Heroes & Villains, the Aston Villa fanzine

Heroes & Villains => Heroes Discussion => Topic started by: ExclDawg on July 27, 2015, 09:31:22 PM

Title: Who's in your Opening Day starting 11?
Post by: ExclDawg on July 27, 2015, 09:31:22 PM: Seeing as how it's been quite a tumultuous summer and signings are coming in just as fast as people are going, I was wondering who everyone had pegged for their starting eleven? We've got Gueye, Richards and a pair of Jordans (not the sneakers) coming in, as well as rumors of guys like Adebayor making his way here. Do we throw in all the new guys at once, or start with something a little more familiar. Feel free to pick your own formations as well, cause your guess will be far better than mine.
Title: Re: Who's in your Opening Day starting 11?
Post by: Tugby Villain on July 27, 2015, 09:35:23 PM: Guzan

Crespo Richards Clark Amavi

Gueye Sanchez
Gil

Grealish Ayew Sinclair
Title: Re: Who's in your Opening Day starting 11?
Post by: eamonn on July 27, 2015, 10:22:07 PM: How does that compare to the team we fielded on the opening day twenty years ago?
Title: Re: Who's in your Opening Day starting 11?
Post by: ExclDawg on July 27, 2015, 10:46:20 PM: GK: Mark Bosnich
RB: Gary Charles
CB: Gareth Southgate
CB: Paul McGrath
CB: Ugo Ehiogu
LB: Alan Wright
MF: Andy Townsend
MF: Ian Taylor
MF: Mark Draper
S: Dwight Yorke
S: Savo Milosevic

So if we want to recreate that ...
GK: Guzan, because he's from off-continent as well.
RB: Crespo, which (little known fact) is Spanish for Charles
CB: Clark, who likes to enter through the South gate of Villa Park.
CB: Okore, he miraculous returns from injury and thus becomes known as "African God"
CB: Richards, fills in easily for Ogo here in the "Center Backs who have not had a hurricane named after them"
LB: Amavi, Another little known fact ... Alan Wright owned a pair of Air Jordan's
MF: Gueye, Townsend was a connoisseurof Marvin Gaye music. Connoisseur is also a French word.
MF: Gil, Checks the box for MF with a three-letter name.
MF: Grealish, slides in with the first-name ending in "k" requirement met.
S: Ayew, I believe there is a yew tree in Yorktown ... so that works.
S: Adebayor, A name that spelling bee champs couldn't spell on the first try.

There you go, carbon copy.
Title: Re: Who's in your Opening Day starting 11?
Post by: tomd2103 on July 27, 2015, 11:22:47 PM: Quote from: Tugby Villain on July 27, 2015, 09:35:23 PM
Guzan

Crespo Richards Clark Amavi

Gueye Sanchez
Gil

Grealish Ayew Sinclair

I still think Hutton will start at RB. Hopefully a new striker will come in, meaning Ayew will move to where Grealish is in the above team and Grealish might replace Gil. I think Gueye will definitely start, but a new arrival might replace Sanchez or Westwood.
Title: Re: Who's in your Opening Day starting 11?
Post by: Clark W Griswold on July 27, 2015, 11:29:33 PM: Quote from: tomd2103 on July 27, 2015, 11:22:47 PM
Quote from: Tugby Villain on July 27, 2015, 09:35:23 PM
Guzan

Crespo Richards Clark Amavi

Gueye Sanchez
Gil

Grealish Ayew Sinclair

I still think Hutton will start at RB. Hopefully a new striker will come in, meaning Ayew will move to where Grealish is in the above team and Grealish might replace Gil. I think Gueye will definitely start, but a new arrival might replace Sanchez or Westwood.

Based on players actually at the club at this moment, i would agree with the team picked with Hutton at right back as Crespo hasnt joined yet. The only slight difference for me might be Westwood for Gueye, Gueye moving to where you have Gill and Gill where you have Sinclair.
Title: Re: Who's in your Opening Day starting 11?
Post by: Des Little on July 28, 2015, 08:22:31 AM: This line up is changing by the hour. I'll go with a 4-4-2 of:

Jordan
Jordan Jordan Jordan Jordan

Jordan Jordan Jordan Jordan

Jordan Jordan
Title: Re: Who's in your Opening Day starting 11?
Post by: TaxDodger on July 28, 2015, 08:29:12 AM: Guzan

Hutton Richards Clark Amavi

Gueye Westwood

Sinclair Grealish Gil

Agbonlahor

Bunn, Baker, Crespo, Bacuna, Sanchez, Ayew, Kozak.
Title: Re: Who's in your Opening Day starting 11?
Post by: oldtimernow on July 28, 2015, 08:36:15 AM: Hope our Jordans don't turn out to be a pair of Katie Prices (tits)
Title: Re: Who's in your Opening Day starting 11?
Post by: john e on July 28, 2015, 08:41:18 AM: Guzan

some former French based players

Grealish French players

Someone from France
Title: Re: Who's in your Opening Day starting 11?
Post by: Legion on July 28, 2015, 09:44:17 AM: Guzan

Hutton
Richards
Clark
Amavi

Gueye
Westwood
Sanchez

Sinclair
Grealish
Ayew

Bunn, Baker, Bacuna, Agbonlahor, Kozak, Gil, Okore
Title: Re: Who's in your Opening Day starting 11?
Post by: Hookeysmith on July 28, 2015, 09:49:36 AM: Guzan

Hutton
Richards
Clark
Amavi

Gueye
Sanchez
Westwood
Sinclair

Gil

Ayew
Title: Re: Who's in your Opening Day starting 11?
Post by: walsall villain on July 28, 2015, 09:50:04 AM: Quote from: john e on July 28, 2015, 08:41:18 AM
Guzan

some former French based players

Grealish French players

Someone from France

Or Guzan, Jordan, Jordan, Jordan, Jordan, Jordan, Jordan, Jordan, Jordan, Jordan, Gueye
Title: Re: Who's in your Opening Day starting 11?
Post by: footyskillz on July 28, 2015, 11:28:51 AM: Bear in mind some will be lacking fitness due to injury in pre season and returning later than others plus match following Friday .

Guzan
Hutton or crespo
Richards
Clark
Amvai

Westwood
Gueye
Veremot
Ayew

Agbonlahor
Kozak
Title: Re: Who's in your Opening Day starting 11?
Post by: The Laughing Policeman on July 28, 2015, 11:37:46 AM: Guzan some French blokes Kozak.
On a serious note what are the chances of us having a starting X1 of non English players some time this season?
Title: Re: Who's in your Opening Day starting 11?
Post by: Matt Collins on July 28, 2015, 12:25:38 PM: We're still really lacking in wide areas. Sherwood has said he sees Gil and grealish as a no 10. I think ayew would prefer to play centrally. Bacuna isn't good enough in midfield. That only really leaves Sinclair and nzogbia, with speculation the latter is leaving

Depends on formations. We've played 4231 though in the pre season games

Based on who we have now iI'd go

Guzan - Hutton Richards Clark amavi - bacuna (veretout) Westwood gueye - ayew Gil - gabby

That's assuming Gil is match fit and grealish isn't. Could switch shape during the game quite easily 433 / 4231 / 4312
Title: Re: Who's in your Opening Day starting 11?
Post by: olaftab on July 28, 2015, 12:44:47 PM: Team to line up at Bmouth:

Jordan Guzan

Jordan Crespo
Jordan Richards
Jordan Clark
Jordan Amavi

Jordan Gueye
Jordan Westwood
Jordan Veretout
Jordan Grealish

Jordan Ayew
Jordan Agbanlahor
Title: Re: Who's in your Opening Day starting 11?
Post by: Hookeysmith on July 28, 2015, 01:15:01 PM: Quote from: olaftab on July 28, 2015, 12:44:47 PM
Team to line up at Bmouth:

Jordan Guzan

Jordan Crespo
Jordan Richards
Jordan Clark
Jordan Amavi

Jordan Gueye
Jordan Westwood
Jordan Veretout
Jordan Grealish

Jordan Ayew
Jordan Agbanlahor

V.good
Title: Re: Who's in your Opening Day starting 11?
Post by: UK Redsox on July 28, 2015, 01:22:44 PM: Brad

McCafu
Richards (Capt)
Clark
Amari

Gueye
Westwood
Bacuna

Ayew
Gabby
SirClive
Title: Re: Who's in your Opening Day starting 11?
Post by: brian green on July 28, 2015, 01:34:56 PM: Athos, Porthos, Dartagnan, Aramis, Citroen, Renault, Eiffel, Bonaparte, Depardieu, Le Pen, Bad English (Capt).

Subs Chevalier, Descartes, Balzac, Hulot, Asterix and Doyle P.
Title: Re: Who's in your Opening Day starting 11?
Post by: olaftab on July 28, 2015, 02:51:25 PM: Disappointed de Gaulle and Pompidou not in that line up!
Title: Re: Who's in your Opening Day starting 11?
Post by: Toronto Villa on July 28, 2015, 02:54:30 PM: I have literally no idea but for the first time in ages I am genuinely getting excited about this season. I'm sure once it all gets underway I'll need to wear a box to protect myself from the inevitable kickings the season will bring, but right now, if we do get Veretout, and even for however long it lasts Adebayor, then if nothing else it will be interesting. Fucking hell, talk about a bit of volatility and "anything could happen here" up front with Ayew and Adebayor!
Title: Re: Who's in your Opening Day starting 11?
Post by: *shellac* on July 28, 2015, 03:00:24 PM: La Marseillaise!
Title: Re: Who's in your Opening Day starting 11?
Post by: Tokyo Sexwhale on July 28, 2015, 04:22:40 PM: Assuming Veretout and Adebayor sign:

Guzan; Hutton, Richards, Clark, Amavi; Sanchez, Gueye, Veretout; Grealish, Ayew; Adebayor

Subs: Bunn; Crespo, Okore, Westwood, Bacuna, Sinclair, Agbonlahor
Title: Re: Who's in your Opening Day starting 11?
Post by: ClaretAndBlueBlood on July 28, 2015, 04:26:33 PM: Quote from: Tokyo Sexwhale on July 28, 2015, 04:22:40 PM
Assuming Veretout and Adebayor sign:

Guzan; Hutton, Richards, Clark, Amavi; Sanchez, Gueye, Veretout; Grealish, Ayew; Adebayor

Subs: Bunn; Crespo, Okore, Westwood, Bacuna, Sinclair, Agbonlahor

close

Guzan; Hutton, Richards, Clark, Amavi; Sanchez/Westwood, Gueye, Veretout; Grealish/Gil, Ayew; Adebayor

Subs: Bunn; Crespo, Senderos, Westwood/Sanchez, Bacuna, Sinclair/Grealish/Gil, Agbonlahor
Title: Re: Who's in your Opening Day starting 11?
Post by: aj2k77 on July 28, 2015, 05:14:56 PM: Guzan, Hutton, Richards, Clark, Amavi, Gueye, Veretout, Sanchez, Ayew, Adebayor, Gil

Subs Bunn, Crespo, Senderos, Westwood, Grealish, Sinclair, Kozak
Title: Re: Who's in your Opening Day starting 11?
Post by: Ron Manager on July 28, 2015, 05:24:57 PM: Quote from: brian green on July 28, 2015, 01:34:56 PM
Athos, Porthos, Dartagnan, Aramis, Citroen, Renault, Eiffel, Bonaparte, Depardieu, Le Pen, Bad English (Capt).

Subs Chevalier, Descartes, Balzac, Hulot, Asterix and Doyle P.

Ere...Where's Distel S and Halladay J?
Title: Re: Who's in your Opening Day starting 11?
Post by: olaftab on July 28, 2015, 05:25:27 PM: I don't think Hutton should ever play for us again. He really is a crap defender.
Title: Re: Who's in your Opening Day starting 11?
Post by: eamonn on July 28, 2015, 05:52:01 PM: Quote from: ExclDawg on July 27, 2015, 10:46:20 PM
GK: Mark Bosnich
RB: Gary Charles
CB: Gareth Southgate
CB: Paul McGrath
CB: Ugo Ehiogu
LB: Alan Wright
MF: Andy Townsend
MF: Ian Taylor
MF: Mark Draper
S: Dwight Yorke
S: Savo Milosevic

So if we want to recreate that ...
GK: Guzan, because he's from off-continent as well.
RB: Crespo, which (little known fact) is Spanish for Charles
CB: Clark, who likes to enter through the South gate of Villa Park.
CB: Okore, he miraculous returns from injury and thus becomes known as "African God"
CB: Richards, fills in easily for Ogo here in the "Center Backs who have not had a hurricane named after them"
LB: Amavi, Another little known fact ... Alan Wright owned a pair of Air Jordan's
MF: Gueye, Townsend was a connoisseurof Marvin Gaye music. Connoisseur is also a French word.
MF: Gil, Checks the box for MF with a three-letter name.
MF: Grealish, slides in with the first-name ending in "k" requirement met.
S: Ayew, I believe there is a yew tree in Yorktown ... so that works.
S: Adebayor, A name that spelling bee champs couldn't spell on the first try.

There you go, carbon copy.

Outstanding shoe-horning, sir.

We're probably gonna sign three or four more and ditch seven over the next few weeks so all the team-guessing is going to change rapidly in the meantime.
Title: Re: Who's in your Opening Day starting 11?
Post by: peter w on July 28, 2015, 07:23:37 PM: Guzan

Hutton
Okore
Baker
Amavi

Sanchez
Guyere
Grealish

Ayew
Adebayor
Gabby
Title: Re: Who's in your Opening Day starting 11?
Post by: Steve67 on July 28, 2015, 07:37:37 PM: Guzan, Crespo, Amavi, Richards (captain) Clark
Gueye, Veretuit, Sanchez
Ayew, Adebayor, Gil/Grealish

Subs: Hutton, Bunn, Grealish/Gil, Westwood, Gabby, Senderos and Bacuna.

Hopefully Veretuit signs. Replace Clark and Guzan if there is any money left over.
Title: Re: Who's in your Opening Day starting 11?
Post by: paul_e on July 28, 2015, 07:47:07 PM: Assuming Adebayor and Veretout sign and Grealish and ASanchez aren't fit enough to start I'd go with:

Guzan

Bacuna, Richards, Clark, Amavi

Gueye, Westwood

Gil, Veretout, Ayew

Adebayor

Subs: Bunn, Okore, Crespo, Sanchez, Grealish, Sinclair, Kozak

I'd be very pleased with that all things considered.
Title: Re: Who's in your Opening Day starting 11?
Post by: Matt Collins on July 29, 2015, 06:15:44 AM: Okore is injured, Gil nursing a knock, Sanchez currently absent and I assume gabby may be out now. Grealish surely won't be ready and adebayor may not be match fit?

I think you'd have to go w kozak at the moment. I wouldn't throw too many debutants in at once. It still looks like bacuna and Sinclair get the wide gigs 😔
Title: Re: Who's in your Opening Day starting 11?
Post by: mattjpa on July 29, 2015, 11:00:22 AM: Guzan

Hutton Richards Clarke Amavi

Gueye Westwood

Sinclair Gil Robinson

Kozak

This is assuming injuries to Okore, Gabby, Grealish and Sanchez as well as non match fitness/ too early for the others
Title: Re: Who's in your Opening Day starting 11?
Post by: Holte L2 on July 29, 2015, 12:31:40 PM: Guzan

Bacuna Richards Clark Amavi

Sanchez Gueye

Ayew Veretout Sinclair

Adebayor
Title: Re: Who's in your Opening Day starting 11?
Post by: Matt Collins on July 29, 2015, 01:13:54 PM: Guzan - Hutton Richards Clark amavi - bacuna Westwood gueye Sinclair - Gil / ayew - kozak

Subs: bunn baker Sanchez veretout grealish Robinson adebayor
Title: Re: Who's in your Opening Day starting 11?
Post by: sirlordbaltimore on July 29, 2015, 01:28:11 PM: Guzan

Crespo, Richards, Clark, Amavi

Gueye, Westwood

Gil, Veretout, Ayew

Adebayor

Few big assumptions there, such as hoping Veretout & Adebayor sign up

Quite worried at the back in all honesty as the right back position scares me to death, and i'm not sold on the centre back situation either to be completely honest. If Okore was fit i'd start Richards at right back despite his supposed preference for playing at CB

As Okore isn't fit, i guess we have little choice unless we bring someone else in

Clark starts for me over all other CB options right now
Title: Re: Who's in your Opening Day starting 11?
Post by: tony scott on July 29, 2015, 08:26:22 PM: I would start with. Guzman

Richards Baker Clark Amavi
Gueye Westwood
Bennett Sinclair
Ayew. Kozac

Not the strongest but should be tight at the Back this assumes no other incomes I know using Bennett in Midfield is a bit of a risk but I think it's worth giving it a go
Title: Re: Who's in your Opening Day starting 11?
Post by: JUAN PABLO on July 29, 2015, 08:32:37 PM: Quote from: aj2k77 on July 28, 2015, 05:14:56 PM
Guzan, Hutton, Richards, Clark, Amavi, Gueye, Veretout, Sanchez, Ayew, Adebayor, Gil

Subs Bunn, Crespo, Senderos, Westwood, Grealish, Sinclair, Kozak

Looked a sexy exciting team and then I saw Hutton.
Title: Re: Who's in your Opening Day starting 11?
Post by: Legion on July 29, 2015, 08:35:41 PM: Nothing wrong with Hutton.
Title: Re: Who's in your Opening Day starting 11?
Post by: Salsa Party Animal on July 29, 2015, 08:36:57 PM: Guzan

Crespo Richards Clark Amavi

Sanchez Gueye

Ayew Veretout Gil

Kozak
Title: Re: Who's in your Opening Day starting 11?
Post by: Stirchley Villain on July 29, 2015, 08:47:27 PM: Human
Hutton
Richards
Amazing
Greyed
Sanchez
Veretout
Ayes
Gil
Kodak

Thought I'd let predictive spelling do its worst.
Title: Re: Who's in your Opening Day starting 11?
Post by: kippaxvilla2 on July 29, 2015, 08:49:30 PM: 1. J Bats
2. Tiguana
3. Amavi
4. Platini
5 Richards (first overseas player)
6. Clarke (second overseas player)
7. Gueye (qualifies as home grown)
8. Kozak (third overseas player)
9. Veretout
10. Ayew
11. Berbatov (qualifies as home grown due to season in Ligue 1)
Title: Re: Who's in your Opening Day starting 11?
Post by: JUAN PABLO on July 29, 2015, 08:51:09 PM: Quote from: Legion on July 29, 2015, 08:35:41 PM
Nothing wrong with Hutton.

He's too butch for me
Title: Re: Who's in your Opening Day starting 11?
Post by: LukeJames on July 29, 2015, 08:56:17 PM: ATTACKKKKKKKK!!!!!!!

Guzan

Richards
Bacuna Amavi

Gueye
Veretout

Ayew Adebayor Kozak Berbatov Grealish
Title: Re: Who's in your Opening Day starting 11?
Post by: paul_e on July 29, 2015, 09:01:50 PM: Quote from: Stirchley Villain on July 29, 2015, 08:47:27 PM
Human
Hutton
Richards
Amazing
Greyed
Sanchez
Veretout
Ayes
Gil
Kodak

Thought I'd let predictive spelling do its worst.

I hope we're all referring to Amavi like that before long. Did the auto-correct take a massive exception to Clark and remove him to leave with you with 10?
Title: Re: Who's in your Opening Day starting 11?
Post by: Stirchley Villain on July 29, 2015, 09:07:02 PM: Quote from: paul_e on July 29, 2015, 09:01:50 PM
Quote from: Stirchley Villain on July 29, 2015, 08:47:27 PM
Human
Hutton
Richards
Amazing
Greyed
Sanchez
Veretout
Ayes
Gil
Kodak

Thought I'd let predictive spelling do its worst.

I hope we're all referring to Amavi like that before long. Did the auto-correct take a massive exception to Clark and remove him to leave with you with 10?

Oh yeah... Clack... There you go...
Title: Re: Who's in your Opening Day starting 11?
Post by: Lastfootstamper on July 29, 2015, 09:25:32 PM: Quote from: LukeJames on July 29, 2015, 08:56:17 PM
ATTACKKKKKKKK!!!!!!!

Guzan

Richards
Bacuna Amavi

Gueye
Veretout

Ayew Adebayor Kozak Berbatov Grealish

Didn't we rattle up six League titles and six FA Cups with this formation? Just saying, like......

Seeing that lot written down is turning me on a bit, even though I'd never heard of four of them, let alone seen them play!
Title: Re: Who's in your Opening Day starting 11?
Post by: citizenDJ on July 30, 2015, 07:19:15 AM: At the moment I'd start with

Guzan

Hutton. Richards. Clark. Amavi

Veretout. Sanchez. Gueye.

Ayew. Adebayor. Grealish.

But I'm going on blind faith in some of our new signings of course!
Title: Re: Who's in your Opening Day starting 11?
Post by: Matt Collins on July 30, 2015, 07:22:13 AM: Sanchez who hasn't been involved in pre season ahead of Westwood who's been excellent and grealish who's managed an hour against Tamworth to date?

Also not sure id want so many debutants in one go
Title: Re: Who's in your Opening Day starting 11?
Post by: citizenDJ on July 30, 2015, 07:38:09 AM: Quote from: Matt Collins on July 30, 2015, 07:22:13 AM
Sanchez who hasn't been involved in pre season ahead of Westwood who's been excellent and grealish who's managed an hour against Tamworth to date?

Yep.
Title: Re: Who's in your Opening Day starting 11?
Post by: Matt Collins on July 30, 2015, 11:35:55 PM: If all these rumours are true, once everyone is fit and settled, id guess our strongest team will be

Guzan - Richards okore Clark amavi - veretout Westwood gueye - grealish - adebayor ayew

Subs: bunn Bacuna baker / crespo Sanchez Sinclair Gil gestede

Gabby and kozak not on the bench, nor Gardner. I genuinely can't remember if there's another signing I've forgotten
Title: Re: Who's in your Opening Day starting 11?
Post by: silhillvilla on July 30, 2015, 11:49:51 PM: ----------- Bunn --------------

Hutton. Richards (c) Clark Amarvi

--------- Westwood -- ---------

Gueye ------------------ Richardson

------------- Veretout -------------

------ Kozak ---------- Adebayour --
Title: Re: Who's in your Opening Day starting 11?
Post by: ozzjim on July 31, 2015, 01:00:58 AM: ----------- Guzan --------------

Hutton. Richards (c) Clark Amavi

--------- Westwood -- ---------

Gueye ------------------ Veretout

------------- Gil-------------

------ Kozak ---------- Gestede --

Adebayor won't be fit enough to start for a few games I don't reckon.
Title: Re: Who's in your Opening Day starting 11?
Post by: Monty on July 31, 2015, 01:19:25 AM: ---------------Guzan--------------

Hutton--Richards--Clark--Amavi

-------------Westwood------------
-----Gueye-------------Veretout--

Gil------------------Ayew/Grealish
---Gestede/Adebayor/Kozak----

Sorry for chickening out on the striker, but it is nice to have such options. The same goes for Ayew and Grealish, but I'm pretty sure I want Gil starting.
Title: Re: Who's in your Opening Day starting 11?
Post by: KRS on July 31, 2015, 01:58:26 AM: Guzan

Hutton. Richards. Clark. Amavi

Westwood

Veretout. Gueye.

Grealish.

Ayew. Kozak.
Title: Re: Who's in your Opening Day starting 11?
Post by: N'Zimidy on July 31, 2015, 04:51:30 AM: Spent about ten minutes coming up with my team and it turns out to be identical to KRS' right above.

The back five lays itself and with Sanchez having no preseason and Westwood being our key man against Wolves that midfield trio is pretty much set in stone barring injury.

The real question is the front three. I think one of Ayew or Gabby has to play to give some width and pace to the attack. Either Kozak or Gestede to be the big chap combining with the little chap and I think Kozak has earnt the right to start given his preseason. I'm leaving Adebayor out because I really doubt he'd be match fit. Gil is probably still injured so Grealish is pretty nailed on.
Title: Re: Who's in your Opening Day starting 11?
Post by: Clampy on July 31, 2015, 07:27:50 AM: At this moment, i'd go...

Guzan

Hutton Richards Clark Amavi

Westwood

Bacuna Gueye

Ayew Kozak Sinclair
Title: Re: Who's in your Opening Day starting 11?
Post by: citizenDJ on July 31, 2015, 04:10:08 PM: Quote from: citizenDJ on July 30, 2015, 07:19:15 AM

Guzan

Hutton. Richards. Clark. Amavi

Veretout. Westwood. Gueye.

Ayew. Gestede. Grealish.

Changed to include Gestede (and Westwood too - didn't read the thread title properly and went for just a 'best XI' last time).
Title: Re: Who's in your Opening Day starting 11?
Post by: Ron Manager on July 31, 2015, 04:19:03 PM: With todays magnificent signings I will go for.

Guzan
Hutton Richards Clark Amavi
Westwood
Veretout Gueye
Gil/Westwood
Ayew Kozak/Gestede

Depends how the Forest friendly pans out of course. And if Gil recovers from injury.
Title: Re: Who's in your Opening Day starting 11?
Post by: paul_e on July 31, 2015, 04:36:35 PM: potentially

Bunn
Crespo Richards ? Amavi
Gil Veretout Gueye Sinclair
Ayew Gestede

So an entire team bar 1 centre back (which many on here want to see signed) who've signed in 2015, Have we ever had such a dramatic change to the squad in such a short space of time before?
Title: Re: Who's in your Opening Day starting 11?
Post by: Keeno on July 31, 2015, 04:47:25 PM: I think a 4-3-3 of:

Guzan
Hutton - Richards - Clark - Amavi
Veretout - Westwood - Gueye
Ayew - Gestede - Grealish/Gil

I AM SO BLOODY EXCITED.
Title: Re: Who's in your Opening Day starting 11?
Post by: Toronto Villa on July 31, 2015, 05:08:57 PM: This is the Villa team that started vs Stoke last year and fair enough we won that game

1. Brad Guzan
21. Alan Hutton
23. Aly Cissokho
14. Philippe Senderos
4. Ron Vlaar
16. Fabian Delph
15. Ashley Westwood
10. Andreas Weimann
18. Kieran Richardson
28. Charles N'Zogbia
11. Gabriel Agbonlahor

This was the side for that utter fucking disaster vs Hull

1. Brad Guzan
23. Aly Cissokho
6. Ciaran Clark
5. Jores Okore
21. Alan Hutton
15. Ashley Westwood
25. Carles Gil
16. Fabian Delph
10. Andreas Weimann
9. Scott Sinclair
11. Gabriel Agbonlahor

What a refreshing change this will be!
Title: Re: Who's in your Opening Day starting 11?
Post by: Chris Smith on July 31, 2015, 05:28:19 PM: I'm fucked if I know, it's going to take me until November to work out who everyone is.
Title: Re: Who's in your Opening Day starting 11?
Post by: chrisw1 on July 31, 2015, 05:30:41 PM: Quote from: Keeno on July 31, 2015, 04:47:25 PM
I think a 4-3-3 of:

Guzan
Hutton - Richards - Clark - Amavi
Veretout - Westwood - Gueye
Ayew - Gestede - Grealish/Gil

I AM SO BLOODY EXCITED.

This is the line up I'm leaning towards, but wondering if we'll be a bit over run.
Title: Re: Who's in your Opening Day starting 11?
Post by: UK Redsox on July 31, 2015, 05:57:56 PM: Bournemouth might be a bit too soon for Veretout and Gestede.

I suppose that the latter could play if Kozak goes out on loan and Adebayor doesn't join.

However, I suspect that it might be Palace away before we see either start a game.
Title: Re: Who's in your Opening Day starting 11?
Post by: Uknowthescore on July 31, 2015, 08:31:48 PM: Guzan

Hutton. Richards. Clark. Amavi.

Westwood. Gueye.

Gil

Ayew. Sinclair

Gestede.
Title: Re: Who's in your Opening Day starting 11?
Post by: paul richard on July 31, 2015, 10:21:09 PM: Our first team:

Guzan
Hutton Richards Clark Amavi
Veretout Sanchez Gueye
Gil Gestede Grealish

Our second team:

Bunn
Crespo Okore Baker Richardson
Bacuna Westwood Gardner
Sinclair Kozak Ayew

No room for Nzogbia, Cissokho, Senderos, Cole, Bennett...... or Gabby.
Title: Re: Who's in your Opening Day starting 11?
Post by: Rudy65 on July 31, 2015, 10:26:52 PM: Quote from: Uknowthescore on July 31, 2015, 08:31:48 PM
Guzan

Hutton. Richards. Clark. Amavi.

Westwood. Gueye.

Gil

Ayew. Sinclair

Gestede.

No Jack?
Title: Re: Who's in your Opening Day starting 11?
Post by: Rudy65 on July 31, 2015, 10:28:25 PM: Quote from: paul richard on July 31, 2015, 10:21:09 PM
Our first team:

Guzan
Hutton Richards Clark Amavi
Veretout Sanchez Gueye
Gil Gestede Grealish

Our second team:

Bunn
Crespo Okore Baker Richardson
Bacuna Westwood Gardner
Sinclair Kozak Ayew

No room for Nzogbia, Cissokho, Senderos, Cole, Bennett...... or Gabby.

Its the last 6 in your list we now need to get rid of. Wouldnt raise much cash but substantially reduce the wage bill. Allow another 2 or 3 to come in
Title: Re: Who's in your Opening Day starting 11?
Post by: peter w on July 31, 2015, 10:28:25 PM: Guzan

Hutton
Richards
Clark
Amavi

Westwood
Gueye
Veretout

Ayew
Gabby
Kozak
Title: Re: Who's in your Opening Day starting 11?
Post by: villan from luton on July 31, 2015, 10:36:46 PM: Quote from: Rudy65 on July 31, 2015, 10:26:52 PM
Quote from: Uknowthescore on July 31, 2015, 08:31:48 PM
Guzan

Hutton. Richards. Clark. Amavi.

Westwood. Gueye.

Gil

Ayew. Sinclair

Gestede.

No Jack?

To be fair, Jack is likely to be short of full fitness for the first game as has missed a lot of pre season
Title: Re: Who's in your Opening Day starting 11?
Post by: cdbearsfan on July 31, 2015, 10:37:05 PM: Lots of people seem to be bunging Ayew on the wing or at least on the side of a front three. Can he actually play there?

I'm thinking that maybe Sherwood isn't actually that mad on Sanchez, after all he hardly played last year even when Cleverley was rubbish.

I reckon we'll go 4-4-2, with genuine wingers.

Goosey
Huttondressedaslahm
Jordan
Clerk
Meeca
Gay (snigger)
Jordan
Greapished
New winger
Jordan
John Steed
Title: Re: Who's in your Opening Day starting 11?
Post by: paul richard on July 31, 2015, 11:17:19 PM: With all the comings and goings, I'll be disappointed if Gabby remains in the starting line up.
Title: Re: Who's in your Opening Day starting 11?
Post by: paul_e on July 31, 2015, 11:24:15 PM: Quote from: cdbullyweefan on July 31, 2015, 10:37:05 PM
Lots of people seem to be bunging Ayew on the wing or at least on the side of a front three. Can he actually play there?

I'm thinking that maybe Sherwood isn't actually that mad on Sanchez, after all he hardly played last year even when Cleverley was rubbish.

I reckon we'll go 4-4-2, with genuine wingers.

Goosey
Huttondressedaslahm
Jordan
Clerk
Meeca
Gay (snigger)
Jordan
Greapished
New winger
Jordan
John Steed

He can play right of a front man, it's where he's played for Ghana as I understand it.
Title: Re: Who's in your Opening Day starting 11?
Post by: cdbearsfan on July 31, 2015, 11:34:31 PM: Which is his best position in Football Manager?
Title: Re: Who's in your Opening Day starting 11?
Post by: Toronto Villa on July 31, 2015, 11:37:21 PM: Quote from: cdbullyweefan on July 31, 2015, 11:34:31 PM
Which is his best position in Football Manager?

Speaking of games, I wasn't sure about getting FIFA 16 this year. Getting it for sure now with all these new players.
Title: Re: Who's in your Opening Day starting 11?
Post by: SoccerHQ on July 31, 2015, 11:40:58 PM: Too many variables at the minute really with fitness.

Ayew and Jack will be certain picks but Ayew looked well short of fitness v Wolves by all accounts so not sure he can start a premier league game in the near future and Grealish has barely played in pre season. Gabby has picked up a knock now and Adebayor even if he joins has hardly had a pre season either.

Think the back 4 will be Bacuna-Richards-Clark-Amavi with probably Westwood-Gueye-Veretout but genuinely no idea what front trio we'll pick. Gil is injured aswell isn't he?
Title: Re: Who's in your Opening Day starting 11?
Post by: Steve67 on August 01, 2015, 12:01:59 AM: Guzan,
Crespo, Richards, Clark Amavi
Gueye Veretout
Ayew Grealish. Gil
Gestede

Probably have a new right back and centre back in by then, as well as Praet!
Title: Re: Who's in your Opening Day starting 11?
Post by: villan from luton on August 01, 2015, 12:07:33 AM: Quote from: Newby on August 01, 2015, 12:01:59 AM
Guzan,
Crespo, Richards, Clark Amavi
Gueye Veretout
Ayew Grealish. Gil
Gestede

Probably have a new right back and centre back in by then, as well as Praet!

I have just said my midnight prayers for this
Title: Re: Who's in your Opening Day starting 11?
Post by: Tokyo Sexwhale on August 01, 2015, 01:38:47 AM: Nah, it'll be:

Guzan; Hutton, Okore, Clark, Richardson; Sanchez, Westwood, Cole, Grealish, N'Zogbia, Agbonlahor.
Title: Re: Who's in your Opening Day starting 11?
Post by: VancouverLion on August 01, 2015, 01:52:26 AM: I reckon Gabby will struggle to make the bench a lot this season, what do you think?
Title: Re: Who's in your Opening Day starting 11?
Post by: *shellac* on August 01, 2015, 02:25:49 AM: Guzan
Hutton
Richards
Clark
Amavi
Gueye
Veretout
Gil
Grealish
Ayew
Gestede

That's alot of G-force.
Title: Re: Who's in your Opening Day starting 11?
Post by: Steve67 on August 01, 2015, 05:41:19 AM: Quote from: Tokyo Sexwhale on August 01, 2015, 01:38:47 AM
Nah, it'll be:

Guzan; Hutton, Okore, Clark, Richardson; Sanchez, Westwood, Cole, Grealish, N'Zogbia, Agbonlahor.

Ooh you miserable beggar!! 😉
Title: Re: Who's in your Opening Day starting 11?
Post by: JD on August 01, 2015, 06:14:10 AM: Quote from: villan from luton on August 01, 2015, 12:07:33 AM
Quote from: Newby on August 01, 2015, 12:01:59 AM
Guzan,
Crespo, Richards, Clark Amavi
Gueye Veretout
Ayew Grealish. Gil
Gestede

Probably have a new right back and centre back in by then, as well as Praet!

I have just said my midnight prayers for this

Where's Zlatan going to fit into the team?
Title: Re: Who's in your Opening Day starting 11?
Post by: Steve67 on August 01, 2015, 07:02:59 AM: I was gonna stick him in at centre half JD. Ayew Gestede has a ring to it and should be given a chance. 😁
Title: Re: Who's in your Opening Day starting 11?
Post by: WarszaVillan on August 01, 2015, 07:32:35 AM: Quote from: Newby on August 01, 2015, 12:01:59 AM
Guzan,
Crespo, Richards, Clark Amavi
Gueye Veretout
Ayew Grealish. Gil
Gestede

Probably have a new right back and centre back in by then, as well as Praet!

I was looking at that thinking it looks a decent team. And then I realised that I had never seen over half of them play. So who knows
Title: Re: Who's in your Opening Day starting 11?
Post by: Matt Collins on August 01, 2015, 08:27:39 AM: I'm curious what formation we'll play. It's been 4411 or 442 all pre season. But our squad seems to shape up much more nicely into some form of 433.

It will take a bit of time to bed in. I'd imagine our first three opponents will all be the bookies' favourites to win those games?

Would really love to hit the ground running but I'm not sure we will.
Title: Re: Who's in your Opening Day starting 11?
Post by: Des Little on August 01, 2015, 09:20:23 AM: Valdes in goal...?
Title: Re: Who's in your Opening Day starting 11?
Post by: peter w on August 01, 2015, 09:24:44 AM: Today's game at Forest will be interesting and the only friendly kind of worth taking note of. 1 week before the big kick-off and we should have an idea of the team for Bournemouth.
Title: Re: Who's in your Opening Day starting 11?
Post by: UK Redsox on August 01, 2015, 09:43:22 AM: Quote from: JD on August 01, 2015, 06:14:10 AM
Quote from: villan from luton on August 01, 2015, 12:07:33 AM
Quote from: Newby on August 01, 2015, 12:01:59 AM
Guzan,
Crespo, Richards, Clark Amavi
Gueye Veretout
Ayew Grealish. Gil
Gestede

Probably have a new right back and centre back in by then, as well as Praet!

I have just said my midnight prayers for this

Where's Zlatan going to fit into the team?

Fighting for a place on the bench with Lionel and Christian
Title: Re: Who's in your Opening Day starting 11?
Post by: UK Redsox on August 01, 2015, 09:44:33 AM: Quote from: peter w on August 01, 2015, 09:24:44 AM
Today's game at Forest will be interesting and the only friendly kind of worth taking note of. 1 week before the big kick-off and we should have an idea of the team for Bournemouth.

I'm going to make sure to break form work today to watch the Forest game. I normally wouldn't have bothered
Title: Re: Who's in your Opening Day starting 11?
Post by: OCD on August 01, 2015, 02:41:24 PM: I think we'll start like this -

Bunn, Crespo, Amavi, Richards, Clark, Westwood, Gueye, Veretout, Sinclair, Gestede, Ayew

Of course, we might have signed another half dozen players by then. I'm just assuming that with the exception of Veretout, Sherwood will use the one's who have been together longest. This would also mean not bringing Guzan and Sanchez back just yet, until they're up to speed and have developed an understanding with the new boys.
Title: Re: Who's in your Opening Day starting 11?
Post by: Matt Collins on August 01, 2015, 05:16:20 PM: Quote from: OCD on August 01, 2015, 02:41:24 PM
I think we'll start like this -

Bunn, Crespo, Amavi, Richards, Clark, Westwood, Gueye, Veretout, Sinclair, Gestede, Ayew

Of course, we might have signed another half dozen players by then. I'm just assuming that with the exception of Veretout, Sherwood will use the one's who have been together longest. This would also mean not bringing Guzan and Sanchez back just yet, until they're up to speed and have developed an understanding with the new boys.

He's gone with a four man midfield so far but I 100% agree we'd be better with a three in there. Westy gueye plus 1. Probably veretout.

Sinclair and then I think probably gestede and ayew?

Presumably grealish and Gil won't be ready
Title: Re: Who's in your Opening Day starting 11?
Post by: cdbearsfan on August 01, 2015, 05:20:11 PM: I have a feeling he'll pick Cole.

Bunn
Hutton/Crespo
Amavi
Richards
Clark
Westwood
Gueye
Cole
Sinclair
Ayew
Gestede
Title: Re: Who's in your Opening Day starting 11?
Post by: OCD on August 01, 2015, 05:22:16 PM: Bournemouth are a good possession side so I don't think having only 2 centre midfielders would be a good idea. It's the sort of thing we can do in home games against lower table opposition.
Title: Re: Who's in your Opening Day starting 11?
Post by: Clark W Griswold on August 01, 2015, 05:23:58 PM: Quote from: Matt Collins on August 01, 2015, 05:16:20 PM
Quote from: OCD on August 01, 2015, 02:41:24 PM
I think we'll start like this -

Bunn, Crespo, Amavi, Richards, Clark, Westwood, Gueye, Veretout, Sinclair, Gestede, Ayew

Of course, we might have signed another half dozen players by then. I'm just assuming that with the exception of Veretout, Sherwood will use the one's who have been together longest. This would also mean not bringing Guzan and Sanchez back just yet, until they're up to speed and have developed an understanding with the new boys.

He's gone with a four man midfield so far but I 100% agree we'd be better with a three in there. Westy gueye plus 1. Probably veretout.

Sinclair and then I think probably gestede and ayew?

Presumably grealish and Gil won't be ready

Yes, i would go with that. Guzan, Hutton, Richards, Clark, Amavi, Gueye, Westwood, Veretout, Sinclair, Gestede, Ayew. 4-3-3

Unlucky for Kozak but i think i'd like to see what Gestede has got. I did say put Kozak in but that was before we signed Gestede.
Title: Re: Who's in your Opening Day starting 11?
Post by: Matt Collins on August 01, 2015, 05:44:13 PM: Yeah and we know gestede can definitely do it against championship defences - I think he scored against them last year
Title: Re: Who's in your Opening Day starting 11?
Post by: Doorbell on August 01, 2015, 06:07:10 PM: Quote from: Newby on August 01, 2015, 12:01:59 AM
Guzan,
Crespo, Richards, Clark Amavi
Gueye Veretout
Ayew Grealish. Sinclair ~~Gil~~
Gestede

My only change to this would be to have Sinclair in for Gil
Title: Re: Who's in your Opening Day starting 11?
Post by: Summers on August 01, 2015, 06:51:16 PM: Guzan
Hutton Richards Clark Amavi
Gueye Westwood Veretout
Ayew Gestede Sinclair
Title: Re: Who's in your Opening Day starting 11?
Post by: Matt Collins on August 01, 2015, 07:14:24 PM: Quote from: Summers on August 01, 2015, 06:51:16 PM
Guzan
Hutton Richards Clark Amavi
Gueye Westwood Veretout
Ayew Gestede Sinclair

That's the one for me I think
Title: Re: Who's in your Opening Day starting 11?
Post by: UK Redsox on August 01, 2015, 07:51:43 PM: Gestede didn't play in any of the pre-season, so I expect Kozak to start against Bournemouth (unless he's loaned out). Other than that, I'm now expecting the side listed by Summers
Title: Re: Who's in your Opening Day starting 11?
Post by: spangley1812 on August 01, 2015, 08:09:44 PM: Guzan
Hutton Richards Clark Amavi
Gueye Sanchez
Ayew Veretout, Sinclair
Gestede
Title: Re: Who's in your Opening Day starting 11?
Post by: tomd2103 on August 01, 2015, 08:39:42 PM: Looking through the potential sides, I have to say its nice to have some options in a few areas at last.
Title: Re: Who's in your Opening Day starting 11?
Post by: supertom on August 01, 2015, 08:44:55 PM: I'd start with Kozak as he's had the pre-season and has looked sharp. It gives him a chance to stake a claim before the window closes, as perhaps Sherwood may consider loaning him out. But if he bangs in a goal or two next week, Sherwood may reconsider.

Has Adebayor (the most likely next incoming??) had much of a pre-season? I don't think he'll be fit.
Title: Re: Who's in your Opening Day starting 11?
Post by: Summers on August 01, 2015, 09:08:36 PM: Quote from: UK Redsox on August 01, 2015, 07:51:43 PM
Gestede didn't play in any of the pre-season, so I expect Kozak to start against Bournemouth (unless he's loaned out). Other than that, I'm now expecting the side listed by Summers

That's valid. Ayew through the middle, with Gil or Grealish out wide. Or like you said, Kozak for Rudy.
Title: Re: Who's in your Opening Day starting 11?
Post by: cdbearsfan on August 01, 2015, 09:29:18 PM: Gestede played a behind-closed-doors game for Blackburn and would almost certainly have featured in their game today had he not been sold. With a week of training behind him, no reason why he can't be fit on Saturday.
Title: Re: Who's in your Opening Day starting 11?
Post by: *shellac* on August 02, 2015, 12:36:50 AM: Quote from: spangley1812 on August 01, 2015, 08:09:44 PM
Guzan
Hutton Richards Clark Amavi
Gueye Sanchez
Ayew Veretout, Sinclair
Gestede
Guzan trusts his men in defence so much that he is positioning himself near the corner flag.
Title: Re: Who's in your Opening Day starting 11?
Post by: peter w on August 02, 2015, 01:45:01 AM: Right after today I think...

Bunn

Bacuna
Richards
Clark
Amavi

Westwood
Guyere
Veretout

Ayew
Sinclair
Kozak
Title: Re: Who's in your Opening Day starting 11?
Post by: villan from luton on August 02, 2015, 02:23:43 AM: Peter W, would have Hutton at RB and Guzan in goal, otherwise go with that, but loads more signings to come tomorrow lol. The worry is the signings have not got a Scooby where they are, bit like me after last night and continuing home with vodka :-)
Title: Re: Who's in your Opening Day starting 11?
Post by: VancouverLion on August 02, 2015, 03:34:18 AM: Rudy coming back from an injury? Why wouldn't he have had preseason at T'Rovers?
Title: Re: Who's in your Opening Day starting 11?
Post by: peter w on August 02, 2015, 11:01:56 AM: Guzan won't have played in any pre-season other than Gold Cup action hasn't had a game for a while and doesn't know his team-mates. Sherwood may put him in but I suspect he may start with Bunn. I'd prefer Guzan but think he may go with Bunn. I didn't mind Bacuna as a right-back as he was competent in the final 3rd. Hutton I still don't like.
Title: Re: Who's in your Opening Day starting 11?
Post by: Clampy on August 02, 2015, 11:15:08 AM: Hutton and Bacuna in the same team would give us a strong right hand side which is why I would play both.
Title: Re: Who's in your Opening Day starting 11?
Post by: in exile on August 02, 2015, 11:19:07 AM: Quote from: peter w on August 02, 2015, 11:01:56 AM
...Hutton I still don't like.
Nor me but it seems we see a different player to most here
Title: Re: Who's in your Opening Day starting 11?
Post by: cdbearsfan on August 02, 2015, 11:19:20 AM: Quote from: peter w on August 02, 2015, 11:01:56 AM
Guzan won't have played in any pre-season other than Gold Cup action hasn't had a game for a while and doesn't know his team-mates. Sherwood may put him in but I suspect he may start with Bunn. I'd prefer Guzan but think he may go with Bunn. I didn't mind Bacuna as a right-back as he was competent in the final 3rd. Hutton I still don't like.

If we're playing 4-3-3, as seems to be the consensus, then we will need a bit of width in the team. Best way to achieve that is full-backs that are good going forward so Bacuna rather than Hutton.
Title: Re: Who's in your Opening Day starting 11?
Post by: ROBBO on August 02, 2015, 11:25:44 AM: Surely if Gestede plays then Bacuna would be a far better option than Hutton who i can't ever remember crossing the ball.
Title: Re: Who's in your Opening Day starting 11?
Post by: passitsideways on August 02, 2015, 12:02:58 PM: I think Sinclair will be very important for us in the early going as a source of goals while the likes of Ayew, Gestede, Veretout and possibly Adebayor are settling in.
Title: Re: Who's in your Opening Day starting 11?
Post by: paul_e on August 02, 2015, 12:28:19 PM: Quote from: cdbullyweefan on August 02, 2015, 11:19:20 AM
Quote from: peter w on August 02, 2015, 11:01:56 AM
Guzan won't have played in any pre-season other than Gold Cup action hasn't had a game for a while and doesn't know his team-mates. Sherwood may put him in but I suspect he may start with Bunn. I'd prefer Guzan but think he may go with Bunn. I didn't mind Bacuna as a right-back as he was competent in the final 3rd. Hutton I still don't like.

If we're playing 4-3-3, as seems to be the consensus, then we will need a bit of width in the team. Best way to achieve that is full-backs that are good going forward so Bacuna rather than Hutton.

This is exactly my thinking, if you have Gueye and Westwood sitting in a 3 and you want the wider players up front to score goals you need the fullbacks to get forward, Amavi and Bacuna are both good crossers and will get forward at any opportunity so they'd be my choice. Sinclair, Ayew and Gestede or Kozak is a front 3 that are all good in the air getting onto crosses so let's focus on making sure we get crosses in.
Title: Re: Who's in your Opening Day starting 11?
Post by: Steve kirk on August 02, 2015, 12:45:29 PM: Quote from: Summers on August 01, 2015, 06:51:16 PM
Guzan
Hutton Richards Clark Amavi
Gueye Westwood Veretout
Ayew Gestede Sinclair

That team looks spot on at this moment in time.
Title: Re: Who's in your Opening Day starting 11?
Post by: old man villa fan on August 02, 2015, 02:49:14 PM: Quote from: in exile on August 02, 2015, 11:19:07 AM
Quote from: peter w on August 02, 2015, 11:01:56 AM
...Hutton I still don't like.
Nor me but it seems we see a different player to most here

I'm with you two.
Title: Re: Who's in your Opening Day starting 11?
Post by: Morten on August 02, 2015, 03:12:29 PM: Sinclair will start after his hattrick yesterday and rightly so. Westwood will also start, Sherwood speaks so highly of him, see latest interview on the home page. In the same interview he says that Ayew can play number 9 or from the left. But I think Sinclair will start on the left after yesterdays game, so maybe he will try Ayew on the right or up front. Or Gil if he is fit. So the line up against Bournemouth could be:

Guzan

Hutton
Richards
Clark
Amavi

Gueye
Westwood
Veretout
Sinclair

Ayew (Or Gil if he is fit)
Kozak/Gestede

I am not sure if it will be 4-4-2 or 4-3-3, but they are just numbers as they say.

Subs:

Bunn
Bacuna
Baker/Crespo
Sanchez
Grealish/Cole/Ayew (depending on who is fit)
Agbonlahor if fit
Kozak/Gestede

And perhaps Adebayor in the squad if we sign him.
Title: Re: Who's in your Opening Day starting 11?
Post by: brontebilly on August 02, 2015, 05:08:12 PM: Quote from: Summers on August 01, 2015, 06:51:16 PM
Guzan
Hutton Richards Clark Amavi
Gueye Westwood Veretout
Ayew Gestede Sinclair

Likely side alright but that midfield is very lightweight and I'm not sure what protection our back four is going to get this season.

Gestede needs crosses into the box so Hutton is not even a short term solution at right back. We need to move him on ideally, still have some faith in Bacuna. If we bought an experienced sweeper type, think we might be better off with three at the back with Bacuna and Amavi bombing forward to give width and quality deliveries from deep.

-----------Guzan
Next Baresi/Matthaus
Okore/Richards, Clark
Bacuna, Sanchez, Gueye, Amavi
Title: Re: Who's in your Opening Day starting 11?
Post by: KRS on August 02, 2015, 05:39:17 PM: Quote from: Clampy on August 02, 2015, 11:15:08 AM
Hutton and Bacuna in the same team would give us a strong right hand side which is why I would play both.
The reality of playing them both on the right is actually quite the opposite.
Title: Re: Who's in your Opening Day starting 11?
Post by: Matt Collins on August 02, 2015, 08:21:29 PM: I don't think gestede has played in a pre season game. That's a lot of players not really fit for next weekend: okore, Gil, grealish, Kozak, gabby, gestede, Kozak, adebayor all have some form of doubt about them.

I guess Kozak might be the most likely to get the no 9 gig then - perhaps unless gabby is fit.
Title: Re: Who's in your Opening Day starting 11?
Post by: tomd2103 on August 03, 2015, 04:23:40 PM: Quote from: Steve kirk on August 02, 2015, 12:45:29 PM
Quote from: Summers on August 01, 2015, 06:51:16 PM
Guzan
Hutton Richards Clark Amavi
Gueye Westwood Veretout
Ayew Gestede Sinclair

That team looks spot on at this moment in time.

Yep, though if Gestede hasn't played yet then he might be on the bench with Kozak starting. I also wouldn't be surprised if Bunn started ahead of Guzan.

I could see a possible bench of (presuming Crespo, Gil, Grealish and Okore are not fit) :

Bunn / Guzan, Bacuna, Baker, Sanchez, Cole, Agbonlahor, Kozak / Gestede
Title: Re: Who's in your Opening Day starting 11?
Post by: Matt Collins on August 03, 2015, 04:30:19 PM: I think he might go 442

Bacuna and Sinclair wide. Kozak and Ayew up front

Not a lot of good movement and creativity there. Looks quite poor to me.
Title: Re: Who's in your Opening Day starting 11?
Post by: KRS on August 03, 2015, 04:44:35 PM: Depends if Veretout is considered to be ready to play after training with the team all week, in which case there wouldn't be a place for Bacuna unless he replaces Hutton at RB. We'll look a much better outfit once Jack n Gil return from injury (can't believe I've just walked straight into a nursery rhyme pun!).
Title: Re: Who's in your Opening Day starting 11?
Post by: CT Villan on August 03, 2015, 05:14:54 PM: First game, away from home...I would go 4-2-3-1 :

Guzan
Hutton Richards Clark Amavi
Westwood/Sanchez Gueye
Gil/Ayew Grealish/Veretout Sinclair
Kozak/Gestede

and a 0-2 victory :)
Title: Re: Who's in your Opening Day starting 11?
Post by: SashasGrandad on August 03, 2015, 05:21:46 PM: Does anybody know when the squad numbers will be announced? Wanted to buy my grandson a shirt he could take on holiday this week, but when I was in Villa Village last Friday they didn't seem to have a clue when they would know.
Title: Re: Who's in your Opening Day starting 11?
Post by: rougegorge on August 03, 2015, 05:26:59 PM: I hope I am wrong, but I think that whatever team we put out, the line up at the back could be a concern.
Title: Re: Who's in your Opening Day starting 11?
Post by: mr underhill on August 03, 2015, 05:48:45 PM: agreed, anything which mentions defence and Hutton in the same sentence is plain wrong
Title: Re: Who's in your Opening Day starting 11?
Post by: silhillvilla on August 03, 2015, 06:07:04 PM: If I bought a shirt would the club put BOMB SQUAD on the back for me? Or would that be considered offensive
Title: Re: Who's in your Opening Day starting 11?
Post by: CT Villan on August 03, 2015, 06:09:51 PM: What is an acceptable alternative to Hutton though...and the answer doesn't include Bacuna :) Personally, I'd prefer the right-back equivalent of Amavi, then save Hutton for when we play Man City...if Delph is playing.
Title: Re: Who's in your Opening Day starting 11?
Post by: silhillvilla on August 03, 2015, 06:10:10 PM: Quote from: silhillvilla on July 30, 2015, 11:49:51 PM
----------- Bunn --------------

Hutton. Richards (c) Clark Amavi

--------- Westwood -- ---------

Gueye ------------------ Sinclair

------------- Veretout -------------

------ Gestade ---------- Ayew-------

Modified
Title: Re: Who's in your Opening Day starting 11?
Post by: Dave on August 03, 2015, 06:56:18 PM: Quote from: silhillvilla on August 03, 2015, 06:07:04 PM
If I bought a shirt would the club put BOMB SQUAD on the back for me? Or would that be considered offensive

1) Why would that be considered offensive?

2) Why would you want a shirt with that written on it in the first place?
Title: Re: Who's in your Opening Day starting 11?
Post by: Risso on August 03, 2015, 07:00:56 PM: Quote from: Dave on August 03, 2015, 06:56:18 PM
Quote from: silhillvilla on August 03, 2015, 06:07:04 PM
If I bought a shirt would the club put BOMB SQUAD on the back for me? Or would that be considered offensive

1) Why would that be considered offensive?

2) Why would you want a shirt with that written on it in the first place?

Let him get one, then wear it on holiday somewhere. I'm sure the airport security staff wouldn't overreact at all.
Title: Re: Who's in your Opening Day starting 11?
Post by: Steve R on August 03, 2015, 07:12:34 PM: I'd go for a fairly conservative selection.

Bunn
Bacuna, Richards, Clark, Amavi
Westwood, Gueye, Sanchez
Sinclair, Gestede, Agbonlahor

Subs :
Guzan
Hutton
Baker
Veretout
Cole
Ayew
Kozac
Title: Re: Who's in your Opening Day starting 11?
Post by: silhillvilla on August 03, 2015, 08:15:47 PM: Quote from: Dave on August 03, 2015, 06:56:18 PM
Quote from: silhillvilla on August 03, 2015, 06:07:04 PM
If I bought a shirt would the club put BOMB SQUAD on the back for me? Or would that be considered offensive

1) Why would that be considered offensive?

2) Why would you want a shirt with that written on it in the first place?
As we are Villa the home of the bomb squad .
CNZ must be the first re-offender. Founder member and in for 18 months, out for 6 months and now back in.
Title: Re: Who's in your Opening Day starting 11?
Post by: Steve67 on August 03, 2015, 08:22:56 PM: You're digging a bigger hole Silhillvilla.

Got to play the new boys, not in Sherwood's nature to play for a draw.
Guzan
Hutton Richards Clark Amavi
Gueye Sanchez Veretout
Ayew Gestede Sinclair

Gil and Grealish both out I would think, or one of them would start for me.
Title: Re: Who's in your Opening Day starting 11?
Post by: Dave on August 03, 2015, 09:02:58 PM: Quote from: silhillvilla on August 03, 2015, 08:15:47 PM
Quote from: Dave on August 03, 2015, 06:56:18 PM
Quote from: silhillvilla on August 03, 2015, 06:07:04 PM
If I bought a shirt would the club put BOMB SQUAD on the back for me? Or would that be considered offensive

1) Why would that be considered offensive?

2) Why would you want a shirt with that written on it in the first place?
As we are Villa the home of the bomb squad .
CNZ must be the first re-offender. Founder member and in for 18 months, out for 6 months and now back in.
That still doesn't explain why it might be considered offensive.

And definitely doesn't explain why you would want to do it.
Title: Re: Who's in your Opening Day starting 11?
Post by: silhillvilla on August 03, 2015, 09:34:25 PM: It's a gift for someone.
Title: Re: Who's in your Opening Day starting 11?
Post by: The Laughing Policeman on August 06, 2015, 03:41:44 PM: Discussing our starting Xi with three mates at lunch time and we came up with four different line ups. Over to you Tim. ;)
Title: Re: Who's in your Opening Day starting 11?
Post by: ADVILLAFAN on August 06, 2015, 04:03:59 PM: GK Guzan
CB Clark
CB Richards
RB Hutton/Bacuna (depends if Hutton has looked arsed in training & Pre-Season)
LB Amavi
CM Sanchez
CM Gueye
AM Veretout
SS Grealish
SS Ayew
CF Gestede/Kozak (depends if Gestede is fit to play, don't think he's featured in Pre-Season for us yet)

I'd like to see Gil given a chance this season too though.
Title: Re: Who's in your Opening Day starting 11?
Post by: dekko on August 06, 2015, 04:10:14 PM: Guzan

Hutton Richards Clark Amavi

Westwood
Gueye Veretout

Ayew Sinclair
Kozak

Is what I would play. Grealish and/or Gil would be in the line up if they were fit.
Title: Re: Who's in your Opening Day starting 11?
Post by: richard moore on August 06, 2015, 04:13:20 PM: Quote from: dekko on August 06, 2015, 04:10:14 PM
Guzan

Hutton Richards Clark Amavi

Westwood
Gueye Veretout

Ayew Sinclair
Kozak

Is what I would play. Grealish and/or Gil would be in the line up if they were fit.

I also think this is the team Tim will go with
Title: Re: Who's in your Opening Day starting 11?
Post by: Matt Collins on August 06, 2015, 05:50:53 PM: Me too but I think potentially Bacuna for veretout

Don't understand how people are putting grealish and gabby in their team
Title: Re: Who's in your Opening Day starting 11?
Post by: Ron Manager on August 06, 2015, 07:56:59 PM: The defence more or less picks itself. Guzan,Hutton,Richards,Clark and Amavi
The middle three will be Gueye Veretout Westwood
Three in attack Ayew, Kozak and Sinclair

we have a couple injured and a couple not yet match fit.
Title: Re: Who's in your Opening Day starting 11?
Post by: cdbearsfan on August 06, 2015, 08:11:28 PM: What I would go with:

GK Guzan

RB Bacuna
CB Richards
CB Clark
LB Amavi

CM Sanchez
CM Gueye
AM Veretout

RW Ayew
CF Gestede
LW Sinclair

What I think we'll go with:

GK Guzan

RB Bacuna
CB Richards
CB Clark
LB Amavi

RM Ayew
CM Westwood
CM Gueye
AM Cole
LM Sinclair

CF Kozak
Title: Re: Who's in your Opening Day starting 11?
Post by: tommy_boy on August 06, 2015, 10:26:40 PM: I think Tim will go with:

GK Guzan

RB Hutton
LB Amavi
CB Richards
CB Clark

DM Westwood
CM Gueye
RM Bacuna
LM Sinclair
SS Ayew
CF Kozak
Title: Re: Who's in your Opening Day starting 11?
Post by: Matt Collins on August 07, 2015, 12:25:10 AM: Moi aussi
Title: Re: Who's in your Opening Day starting 11?
Post by: dave.woodhall on August 07, 2015, 12:26:34 AM: What's an SS?
Title: Re: Who's in your Opening Day starting 11?
Post by: silhillvilla on August 07, 2015, 12:30:11 AM: Has Guzan played any pre-season games ?
How on earth can he be match ready ??
Title: Re: Who's in your Opening Day starting 11?
Post by: cdbearsfan on August 07, 2015, 12:38:41 AM: Quote from: silhillvilla on August 07, 2015, 12:30:11 AM
Has Guzan played any pre-season games ?
How on earth can he be match ready ??

He was playing for America so it's not like he's just been playing golf or (what do modern footballers do?) having racist sex with a prostitute for the last three months.
Title: Re: Who's in your Opening Day starting 11?
Post by: Gregorys Boy on August 07, 2015, 02:27:28 AM: Quote from: olaftab on July 28, 2015, 05:25:27 PM
I don't think Hutton should ever play for us again. He really is a crap defender.

Truer words have never been spoken. The experiment is over and we have sighed replacements so time to ship him out.
Title: Re: Who's in your Opening Day starting 11?
Post by: Matt C on August 07, 2015, 02:40:30 AM: Easier said than done though I suspect.

Not helped by either the year we had him playing frisbee with the kids or the contract extension we gave him last year.
Title: Re: Who's in your Opening Day starting 11?
Post by: Matt Collins on August 07, 2015, 05:52:16 AM: I'm not ready to put a £500k journeyman Spanish defender in ahead of Hutton. Would possibly put Bacuna in though he's been in midfield in every pre season game

Guzan will be fine fitness wise. He's barely stopped playing
Title: Re: Who's in your Opening Day starting 11?
Post by: ciggiesnbeer on August 07, 2015, 08:15:29 AM: Quote from: dekko on August 06, 2015, 04:10:14 PM
Guzan

Hutton Richards Clark Amavi

Westwood
Gueye Veretout

Ayew Sinclair
Kozak

Is what I would play. Grealish and/or Gil would be in the line up if they were fit.

Wont be far off this I reckon, Rudy probably given a run out in the second half once we are up by 3.
Title: Re: Who's in your Opening Day starting 11?
Post by: Clampy on August 07, 2015, 08:57:41 AM: Quote from: ciggiesnbeer on August 07, 2015, 08:15:29 AM
Quote from: dekko on August 06, 2015, 04:10:14 PM
Guzan

Hutton Richards Clark Amavi

Westwood
Gueye Veretout

Ayew Sinclair
Kozak

Is what I would play. Grealish and/or Gil would be in the line up if they were fit.

Wont be far off this I reckon, Rudy probably given a run out in the second half once we are up by 3.

I'd throw Bacuna in that team instead of Veretout. One thing Bacuna is very good at is swinging first time crosses into the box and we will need to mix it up from time to time rather than rely on Sinclair and Ayew's pace.
Title: Re: Who's in your Opening Day starting 11?
Post by: Gregorys Boy on August 07, 2015, 09:36:47 AM: Bacuna gets some unfair stick for his performances at Fall back, considering its not his naturally position I think he gave it a real go, his pace is useful getting forwards and back, and he works hard, its just his positional play that needs working on. Can see Sherwood playing Hutton for certain games where we will have to scrap but I wouldn't personally.
Title: Re: Who's in your Opening Day starting 11?
Post by: Ron Manager on August 07, 2015, 10:44:18 AM: Quote from: dave.woodhall on August 07, 2015, 12:26:34 AM
What's an SS?
Might be second striker Dave but I'm not sure either.
Title: Re: Who's in your Opening Day starting 11?
Post by: Matt Collins on August 07, 2015, 11:24:14 AM: Yeah it is
Title: Re: Who's in your Opening Day starting 11?
Post by: in exile on August 07, 2015, 11:49:38 AM: Quote from: cdbullyweefan on August 07, 2015, 12:38:41 AM
Quote from: silhillvilla on August 07, 2015, 12:30:11 AM
Has Guzan played any pre-season games ?
How on earth can he be match ready ??

He was playing for America so it's not like he's just been playing golf or (what do modern footballers do?) having racist sex with a prostitute for the last three months.
He only requested a week off when he got back
Title: Re: Who's in your Opening Day starting 11?
Post by: Matt Collins on August 07, 2015, 12:17:21 PM: Sherwood saying in the press conference that some recent arrivals not physically ready for the weekend. Presumably includes gestede, veretout, crespo

So still reckon it will be

Guzan - Hutton Richards Clark amavi - Bacuna Westwood gueye Sinclair - Ayew / cole / gabby plus Kozak

It's a shame as gestede in particular would give their defence problems.
Title: Re: Who's in your Opening Day starting 11?
Post by: aj2k77 on August 07, 2015, 12:30:22 PM: I would want Gestede in the team instead of Kozak, he's been out a very very long time and looked poor against Forest, admittedly that could have been fitness.
Title: Re: Who's in your Opening Day starting 11?
Post by: aj2k77 on August 07, 2015, 12:32:13 PM: The more I look at the team sheet without a few of the new arrivals the less confident I get. Particularly in midfield, Westwood, Bacuna and Gueye looks poor to me.
Title: Re: Who's in your Opening Day starting 11?
Post by: Matt Collins on August 07, 2015, 12:45:59 PM: I think westy and gueye looks good

Bacuna in midfield and Kozak up front less so

Would be great if gestede considered ready but don't think he will be. Kozak looked extremely cumbersome and slow v forest. Hopefully that was partly fatigue which he's now recovered from
Title: Re: Who's in your Opening Day starting 11?
Post by: mr underhill on August 07, 2015, 12:50:16 PM: would Kozak be fitter than Gestede?
Title: Re: Who's in your Opening Day starting 11?
Post by: Matt Collins on August 07, 2015, 01:27:47 PM: He's played some pre season gestede hasn't. But yes I agree there must be Qs

I wonder about gabby fitness

Just watched the forest highlights again. That defence really is a concern, especially against good passing movement
Title: Re: Who's in your Opening Day starting 11?
Post by: passitsideways on August 07, 2015, 01:38:33 PM: Will Sanchez be available? If Veretout isn't ready, I think I'd rather have Sanchez alongside Westwood and Gueye over our other available options (Bacuna, Richardson, Cole). Of course, that's a midfield severely lacking in final third thrust, but given that we don't really have a no. 10 healthy enough (Gil and Grealish both out; Cole probably not going to be fit enough to start ever again), I think we might have to play fast on the counter with Sinclair, Ayew and Gabby.
Title: Re: Who's in your Opening Day starting 11?
Post by: Matt Collins on August 07, 2015, 02:48:00 PM: I'm not sure gabby is match fit either? Not if Ayew considered ready but he might need to be
Title: Re: Who's in your Opening Day starting 11?
Post by: tommy_boy on August 07, 2015, 11:01:50 PM: Quote from: dave.woodhall on August 07, 2015, 12:26:34 AM
What's an SS?
Second Striker I guess
Title: Re: Who's in your Opening Day starting 11?
Post by: UK Redsox on August 07, 2015, 11:08:38 PM: Quote from: dave.woodhall on August 07, 2015, 12:26:34 AM
What's an SS?

Shortstop. Villa have made a shock signing. Bringing in Derek Jeter
Title: Re: Who's in your Opening Day starting 11?
Post by: Louzie0 on August 07, 2015, 11:17:19 PM: Quote from: dave.woodhall on August 07, 2015, 12:26:34 AM
What's an SS?

Smurf striker.

Another quota to be filled. We're aiming to homegrow a couple or so next season.