Heroes & Villains, the Aston Villa fanzine
Heroes & Villains => Match Threads & Player Ratings => Topic started by: Paulo on February 24, 2021, 02:02:00 PM
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Apologies if you guys normally discuss upcoming games in another thread but I couldn't find it!
What are out thoughts going into the game?
Must admit I'm a bit worried that Leeds are going to overwhelm us in the middle of the pitch and our defence/keeper is going to have to be at its brilliant best to get anything.
Man for man are they better players than us? I don't think they are especially if Kalvin Phillips is out. If they aren't is it just down to how the different managers set the players up. Is Bielsa the real deal?
As most on here I hope that Barkley is on the bench for this one. He can then show us how 'dangerous' he is in the last 20 minutes if needed. In reality I'm pretty sure its going to be the same 11 again.
Hopefully Grealish is back, but i'm expecting a 2:0 defeat.
I'm usually more positive, just don't fancy this game. Cheer me up and convince me otherwise.
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I watched parts of the game last night and they looked excellent. They move the ball at such speed and players attack with fantastic pace. Very difficult ot defend against when on song.
I know we're all sick of the press love in for Bielsa, but yes to achieved with them what he has and to have the team playing like they are, he is the real deal in my view.
As for the game, unles we've learnt a lot of lesssons from the first fixture then I think we'll struggle. We just seem to find it difficult to play against fast pressing high energy teams. Given the form we're in and the lack of Jack I think it will be a tough 90 mins and like you anticipate a loss.
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They've got Phillips out, but I'm still expecting them to have too much for us at the weekend. I don't think that Smith will have learned anything from the last few poor performances, so fully expect Barkley to start and them to walk through our midfield as a result.
2-0 Leeds.
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They had Philips out at Villa Park and turned us over. We're due a good game and they are due a bad one but dont think it'll be this weekend.
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Up until the first goal in the home game we were a match for them and we should have led at HT. The issue was they overloaded the right with Matty Cash there and I can see them doing that again vs Elmo. Without Jack I don’t see where the inventiveness comes from and my fear is Dean doesn’t change things enough to make a difference. We are starting to leak bad goals too. Emi has been superb but even he is having a hard time if we are allowing as many shots as we are. I don’t have a good feeling here.
Leeds to win 3-1
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Leeds will definitely, unequivocally eviscerate us. Anyone who thinks Villa will win is a fool and a knave - and if you show yourself here stating your stupid opinion, I will seek you out post-match and laugh in your credulous face, you idiot. There is no chance of me being wrong about this. I don't even know the meaning of the word hubris, because I'll never have to.
Fate, can I get you a drink?
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Leeds will definitely, unequivocally eviscerate us. Anyone who thinks Villa will win is a fool and a knave - and if you show yourself here stating your stupid opinion, I will seek you out post-match and laugh in your credulous face, you idiot. There is no chance of me being wrong about this. I don't even know the meaning of the word hubris, because I'll never have to.
Fate, can I get you a drink?
Er, yeah, what he said.
One to watch behind your fingers like the best / worst 'Curb Your Enthusiasm' episode.
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2-1 Leeds - Allan Clarke and Ray Hankin. Evans (pen, 87) for Villa.
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Martinez
Targett
Mings
Konsa
Elmo
Dougie
Sansom
McGinn
Traore
Watkins
Trez
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Martinez
Targett
Mings
Konsa
Elmo
Dougie
Sansom
McGinn
Traore
Watkins
Trez
Wouldn't argue with that if that was the selection. Maybe sneak Ramsey in there though? Would be a tough one for Sansom's first start.
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2-0. Barkley to start.
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Martinez
Targett
Mings
Konsa
Elmo
Dougie
Sansom
McGinn
Traore
Watkins
Trez
Wouldn't argue with that if that was the selection. Maybe sneak Ramsey in there though? Would be a tough one for Sansom's first start.
Sanson has shown enough in his cameo's to start him. Even just his energy and enthusiasm would hopefully give us a boost.
Not convinced by Trez on the left in this line up though (assuming that's where he is). Limited options though i suppose?
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I'd like to see changes but I don't think we will, Barclay will start and Sanson won't if previous experience is anything to go by.
With no significant changes 2-0
With changes 2-2
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If Ross is dropped, he may well smash the manager's windscreen with a cricket bat. Big call for Dean to make.
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I know we're all sick of the press love in for Bielsa, but yes to achieved with them what he has and to have the team playing like they are, he is the real deal in my view.
Same here. Can't think of another world class manager/coach that would put his reputation on the line at a small club without a pot to piss in in a rugby town that were rightfully at home in the Championship with their fair weather fans.
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Smith won't drop Barkley.
We haven't got the midfield or fitness to keep up with Leeds.
Sorry to be negative - but can't see us getting anything here.
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Sanson is either a straight swap for Grealish or Barkley for me. I have no idea why some see him as a defensive midfielder, he isn't.
Does this guy look like he should be doing the donkey work that Nakamba could easily do?
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Martinez
Targett
Mings
Konsa
Elmo
Dougie
Sansom
McGinn
Traore
Watkins
Trez
I think Dougie has to come out aswell. He was dreadful the last day really. Offered no protection in front of the back four, caught ahead of the ball constantly and made little effort to get us playing with the ball either. Nakamba might provide a bit more shape without the ball.
It's likely to be the front three alright but I'd have no faith at all in Trez on the LW. Something that might be worth considering in Jack's absence could be Watkins on LW and Traore possibly up front/false nine. Might throw Leeds a bit. Trez would be a bit better on RW ahead of Elmo.
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If Ross is dropped, he may well smash the manager's windscreen with a cricket bat. Big call for Dean to make.
Big risk too, if Barks flopped again Smith might start losing one or two in the dressing room. We have plenty of options (that are our players) to play where he is supposed to be. Simply has to be dropped for me.
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Sanson is either a straight swap for Grealish or Barkley for me. I have no idea why some see him as a defensive midfielder, he isn't.
Does this guy look like he should be doing the donkey work that Nakamba could easily do?
He could sit in next to Nakamba I think in a two or more likely in a midfield three. Seems to be comfortable on either foot so that gives a few options. Time for him to start anyway, has a lot of big game experience and we need something different.
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Sanson is either a straight swap for Grealish or Barkley for me. I have no idea why some see him as a defensive midfielder, he isn't.
Does this guy look like he should be doing the donkey work that Nakamba could easily do?
Even in those clips he looks like he can beak up play. So i would suggest he can do what Nakamba does but with a better attacking outcome.
I'm not saying he couldn't be a straight swap for Barkley and against Leeds that might be the best option. looks like he can play in various positions which has to be a plus.
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Quick history lesson on our opponents to avoid any misunderstanding.
Leeds predecessor club, Leeds City F.C., was formed in 1904, but was forcibly disbanded by The Football League in 1919 in response to allegations of financial irregularities regarding illegal payments to players during the First World War.
Shortly after the disbanding of Leeds City a new club, Leeds United, was formed on 17 October 1919.
In March 1961, Don Revie was appointed manager. Revie immediately made radical changes to the club; adopting the all white colours of Real Madrid.
Revie forged a completely new team including Norman Hunter, Paul Reaney, Peter Lorimer, Eddie Gray, Billy Bremner, Paul Madeley, Jack Charlton, and Johnny Giles. As a consequence United was dropped from the clubs name and they became Dirty Leeds which has remained their name ever since.
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These and Leicester are the 2 teams that we are most poorly matched to playing. They’ve run into some form lately. We look lacklustre. I expect another defeat I’m afraid. 2-0 to the thin skins.
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Time for Deano to don his tactical head and set traps.Man trap for Bamford.
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They go above us if they win. Which considering our start to this season would be pretty underwhelming.
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Sanson is either a straight swap for Grealish or Barkley for me. I have no idea why some see him as a defensive midfielder, he isn't.
Does this guy look like he should be doing the donkey work that Nakamba could easily do?
Well we're asking John McGinn to do it, and you could put together just as good a Youtube video of his best attacking bits.
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I’m not looking forward to watching us try and stay on our feet on that cabbage patch of a pitch. I hope we’re packing long studs.
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People are saying we play Sanson as an 8. I'm advocating him and McGinn as a pair of 8s, with somebody anchoring. If it wasn't for Leeds style on the weekend and Cash being injured I'd be rolling with a diamond and Ramsey at the tip.
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Do what now?
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Steady now...
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Rolling with a diamond. Y'know, all the hip young teams are doing it these days.
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On paper it's a rhombus, not a diamond.
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People are saying we play Sanson as an 8. I'm advocating him and McGinn as a pair of 8s, with somebody anchoring. If it wasn't for Leeds style on the weekend and Cash being injured I'd be rolling with a diamond and Ramsey at the tip.
That was the same formation West Ham destroyed only a couple of weeks ago....and I'm fairly sure Smith also tried it in the home defeats to Leeds and Southampton. We tend to get caught badly on the counter attack if two of our three midfielders get caught ahead of the ball. Don't be expecting likes of Traore or Barks to be bailing them out.
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Barkley has great technique. But Sanson seems to have that with, y'know, effort, commitment, vision. That said, he'll rack up the yellow cards in England with some of those tackles.
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They go above us if they win. Which considering our start to this season would be pretty underwhelming.
They’ve played two games more than us though
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They had Philips out at Villa Park and turned us over. We're due a good game and they are due a bad one but dont think it'll be this weekend.
hate to say it, but this is what I think too. We’ve been largely spared of it this season, but some matches you kind of just know how it will pan out. Halfway round the world too and I’m unfortunate enough to share an office with a dirty Leeds supporter. In fairness he didn’t large it really after the VP defeat. He’s a clever bloke so probably realised it was early in the season and didn’t want to crow too much. I suspect Monday will be painful if they do us again and go ahead in the table. Probably mentioned this once or twice before... but I fkn hate Leeds
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I hate how they say serrrrr and gerrrr instead of so and goo.
FTBCEDLSRYF
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Our poor run to continue Leeds to win this one
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The overhyping Leeds/Bielsa wankfest that the media have indulged in so far this season seems to have worked on some of our own. They run around a lot yes. Bielsa sits on a bucket yes. He does his interviews via an interpreter despite managing in this country for over two years. The media seems to find this mysterious and genius like. I find it lazy and a little bit of a slap in the face to English football. Let's not forget that we have been brilliant at times this season and have are above them with two games to spare. At our best we've been one of the best teams in the Premier league. Respect to them for doing so well in their first season in the top flight but I'm not buying into the media hype. Where's the respect gone for the way our boys have performed? Even without Jack if our players get back to their best and we regain our missing energy levels we can win this game. I'm going for a stubborn 1-0 victory for the Villa boys.
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Our poor run to continue Leeds to win this one
We're not on a poor run of results though. We're very up and down, the fact we've won, drawn and lost our last 3 games, having gone win/lose/win/lose/win/lose best typifies that.
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I watch the football stood up. I hate watching us on TV and I find I can't sit, so I stand up and watch, but occasionally I will also squat onto my huanches, usually when we're under pressure. I sympathise with Bielsa as I assume he cannot abide it either and is another cat on a hot tin roof type.
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I like Bielsa, i like what he says after the games. I like the way his team plays.
I said before Leicester if Smith picks the right team we have a chance, he picked Barkley again in the number 10 role and offered no protection for Elmo against the inform quick Left winger.
My view is the same for this match.
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Our poor run to continue Leeds to win this one
We're not on a poor run of results though. We're very up and down, the fact we've won, drawn and lost our last 3 games, having gone win/lose/win/lose/win/lose best typifies that.
11 points from 10 games. That's over a quarter of a season at a tiny bit better than a point a game. A poor return and mostly poor performances in that run. The last two especially wouldn't have looked out of place last season.
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I hope we ram Bielsa's bucket right up his arse.
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The last time we played well was the first half against Burnley and we have taken 7 from 18 points sine then.
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The last time we played well was the first half against Burnley and we have taken 7 from 18 points sine then.
That's football though and form is form no matter which club you look at.It takes a lot of things to align to perform at your best. We've seen what this Villa team is capable of plenty of times this season. The only time Man City have looked even slightly vulnerable recently was against us and it took a lot of help from the officials to beat us. Leeds are a team in form right now and we're not. But it can all turn on a split decision by a player or an official. Form suggests a Leeds win but we are more than capable of turning on the style and winning even without Jack. I can't be having all this defeatist talk not with our current set up. 5 years ago yes but not any more. We're playing Leeds not Real Madrid.
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Our poor run to continue Leeds to win this one
We're not on a poor run of results though. We're very up and down, the fact we've won, drawn and lost our last 3 games, having gone win/lose/win/lose/win/lose best typifies that.
11 points from 10 games. That's over a quarter of a season at a tiny bit better than a point a game. A poor return and mostly poor performances in that run. The last two especially wouldn't have looked out of place last season.
Yet still that's better form and progression from last season.
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The last time we played well was the first half against Burnley and we have taken 7 from 18 points sine then.
That's football though and form is form no matter which club you look at.It takes a lot of things to align to perform at your best. We've seen what this Villa team is capable of plenty of times this season. The only time Man City have looked even slightly vulnerable recently was against us and it took a lot of help from the officials to beat us. Leeds are a team in form right now and we're not. But it can all turn on a split decision by a player or an official. Form suggests a Leeds win but we are more than capable of turning on the style and winning even without Jack. I can't be having all this defeatist talk not with our current set up. 5 years ago yes but not any more. We're playing Leeds not Real Madrid.
I also said that it depends on Smiths team selection and if he gets that wrong again we know the likely outcome.
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This season has obviously been much better than last, but Smith still seems to have the same weaknesses and blindspots, eg lack of effective use of the squad, and sticking to the same types of subs. Lack of ability to change the game if we go behind, meaning that if we concede first we always go on to lose. And now the giving away of 15-20+ shots a game is coming back to haunt us.
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Our poor run to continue Leeds to win this one
We're not on a poor run of results though. We're very up and down, the fact we've won, drawn and lost our last 3 games, having gone win/lose/win/lose/win/lose best typifies that.
11 points from 10 games. That's over a quarter of a season at a tiny bit better than a point a game. A poor return and mostly poor performances in that run. The last two especially wouldn't have looked out of place last season.
Yet still that's better form and progression from last season.
It's also a very selective period to choose. A couple of games either way and it's much better.
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I'm worried about that new pitch they've laid down. Players are still slipping on it in recent games but as as the home team they've had a lot more practice on it in which to adjust (try-out different studs etc.).
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Our poor run to continue Leeds to win this one
We're not on a poor run of results though. We're very up and down, the fact we've won, drawn and lost our last 3 games, having gone win/lose/win/lose/win/lose best typifies that.
11 points from 10 games. That's over a quarter of a season at a tiny bit better than a point a game. A poor return and mostly poor performances in that run. The last two especially wouldn't have looked out of place last season.
Yet still that's better form and progression from last season.
Well if it was worse than last season we would be in trouble. I’m delighted with the season, but since Burnley it hasn’t been good, performance wise. Maybe poor was to strong
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Our poor run to continue Leeds to win this one
We're not on a poor run of results though. We're very up and down, the fact we've won, drawn and lost our last 3 games, having gone win/lose/win/lose/win/lose best typifies that.
11 points from 10 games. That's over a quarter of a season at a tiny bit better than a point a game. A poor return and mostly poor performances in that run. The last two especially wouldn't have looked out of place last season.
Yet still that's better form and progression from last season.
It's also a very selective period to choose. A couple of games either way and it's much better.
10 games is selective when talking about form? Yeah, whatever you say. Ok, let's use the last 6 games then which is standard form table stuff. 7 points from 6 games. Still pretty crap.
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Our poor run to continue Leeds to win this one
We're not on a poor run of results though. We're very up and down, the fact we've won, drawn and lost our last 3 games, having gone win/lose/win/lose/win/lose best typifies that.
11 points from 10 games. That's over a quarter of a season at a tiny bit better than a point a game. A poor return and mostly poor performances in that run. The last two especially wouldn't have looked out of place last season.
Yet still that's better form and progression from last season.
It's also a very selective period to choose. A couple of games either way and it's much better.
10 games is selective when talking about form? Yeah, whatever you say. Ok, let's use the last 6 games then which is standard form table stuff. 7 points from 6 games. Still pretty crap.
But still better! ;)
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And the equivalent of 13th place last season.
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Our poor run to continue Leeds to win this one
We're not on a poor run of results though. We're very up and down, the fact we've won, drawn and lost our last 3 games, having gone win/lose/win/lose/win/lose best typifies that.
11 points from 10 games. That's over a quarter of a season at a tiny bit better than a point a game. A poor return and mostly poor performances in that run. The last two especially wouldn't have looked out of place last season.
Yet still that's better form and progression from last season.
It's also a very selective period to choose. A couple of games either way and it's much better.
10 games is selective when talking about form? Yeah, whatever you say. Ok, let's use the last 6 games then which is standard form table stuff. 7 points from 6 games. Still pretty crap.
Or we could use the past five, or twelve, or any other timescale unlike yours, which always just so happen to end before a win or two.
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OK Dave, just pick the games you like that prove that we're playing really well, and everything's great. It really is no skin off my nose.
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I chose the second half Burnley because before then we were playing well even considering 2 defeats to Manchester. Since half time at Turf Moor our form had dipped and the stats and performance confirms this.
Not sure what the argument is about.
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OK Dave, just pick the games you like that prove that we're playing really well, and everything's great. It really is no skin off my nose.
"Yes, you're right, everything's great" really is the Godwin's Law of H&V. As is always the case, nobody's claimed that everything's great. We're in a sticky patch during a season that has overall been better than expected and has at times been beyond our wildest dreams. Why anyone would want to go out of their way to put a negative spin on it is beyond me.
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At the moment we are at the crossroads of mid table mediocrity and a European spot . Let’s embrace this
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At the moment we are at the crossroads of mid table mediocrity and a European spot . Let’s embrace this
And there isn't one of us who wouldn't have jumped at the chance of mid-table mediocrity when the season started. I've said before that this, like other transitional periods, will have games when we're good, bad and indifferent, but it doesn't really matter as long as there's progress and that's currently still happening.
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Since 12 points from the first four games it’s been 24 from 19. 12 points from 12 available then 24 from 57 available.
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At the moment we are at the crossroads of mid table mediocrity and a European spot . Let’s embrace this
And there isn't one of us who wouldn't have jumped at the chance of mid-table mediocrity when the season started. I've said before that this, like other transitional periods, will have games when we're good, bad and indifferent, but it doesn't really matter as long as there's progress and that's currently still happening.
I also agree, I think we got slightly spoilt with some of the earlier scorelines in the season so i haven't been overly disappointed with some of the poorer performances.
It would be brilliant to take advantage of our current position and grab a European slot, but I'm more than happy to have signed what looks like a decent player in the transfer window and finish midtable as long as we build on that for next season.
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OK Dave, just pick the games you like that prove that we're playing really well, and everything's great. It really is no skin off my nose.
"Yes, you're right, everything's great" really is the Godwin's Law of H&V. As is always the case, nobody's claimed that everything's great. We're in a sticky patch during a season that has overall been better than expected and has at times been beyond our wildest dreams. Why anyone would want to go out of their way to put a negative spin on it is beyond me.
All anybody has done is discuss that sticky patch and the reasons for it. As usual though, you almsot seem to see having a different opinion as a personal affront.
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Second season back up, 4 points off a top 6 place and and people are trying to look at the negatives, in a so far very promising season, which let's be honest, no-one really expected. Even Jack said in an interview he expected around a top 10 finish. The players have all done so well. We were bound to hit some bumpy patches along the way, that was enivetiable but hopefully as we go along, we'll learn from them. I'm enjoying it, I'm sure most are.
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Sound like young Mr Grace Clamps. :-)
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I worry that if Barclay is picked as a starter that there must be some truth in the "contract agreement" rumours of his loan deal. He could not possibly be picked on form
Back 5 as we know
Nakamba Sansom
Ramsay
Traore Watkins Jack (El Ghazi)
I think we give these a game
1-2 Bert & Ramsays 1st Villa goal - some bloke with girls hair for them
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I chose the second half Burnley because before then we were playing well even considering 2 defeats to Manchester. Since half time at Turf Moor our form had dipped and the stats and performance confirms this.
Not sure what the argument is about.
The last two performances in particular have been really poor. A day like we had at Brighton where nothing goes right really, bar a clean sheet, can happen but we didn't react at all well v Leicester. In truth, we looked a bit of a rabble without Jack.
For me it's our midfield trio have been poor since that Burnley first half. We have been comprehensively outplayed in midfield since that night in every game including the wins v Southampton and Arsenal. We are going direct to Watkins far too often as a result and without the ball we are back to providing powder puff resistance as seen in the number of shots we are conceding on goal. On a likely boggy pitch at Leeds I'd like to see us matching them physically for starters, keeping our shape and try and nick some breakaway chances.
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Not looking forward to this at all. They've had the edge on us head to head the year we went up and the game at Villa Park. Add Jack missing and I fear the worst. Plus I live in Leeds so will be getting a lot of correspondence of some form or another should the worst happen. Please surprise me Villa.
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just please win this Villa....Dirty, horrible Leeds nil please...
UTV
The Doc
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We're playing away, we'll be okay. That said, they are our bogey side though our record there is more than decent from what I recall, so probably a draw.
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You just get the feeling this season would be a missed opportunity not to have a real go. Are Arsenal, Spurs (and even Liverpool) going to be this inconsistent next season with proper home advantage?
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Sometimes you have to be big enough to accept another team will give you major issues and tweak side to counter that.
We've generally struggled v Leeds in recent times. We were playing fine v them at VP and then they sent on a 19 year old and completely destroyed Elmohamady second half and the 2 nil changed to 3-2 when it was preventable.
Game earlier this season was end to end but we badly needed the first goal, didn't get it and then Leeds smothered us pretty comfortably.
We do the usual stuff like Ross Barkley starting and this will go the same way. Sanson is well overdue a start and I wouldn't be against Ramsey getting a start aswell just to give the midfield area some freshness and a bit more mobility as you need to be prepared to run for 90 minutes if you want to take some points off Leeds.
Pretty sobering they'll go above us if they win albeit with us having some games in hand. Hopefully that prospect will get Dean focused as it was a pretty lazy selection v Leicester and the first half said it all.
I think we'll get a point.
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Second season back up, 4 points off a top 6 place and and people are trying to look at the negatives, in a so far very promising season, which let's be honest, no-one really expected. Even Jack said in an interview he expected around a top 10 finish. The players have all done so well. We were bound to hit some bumpy patches along the way, that was enivetiable but hopefully as we go along, we'll learn from them. I'm enjoying it, I'm sure most are.
Totally agree with this. I can’t believe what I’m reading sometimes. We’ve just lost to an outstanding team but only by one goal despite playing our worst football of the season. Why have Leeds suddenly taken on Man City proportions??? I’m thinking a convincing Villa win. We’re currently 8th not 28th
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OK Dave, just pick the games you like that prove that we're playing really well, and everything's great. It really is no skin off my nose.
"Yes, you're right, everything's great" really is the Godwin's Law of H&V. As is always the case, nobody's claimed that everything's great. We're in a sticky patch during a season that has overall been better than expected and has at times been beyond our wildest dreams. Why anyone would want to go out of their way to put a negative spin on it is beyond me.
All anybody has done is discuss that sticky patch and the reasons for it. As usual though, you almsot seem to see having a different opinion as a personal affront.
"As usual" = I have a different view to you.
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One of my least liked grounds to visit - however back in the day I was friendly with a lass from Barnsley - I stayed with her one time as we were playing Leeds on a Tuesday evening - her brother reluctantly agreed to take me to the game - just to piss him off I insisted standing alongside him in the Leeds end - I couldn't help myself and celebrated two goals from Andy Gray in a 2-2 draw - I lived to tell the tale and would take a repeat of the result this Saturday .....somehow I am not feeling too confident
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I hardly ever back against Villa, which had been quite tough bordering on the delusional over the last 10 years.
My head tells me this will be a tough game because of the high energy game they play, but they have lost plenty of games this season and are beatable.
We’re not in great form at the moment, but in context lost to one of the top 3 in the league Sunday, battled hard when playing poorly to the draw specialists in the league against Brighton, then despite giving them lots of possession, beat Arsenal comfortably. Not great form but not catastrophic. And we’re in a really healthy position in the league, we’ve made massive strides in 2 years.
Smith has to tweak the side though and I whilst I can see the reasoning in starting Barkley last Sunday with Grealish out, a 5th or 6th really poor showing in a row, means he has to come out of the side, with Sanson in. This isn’t a game for El Ghazi either, despite his sometimes headless chicken routine Trez in for his energy and work rate, but maybe swap him to the right and Traore on the left.
Sneaky 2-1 to Villa (Watkins, McGinn)
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Love us to win but can only see a draw 2-2
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Im taking comfort in the stats that leeds dont usually follow up a win with another one! About time we caused them issues.
Cant be drawn into a game with them as their pace and energy will kill us. Sit back, frustrate them and aim to counter.
Nakamba HAS to start to be that terrier in front of back 4 breaking up play. Id also start Sanson with McGinn
Wide, Trez in for workrate and shift Traore left
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First and foremost we have to match Leeds for workrate or everything else is incidental. Also, a great time to see what we actually have in the locker instead of speculation. For me:
Martinez
Elmo Mings Konsa Targett
Trez Ramsey Luiz Sanson Traore
Watkins
With Barkley, McGinn, Nakamba, El Ghazi etc on the bench we have options when and if required.
Trez in for workrate, needed to support Elmo and can poach a goal.
Give Traore more licence to counter attack. Has flair, but his defensive responsibilities are stifling his game. Sanson will provide defensive support for him.
Barkley, if need be, want to see him come on with anger in his belly instead of going off with anger in his belly!!
Nakamba worthy of a start but want to see what Ramsey has to offer.
If we do not change things from recent matches I think we will lose this 2-0. A good time to change things around and work on a Plan B. :)
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I think that's the formation I'd go with Baldy, although I really can't see Smith dropping Barkley AND McGinn.
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I think that's the formation I'd go with Baldy, although I really can't see Smith dropping Barkley AND McGinn.
Very true Risso. It was difficult to select a team without knowing what Ramsey and Sanson really have to offer at this level. A good time to find out. :)
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First and foremost we have to match Leeds for workrate or everything else is incidental. Also, a great time to see what we actually have in the locker instead of speculation. For me:
Martinez
Elmo Mings Konsa Targett
Trez Ramsey Luiz Sanson Traore
Watkins
With Barkley, McGinn, Nakamba, El Ghazi etc on the bench we have options when and if required.
Trez in for workrate, needed to support Elmo and can poach a goal.
Give Traore more licence to counter attack. Has flair, but his defensive responsibilities are stifling his game. Sanson will provide defensive support for him.
Barkley, if need be, want to see him come on with anger in his belly instead of going off with anger in his belly!!
Nakamba worthy of a start but want to see what Ramsey has to offer.
If we do not change things from recent matches I think we will lose this 2-0. A good time to change things around and work on a Plan B. :)
good idea-but that just aint going to happen!
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Jack still ‘not quite’ ready to come back.
No doubt we’ll be hearing that for a few weeks yet.
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Jack still ‘not quite’ ready to come back.
No doubt we’ll be hearing that for a few weeks yet.
'Still not quite ready' = 4 weeks
'almost there' = 5 weeks
'doing light training' = out for the season.
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Let’s face it, any Villa injury that is described as only a small niggle and, should be ok in a matter of days, turns out to be at least 4 weeks. Ours always seem to be “mystery” injuries!!
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One of my least liked grounds to visit - however back in the day I was friendly with a lass from Barnsley - I stayed with her one time as we were playing Leeds on a Tuesday evening - her brother reluctantly agreed to take me to the game - just to piss him off I insisted standing alongside him in the Leeds end - I couldn't help myself and celebrated two goals from Andy Gray in a 2-2 draw - I lived to tell the tale and would take a repeat of the result this Saturday .....somehow I am not feeling too confident
So Andy wasn't the only one who had a good night then VCTM? ;)
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Judging by the pre match press conference, Smith is more than happy with Barkley's effort
"It's certainly not for the want of trying. If he would have stayed on the pitch last week he would have covered the most distance out of any player from Leicester and Aston Villa, so he's certainly putting the hard yards in."
Maybe we've got it all wrong? Or maybe he's just jogging around the pitch to get his 'stats' up?
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I’d pack the midfield with Doug, McGinn, Sanson and Ramsey.
And give Bert a free pass to do what he wants.
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One of my least liked grounds to visit - however back in the day I was friendly with a lass from Barnsley - I stayed with her one time as we were playing Leeds on a Tuesday evening - her brother reluctantly agreed to take me to the game - just to piss him off I insisted standing alongside him in the Leeds end - I couldn't help myself and celebrated two goals from Andy Gray in a 2-2 draw - I lived to tell the tale and would take a repeat of the result this Saturday .....somehow I am not feeling too confident
So Andy wasn't the only one who had a good night then VCTM? ;)
Her mom was fit as well ;)
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1-1
Dougie with a Norwich esque curler.
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Judging by the pre match press conference, Smith is more than happy with Barkley's effort
"It's certainly not for the want of trying. If he would have stayed on the pitch last week he would have covered the most distance out of any player from Leicester and Aston Villa, so he's certainly putting the hard yards in."
Maybe we've got it all wrong? Or maybe he's just jogging around the pitch to get his 'stats' up?
I could run ten miles in 90 minutes if you asked me to. That's a whole lot different to doing anything useful to win a football match though.
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Judging by the pre match press conference, Smith is more than happy with Barkley's effort
"It's certainly not for the want of trying. If he would have stayed on the pitch last week he would have covered the most distance out of any player from Leicester and Aston Villa, so he's certainly putting the hard yards in."
Maybe we've got it all wrong? Or maybe he's just jogging around the pitch to get his 'stats' up?
I could run ten miles in 90 minutes if you asked me to. That's a whole lot different to doing anything useful to win a football match though.
For me, tomorrow is a game that Barkley starts on the bench, but by the sound of that press conference, he’ll be starting.
With their incessant pace, we can’t afford to carry passengers tomorrow.
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Judging by the pre match press conference, Smith is more than happy with Barkley's effort
"It's certainly not for the want of trying. If he would have stayed on the pitch last week he would have covered the most distance out of any player from Leicester and Aston Villa, so he's certainly putting the hard yards in."
Maybe we've got it all wrong? Or maybe he's just jogging around the pitch to get his 'stats' up?
I know managers often use the media to speak to or gee up players but Smith is coming across a bit deferential when it comes to Barkley. It's getting a bit embarrassing.
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I’d pack the midfield with Doug, McGinn, Sanson and Ramsey.
And give Bert a free pass to do what he wants.
So would I but it doesn't seem likely. Smith's a stubborn bugger, and it will not serve us well.
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Judging by the pre match press conference, Smith is more than happy with Barkley's effort
"It's certainly not for the want of trying. If he would have stayed on the pitch last week he would have covered the most distance out of any player from Leicester and Aston Villa, so he's certainly putting the hard yards in."
Maybe we've got it all wrong? Or maybe he's just jogging around the pitch to get his 'stats' up?
I could run ten miles in 90 minutes if you asked me to. That's a whole lot different to doing anything useful to win a football match though.
I’d be really surprised if he starts. Not sure what the managers supposed to say in the press conference though?
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Judging by the pre match press conference, Smith is more than happy with Barkley's effort
"It's certainly not for the want of trying. If he would have stayed on the pitch last week he would have covered the most distance out of any player from Leicester and Aston Villa, so he's certainly putting the hard yards in."
Maybe we've got it all wrong? Or maybe he's just jogging around the pitch to get his 'stats' up?
I know managers often use the media to speak to or gee up players but Smith is coming across a bit deferential when it comes to Barkley. It's getting a bit embarrassing.
Especially after two very public displays of petulance from Barkley. It's starting to make Smith look quite weak.
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I'm still a little shocked that the title of this thread has not been amended to reflect the full nature of our oppo: "Dirty Leeds" is the correct monicker for this one-club-city with a 8 year history known as 'Revie time'.
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I think these sort of comments from Dean really let’s him down. We can all see that Barkley has done the square root of FA in his last few matches. So for Dean to come out praising Barkley for his efforts is just mind boggling. I certainly wouldn’t pay anything like £10 million for him never mind £40 million. Let’s just do a straight swop, with Chelsea, Abraham for Barkley...job done!!
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We’re becoming a bit more predictable these days, as is Deano.
Leeds by three.
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Speaking of predictable. You must have read Goldie's latest offering and thought hold my pint.
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I’d pack the midfield with Doug, McGinn, Sanson and Ramsey.
And give Bert a free pass to do what he wants.
So would I but it doesn't seem likely. Smith's a stubborn bugger, and it will not serve us well.
Ditto , I don’t think Leeds are all that lots of energy, but the give it away and leave gaps
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Judging by the pre match press conference, Smith is more than happy with Barkley's effort
"It's certainly not for the want of trying. If he would have stayed on the pitch last week he would have covered the most distance out of any player from Leicester and Aston Villa, so he's certainly putting the hard yards in."
Maybe we've got it all wrong? Or maybe he's just jogging around the pitch to get his 'stats' up?
I know managers often use the media to speak to or gee up players but Smith is coming across a bit deferential when it comes to Barkley. It's getting a bit embarrassing.
Especially after two very public displays of petulance from Barkley. It's starting to make Smith look quite weak.
it’s getting a bit Mason Gareth.
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If that useless lump Barkley starts, leeds by 5 nil.
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We will not lose this, simples.
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I'm still a little shocked that the title of this thread has not been amended to reflect the full nature of our oppo: "Dirty Leeds" is the correct monicker for this one-club-city with a 8 year history known as 'Revie time'.
Agreed. They were Dirty Leeds then. They are Dirty Leeds now. They will always be Dirty Leeds.
As the song went. "And we'll play all the way for Dirty Leeds. Elland Road (and any other place) is the battleground for us."
(https://i.ibb.co/3MyLtFB/Getty-Images-79030600jpg-JS459429562-1.jpg) (https://ibb.co/3MyLtFB)
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"...If he would have stayed on the pitch last week he would have..."
If he 'would have'? FFS Dean!
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That made me wince too, BE.
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Nothing is more certain than Barkley starting and Bamford scoring tomorrow.
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That made me wince too, BE.
Too right! Without getting all prescriptive grammar about it, and with all due respect to the natural evolution of language, and the suffocating mass of contemporary usage, the use of 'would' in the conditional clause is an abomination.
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It would of been.
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Speaking of predictable. You must have read Goldie's latest offering and thought hold my pint.
Actually, before I posted that Wesley post I pretty much read back the entire thread and the unanimous opinion of him pre the Burnley match was that he is an incredibly shit footballer.
I don't rate him, accept it.
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Is it from a recorded interview where we can be sure it's what he would have said ? What if a journalist would have misquoted his exact wording then we would have to admit we would be wrong in saying he got it wrong when actually he would have got it right ? Wouldn't we ?
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I'm still a little shocked that the title of this thread has not been amended to reflect the full nature of our oppo: "Dirty Leeds" is the correct monicker for this one-club-city with a 8 year history known as 'Revie time'.
I’d like to note that we’re keeping the tradition alive on here, as the title of Guess The Goal Round 30 is Dirty Leeds v ASTON VILLA ! 🥅 👍
Find it in Heroes Discussion in the stickied bit at the top!
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FIFA 21 predicts Dirty Leeds 1 (Rodrigo header after a still inexplicably awarded free kick) Aston Villa 3 (Watkins header from corner and subsequent close range header after a slick move, either side of a coolly taken Trezeguet penalty.)
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I'm still a little shocked that the title of this thread has not been amended to reflect the full nature of our oppo: "Dirty Leeds" is the correct monicker for this one-club-city with a 8 year history known as 'Revie time'.
I’d like to note that we’re keeping the tradition alive on here, as the title of Guess The Goal Round 30 is Dirty Leeds v ASTON VILLA ! 🥅 👍
Find it in Heroes Discussion in the stickied bit at the top!
Yes Louzie, I noticed that. Glad to see you are calling them by their correct name and thank you for all the work you are doing with GTG.
I'm embarrassed and ashamed that any thread on H &V calls them Leeds United.(sic)
It's the thin end of the wedge. What next ? Clean Leeds ? Fairplay Leeds ? Nice Leeds ?
I thought with Trump going we might be starting to move back towards some sanity in the world, but the lies and misinformation continues.
In the interests of journalistic accuracy, I call on the moderators to correct this abomination and re-name this thread `Dirty Leeds v Aston Villa'.
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FIFA 21 predicts Dirty Leeds 1 (Rodrigo header after a still inexplicably awarded free kick) Aston Villa 3 (Watkins header from corner and subsequent close range header after a slick move, either side of a coolly taken Trezeguet penalty.)
And how did FIFA21 rate barklays contribution ?
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He had an ok game apart from missing a sitter.
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Christ, I would love it if he could raise his game even to the lofty heights of OK
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Judging by the pre match press conference, Smith is more than happy with Barkley's effort
"It's certainly not for the want of trying. If he would have stayed on the pitch last week he would have covered the most distance out of any player from Leicester and Aston Villa, so he's certainly putting the hard yards in."
Maybe we've got it all wrong? Or maybe he's just jogging around the pitch to get his 'stats' up?
I know managers often use the media to speak to or gee up players but Smith is coming across a bit deferential when it comes to Barkley. It's getting a bit embarrassing.
Especially after two very public displays of petulance from Barkley. It's starting to make Smith look quite weak.
Agreed.
I think the season is at a crossroads now. We aren’t playing well and Smith has some actual options on the bench. Ramsay and Sanson. Either player would improve the current team so why stick with what isn’t working. We could still finish either 8th or 14th in my view. The owners may think Smith is the man to take us forward to the next stage of our development (challenging top 6) if we can finish the season well. If we finish around 14th they might just think the opposite.
The continuous story around Barkley is of Smiths own making. Yes he has to defend him in press conferences but he doesn’t have to play him when he clearly is out of form. Bench him and bring him on if needed. I hope this is what happens today but I have my doubts.
What is clear is that we need energy in midfield because Leeds will bring plenty of it. The likes of Bielsa wouldn’t stand such poor form and petulance
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Leeds aren't a mystery. They work hard, press high, flood runners forward and open the pitch up. Wolves play them well. Keep things tight, condense the room and therefore force runners into tighter spaces rather than open the pitch completely up.
Unfortunately, we don't play that way. I don't see Leeds as a good match-up for us and our style. We'll do well to get a point tonight. It's important we have all 10 tracking runners and pressing themselves. Traore and Barkley will put us at a disadvantage if both start.
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Nothing is more certain than Barkley starting and Bamford scoring tomorrow.
Oh I can wager some far more certain things.
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Martinez
Elmo Konsa Mings Targett
Luiz
McGinn Sanson
Traore Watkins Barkley
That's my gut feeling for what we might see.
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Really don’t think we are gonna get anything here. Just hope he plays the team that finished at Leicester.
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Really don’t think we are gonna get anything here. Just hope he plays the team that finished at Leicester.
This. 3-0 them again :'(
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A tough game for both teams. I reckon 1-1 and I would settle for a point.
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Id be very disapointed if Barkley starts , Im itching to see what Morgan can do in this team . Leeds have the energy of a can of red bull where all I see in Barkley is a mug of Bovril. He needs to be benched ( maybe on chelseas bench) . Id love DS to do something like Morgan and JJ start but wont happen . UTV
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Leeds aren't a mystery. They work hard, press high, flood runners forward and open the pitch up. Wolves play them well. Keep things tight, condense the room and therefore force runners into tighter spaces rather than open the pitch completely up.
Unfortunately, we don't play that way. I don't see Leeds as a good match-up for us and our style. We'll do well to get a point tonight. It's important we have all 10 tracking runners and pressing themselves. Traore and Barkley will put us at a disadvantage if both start.
This is my view also.
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We need to win if only to stop both Leeds and Arsenal leap frogging us and Wolves would be level with us but with a worse goal difference - obviously that’s if all three win. I hope this season doesn’t fall away but it really does depend on how stubborn Deano is if he persists with Barkley. I am sure we are quite capable of winning games without Jack but we need to start doing it quickly if only to shut the media and other fans up.
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In spite of Grealish being out, I feel more confident about this one than I did when we last played them.
Possibly Klich out, as well as Phillips and Rodrigo.
Raphina is dangerous, but i fancy us to beat them.
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Leeds aren't a mystery. They work hard, press high, flood runners forward and open the pitch up. Wolves play them well. Keep things tight, condense the room and therefore force runners into tighter spaces rather than open the pitch completely up.
Unfortunately, we don't play that way. I don't see Leeds as a good match-up for us and our style. We'll do well to get a point tonight. It's important we have all 10 tracking runners and pressing themselves. Traore and Barkley will put us at a disadvantage if both start.
I think away form home we have been doing that (BHA and Sourhampton being the latest examples). It's at home that we play too open sometimes.
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Like someone suggested elsewhere, I'd like to see Bert given a free role if possible. Tough game but I reckon we'll sneak it for some reason.
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This’ll be bloody hard and we have to show a hell of a lot more energy than we have lately.
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Nothing is more certain than Barkley starting and Bamford scoring tomorrow.
Yep, that I’m afraid is an inevitability. Let’s hope Ross is up for it today and plays a blinder. If he starts and has another shocker then questions will rightly be asked.
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3-3
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Goals seem to be something of an issue for us lately - only 4 in the last 5 games - so we need to be tight at the back. I would sit deep and rope-a-dope them on the break. I'd like to see Sanson in and maybe Ramsey too. Not very confident about this one.
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i cant see beyond a draw at best but obviously hope we will smash these. Bamford almost invariably scores against us so its going to be a tough one.
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Goals seem to be something of an issue for us lately - only 4 in the last 5 games - so we need to be tight at the back. I would sit deep and rope-a-dope them on the break. I'd like to see Sanson in and maybe Ramsey too. Not very confident about this one.
I agree, we need to go into battle mode today, which when we're focused on we're actually quite good at.
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Fancy us to win today based on nothing whatsoever apart from feeling positive about this one.
Might change my mind if Deano doesn't shake up the midfield a bit.
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Nothing is more certain than Barkley starting and Bamford scoring tomorrow.
Oh I can wager some far more certain things.
Well fancy that.
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Whose turn is it to jinx the match thread?
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All yours, SE.
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Nothing is more certain than Barkley starting and Bamford scoring tomorrow.
Oops.
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No chance.
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I would have packed the midfield, with Sanson for el ghazi and played a diamond by and played traore of Watkins. We need energy in that midfield
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Very happy with the selection. Got some midfield protection for the defence and some energy there.
Come on boys!