a very decent squad now with players coming back. It’s so difficult to name a starting eleven when everyone is available.
Title: Re: Villa’s best XI
Post by: ChicagoLion on October 13, 2024, 09:42:12 PM
Yes we already play 3 at the back which is very different to the silly idea of wing backs.
The reason He doesn't do wingbacks is because it reduces the flexibility and fluidity of tac tics and game management.
Title: Re: Villa’s best XI
Post by: Brend'Watkins on October 13, 2024, 10:47:01 PM
Mings (if fit) would be in my starting line up if at all possible.
We have a very decent squad now with players coming back. It’s so difficult to name a starting eleven when everyone is available.

Mine too. His clearing headers are sorely missed. He also gives us a more calming feel at the back.
Title: Re: Villa’s best XI
Post by: Astnor on October 13, 2024, 10:53:43 PM
Martinez
Konsa, Carlos, Pau, Digne
McGinn, Onana, Tielemans, Ramsey
Rogers,
Watkins
Title: Re: Villa’s best XI
Post by: edgysatsuma89 on October 14, 2024, 12:40:31 AM
Martinez
Konsa, Carlos, Pau, Digne
McGinn, Onana, Tielemans, Ramsey
Rogers,
Watkins

If Kamara gets back to his best, then he is a definite starter.
Title: Re: Villa’s best XI
Post by: Percy McCarthy on October 14, 2024, 03:09:20 AM
We've conceded 9 in 7 in the Prem, 10th in the defending table , nothing mythical about that .

6 in 4 without Carlos, 3 in 3 with.
Title: Re: Villa’s best XI
Post by: ASHTONVILLA on October 14, 2024, 10:12:11 AM
Our defence is mid to lower table level in terms of goals A . Mings cannot come back soon enough .

Since Carlos came back in, in 4.5 games against Young Boys, Ipswich, Wolves, Manure & Bayern, we’ve conceded 3 goals.

That is a really good stat. He gets pelters and I am never that confident he wont make a mistake, but we do seem to be better with him in the team and Konsa at right back. Mings was the same, always prone to a error but his presence always coincides with us being more solid.

The defence misses Kamara and any of our potential back four options will be better when he is back in the team.
Title: Re: Villa’s best XI
Post by: Tayls_7 on October 14, 2024, 10:17:58 AM
It depends on the opposition and circumstances, but this would be a lovely thing to behold:
                      Martinez
             Konsa   Mings    Pau
Nedeljkovic     Kamara       Maatsen
    Ramsey    Tielemans    Rogers
                   
                      Watkins

Imagine discussing a best XI without SJM and Bailey amongst many others. That's some strength in depth now.
Title: Re: Villa’s best XI
Post by: Footy-Vill on October 19, 2024, 08:54:13 AM
It depends on the opposition and circumstances, but this would be a lovely thing to behold:
                      Martinez
             Konsa   Mings    Pau
Nedeljkovic     Kamara       Maatsen
    Ramsey    Tielemans    Rogers
                   
                      Watkins

Imagine discussing a best XI without SJM and Bailey amongst many others. That's some strength in depth now.
I agree I am not sure if I would put McGinn or Onana in the best 11. For me, Kamara and Tielemans would be ahead of them as midfielders. Also, if it's the best eleven, Duran AND Watkins are a serious consideration for both but that's another debate in itself!

However, as you say about depth , having so many alternatives is fantastic! Nedeljković listed here but I dunno if he would even make the bench with all squad to choose from.

But in any cup final this season, I can see McGinn and maybe even Onana starting! That is why it is so difficult to select a best 11 outright.

This discussion is super interesting, as is viewing everyone's different lineups.
Title: Re: Villa’s best XI
Post by: Mellin on November 28, 2024, 12:38:59 AM
Okay, we've all seen enough football this season. Let's go.

                    Martinez
Cash   Konsa    Torres    Digne
             Onana  Kamara
Bailey      Tielemans     Ramsey
                   Watkins

OR

                       Martinez
          Konsa    Mings     Torres
Cash       Onana      Kamara      Maatsen
             Tielemans   Ramsey
                        Watkins
             
Title: Re: Villa’s best XI
Post by: coreyfeldman on November 28, 2024, 12:42:51 AM
Okay, we've all seen enough football this season. Let's go.

                    Martinez
Cash   Konsa    Torres    Digne
             Onana  Kamara
Bailey      Tielemans     Ramsey
                   Watkins

OR

                       Martinez
          Konsa    Mings     Torres
Cash       Onana      Kamara      Maatsen
             Tielemans   Ramsey
                        Watkins
           

352 is illegal and you'll be hunted down and killed for this
Title: Re: Villa’s best XI
Post by: Ads on November 28, 2024, 01:21:27 AM
I'm not sure, but I'm certain it's never had the chance to play together yet.

I'd like to see;

Martinez

Cash
Konsa
Torres
Maatsen

JJ
Onana
Kamara
Rogers

Tielemans
Watkins
Title: Re: Villa’s best XI
Post by: Mister E on November 28, 2024, 10:16:41 AM
                       Martinez
          Konsa    Mings     Torres
Cash       Onana      Kamara      Maatsen
             Tielemans   Ramsey
                        Watkins
 
 This for me, with Nedeljkovic pushing Cash for the RWB role, Rogers intercahngeable with Ramsey and Barkely pushing Tielemans for a slot.
Title: Re: Villa’s best XI
Post by: Risso on November 28, 2024, 10:21:48 AM
Maatsen ahead of Digne? 3-5-2? People might like to see them, but there's no way you can argue it's our best eleven, or formation.
Title: Re: Villa’s best XI
Post by: DB on November 28, 2024, 10:22:05 AM
                       Martinez
          Konsa    Mings     Torres
Cash       Onana      Kamara      Maatsen
             Tielemans   Ramsey
                        Watkins
 
 This for me, with Nedeljkovic pushing Cash for the RWB role, Rogers intercahngeable with Ramsey and Barkely pushing Tielemans for a slot.

That works for me, apart from Digne in there depending g on the opposition. We need another option for Cash to have same option on that side.
Title: Re: Villa’s best XI
Post by: Mellin on November 28, 2024, 11:41:08 PM
I'd have Digne in the four and Maatsen in the five.

And there's obviously an argument for. We've been shit, it's an alternative. End of argument.
Title: Re: Villa’s best XI
Post by: LeonW on November 29, 2024, 01:57:48 AM
Gk Martinez
RB Konsa
CB Mings
CB Pau
LB Digne
DM Kamara
CM Onana
CM Tielemans
RM Rodgers
F Duran
F Watkins

Loop-sided 4-3-3 with Rodgers providing the width on the right, Digne on the left. Positioning of Watkins and Duran slightly altered depending upon opposition set up. Fantasy football of course but I do think that we have to find a way of getting Watkins and Duran in the same side and firing.
Title: Re: Villa’s best XI
Post by: PaulWinch again on November 29, 2024, 07:00:38 AM
Rogers when not fatigued and out of form is 100% in our best team.
Title: Re: Villa’s best XI
Post by: Mister E on November 29, 2024, 09:04:46 AM
Maatsen ahead of Digne? 3-5-2? People might like to see them, but there's no way you can argue it's our best eleven, or formation.
I was looking to rebalance the lack of pace in the side currently.
No 'best XI' stands on its own: anyone not in the first pick will get gametime; that's the way it works. Rogers & Ramsey, Digne & Maatsen, Watkins & Duran, etc: we have choices.
What I wanted to do was to bring some pace to the side and suggest that there are other ways to get tempo than simply to play Bailey in a 4-4-2 every week.
I reckon Chelsea will demonstrate the effectiveness of pace and dynamism when they play us on Sunday (unless Emery shifts his own thinking and / or Ramsey and Onana are available along with Wednesday's squad members).
Title: Re: Villa’s best XI
Post by: Drummond on November 29, 2024, 11:52:35 AM
I guess it all depends on current form and fitness.

Our best side when everyone is fit would have to include Bailey...

                      Martinez
Cash      Konsa            Torres      Digne
             Kamara        Onana
                    Tielemans
Bailey         Watkins          Rogers.

If I was considering alternatives....

                         Martinez
Konsa       Mings        Torres      Maatsen
                Kamara      Tielemans
Bailey                Rogers               Ramsey
                       Watkins

There are arguments for starting Barkley, Onana, Digne, Cash, and Duran but if everyone is fit I'd go with my first choice I think.
Title: Re: Villa’s best XI
Post by: VillaTim on November 29, 2024, 11:57:20 AM
------- Martinez -------
Cash Konsa Mings Digne
-- Kamara - Onana -----
McGinn --------- Ramsey
-- Watkins -- Bailey ---
Title: Re: Villa’s best XI
Post by: brontebilly on November 29, 2024, 12:16:58 PM
Gk Martinez
RB Konsa
CB Mings
CB Pau
LB Digne
DM Kamara
CM Onana
CM Tielemans
RM Rodgers
F Duran
F Watkins

Loop-sided 4-3-3 with Rodgers providing the width on the right, Digne on the left. Positioning of Watkins and Duran slightly altered depending upon opposition set up. Fantasy football of course but I do think that we have to find a way of getting Watkins and Duran in the same side and firing.

I don't think a combination of prime Guardiola and Ferguson would get Watkins and Duran in the same side and firing! Konsa at RB, Mings at RCB 😕
Title: Re: Villa’s best XI
Post by: Footy-Vill on January 21, 2025, 09:28:20 PM
Take your pick all round
Pick 6

2025 Best 11
If agreement of the 5
Pick the remaining  6.

Martinez
Cash or Garcia
Konsa

Mings or Pau
Digne or Maatsen
Kamara
Tielemans

Bailey Ramsey Buendia or Malen
Rogers
McGinn Onana Barkley
Watkins or Duran
Title: Re: Villa’s best XI
Post by: Bent Neilsens Screamer on January 21, 2025, 11:26:45 PM
Martinez
Cash
Mings
Torres
Digne
Kamara
McGinn
Tielemans
Rogers
Ramsey
Watkins
Title: Re: Villa’s best XI
Post by: Footy-Vill on February 03, 2025, 09:25:04 PM
Well then what depth we have with the monchi Magic window and the Emery requests
What's the best 11 now ?

Martinez
Cash or Garcia
Konsa Or Disasi
Mings or Pau
Digne or Maatsen
Kamara
Youri McGinn Onana Barkley
Bailey Asensioooo Malen Rogers Ramsey Rashford
Watkins

Title: Re: Villa’s best XI
Post by: Footy-Vill on February 04, 2025, 12:47:02 PM
Martinez, Kamara, and Watkins:
Just 3 untouchable as starters? Or would Rogers be in there too?
I think Pau is ahead of Mings for selection. So maybe have to include him
But Rogers is now in the rotation game due to the two attacking signings made.
Title: Re: Villa’s best XI
Post by: Dante Lavelli on February 04, 2025, 12:52:33 PM
           Martinez
Konsa Diasi Pau Digne
        Onana Kamara
Rashford Rogers Ramsey
          Watkins

The reality is that there will always be injuries and a few players are interchangeable and others provide new options to switch it up a bit.

We have a few weeks with only one match so hopefully some players can recover and Emery can work some magic to integrate the newbies and sort the defense.
Title: Re: Villa’s best XI
Post by: Footy-Vill on February 04, 2025, 12:58:40 PM
I would have one of McGinn and Tielemans ahead of Onana. Asensio makes my starting best 11 probably expense of one of the 3 R's. Rashford, Ramsey or Rogers I already see Asensio ahead of McGinn and Bailey.
I would not have Onana in my best 11
Title: Re: Villa’s best XI
Post by: Hookeysmith on February 04, 2025, 01:51:24 PM
I really cannot see McGinn being a regular starter for the rest of the season if Asensio starts well
Title: Re: Villa’s best XI
Post by: PeterWithesShin on February 04, 2025, 07:04:48 PM
Whatever you think out best 11 is, if everyone was fit our second 11 isn't too shabby.
Title: Re: Villa’s best XI
Post by: Dante Lavelli on February 04, 2025, 07:14:56 PM
I really cannot see McGinn being a regular starter for the rest of the season if Asensio starts well

I’ve a hunch that he will be our Milner whereby Emery will want his personality in the team even if he’s not the best player.
Title: Re: Villa’s best XI
Post by: Toronto Villa on February 04, 2025, 07:34:02 PM
These are the kinds of signings that help keep the likes of Martinez at the club. Even if we fall short it won't be because we don't have great players trying to get us to where we want to be. We are in the last 16 of the CL, FA Cup 4th Rd, and only 6 points off 4th in the league with 14 games to go. All to play for and a solid squad of players to help us get there. Especially when some of the injured start to get back to full fitness.
Title: Re: Villa’s best XI
Post by: paul_e on February 04, 2025, 07:46:35 PM
Whatever you think out best 11 is, if everyone was fit our second 11 isn't too shabby.

Agreed, I reckon our 2nd XI right now would be the basis for a squad that would be challenging for the top half of the league.
Title: Re: Villa’s best XI
Post by: Astnor on February 04, 2025, 08:21:28 PM
Still questionable who can do our right side (RB, RW) able to function good enough.
 
Title: Re: Villa’s best XI
Post by: ChicagoLion on February 04, 2025, 08:46:14 PM
I really cannot see McGinn being a regular starter for the rest of the season if Asensio starts well
Disagree, we are almost always a better team with McGinn.
You can not underestimate his desire and passion, it makes those around him up their game.
Title: Re: Villa’s best XI
Post by: Astnor on February 04, 2025, 09:06:52 PM
Martinez
Garcia, Konsa, Disasi, Digne
Onana, Kamara
A sensio, Tielemans, Rashford
Malen (Watkins having injury)
Title: Re: Villa’s best XI
Post by: brontebilly on February 04, 2025, 09:18:35 PM
           Martinez
Konsa Diasi Pau Digne
        Onana Kamara
Rashford Rogers Ramsey
          Watkins

The reality is that there will always be injuries and a few players are interchangeable and others provide new options to switch it up a bit.

We have a few weeks with only one match so hopefully some players can recover and Emery can work some magic to integrate the newbies and sort the defense.

Konsa at RB, nurse!!
Title: Re: Villa’s best XI
Post by: Smithy on February 04, 2025, 09:30:16 PM
Whatever you think out best 11 is, if everyone was fit our second 11 isn't too shabby.

That, I think, is the key to us having a better second half of the season.  Our bench has been absolutely threadbare in the last few weeks - but now it doesn't really matter who starts in any given game, we're going to have a couple of REALLY good attacking options from the bench to change things up a bit.  You would HOPE it would mean we can keep players a bit fresher, too. 

We're probably going to have at least two of Rashford, Asensio, Malen, Bailey, or Watkins on the bench.
Title: Re: Villa’s best XI
Post by: cdbearsfan on February 04, 2025, 09:30:27 PM
Konsa at RB, nurse!!

I have an ominous feeling, like when Spider told Tommy to go fuck himself.
Title: Re: Villa’s best XI
Post by: edgysatsuma89 on February 04, 2025, 10:17:45 PM
I really cannot see McGinn being a regular starter for the rest of the season if Asensio starts well
Disagree, we are almost always a better team with McGinn.
You can not underestimate his desire and passion, it makes those around him up their game.

I doubt most people would have McGinn in their best 11 now were everyone fit.
Title: Re: Villa’s best XI
Post by: Meanwood Villa on February 04, 2025, 10:31:36 PM
I really cannot see McGinn being a regular starter for the rest of the season if Asensio starts well
Disagree, we are almost always a better team with McGinn.
You can not underestimate his desire and passion, it makes those around him up their game.

I doubt most people would have McGinn in their best 11 now were everyone fit.

I agree with ChicagoLion
Title: Re: Villa’s best XI
Post by: edgysatsuma89 on February 04, 2025, 11:05:39 PM
Fair enough, I don't see it with all the new attacking players at all.
Title: Re: Villa’s best XI
Post by: ChicagoLion on February 05, 2025, 08:56:43 AM
Right now I would have him ahead of Onana
      Emi
Konsa Disasi Mings Digne
     Kamara SJM
Rogers Acensio Ramsey
           Watkins
Then form / injury gives Emery decisions to make
Malen Rashford Onana Torres BaileyMaatsen Tielemans

Hell of a bench.

Title: Re: Villa’s best XI
Post by: brontebilly on February 05, 2025, 09:18:58 AM
I really cannot see McGinn being a regular starter for the rest of the season if Asensio starts well
Disagree, we are almost always a better team with McGinn.
You can not underestimate his desire and passion, it makes those around him up their game.

I doubt most people would have McGinn in their best 11 now were everyone fit.

Every time McGinn has been doubted on here, he proves everybody wrong. He will do it again.

Emery is going to have some job keeping Asensio, Rashford, Malen, Tielemans, McGinn, Bailey, Ramsey, Rogers happy to fit into 2-3 positions.

We don't really have a backup for Watkins either. Rashford might play there under protest, it's not Malen''s position.
Title: Re: Villa’s best XI
Post by: cdbearsfan on February 05, 2025, 09:23:07 AM
Our best XI depends on opposition, anyway. Emery will set us up differently depending on who we're playing. The Martin O'Neill days of just pick the same eleven players until they're completely exhausted are over.
Title: Re: Villa’s best XI
Post by: paul_e on February 05, 2025, 09:45:09 AM
I really cannot see McGinn being a regular starter for the rest of the season if Asensio starts well
Disagree, we are almost always a better team with McGinn.
You can not underestimate his desire and passion, it makes those around him up their game.

I doubt most people would have McGinn in their best 11 now were everyone fit.

Every time McGinn has been doubted on here, he proves everybody wrong. He will do it again.

Emery is going to have some job keeping Asensio, Rashford, Malen, Tielemans, McGinn, Bailey, Ramsey, Rogers happy to fit into 2-3 positions.

We don't really have a backup for Watkins either. Rashford might play there under protest, it's not Malen''s position.

For balance both Rashford and Malen have played well over 100 games as strikers and both have excellent goal returns when playing there.
Title: Re: Villa’s best XI
Post by: Drummond on February 05, 2025, 09:46:42 AM
Our best XI depends on opposition, anyway. Emery will set us up differently depending on who we're playing. The Martin O'Neill days of just pick the same eleven players until they're completely exhausted are over.

I think you're right, though I'd balance that by saying there are a handful who'd be a starter regardless.

Martinez, Konsa, Kamara, Watkins are the ones I think are first choice.
Title: Re: Villa’s best XI
Post by: Olneythelonely on February 05, 2025, 10:07:12 AM
Right now I would have him ahead of Onana
      Emi
Konsa Disasi Mings Digne
     Kamara SJM
Rogers Acensio Ramsey
           Watkins
Then form / injury gives Emery decisions to make
Malen Rashford Onana Torres BaileyMaatsen

Hell of a bench.

Have you sold Tielemans?
Title: Re: Villa’s best XI
Post by: Rigadon on February 05, 2025, 10:27:56 AM
Our best XI depends on opposition, anyway. Emery will set us up differently depending on who we're playing. The Martin O'Neill days of just pick the same eleven players until they're completely exhausted are over.

I think you're right, though I'd balance that by saying there are a handful who'd be a starter regardless.

Martinez, Konsa, Kamara, Watkins are the ones I think are first choice.

Rogers too.  He's probably the 2nd name on the team sheet after Martinez.
Title: Re: Villa’s best XI
Post by: Smithy on February 05, 2025, 10:37:47 AM
Yep, Rogers isn't getting dropped.  He might get the odd rest now though.

I imagine that when fit, Ollie will start, Rogers will be behind him, Youri will be in the middle, with Kamara sitting.  The rest of the positions will be up for grabs, particularly the wider midfield positions, which I suspect will depend on who we're playing or how the game is going.  Some games it might be Bailey and Rashford, others it might be JJ and McGinn.

I'm genuinely excited to see how we line up going forward in the second half of the season.  Malen, Asensio and Rashford are all capable of seriously contributing in our first 11.
Title: Re: Villa’s best XI
Post by: Olneythelonely on February 05, 2025, 10:46:00 AM
Martinez

Disasi
Konsa
Torres
Digne

Kamara
Tielemans

Asensio
Rogers
Rashford

Watkins

Subs

Olsen
Mings
Cash
Maatsen
McGinn
Onana
Ramsey
Bailey
Malen

Others

Bogarde
Garcia
Barkley

I think he’ll play Disasi at right back quite a bit, I wouldn’t, but I think Unai will. I can’t see how Barkley gets on the bench if we’re injury free.
Title: Re: Villa’s best XI
Post by: Drummond on February 05, 2025, 10:47:33 AM
I think Rogers is getting that way for sure, but I also think we have other options we may choose over him now.

Then again, it's such a lovely problem to have, and I'm excited about what might happen for the rest of the season.
Title: Re: Villa’s best XI
Post by: Rigadon on February 05, 2025, 10:51:03 AM
'On paper' it's the best Villa side and squad I think I've ever seen.  Obviously there's the actual business of the team playing in reality and how that will turn out!  But still, properly exciting. 
Title: Re: Villa’s best XI
Post by: Dave on February 05, 2025, 10:51:15 AM
If Disasi and Konsa are both in the team, I'd be very surprised if it's not Konsa who is at right-back.
Title: Re: Villa’s best XI
Post by: Smithy on February 05, 2025, 10:57:19 AM
I think Rogers is getting that way for sure, but I also think we have other options we may choose over him now.

Then again, it's such a lovely problem to have, and I'm excited about what might happen for the rest of the season.

The thing I like about this, is if we have so many options that WE don't know how we'll line up, how the hell will the opposition be able to prepare properly for it?
Title: Re: Villa’s best XI
Post by: Rigadon on February 05, 2025, 10:58:58 AM
I think Rogers is getting that way for sure, but I also think we have other options we may choose over him now.

Then again, it's such a lovely problem to have, and I'm excited about what might happen for the rest of the season.

The thing I like about this, is if we have so many options that WE don't know how we'll line up, how the hell will the opposition be able to prepare properly for it?

Exactly.  If the new boys all hit the ground running, we have Liverpool-esque attacking options. 
Title: Re: Villa’s best XI
Post by: Olneythelonely on February 05, 2025, 11:00:18 AM
If Disasi and Konsa are both in the team, I'd be very surprised if it's not Konsa who is at right-back.

I thought that, but Jacob Tanswell was saying the opposite.
Title: Re: Villa’s best XI
Post by: aj2k77 on February 05, 2025, 11:01:01 AM
Disasi is not a good right back at all.
Title: Re: Villa’s best XI
Post by: Dave on February 05, 2025, 11:02:29 AM
If Disasi and Konsa are both in the team, I'd be very surprised if it's not Konsa who is at right-back.

I thought that, but Jacob Tanswell was saying the opposite.

Fair enough. Given our other right-back options, I'm pretty sure we'll find out at some point!
Title: Re: Villa’s best XI
Post by: Drummond on February 05, 2025, 11:15:24 AM
I think Rogers is getting that way for sure, but I also think we have other options we may choose over him now.

Then again, it's such a lovely problem to have, and I'm excited about what might happen for the rest of the season.

The thing I like about this, is if we have so many options that WE don't know how we'll line up, how the hell will the opposition be able to prepare properly for it?

Yep, agree with this.

And it means they all get a rest, so should be at peak fitness levels. Defenders will hate playing us, especially if they have Watkins and Rogers running at them, to be replaced with Rashford and Asensio? Bailey then Malen?

Or we just have a full change.

Tielemans, Bailey Watkins and Rogers replaced by Ramsey, Malen, Asensio and Rashford? I just don't remember a time when we had anything like that sort of choice.
Title: Re: Villa’s best XI
Post by: Smithy on February 05, 2025, 11:18:37 AM
I think Rogers is getting that way for sure, but I also think we have other options we may choose over him now.

Then again, it's such a lovely problem to have, and I'm excited about what might happen for the rest of the season.

The thing I like about this, is if we have so many options that WE don't know how we'll line up, how the hell will the opposition be able to prepare properly for it?

Yep, agree with this.

And it means they all get a rest, so should be at peak fitness levels. Defenders will hate playing us, especially if they have Watkins and Rogers running at them, to be replaced with Rashford and Asensio? Bailey then Malen?

Or we just have a full change.

Tielemans, Bailey Watkins and Rogers replaced by Ramsey, Malen, Asensio and Rashford? I just don't remember a time when we had anything like that sort of choice.

It feels like about ten minutes, and also a million years, since we placed our premier league hopes on an attacking trio of Wesley, Trez and El Ghazi.  How times have changed...
Title: Re: Villa’s best XI
Post by: ChicagoLion on February 05, 2025, 12:09:06 PM
Right now I would have him ahead of Onana
      Emi
Konsa Disasi Mings Digne
     Kamara SJM
Rogers Acensio Ramsey
           Watkins
Then form / injury gives Emery decisions to make
Malen Rashford Onana Torres BaileyMaatsen Tielmans

Hell of a bench.

Have you sold Tielemans?
Good point.
Title: Re: Villa’s best XI
Post by: PaulTheVillan on February 05, 2025, 12:25:32 PM
At the moment I'd go with

Martinez
Cash Konsa Torres Digne
Kamara Tielemans
Rogers Asensio Ramsey
Watkins


I like to think that the 3 behind Watkins are fluid and can interchange positioins during the game.
Title: Re: Villa’s best XI
Post by: ChicagoLion on February 05, 2025, 12:29:14 PM
I hate the Cash Konsa Torres line up.
It just does not seem to work.
Title: Re: Villa’s best XI
Post by: PaulTheVillan on February 05, 2025, 01:13:35 PM
I hate the Cash Konsa Torres line up.
It just does not seem to work.

We’ll soon see if the new additions are a better option.
Title: Re: Villa’s best XI
Post by: edgysatsuma89 on February 05, 2025, 01:28:52 PM
Right now I would have him ahead of Onana
      Emi
Konsa Disasi Mings Digne
     Kamara SJM
Rogers Acensio Ramsey
           Watkins
Then form / injury gives Emery decisions to make
Malen Rashford Onana Torres BaileyMaatsen

Hell of a bench.

Have you sold Tielemans?

Yeah, it just shows to me that there is a 'better' player than him in each position. And I like McGinn!
Title: Re: Villa’s best XI
Post by: paul_e on February 05, 2025, 02:16:18 PM
Looking at the defensive options I think we now have 2 clear options:

Cash Konsa Mings Maatsen
OR
Garcia Disasi Pau Digne

I'd split it that way you have 1 more attacking fullback each side and next to them you have the more aggressive CB.

There's probably similar ways to set up the attack to be more complimentary to each other (and the rest of the team). For instance I'd be more inclined to start JJ if Maatsen is at full back because I think they look really dangerous together.
Title: Re: Villa’s best XI
Post by: Hookeysmith on February 05, 2025, 02:26:47 PM
I seriously think Konsa will have one eye over his shoulder with Disasi here - KOnsa has become complacent and dithers with the ball too much, that's when he is not looking round to blame someone else after the goal goes in.

Not unusually not been the same since becoming a regular with the England team
Title: Re: Villa’s best XI
Post by: brontebilly on February 05, 2025, 02:29:16 PM
Disasi is not a good right back at all.

Neither is Konsa. He's playing dreadfully at CB too for quite some time. Maybe Disasi coming in will force him to buck up his ideas asap.

Disasi isn't going to improve our distribution from the back, Digne is decent on the ball but Cash, Konsa, Disasi, Mings are all average in possession. That's going to be a problem I think until Torres returns. Id like Emery to tweak tactics a bit there. Maybe get the ball up to Rogers and Watkins a bit quicker from the back and play from there.
Title: Re: Villa’s best XI
Post by: LeeB on February 05, 2025, 02:40:54 PM
With regards Rogers, as absolutely brilliant as he has been, he can be very careless with the ball in periods where we need the exact opposite and it's probably inexperience more than anything, but we need to be able to address that without giving up our threat and I think Asensio will help that a lot.
Title: Re: Villa’s best XI
Post by: edgysatsuma89 on February 05, 2025, 02:45:04 PM
With regards Rogers, as absolutely brilliant as he has been, he can be very careless with the ball in periods where we need the exact opposite and it's probably inexperience more than anything, but we need to be able to address that without giving up our threat and I think Asensio will help that a lot.

Yeah, I was discussing this yesterday. There are times he definitely needs hooking and now we have the players to hopefully maintain that quality.
Title: Re: Villa’s best XI
Post by: Toronto Villa on February 05, 2025, 04:02:18 PM
In a way we've all been a little unfair on Rogers given this time last year he'd just moved up from being just another player at Championship Middlesborough to PL Aston Villa. Most of us didn't even know who he was. And yet a year later he's massively exceeded expectations that we expect a young player like that to always keep to that high a bar. It would good for him to learn a bit by watching these top players as well as playing.
Title: Re: Villa’s best XI
Post by: Smirker on February 05, 2025, 04:09:15 PM
Martínez

Konsa - Pau - Mings - Digne

Onana - Kamara

Ramsey - Asensio - Rogers

Watkins

Bailey, Maatsen, Tielemens, McGinn, Barkley, Rashford not getting in. Mad.
Title: Re: Villa’s best XI
Post by: usav on February 05, 2025, 04:16:39 PM
Cash Konsa Mings Maatsen
OR
Garcia Disasi Pau Digne

The anglo-dutch line or the gaul-hispania line.
Title: Re: Villa’s best XI
Post by: paul_e on February 05, 2025, 04:24:38 PM
My 'problem' (it's not a problem really) with Rogers is that I can't decide where I'd like to see him play.

My current thinking is, assuming Digne is our normal starting left back, I'd probably go a little bit lopsided and pick Rogers on the right, Asensio at 10, Rashford on the left and Watkins up front but you could swap the 3 behind around in those positions fairly easily within the match and they can all add something. I just want to give the other 2 as many chances to get shots away as possible because they're better finishers than Rogers or Watkins.
Title: Re: Villa’s best XI
Post by: tomd2103 on February 05, 2025, 04:28:48 PM
My 'problem' (it's not a problem really) with Rogers is that I can't decide where I'd like to see him play.

My current thinking is, assuming Digne is our normal starting left back, I'd probably go a little bit lopsided and pick Rogers on the right, Asensio at 10, Rashford on the left and Watkins up front but you could swap the 3 behind around in those positions fairly easily within the match and they can all add something. I just want to give the other 2 as many chances to get shots away as possible because they're better finishers than Rogers or Watkins.

I can't see Unai Emery changing the formation now to be honest.  I think Rashford will come in as a central striker and Asensio on the right.  That would mean Rogers either playing as a 'numer 10' or in the role Ramsey plays on the left.
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