Heroes & Villains, the Aston Villa fanzine

Heroes & Villains => Heroes Discussion => Topic started by: Hookeysmith on November 05, 2012, 01:14:33 PM

Title: Stability or all change again?
Post by: Hookeysmith on November 05, 2012, 01:14:33 PM
With Westwood getting lots of plaudits for his premiership debut is it time to keep a winning team or does PL automatically drop KEH back into the team

I for one saw more in Westwoods game that i have all season in KEH but the manager does like to change it around  - a lot

Is it time to keep a team for a few weeks to let some confidence grow or is it keeping the opposition guessing by changing line up all the time?

I saw on another thread the record of results with Andy Weinmann in the starting team - i do hope that PL keeps with him - his movement and positioning is very good
Title: Re: Stability or all change again?
Post by: Grande Pablo on November 05, 2012, 01:16:49 PM
With Bennett crocked & Lichaj injured there could be 1 enforced change - is Stevens up to it if required?
Title: Re: Stability or all change again?
Post by: He wears a magic hat on November 05, 2012, 01:21:31 PM
I think you know the answer to that

Imagine Valencia v Enda it won't be pretty
Title: Re: Stability or all change again?
Post by: eastie on November 05, 2012, 01:26:55 PM
With Bennett crocked & Lichaj injured there could be 1 enforced change - is Stevens up to it if required?


Lichaj is suspended according to kendrick.  Stevens isn't up to it in my opinion , maybe Delph at left back as Bennett looks like being out.

                      Guzan

Lowton.    Clark.    Vlaar.    Delph

             Kea.     Westwood
       Bannan.    Ireland.    Gabby

                  Benteke

Title: Re: Stability or all change again?
Post by: VillaAlways on November 05, 2012, 01:27:27 PM
I'd move Lowton to the left and put Herd at Right Back.No way Enda should start
Title: Re: Stability or all change again?
Post by: Hookeysmith on November 05, 2012, 01:30:17 PM
With Bennett crocked & Lichaj injured there could be 1 enforced change - is Stevens up to it if required?


Lichaj is suspended according to kendrick.  Stevens isn't up to it in my opinion , maybe Delph at left back as Bennett looks like being out.

                      Guzan

Lowton.    Clark.    Vlaar.    Delph

             Kea.     Westwood
       Bannan.    Ireland.    Gabby

                  Benteke



You would bring KEA straight back in?
Title: Re: Stability or all change again?
Post by: Concrete John on November 05, 2012, 01:31:32 PM
I'd be worried about Westwood and Bannan up against Man Utd's midfield, so personally I would bring KEA back in.
Title: Re: Stability or all change again?
Post by: Trinitymiddle on November 05, 2012, 01:32:54 PM
I think all the change is just PL trying to find his best team. I haven't seen much of the Sunderland game, but it sounds like its Westwood's shirt to lose now. Be disappointed if he brings back KEA as Im not convinced about him at the mo. Big game next week though but some youngsters thrive on the big games.
Title: Re: Stability or all change again?
Post by: Richie on November 05, 2012, 01:50:40 PM
I dont like the look of Delph at full back against Man United............... or in midfield come to think of it.

Just an idea, but if we are completely screwed for a left back, does anyone know if Warnock can be recalled and if so, do you reckon Lambert would consider it as an option ?   
Title: Re: Stability or all change again?
Post by: Concrete John on November 05, 2012, 01:52:13 PM
I dont like the look of Delph at full back against Man United............... or in midfield come to think of it.

Just an idea, but if we are completely screwed for a left back, does anyone know if Warnock can be recalled and if so, do you reckon Lambert would consider it as an option ?

I'd class that as highly unlikely.

One thing not yet considered is Clark at LB?
Title: Re: Stability or all change again?
Post by: Irish villain on November 05, 2012, 01:52:34 PM
Turns out Enda Stevens is the first Villa player I have any remote connection too. I now know somebody who knew him growing up so really hope he makes it big now.
Title: Re: Stability or all change again?
Post by: Ads on November 05, 2012, 01:55:55 PM
I think the midfield is where United are at their weakest.

I think its pretty average and has been for a few seasons now. Its a testament to their forwards and mental dominance that they keep challenging for the title.
Title: Re: Stability or all change again?
Post by: Ger Regan on November 05, 2012, 01:58:26 PM
I'm not sure I agree with the "Lambert is just trying to find his best 11" theory. Wasn't one of the things mentioned by Norwich fans during the summer that we would have to get used to not knowing what the next game's starting lineup would be?
Title: Re: Stability or all change again?
Post by: darren woolley on November 05, 2012, 02:03:35 PM
I would go for stability if we can I would like us to keep the same team for United that we played against Sunderland if that's possible.
Title: Re: Stability or all change again?
Post by: Chris Smith on November 05, 2012, 02:06:31 PM
I'm not sure I agree with the "Lambert is just trying to find his best 11" theory. Wasn't one of the things mentioned by Norwich fans during the summer that we would have to get used to not knowing what the next game's starting lineup would be?

I think both points are factors, he does seem to like to tinker with his side from game to game but I'm also sure he's still getting to know his players and needs to look at them in a variety of combinations and against different opposition to get the proper measure of them.
Title: Re: Stability or all change again?
Post by: pauliewalnuts on November 05, 2012, 02:06:53 PM
I'd be worried about Westwood and Bannan up against Man Utd's midfield, so personally I would bring KEA back in.

True, but on the other hand, I remember two years ago  Bannan and Jonathon Hogg starting in the middle against Man United and doing very well in a match we drew, and probably deserved to win.

I'd go for stability.
Title: Re: Stability or all change again?
Post by: eastie on November 05, 2012, 02:29:56 PM
I'd move Lowton to the left and put Herd at Right Back.No way Enda should start

I'm assuming herd and baker as well as Bennett will be injured and also lichaj suspended.

I remember Delph covered at left back before , Stevens looks nowhere near ready and looked awful at Swindon.
Title: Re: Stability or all change again?
Post by: pedro25 on November 05, 2012, 02:32:19 PM
With Bennett crocked & Lichaj injured there could be 1 enforced change - is Stevens up to it if required?


Lichaj is suspended according to kendrick.  Stevens isn't up to it in my opinion , maybe Delph at left back as Bennett looks like being out.

                      Guzan

Lowton.    Clark.    Vlaar.    Delph

             Kea.     Westwood
       Bannan.    Ireland.    Gabby

                  Benteke



This team for me too, I don't think Stevens is up to it either and if Bennett, Dunne, Baker and Herd are still out the only other option would be Hutton, Lowton, Vlaar, Clark but that is 3 changes when 1 would suffice.  KEA for Weimann for the extra solidity.  Bench Given, Stevens, Holman, Albrighton, Weimann, Bowery, Burke.
Title: Re: Stability or all change again?
Post by: Chipsticks on November 05, 2012, 02:35:50 PM
I'm not sure I agree with the "Lambert is just trying to find his best 11" theory. Wasn't one of the things mentioned by Norwich fans during the summer that we would have to get used to not knowing what the next game's starting lineup would be?

For a guy who's supposed to MON's protege he certainly seems his opposite tactically.
Title: Re: Stability or all change again?
Post by: fredm on November 05, 2012, 02:41:26 PM
I think we definitely need two in front of the back four and Westwood would appear to be a better proposition than Delph, especially in view of Delph's tendency to dive into a tackle.  It makes you wonder what line ups they have at Bodymoor Heath when they are training to see if PL has had a look at a KEA/Westwood partnership.
Title: Re: Stability or all change again?
Post by: Percy McCarthy on November 05, 2012, 02:50:50 PM
Westwood's performance on Saturday made me wonder why he'd hardly played before.
Title: Re: Stability or all change again?
Post by: Concrete John on November 05, 2012, 02:52:25 PM
I think his performance when he came on against Southampton is the answer to that.

But he's a young player I think we'll see a lot more of the Saturday version from now on.
Title: Re: Stability or all change again?
Post by: Chipsticks on November 05, 2012, 02:55:44 PM
Westwood's performance on Saturday made me wonder why he'd hardly played before.

Probably because he's only 22 and has never played in a standard above the third division. I'm glad that someone took a gamble on him though, it looks like he could easily be a Premier League standard player.
Title: Re: Stability or all change again?
Post by: Chris Smith on November 05, 2012, 02:57:50 PM
I think his performance when he came on against Southampton is the answer to that.

But he's a young player I think we'll see a lot more of the Saturday version from now on.

He's also come from League 2, he's had a bigger step up to make than the others. He did look the part though. Think he could be a really astute signing.
Title: Re: Stability or all change again?
Post by: pauliewalnuts on November 05, 2012, 02:59:27 PM
Westwood's performance on Saturday made me wonder why he'd hardly played before.

Know what you mean, but considering where he came from, he's done pretty well, to be honest, to get a stating slot so relatively early in the season.

Very impressed with him on Saturday. He compares himself to Michael Carrick as a player (in terms of style), and I could see why on Saturday.
Title: Re: Stability or all change again?
Post by: PaulWinch again on November 05, 2012, 03:01:45 PM
I was very impressed with Westwood and think he deserves to keep  his place.
Title: Re: Stability or all change again?
Post by: levico on November 05, 2012, 03:56:40 PM
One criticism I have had of KEA and Delph this season has been their capacity of giving the ball away. How many times did Delph particularly let someone come up on the blind side and take the ball off him - is he deaf or have a peripheral vision problem?

I agree that Westwood was pretty poor at Southampton but one of the reasons we won on Saturday was due to his ability to hold on to the ball. I think he should start against Man U - let KEA win his place back and let Delph keep the bench warm in case we get desperate.
Title: Re: Stability or all change again?
Post by: Merv on November 05, 2012, 06:17:58 PM
I'd be tempted to play both against United - KEA and Westwood with Bannan in front of them.

Left back is a worry.
Title: Re: Stability or all change again?
Post by: Legion on November 05, 2012, 06:20:14 PM
Stability. I think I'll start the pre-match thread.
Title: Re: Stability or all change again?
Post by: DrGonzo on November 05, 2012, 07:21:57 PM
KEA and Westwood could work really well together, the only issue is whether that means dropping Weimann or Bannan... tough choice it will be interesting to see which way PL goes.
Title: Re: Stability or all change again?
Post by: PaulTheVillan on November 05, 2012, 07:28:49 PM
I wouldn't change a thing, unless someone gets injured. Sorry KEA
Title: Re: Stability or all change again?
Post by: ciggiesnbeer on November 06, 2012, 08:08:31 AM
This is Lambert. It will be all change again.

That isnt meant to be a negative, we knew we were getting a tactical tinkerer, and so it is.

He will probably start Bent and drop Benteke.
Title: Re: Stability or all change again?
Post by: curiousorange on November 06, 2012, 09:31:34 AM
I think a winning side deserves to start the next game. And besides, we didn't just beat Sunderland, we were pretty comfortable in the process.
Title: Re: Stability or all change again?
Post by: N'ZMAV on November 06, 2012, 09:32:34 AM
I'd probably keep it as it is. I don't think Weimmann playing wide is the answer. But he's lively, and has attempts on goal, or target in every game.
Title: Re: Stability or all change again?
Post by: ADVILLAFAN on November 06, 2012, 12:53:52 PM
Westwood's debut, against Southampton in the 2nd half wasn't very good. He looked a lot better against Sunderland, maybe due to being a lot more used to it.

I would prefer to play KEA against Manure though.

Enda Stevens likewise was poor against Swindon, but better last match. Would prefer to see Lichaj or Bennett than Enda this weekend though.
Title: Re: Stability or all change again?
Post by: PaulWinch again on November 06, 2012, 12:57:03 PM
I think the major issue with Westwood's debut at Southampton was that he played three different positions in the space of 45 minutes and never had the chance to settle. When he had the opportunity to start and play one position for the whole game against Sunderland, he was excellent and deserves to stay in the team.
Title: Re: Stability or all change again?
Post by: onje_villa on November 07, 2012, 02:02:26 PM
I think the major issue with Westwood's debut at Southampton was that he played three different positions in the space of 45 minutes and never had the chance to settle. When he had the opportunity to start and play one position for the whole game against Sunderland, he was excellent and deserves to stay in the team.
We were completely overwhelmed in that second half he was just chasing shadows.
Title: Re: Stability or all change again?
Post by: TonyD on November 07, 2012, 02:25:39 PM
Man U more than most teams tend to punish you when you give the ball away in midfield, especially in the last 10 minutes of the game.   I dont see this as physical game so I would go with a midfield that has the best chance of keeping the ball under pressure.  Which 4 would be the most competent to do this?
Title: Re: Stability or all change again?
Post by: Percy McCarthy on November 07, 2012, 04:35:07 PM
In answer to the above IMO:

Bannan KEA Westwood Ireland.

I don't mind us rotating as long as the midfield pool he picks from include those four plus Holman. And maybe the option of three of them with Gabby, Weimann, CNZ and/or Holman wide.

Delph and Albrighton have some work to do to get above that lot in the pecking order IMO.
Title: Re: Stability or all change again?
Post by: pedro25 on November 07, 2012, 04:45:16 PM
I'm with Percy.  Some would argue Herd should be in there, but I'm not a fan, I'd have Delph in ahead of him if necessary.  The four mentioned would naturally play quite narrow so I think you'd have to assume Gabby would have to be played as more of a wing forward than an out and out partner to Benteke to make it work though.  A slump from Bannan or Ireland and Holman's straight in for me.
Title: Re: Stability or all change again?
Post by: TonyD on November 07, 2012, 04:46:42 PM
I'm with Percy.  Some would argue Herd should be in there, but I'm not a fan, I'd have Delph in ahead of him if necessary.  The four mentioned would naturally play quite narrow so I think you'd have to assume Gabby would have to be played as more of a wing forward than an out and out partner to Benteke to make it work though.  A slump from Bannan or Ireland and Holman's straight in for me.
Seconded.
Title: Re: Stability or all change again?
Post by: E I Adio on November 07, 2012, 04:51:17 PM
I think playing Delph as full back might be a bit of a liability with Ashley Young always likely to trip over a blade of grass when the full back is within a few yards of him.

Title: Re: Stability or all change again?
Post by: MoetVillan on November 07, 2012, 04:54:13 PM
See, I would go with Herd, Bannan, KEA and Westwood for holding onto the ball.  Herd tackles well, but also keeps it simple.  Ireland usually has a mad 15 minutes a game, where he seems to have completely forgotten who he plays for and how to pass, or how not to pass to a player under pressure, which aint great against the true scum.  My worry is we have no width then, so Holman would probably get the nod for me over Herd as he can get wider, and he works like a dog for 70 mins, then sub him off.  Gabby and Benteke up front, Beteke can win balls in the air, the first player since Heskey (I know), and Gabby still runs the channels and puts defence under pressure when he gets the chance.
Title: Re: Stability or all change again?
Post by: silhillvilla on November 07, 2012, 06:10:49 PM
Is this the fixture last year when Jenas tripped over a blade of grass and was out for 9 months
Title: Re: Stability or all change again?
Post by: Percy McCarthy on November 07, 2012, 06:35:29 PM
It was a sprinkler wasn't it?

Groundsman of the year, my arse.
Title: Re: Stability or all change again?
Post by: pedro25 on November 07, 2012, 08:51:52 PM
I think playing Delph as full back might be a bit of a liability with Ashley Young always likely to trip over a blade of grass when the full back is within a few yards of him.



Wouldn't disagree as such, but given the pace of Valencia/Young etc at least Delph would have a chance of keeping up with them, whereas Stevens or Clark wouldn't get near them.
Title: Re: Stability or all change again?
Post by: Boz on November 08, 2012, 01:55:10 PM
Keeping a winning team is OK most of the time, but when it was against a p*ss poor team compared to whom we will be playing, I think PL will make changes, but what they will be, haven't a clue.
Title: Re: Stability or all change again?
Post by: SoccerHQ on November 08, 2012, 11:12:58 PM
Just having Westwood as a holding midfield would be very naive against them especially when RVP and Rooney both drop off the frontline into the second striker area.

KEA has dipped after a decent start but I think he needs to be in there to help Westwood out.

I'd start both Holman and Weimann out wide as we need their energy especially on the left where whoever plays there will have a very tough game against Valencia.

Title: Re: Stability or all change again?
Post by: tomd2103 on November 09, 2012, 02:54:06 AM
Westwood's debut, against Southampton in the 2nd half wasn't very good. He looked a lot better against Sunderland, maybe due to being a lot more used to it.

I would prefer to play KEA against Manure though.

Enda Stevens likewise was poor against Swindon, but better last match. Would prefer to see Lichaj or Bennett than Enda this weekend though.

Don't want to come across as being pedantic, but wasn't Westwood's debut when he came on against Swansea? He did well in that game and kept possession well.
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