Heroes & Villains, the Aston Villa fanzine

Heroes & Villains => Match Threads & Player Ratings => Topic started by: olaftab on December 07, 2024, 08:20:16 PM

Title: RB Leipzig v Aston Villa Pre-Match
Post by: olaftab on December 07, 2024, 08:20:16 PM
So here we go again on our Champions League journey.

When: Tuesday 10 December Kick off 20:00 GMT, 21:00 CET
Where: Red Bull Arena, Leipzig.

Whilst Leipzig have been very poor in Champions League this season (played 5 lost 5) they are going well in Bundesliga. Sitting fourth currently with 24 points from 13 games.  Today they beat Holstein Kiel 2-0 away from home.  Openda is their star man and a tricky player as no doubt Carlos will remember.
Title: Re: RB Leipzig v Aston Villa Pre-Match
Post by: Legion on December 07, 2024, 08:39:42 PM
2-0
Title: Re: RB Leipzig v Aston Villa Pre-Match
Post by: Witton Warrior on December 07, 2024, 09:11:52 PM
0-0
Title: Re: RB Leipzig v Aston Villa Pre-Match
Post by: VillaTim on December 07, 2024, 09:14:56 PM
Watched them at Celtic park and they surprised me how crap they were .
0-3 to the good guys .
Title: Re: RB Leipzig v Aston Villa Pre-Match
Post by: Smirker on December 07, 2024, 09:30:24 PM
4-0 Villa FTF.
Title: Re: RB Leipzig v Aston Villa Pre-Match
Post by: PaulWinch again on December 07, 2024, 09:41:09 PM
Tough game, although it might not look like it based on Champions League form. A draw would be decent.
Title: Re: RB Leipzig v Aston Villa Pre-Match
Post by: SaddVillan on December 07, 2024, 10:11:37 PM
Bailey's out injured, so who will we play on the right hand side of the 3? Assuming we go 4-2-3-1.

Buendia - played there before his injury
Philogene - too erratic
McGinn - better in the middle
Maatsen - play him in front of Digne down the left and move Rogers across to the right.
Title: Re: RB Leipzig v Aston Villa Pre-Match
Post by: brontebilly on December 07, 2024, 10:24:06 PM
Bailey's out injured, so who will we play on the right hand side of the 3? Assuming we go 4-2-3-1.

Buendia - played there before his injury
Philogene - too erratic
McGinn - better in the middle
Maatsen - play him in front of Digne down the left and move Rogers across to the right.

McGinn

Thought McGinn was one of the few who had any composure on the ball in that second half. Must have been fuming with Watkins for not squaring it to him for a tap in.

Maybe Buendia will get a start v RBL.
Title: Re: RB Leipzig v Aston Villa Pre-Match
Post by: VillaTim on December 07, 2024, 10:27:42 PM
Buendia return makes sense
Title: Re: RB Leipzig v Aston Villa Pre-Match
Post by: Brazilian Villain on December 07, 2024, 11:04:45 PM
Tough game, although it might not look like it based on Champions League form. A draw would be decent.

Agree with this. Big game though, win and we're looking good to go straight through to the last 16.
Title: Re: RB Leipzig v Aston Villa Pre-Match
Post by: Andy_Lochhead_in_the_air on December 07, 2024, 11:11:48 PM
We sit in 9th place.
Of the 8 teams above us, 6 are playing each other this week. Leverkusen v Inter, Dortmund v Barcelona, Arsenal v Monaco.
A win here will leave us firmly established in the automatic qualification places with two games to go.

https://www.flashscore.co.uk/standings/x0KXIZfD/2oN82Fw5/#/2oN82Fw5/table/overall
Title: Re: RB Leipzig v Aston Villa Pre-Match
Post by: eamonn on December 08, 2024, 12:06:09 AM
How many more points do they reckon is needed for us to avoid the extra round? Also, is this a more difficult game than our next one, away to Monaco?
Title: Re: RB Leipzig v Aston Villa Pre-Match
Post by: Dave on December 08, 2024, 12:25:22 AM
Think that 15 points makes it possible, 16 makes it probable, 17 makes it nailed on unless something weird happens.
Title: Re: RB Leipzig v Aston Villa Pre-Match
Post by: Somniloquism on December 08, 2024, 12:26:10 AM
How many more points do they reckon is needed for us to avoid the extra round? Also, is this a more difficult game than our next one, away to Monaco?

Don't see it being anything other then the 15/16 predicted for most of the season. 14 might sneak it for someone with a good GD as well.

Leipzig has not turned up for the CL and can't really qualify now so might just concentrate on the Bundesliga. However as Monaco are above us, you have to suspect that would be the harder match. I also think Monaco play on a really hard pitch as I believe it is built over the subterranean car park. So whilst it is grass, it might be deceptive to our players. 
Title: Re: RB Leipzig v Aston Villa Pre-Match
Post by: eye digress on December 08, 2024, 07:52:48 AM
Think that 15 points makes it possible, 16 makes it probable, 17 makes it nailed on unless something weird happens.
Think that "probable" started at 15.

We need to win one of these two away games (or draw them both) to be in with a shout of getting to that level.

They won away this weekend, and have 3 CL games remaining so could still qualify on 9 points if they win all their games. Guess that means they will be quickly out of the traps and in our faces, and equally we may be able to exploit their desire to push on.

Saw bits of the Inter and Juve games - they looked decent and very physical to me, and a bit unlucky. Think their Dutch playmaker fella has been out of late.

Title: Re: RB Leipzig v Aston Villa Pre-Match
Post by: eye digress on December 08, 2024, 08:30:46 AM
As for us, if Bailey is out, I’d hope to see Onana and Kamara paired in the middle, Tielemans as a 10, Roger’s left, and out right Philogene (who wasn’t as bad in my view vs Southampton as all the flak he’s got, though appreciate that stems from a series of underwhelming performances).

But given Kamara finished the 90 yesterday, that’s maybe a bit optimistic.

Tielemans has played a lot for us this year - maybe most appearances this season? - his form has dipped and he looks like he needs a rest to me.
Title: Re: RB Leipzig v Aston Villa Pre-Match
Post by: Risso on December 08, 2024, 08:39:26 AM
As for us, if Bailey is out, I’d hope to see Onana and Kamara paired in the middle, Tielemans as a 10, Roger’s left, and out right Philogene (who wasn’t as bad in my view vs Southampton as all the flak he’s got, though appreciate that stems from a series of underwhelming performances).

But given Kamara finished the 90 yesterday, that’s maybe a bit optimistic.

Tielemans has played a lot for us this year - maybe most appearances this season? - his form has dipped and he looks like he needs a rest to me.

I thought he was one of the best players on the pitch against Brentford.
Title: Re: RB Leipzig v Aston Villa Pre-Match
Post by: ChicagoLion on December 08, 2024, 08:42:40 AM
As for us, if Bailey is out, I’d hope to see Onana and Kamara paired in the middle, Tielemans as a 10, Roger’s left, and out right Philogene (who wasn’t as bad in my view vs Southampton as all the flak he’s got, though appreciate that stems from a series of underwhelming performances).

But given Kamara finished the 90 yesterday, that’s maybe a bit optimistic.

Tielemans has played a lot for us this year - maybe most appearances this season? - his form has dipped and he looks like he needs a rest to me.

I thought he was one of the best players on the pitch against Brentford.
He wasn’t terrible yesterday but no where near his form at the beginning of the season.
Title: Re: RB Leipzig v Aston Villa Pre-Match
Post by: eye digress on December 08, 2024, 08:55:36 AM
As for us, if Bailey is out, I’d hope to see Onana and Kamara paired in the middle, Tielemans as a 10, Roger’s left, and out right Philogene (who wasn’t as bad in my view vs Southampton as all the flak he’s got, though appreciate that stems from a series of underwhelming performances).

But given Kamara finished the 90 yesterday, that’s maybe a bit optimistic.

Tielemans has played a lot for us this year - maybe most appearances this season? - his form has dipped and he looks like he needs a rest to me.

I thought he was one of the best players on the pitch against Brentford.
He wasn’t terrible yesterday but no where near his form at the beginning of the season.
Don’t think he’s been outright bad in either of the past two games, just a bit flat and tired.
Title: Re: RB Leipzig v Aston Villa Pre-Match
Post by: Nii Lamptey on December 08, 2024, 11:32:47 AM
Next 2 games are vital - A win in Germany would pretty much have top 8 sewn up I reckon (*assuming we beat Celtic too), but equally as important is Forest away next weekend.
I'd probably stick with the back 4 from Southampton game against Liepzig, then switch to the 'Mings back 4' seen against Brentford against Forest.

Kamara is the dilemma. We function SO much better with him in the team, but coming back from injury we need to manage him properly so that he doesn't break down again.

Title: Re: RB Leipzig v Aston Villa Pre-Match
Post by: Bent Neilsens Screamer on December 08, 2024, 11:33:45 AM
I fear this will be a loss.
Title: Re: RB Leipzig v Aston Villa Pre-Match
Post by: tomd2103 on December 08, 2024, 11:36:06 AM
As for us, if Bailey is out, I’d hope to see Onana and Kamara paired in the middle, Tielemans as a 10, Roger’s left, and out right Philogene (who wasn’t as bad in my view vs Southampton as all the flak he’s got, though appreciate that stems from a series of underwhelming performances).

But given Kamara finished the 90 yesterday, that’s maybe a bit optimistic.

Tielemans has played a lot for us this year - maybe most appearances this season? - his form has dipped and he looks like he needs a rest to me.

I thought he was one of the best players on the pitch against Brentford.
He wasn’t terrible yesterday but no where near his form at the beginning of the season.
Don’t think he’s been outright bad in either of the past two games, just a bit flat and tired.

I'd agree.  I'd say he's been more of a mixed bag the last few weeks, as he still does some good things, but he's just been giving the ball away and getting caught too often.
Title: Re: RB Leipzig v Aston Villa Pre-Match
Post by: Ads on December 08, 2024, 11:37:53 AM
Lots of Villa and also Celtic on the flight this morning to Munich.
Title: Re: RB Leipzig v Aston Villa Pre-Match
Post by: Baldy on December 08, 2024, 11:46:53 AM
Bailey's out injured, so who will we play on the right hand side of the 3? Assuming we go 4-2-3-1.

Buendia - played there before his injury
Philogene - too erratic
McGinn - better in the middle
Maatsen - play him in front of Digne down the left and move Rogers across to the right.

Cash - would give us extra strength in defence and will bust a gut to get into the opponents box when counter - attacking. Just a thought.
Title: Re: RB Leipzig v Aston Villa Pre-Match
Post by: Demitri_C on December 08, 2024, 11:47:49 AM
Really unbelievable how bad they are doing in Cl but as brugges you cant take nothing for granted.  We realistically need a win here if we want to finish top 8
Title: Re: RB Leipzig v Aston Villa Pre-Match
Post by: brontebilly on December 08, 2024, 11:59:32 AM
Martinez, Cash, Konsa, Mings, Maatsen, Onana (if fit), Kamara, McGinn, Tielemans, Rogers, Duran.

Barkley for Onana if he doesn't make it. Big week ahead for our season.
Title: Re: RB Leipzig v Aston Villa Pre-Match
Post by: olaftab on December 08, 2024, 12:08:54 PM
Really unbelievable how bad they are doing in Cl but as brugges you cant take nothing for granted.  We realistically need a win here if we want to finish top 8
So we can take anything for granted?😂 (sorry CD)
Title: Re: RB Leipzig v Aston Villa Pre-Match
Post by: olaftab on December 08, 2024, 12:12:31 PM
I fear this will be a loss.
There is a good chance mainly based on “even a blind squirrel ….” saying as Leipzig have lost all 5 so far🤔
Title: Re: RB Leipzig v Aston Villa Pre-Match
Post by: Accent Guy on December 08, 2024, 03:05:50 PM
Really unbelievable how bad they are doing in Cl but as brugges you cant take nothing for granted.  We realistically need a win here if we want to finish top 8

Draws in the 2 away games and a win v Celtic might be enough. Rather get the win here though of course.

I don't fancy this one. 1-0 to them.
Title: Re: RB Leipzig v Aston Villa Pre-Match
Post by: RamboandBruno on December 08, 2024, 04:21:34 PM
Leipzig have had a tough champions league draw, Atletico Madrid and Celtic away and Livetpool and Inter at home I think. Given this I think their zero points has some context, and this will be a tough game.

As well as Mings played against Brentford, I think Emery is more likely to trust him against Chris Wood in the Forest game than here. If Bailey is out, I think/hope it will be

Martinez
Konsa
Carlos
Torres
Digne
Kamara
Onana
Tielemans
Watkins
McGinn
Rogers
Title: Re: RB Leipzig v Aston Villa Pre-Match
Post by: pauliewalnuts on December 08, 2024, 07:19:43 PM
Leipzig have had a tough champions league draw, Atletico Madrid and Celtic away and Livetpool and Inter at home I think. Given this I think their zero points has some context, and this will be a tough game.

As well as Mings played against Brentford, I think Emery is more likely to trust him against Chris Wood in the Forest game than here. If Bailey is out, I think/hope it will be

Martinez
Konsa
Carlos
Torres
Digne
Kamara
Onana
Tielemans
Watkins
McGinn
Rogers

Do we do better with Konsa at RB and Carlos at CB, though? Statistically, I mean?
Title: Re: RB Leipzig v Aston Villa Pre-Match
Post by: RamboandBruno on December 08, 2024, 07:22:42 PM
Paulie, your a funny guy
Title: Re: RB Leipzig v Aston Villa Pre-Match
Post by: brontebilly on December 08, 2024, 08:48:13 PM
Bailey's out injured, so who will we play on the right hand side of the 3? Assuming we go 4-2-3-1.

Buendia - played there before his injury
Philogene - too erratic
McGinn - better in the middle
Maatsen - play him in front of Digne down the left and move Rogers across to the right.

Cash - would give us extra strength in defence and will bust a gut to get into the opponents box when counter - attacking. Just a thought.

Terrible each and every time Emery has tried it.
Title: Re: RB Leipzig v Aston Villa Pre-Match
Post by: Andy_Lochhead_in_the_air on December 08, 2024, 08:48:26 PM
I find this difficult to call.
Leipzig consistently finish in the top 4 in the Bundesliga. However even though they didn't even exist when the Wall came down, I find it hard to get away from the idea that they are a vaguely obscure name from behind the Iron Curtain. The sort of side that will give you a bit of a game but English clubs will always overcome. 
It's the same as I think of Bournemouth and Brighton really being 3rd division, and Brentford as 4th division.
Title: Re: RB Leipzig v Aston Villa Pre-Match
Post by: VillaTim on December 08, 2024, 08:53:31 PM
Leipzig have won the last 2 league games without conceding , the game before that they lost 1-5 at home . They seem jeckyl and Hyde I'd compare them to Brighton .
Title: Re: RB Leipzig v Aston Villa Pre-Match
Post by: Tayls_7 on December 08, 2024, 09:15:40 PM
They'll be no match for our solid consistency then.
Title: Re: RB Leipzig v Aston Villa Pre-Match
Post by: tomd2103 on December 08, 2024, 10:04:18 PM
Think we might need 2 wins from the last 3 to secure a top 8 spot, which would be great just for the additional break it will give at an important time of the season (though suspect a certain C. Heck wouldn't mind an additional couple of CL fixtures).
Title: Re: RB Leipzig v Aston Villa Pre-Match
Post by: VillaTim on December 08, 2024, 10:19:33 PM
we cannot afford another Brugges type performance
Title: Re: RB Leipzig v Aston Villa Pre-Match
Post by: Smithy on December 08, 2024, 10:22:40 PM
Think we might need 2 wins from the last 3 to secure a top 8 spot, which would be great just for the additional break it will give at an important time of the season (though suspect a certain C. Heck wouldn't mind an additional couple of CL fixtures).

I think I remember reading that you earn quite a bit more for qualifying for the knockouts via the top 8 than you for qualifying via a 9th-18th play-off.  So even with the extra gate receipts, if it's money you're interested in, then top 8 is where you need to be.
Title: Re: RB Leipzig v Aston Villa Pre-Match
Post by: VillaTim on December 08, 2024, 10:24:43 PM
Could be massive for the club if we can finish top 8.
2 wins and a draw should be enough
Title: Re: RB Leipzig v Aston Villa Pre-Match
Post by: olaftab on December 08, 2024, 10:39:20 PM
I find this difficult to call.
Leipzig consistently finish in the top 4 in the Bundesliga. However even though they didn't even exist when the Wall came down, I find it hard to get away from the idea that they are a vaguely obscure name from behind the Iron Curtain. The sort of side that will give you a bit of a game but English clubs will always overcome. 
It's the same as I think of Bournemouth and Brighton really being 3rd division, and Brentford as 4th division.
So a lot like Wolves?
Title: Re: RB Leipzig v Aston Villa Pre-Match
Post by: Nev on December 09, 2024, 09:51:04 AM
Law of averages says they will pick up a point somewhere along the line so a draw is probably the most likely outcome. We've been better of late but still profligate where chances are concerned and you can't afford to miss opportunities as much as we do and hope to prevail.

It will be tight, and the pragmatist that Emery is tells me a stalemate is where it's at.

0-0
Title: Re: RB Leipzig v Aston Villa Pre-Match
Post by: Drummond on December 09, 2024, 10:17:58 AM
They need a win, so surely will have to have a go at some point. That's when we can break and create chances.

We need a draw and we will want to be solid.

They've lost all 5 games but only have a goal difference of -6 so they aren't getting hammered and they've had tough draw.

Tricky game and a draw would be a good result I reckon.

1-2
Title: Re: RB Leipzig v Aston Villa Pre-Match
Post by: olaftab on December 09, 2024, 12:53:44 PM
Leipzig have to win all 3 and that still won't be a good enough to make play offs as they will have poor goal difference. They are doing well in Bundesliga and need to secure 4th so I think they will go weak tomorrow.
Title: Re: RB Leipzig v Aston Villa Pre-Match
Post by: Drummond on December 09, 2024, 01:35:12 PM
Leipzig have to win all 3 and that still won't be a good enough to make play offs as they will have poor goal difference. They are doing well in Bundesliga and need to secure 4th so I think they will go weak tomorrow.

They still have a chance, albeit slim, though. And that may be enough to motivate and to try and get in a groove.
Title: Re: RB Leipzig v Aston Villa Pre-Match
Post by: Hookeysmith on December 09, 2024, 01:38:59 PM
Quote
As well as Mings played against Brentford, I think Emery is more likely to trust him against Chris Wood in the Forest game than here. If Bailey is out, I think/hope it will be

Martinez
Konsa
Carlos
Torres
Digne
Kamara
Onana
Tielemans
Watkins
McGinn
Rogers

Agree with all that - start strong.

We will definately need Mings against Forest.

I fancy us here in a 2-1 as others have said i think they have gave this up already to focus on League
Title: Re: RB Leipzig v Aston Villa Pre-Match
Post by: darren woolley on December 09, 2024, 01:56:19 PM
I'm going for a 2-1 Villa win.
Title: Re: RB Leipzig v Aston Villa Pre-Match
Post by: Nii Lamptey on December 09, 2024, 07:10:33 PM
Leipzig have had a tough champions league draw, Atletico Madrid and Celtic away and Livetpool and Inter at home I think. Given this I think their zero points has some context, and this will be a tough game.

As well as Mings played against Brentford, I think Emery is more likely to trust him against Chris Wood in the Forest game than here. If Bailey is out, I think/hope it will be

Martinez
Konsa
Carlos
Torres
Digne
Kamara
Onana
Tielemans
Watkins
McGinn
Rogers

I agree with this, except maybe push Konsa inside in place of Diego and get Cash at RB.

This game is vital as it pretty much dictates our chances of finishing Top 8, so I'd go strongest team for this, then similar team against Forest except drop Mings in for Torres to combat Chris Wood. Concern is Kamara coming back in and playing so many minutes, but I guess after Forest, they have a week off till Man City.

Squeaky bum time!

Don't let us down Villa - Flight out of BHX at 8am... UTV!


Title: Re: RB Leipzig v Aston Villa Pre-Match
Post by: Mister E on December 09, 2024, 07:34:27 PM
I fear this will be a loss.
I thought when I saw the team selection on Saturday that Emery had decided this EBL game is a must-win, against a side with a very poor ECL record this season. So, let's see!
Title: Re: RB Leipzig v Aston Villa Pre-Match
Post by: Demitri_C on December 09, 2024, 08:07:31 PM
Didnt realise Leipzig had so many injuries. Simon being out is good news at least. But sesko looks a real talent
Title: Re: RB Leipzig v Aston Villa Pre-Match
Post by: eye digress on December 09, 2024, 09:16:16 PM
Quote from: Marco Rose
Aston Villa are a very well organised team who operate based around pre-planned scenarios. It is impressive, the structure that they play with. That does make the preparation for the game simpler, since you know what to expect. There is a lot of pace and quality in their ranks and they threaten from set-pieces.
Title: Re: RB Leipzig v Aston Villa Pre-Match
Post by: Bent Neilsens Screamer on December 09, 2024, 09:17:51 PM
Quote from: Marco Rose
Aston Villa are a very well organised team who operate based around pre-planned scenarios. It is impressive, the structure that they play with. That does make the preparation for the game simpler, since you know what to expect. There is a lot of pace and quality in their ranks and they threaten from set-pieces.

What’s this pace he speaks of?
Title: Re: RB Leipzig v Aston Villa Pre-Match
Post by: Rigadon on December 10, 2024, 07:01:23 AM
Quote from: Marco Rose
Aston Villa are a very well organised team who operate based around pre-planned scenarios. It is impressive, the structure that they play with. That does make the preparation for the game simpler, since you know what to expect. There is a lot of pace and quality in their ranks and they threaten from set-pieces.

What’s this pace he speaks of?

Ah, the old ‘easy to prepare for’ line that’s becoming fashionable for opposing managers.  I suppose these other teams are mysterious and off the cuff with their tactics, without any pre-prepared structures or ways of playing in and out of possession. 
Title: Re: RB Leipzig v Aston Villa Pre-Match
Post by: Demitri_C on December 10, 2024, 07:17:06 AM
Just realised monaco are one place ahead of us. If we can get a win tonight and monaco win. The next CL game with them could be the one who qualifies for top 8.

Tonights game could be massive
Title: Re: RB Leipzig v Aston Villa Pre-Match
Post by: ChicagoLion on December 10, 2024, 07:18:55 AM
Quote from: Marco Rose
Aston Villa are a very well organised team who operate based around pre-planned scenarios. It is impressive, the structure that they play with. That does make the preparation for the game simpler, since you know what to expect. There is a lot of pace and quality in their ranks and they threaten from set-pieces.

What’s this pace he speaks of?

Ah, the old ‘easy to prepare for’ line that’s becoming fashionable for opposing managers.  I suppose these other teams are mysterious and off the cuff with their tactics, without any pre-prepared structures or ways of playing in and out of possession.
Yes, I am sure this is better than, “ no discernible way of playing” or  “ lack of identity “ which are phrases often used to condemn managers.
Title: Re: RB Leipzig v Aston Villa Pre-Match
Post by: Rigadon on December 10, 2024, 07:48:59 AM
Quote from: Marco Rose
Aston Villa are a very well organised team who operate based around pre-planned scenarios. It is impressive, the structure that they play with. That does make the preparation for the game simpler, since you know what to expect. There is a lot of pace and quality in their ranks and they threaten from set-pieces.

What’s this pace he speaks of?

Ah, the old ‘easy to prepare for’ line that’s becoming fashionable for opposing managers.  I suppose these other teams are mysterious and off the cuff with their tactics, without any pre-prepared structures or ways of playing in and out of possession.
Yes, I am sure this is better than, “ no discernible way of playing” or  “ lack of identity “ which are phrases often used to condemn managers.


Oh for the days of ‘can’t see what he’s trying to do’, eh.   
Title: Re: RB Leipzig v Aston Villa Pre-Match
Post by: PaulWinch again on December 10, 2024, 08:21:53 AM
A point would be good here.
Title: Re: RB Leipzig v Aston Villa Pre-Match
Post by: Percy McCarthy on December 10, 2024, 08:32:37 AM
Sounds like Watkins and Duran up front.

Apologies if this was posted earlier, came straight to the last page.
Title: Re: RB Leipzig v Aston Villa Pre-Match
Post by: Percy McCarthy on December 10, 2024, 08:35:03 AM
Bailey's out injured, so who will we play on the right hand side of the 3? Assuming we go 4-2-3-1.

Buendia - played there before his injury
Philogene - too erratic
McGinn - better in the middle
Maatsen - play him in front of Digne down the left and move Rogers across to the right.

Cash - would give us extra strength in defence and will bust a gut to get into the opponents box when counter - attacking. Just a thought.

Terrible each and every time Emery has tried it.

Apart from Burnley away.
Title: Re: RB Leipzig v Aston Villa Pre-Match
Post by: Olneythelonely on December 10, 2024, 08:47:42 AM
Sounds like Watkins and Duran up front.

Apologies if this was posted earlier, came straight to the last page.

I can’t see it ending well, if so. I know it’s not massively tried and tested, but we’ve not looked in any way cohesive when we have.

Would set up as solidly as possible and play Duran.
Title: Re: RB Leipzig v Aston Villa Pre-Match
Post by: Chip Butty 111 on December 10, 2024, 09:28:56 AM
Sounds like Watkins and Duran up front.

Apologies if this was posted earlier, came straight to the last page.

I can’t see it ending well, if so. I know it’s not massively tried and tested, but we’ve not looked in any way cohesive when we have.

Would set up as solidly as possible and play Duran.
I'd go with Duran, as he deserves to start. As a pair, not for me. As he has proved a few times now, Duran can play at this level, and has the confidence to try anything. Different players, but difficult to have a first choice between Ollie and Duran for me, both excellent
Title: Re: RB Leipzig v Aston Villa Pre-Match
Post by: PaulTheVillan on December 10, 2024, 09:34:27 AM
I'd go with Duran for tonight's game. He can shoot on sight, put us 2-0 up and then be taken off.
Title: Re: RB Leipzig v Aston Villa Pre-Match
Post by: Baldy on December 10, 2024, 10:05:19 AM
As Duran seems to be maturing and developing his all round game, I wonder if Unai can mould him into the role that Diaby once played?

Would solve a few problems.
Title: Re: RB Leipzig v Aston Villa Pre-Match
Post by: LeeB on December 10, 2024, 11:00:44 AM
As Duran seems to be maturing and developing his all round game, I wonder if Unai can mould him into the role that Diaby once played?

Would solve a few problems.

The big problem with Diaby was we couldn't mould him into the role we wanted him to play, we were trying to make a winger into a no.10 and it didn't really work.
Title: Re: RB Leipzig v Aston Villa Pre-Match
Post by: Dave on December 10, 2024, 11:19:26 AM
As Duran seems to be maturing and developing his all round game, I wonder if Unai can mould him into the role that Diaby once played?

Would solve a few problems.

The big problem with Diaby was we couldn't mould him into the role we wanted him to play, we were trying to make a winger into a no.10 and it didn't really work.

And that's sort of what we have done with Rogers - turned a promising winger into an excellent central attacking midfielder. And I guess the difference is that Rogers more than makes up for the (comparative) lack of pace by being about twice as strong and three times more confident to just have a go.
Title: Re: RB Leipzig v Aston Villa Pre-Match
Post by: Risso on December 10, 2024, 11:26:57 AM
Duran has the all the ingedients to be an incredible striker. Strength, pace and shooting accuracy. Personally I'd be putting all my energy into making sure he fulfils that potential, not trying to tun him into something he's not. He could be the next Didier Drogba, he's not going to be a winger.
Title: Re: RB Leipzig v Aston Villa Pre-Match
Post by: Dave on December 10, 2024, 11:33:11 AM
Duran has the all the ingedients to be an incredible striker. Strength, pace and shooting accuracy. Personally I'd be putting all my energy into making sure he fulfils that potential, not trying to tun him into something he's not. He could be the next Didier Drogba, he's not going to be a winger.

Yup. Give the "how to be a good winger" training to Bailey for a quick refresh instead.
Title: Re: RB Leipzig v Aston Villa Pre-Match
Post by: Olneythelonely on December 10, 2024, 11:36:08 AM
Not that I think we should, but if we’re going to try to turn either of our strikers into a winger (in an attempt to fit them both in) it should be Ollie. Given that he used to be one. Although I imagine not a particularly good one.
Title: Re: RB Leipzig v Aston Villa Pre-Match
Post by: LeeB on December 10, 2024, 11:54:28 AM
Or we could just buy a winger, there seem to be enough around.
Title: Re: RB Leipzig v Aston Villa Pre-Match
Post by: eamonn on December 10, 2024, 11:58:12 AM
Yep, we just need a new one. Improve us and give Philogene-Bailey Associates a kick-up the backside.
Title: Re: RB Leipzig v Aston Villa Pre-Match
Post by: LeeB on December 10, 2024, 12:00:53 PM
Forest picked up that Grealish-a-like from Portugal in the summer for £7m, absolute buttons these days.
Title: Re: RB Leipzig v Aston Villa Pre-Match
Post by: Olneythelonely on December 10, 2024, 12:01:03 PM
Or we could just buy a winger, there seem to be enough around.

The preferably option, for sure.
Title: Re: RB Leipzig v Aston Villa Pre-Match
Post by: Baldy on December 10, 2024, 12:38:21 PM
Diaby's strength was finding space in midfield, a quick turn and then attack. Bailey to his right, Moreno/Digne or Ramsey to his left and Watkins up front. As an alternative to being an out and out striker, why not try dropping Duran deeper into that Diaby role. He has all the necessary attributes.

Almost like the old inside forwards from days gone by!!

Diaby as inside right, Rogers as inside left would be deadly.

If Watkins is suspended, injured or out of form we have a ready made, match fit striker ready to take his place. Added benefit of keeping two top class strikers happy and not risk losing one of them  to a rival. Also, would give Bailey the support he has been lacking in recent months.
Title: Re: RB Leipzig v Aston Villa Pre-Match
Post by: Tony Daleys Shorts on December 10, 2024, 12:39:15 PM
I fancy us to sneak a 0-1 win tonight.

Watkins and Duran together hasn’t worked so far, but it’s not to say it can’t. If anyone can make it work it’s Unai.
Title: Re: RB Leipzig v Aston Villa Pre-Match
Post by: LeeB on December 10, 2024, 12:41:20 PM
No sorry, for the reasons Risso pointed out earlier.

Buy a tractor to plough the fields, don't try and adapt your Lamborgini Countach to the task.
Title: Re: RB Leipzig v Aston Villa Pre-Match
Post by: Hookeysmith on December 10, 2024, 12:51:08 PM
Sounds like Watkins and Duran up front.

Apologies if this was posted earlier, came straight to the last page.

ITK or just a hunch?

Not sure this is the game to try something new even if their manager has said that we are predictable.

Everyone just take a minute to let it sink in that we are discussing a team to play RB Leipzig away to potentially further cement a place in the top 8 or 32 in the Champions league.

6 years ago we were 4th in Championship and had just drawn with the bitters 2-2
Title: Re: RB Leipzig v Aston Villa Pre-Match
Post by: Dave on December 10, 2024, 01:04:00 PM
Sounds like Watkins and Duran up front.

Apologies if this was posted earlier, came straight to the last page.

ITK or just a hunch?

Not sure this is the game to try something new even if their manager has said that we are predictable.

I imagine he's read Emery's comments yesterday where he says "The next challenge I have is to play with both. We are trying and I will try again to play with both. We have to keep the balance, tactically, playing with both. The team is always first."
Title: Re: RB Leipzig v Aston Villa Pre-Match
Post by: brontebilly on December 10, 2024, 01:06:52 PM
That's going to the some challenge for Emery. Away at RBL wouldn't be the time to try it anyway.

Is Onana available tonight?
Title: Re: RB Leipzig v Aston Villa Pre-Match
Post by: ChicagoLion on December 10, 2024, 01:07:53 PM
Not in favour of playing both but hard to argue that playing Watkins as the wide or support striker will be much worse than Bailey or Billyjean.
Title: Re: RB Leipzig v Aston Villa Pre-Match
Post by: LeeB on December 10, 2024, 01:12:00 PM
Sounds like Watkins and Duran up front.

Apologies if this was posted earlier, came straight to the last page.

ITK or just a hunch?

Not sure this is the game to try something new even if their manager has said that we are predictable.

Everyone just take a minute to let it sink in that we are discussing a team to play RB Leipzig away to potentially further cement a place in the top 8 or 32 in the Champions league.

6 years ago we were 4th in Championship and had just drawn with the bitters 2-2

I reckon we've already got enough points to be through in the top 24, it's just if we can make that top 8 and save ourselves those two extra games.

That 2-2 as well, that fucking cheating bastard Rodriguez.
Title: Re: RB Leipzig v Aston Villa Pre-Match
Post by: Rudy Can't Fail on December 10, 2024, 01:12:53 PM
Forest picked up that Grealish-a-like from Portugal in the summer for £7m, absolute buttons these days.

It's unlikely we didn't know about him, Forest signed him from V Sports club, Guimarães.
Title: Re: RB Leipzig v Aston Villa Pre-Match
Post by: Dave on December 10, 2024, 01:20:28 PM
Is Onana available tonight?

He was on the bench on Saturday, so presumably he's not injured anymore. If probably not match-fit.
Title: Re: RB Leipzig v Aston Villa Pre-Match
Post by: usav on December 10, 2024, 01:29:23 PM
Ramsey a big miss tonight with Bailey out.   If fit, I would play Onana alongside Kamara and push Youri up a little.
Title: Re: RB Leipzig v Aston Villa Pre-Match
Post by: Dave on December 10, 2024, 01:40:00 PM
Ramsey a big miss tonight with Bailey out.   If fit, I would play Onana alongside Kamara and push Youri up a little.

Yeah, me too. Their main centre-back Willi Orban is definitely a Maguire / Dunk-style lump, so it feels like through balls for Watkins and Rogers to run onto is going to be more useful than slinging set-pieces into the box.
Title: Re: RB Leipzig v Aston Villa Pre-Match
Post by: eamonn on December 10, 2024, 01:52:42 PM
Take two...

Aston Villa are the team with the highest percentage of their total passes being line-breaking passes in the UEFA Champions League this season (15.9%). Indeed, only two sides have made more line-breaking passes from their own half than Villa (211) this term: Bayer Leverkusen (241) and Juventus (216).

RB Leipzig have averaged 386 high-intensity pressures per game in the UEFA Champions League this season; the second-most of any team in the tournament, only behind Sturm Graz (392.4). Meanwhile, Aston Villa rank 33rd out of 36 teams for high-intensity pressures per game in the competition this term (265.80)

Aston Villa’s Morgan Rogers is one of only five players to have completed 10+ dribbles (18) and created 10+ chances from open play (10) in the UEFA Champions League this season, along with Vinícius Júnior, Florian Wirtz, Savinho, and Johan Bakayoko.

Jhon Durán is Aston Villa’s top scorer in the UEFA Champions League this season (two goals), while no player has attempted more shots for them (9). This is despite the Colombian only being on the pitch for 35% of Villa’s match time in the competition this season (159/450).

Title: Re: RB Leipzig v Aston Villa Pre-Match
Post by: Tony Daleys Shorts on December 10, 2024, 02:29:19 PM
No sorry, for the reasons Risso pointed out earlier.

Buy a tractor to plough the fields, don't try and adapt your Lamborgini Countach to the task.

I get the reticence to try it, but imagine if they can make it work?! Having our two most potent goal threats on the pitch at the same time could just be awesome.
Title: Re: RB Leipzig v Aston Villa Pre-Match
Post by: LeeB on December 10, 2024, 02:33:25 PM
No sorry, for the reasons Risso pointed out earlier.

Buy a tractor to plough the fields, don't try and adapt your Lamborgini Countach to the task.

I get the reticence to try it, but imagine if they can make it work?! Having our two most potent goal threats on the pitch at the same time could just be awesome.

The reality of it is that you end up destroying the confidence of the player in question. That's not say people can't adapt, but  putting the ball in the net is where it's at, and those that are pretty good at it don't tend to ache to become water carriers instead.
Title: Re: RB Leipzig v Aston Villa Pre-Match
Post by: Baldy on December 10, 2024, 03:05:40 PM
No sorry, for the reasons Risso pointed out earlier.

Buy a tractor to plough the fields, don't try and adapt your Lamborgini Countach to the task.

I get the reticence to try it, but imagine if they can make it work?! Having our two most potent goal threats on the pitch at the same time could just be awesome.

The reality of it is that you end up destroying the confidence of the player in question. That's not say people can't adapt, but  putting the ball in the net is where it's at, and those that are pretty good at it don't tend to ache to become water carriers instead.

Water Carrier??? Diaby got into loads of goal scoring positions. Besides, sitting on the bench is more likely to destroy someones confidence.
Title: Re: RB Leipzig v Aston Villa Pre-Match
Post by: Tony Daleys Shorts on December 10, 2024, 03:31:38 PM
Some of the more prolific goal scorers (e.g. Salah, Son) in recent times play wide rather than centrally, so I don’t necessarily think Ollie playing wider would mean the goals would dry up.
Title: Re: RB Leipzig v Aston Villa Pre-Match
Post by: LeeS on December 10, 2024, 04:13:04 PM
I think we are playing them at the worst  time. It really is make or break for them tonight. Lose and they are out. I expect them to come at us from the off.
Title: Re: RB Leipzig v Aston Villa Pre-Match
Post by: Risso on December 10, 2024, 04:46:31 PM
I think we are playing them at the worst  time. It really is make or break for them tonight. Lose and they are out. I expect them to come at us from the off.

I'd say that's quite good though? It's where teams sit back that we tend to struggle. Attack, and we'll through ball them to death. Pew pew!
Title: Re: RB Leipzig v Aston Villa Pre-Match
Post by: Olneythelonely on December 10, 2024, 04:49:53 PM
I think we are playing them at the worst  time. It really is make or break for them tonight. Lose and they are out. I expect them to come at us from the off.

I'd say that's quite good though? It's where teams sit back that we tend to struggle. Attack, and we'll through ball them to death. Pew pew!

TBTF
Title: Re: RB Leipzig v Aston Villa Pre-Match
Post by: Hookeysmith on December 10, 2024, 05:20:52 PM
Getting excited now.

Although we all want to get through in the top 8 (Presumably as you are then seeded to play a lower ranked team) - i would imagine the marketing department would be more than happy to take another couple of games and charge top dollar - i assume we get some cut of the away leg as well?
Title: Re: RB Leipzig v Aston Villa Pre-Match
Post by: Olneythelonely on December 10, 2024, 05:27:30 PM
Getting excited now.

Although we all want to get through in the top 8 (Presumably as you are then seeded to play a lower ranked team) - i would imagine the marketing department would be more than happy to take another couple of games and charge top dollar - i assume we get some cut of the away leg as well?

It’s worth more to win and qualify in the top 8.
Title: Re: RB Leipzig v Aston Villa Pre-Match
Post by: VillaTim on December 10, 2024, 05:54:01 PM
COYVB's into these Erik's
Title: Re: RB Leipzig v Aston Villa Pre-Match
Post by: ez on December 10, 2024, 06:03:16 PM
I'm saying 0-0.
Title: Re: RB Leipzig v Aston Villa Pre-Match
Post by: Rory on December 10, 2024, 06:05:30 PM
3-1 to us.
Title: Re: RB Leipzig v Aston Villa Pre-Match
Post by: john e on December 10, 2024, 06:06:30 PM
Forest picked up that Grealish-a-like from Portugal in the summer for £7m, absolute buttons these days.

It’s a right pantomime mate
Title: Re: RB Leipzig v Aston Villa Pre-Match
Post by: Percy McCarthy on December 10, 2024, 06:24:29 PM
Sounds like Watkins and Duran up front.

Apologies if this was posted earlier, came straight to the last page.

ITK or just a hunch?

Not sure this is the game to try something new even if their manager has said that we are predictable.

I imagine he's read Emery's comments yesterday where he says "The next challenge I have is to play with both. We are trying and I will try again to play with both. We have to keep the balance, tactically, playing with both. The team is always first."

Yes, that’s what I heard. Some of the podcasters are quoting that and seem convinced. Not sure it will work but then again he might be kidding us on.
Title: Re: RB Leipzig v Aston Villa Pre-Match
Post by: Demitri_C on December 10, 2024, 06:26:43 PM
Enjoy the game everyone going hopefully a good prezzie tonight in terms of  a positive result
Title: Re: RB Leipzig v Aston Villa Pre-Match
Post by: Tuscans on December 10, 2024, 06:34:06 PM
Carlos v Openda ( round 2 ) could get tasty if he starts.

Remember it's on Amazon for anyone looking for it on TNT.
Title: Re: RB Leipzig v Aston Villa Pre-Match
Post by: Demitri_C on December 10, 2024, 06:39:39 PM
Wow thise xmas lights. Amazing.

The germans really know how to do it
Title: Re: RB Leipzig v Aston Villa Pre-Match
Post by: Percy McCarthy on December 10, 2024, 06:40:02 PM
Carlos v Openda ( round 2 ) could get tasty if he starts.

Remember it's on Amazon for anyone looking for it on TNT.

I’m watching Liverpool on TNT now (well, it’s on while I’m reading my phone). Will I have to turn over then?
Title: Re: RB Leipzig v Aston Villa Pre-Match
Post by: Tuscans on December 10, 2024, 06:40:54 PM
Carlos v Openda ( round 2 ) could get tasty if he starts.

Remember it's on Amazon for anyone looking for it on TNT.

I’m watching Liverpool on TNT now (well, it’s on while I’m reading my phone). Will I have to turn over then?
Yep
Title: Re: RB Leipzig v Aston Villa Pre-Match
Post by: jon collett on December 10, 2024, 06:41:19 PM
Whoever is commentating for Radio 5 I just walked to the ground with them and Paul Robinson. Gave them my views!
Title: Re: RB Leipzig v Aston Villa Pre-Match
Post by: Brazilian Villain on December 10, 2024, 06:41:53 PM
Enjoy the game everyone going hopefully a good prozzie tonight in terms of  a positive result

Never been, but Leipzig must be livelier than I thought.
Title: Re: RB Leipzig v Aston Villa Pre-Match
Post by: Percy McCarthy on December 10, 2024, 06:43:17 PM
Enjoy the game everyone going hopefully a good prozzie tonight in terms of  a positive result

Never been, but Leipzig must be livelier than I thought.

Footy would be appalled.
Title: Re: Re: RB Leipzig v Aston Villa Pre-Match
Post by: Percy McCarthy on December 10, 2024, 07:03:04 PM
THAT FORMATION BETTER NOT BE WHAT I THINK IT IS 😡😡😡😡😡😡😡

It won’t be. Cash for Bailey instead of Philogene

I'm not madly keen on that either, I'll be honest. Seem to remember us trying that in the Tottenham debacle before last.

Fingers crossed it works if it is. But I can’t see us playing three at the back and leaving out big Ty.
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