Heroes & Villains, the Aston Villa fanzine
Heroes & Villains => Match Threads & Player Ratings => Topic started by: olaftab on August 08, 2022, 10:41:50 AM
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Saturday 13 August Kick Off 12:30PM
Villa Park
So let's put opening day nightmare behind us and see how we line up and get our season up and running. Everton were also not too bright against Chelsea and have lot of players out, so on paper Villa should do them but that's what we said about Bournemouth.
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On paper we look good until they're put out as a confused mess on the pitch. Gerrard, another in the long line of tactically illiterate managers we've had for 10 years.
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Martinez
Cash Chambers Mings Digne
Luiz Kamara
Bailey McGinn Buendia
Watkins
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Reposting from a different thread:
Starting to think, in answer to the Watkings question - maybe we start neither? Reckon Buendia could do that false 9 trick very well, giving Bailey someone to run off on the inside right and dragging centrebacks out of position.
I know, I'm overthinking it etc. But the fact is that neither of the two main forwards' names on the teamsheet give me any confidence at 2pm UK time on any given Saturday.
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Martinez
Cash Chambers Mings Digne
Luiz Kamara
Bailey McGinn Buendia
Watkins
Obviously he'll play Carlos and Coutinho. Not sure he'd change the CB pair after one game!
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Despite my reservations regarding the manager I'm fairly confident we will prevail on Saturday.
There will be changes to the team but nothing spectacular, perhaps Doug for JJ, Chambers for Konsa but Coutinho will be there again.
It's the first home game, on a boiling Saturday (according to the forecast) and a full house. Short term we will be happy but questions remain about the long term.
2-1
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FTTF, 3-0 to the Villa.
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is the train strike still on?
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Reposting from a different thread:
Starting to think, in answer to the Watkings question - maybe we start neither? Reckon Buendia could do that false 9 trick very well, giving Bailey someone to run off on the inside right and dragging centrebacks out of position.
I know, I'm overthinking it etc. But the fact is that neither of the two main forwards' names on the teamsheet give me any confidence at 2pm UK time on any given Saturday.
I hope that come 2pm this Saturday that you'll have loads of confidence in them.
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Thanks olaftab.
CTRL C/V'd from an earlier post my chosen team below...
Martinez
Cash
Mings (c)
Carlos
Digne
Kamara
Iroegbunam
Bailey
Buendia
Coutinho
New 40 goal a season centre-forward
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Martinez
Cash
Carlos
Mings
Digne
Luiz
McGinn
Kamara
Buendia
Watkins
Ings
2-0 win and nerves settled a little
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Where to start?
Before last w/e I'd have gone for a win!
Now not so sure.
Buendia, Mings, Watkins to certainly start. Maybe even a starting place for Tim alongside Kamara. This would require a new captain. If it's Martinez, so be it, but I'd return to Mings.
None or little of this will happen.
A tense draw for me with some meaningful and workable coaching and tactics and an actual plan.
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Martinez
Cash
Carlos
Mings
Digne
Luiz
McGinn
Kamara
Buendia
Watkins
Ings
2-0 win and nerves settled a little
Watkins and Ings?
My god.
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Martinez
Cash
Carlos
Mings
Digne
Luiz
McGinn
Kamara
Buendia
Watkins
Ings
2-0 win and nerves settled a little
Watkins and Ings?
My god.
Burn the witch!
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Martinez
Cash Chambers Mings Digne
Luiz Kamara
Bailey McGinn Buendia
Watkins
Zero - the chances of that being the starting line up is zero percent
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Reposting from a different thread:
Starting to think, in answer to the Watkings question - maybe we start neither? Reckon Buendia could do that false 9 trick very well, giving Bailey someone to run off on the inside right and dragging centrebacks out of position.
I know, I'm overthinking it etc. But the fact is that neither of the two main forwards' names on the teamsheet give me any confidence at 2pm UK time on any given Saturday.
Not if we lump it forward or keep floating crosses in. I'd probably go with Watkins but it's a flip of a coin really.
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Martinez
Cash Chambers Mings Digne
Luiz Kamara
Bailey McGinn Buendia
Watkins
Zero - the chances of that being the starting line up is zero percent
Which is a shame because it looks like it might work to me.
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Martinez
Cash Chambers Mings Digne
Luiz Kamara
Bailey McGinn Buendia
Watkins
Zero - the chances of that being the starting line up is zero percent
Which is a shame because it looks like it might work to me.
Quite - he isn't going to leave 2 marquee signings out and he alludes that Mings isn't in the running currently whatever the wrongs of how he decided to communicate it to us.
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0-1
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Saturday 13 August Kick Off 12:30PM
Villa Park
So let's put opening day nightmare behind us and see how we line up and get our season up and running. Everton were also not too bright against Chelsea and have lot of players out, so on paper Villa should do them but that's what we said about Bournemouth.
The one thing Everton do have is physical presence. Especially with Coady coming in. They will play very similar to Bournemouth, 3 x CBs, 2 strong physical midfielders. They will try and bully us though with DCL out again I'm not sure what options they have up front. Likes of Gray, Gordon and McNeill could cause issues for us behind our fill backs. We should own the ball again with their lack of quality.
I think Gerrard will double down with his CB partnership and Coutinho. Watkins and Luiz to come in for Bailey and Ramsey I'd say is what he will do.
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Martinez
Cash Chambers Mings Digne
Luiz Kamara
Bailey McGinn Buendia
Watkins
Zero - the chances of that being the starting line up is zero percent
Which is a shame because it looks like it might work to me.
I think we'll get done over in this one. If Coady makes the switch and is in their team, it's written in the stars how it will play out. Shite game, Coady with a header from a corner/FK - They leave VP as 0-1 winners.
Coutinho and McGinn will start, when they've done nothing to warrant that shirt in months, yet Buendia and Sanson (the MUCH better options) will be nowhere near that teamsheet.
Don't think I've ever been so non-plussed so early in a season.
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Coutinho has tended to play better in home games and Everton don't offer the same physical problems with their forward line that Bournemouth had so I'm not sure it's criticial to change the centre backs or drop Coutinho. I didn't think Ramsey's form pre-season justified starting but it seems that pre-season form counted for very little for Gerrard, other than Bailey getting a chance.
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Martinez
Cash
Carlos
Mings
Digne
Luiz
McGinn
Kamara
Buendia
Watkins
Ings
2-0 win and nerves settled a little
Watkins and Ings?
My god.
Yeah man. Live dangerous. Playing only one of them hardly set the world alight :)
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I just can't see us scoring with how we set up and with the strikers we have. 0-0 or 0-1
I expect he will be stubborn and keep a similar team. Coutinho will start , he'll swap ings for Watkins and that's about it . Maybe put chambers in instead of Konsa unless Mings looks him in the eyes sometime this week and says those three words . What a farce
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0-2.
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I'm fairly confident we'll win this one. And I can stop pissing my pants about how much of a knobhead Gerrard is. For a week.
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This is now a bigger game than we all thought it would be this early in the season. If we get the first goal, I can see it being two or three nil. Let's just hope that we do!
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is the train strike still on?
Yep. Means I’m driving up which scuppers my drinking plans. And I’ll be sober watching us, which is never fun.
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Please just FTF.
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I just can't see us scoring with how we set up and with the strikers we have. 0-0 or 0-1
I expect he will be stubborn and keep a similar team. Coutinho will start , he'll swap ings for Watkins and that's about it . Maybe put chambers in instead of Konsa unless Mings looks him in the eyes sometime this week and says those three words . What a farce
I wholeheartedly agree with Wilma. What is the world coming to! :D
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Reposting from a different thread:
Starting to think, in answer to the Watkings question - maybe we start neither? Reckon Buendia could do that false 9 trick very well, giving Bailey someone to run off on the inside right and dragging centrebacks out of position.
I know, I'm overthinking it etc. But the fact is that neither of the two main forwards' names on the teamsheet give me any confidence at 2pm UK time on any given Saturday.
ETH tried this yesterday at Old Trafford and it was a disaster. You and Eric are definitely guilty of overthinking this. We have 3 or 4 striker options, need to use one anyway but with Buendia very close to him.
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And yet it works fine for people who aren't stuck with Scott McTominay in midfield. Just an out the box thought - I agree with Goldenballs that it doesn't really make a difference if we're determined to keep pumping it wide anyway.
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Based on the evidence to date, he isn't going to drop Coutinho, and it would be odd if he dropped his two marquee signings - Kamara and Carlos. He also isnt going to drop his new captain after 1 game. Throw in the non debatable starters - Cash, Digne, Martinez. Thats 7 of the 11 not up for debate.
Leaves one CH (Konsa, Mings, or Chambers) and three of (pick from Ings, Watkins, DL, JJ, Archer, Bailey, Sanson, Tim, Buendia).
Looking at it, our back 6/7 are basically nailed on starters (and looks pretty solid to me - what my American family call our Defence). All our problems begin when you get into Offence. It's a merry go round, and hardly any of those players (including the undroppable Coutinho) are in form.
I don't think Bournemouth was a one off. The problems run deep. The rumblings of player discontent are a concern - we have seen that movie play out.
Everton will be big, physical, and scrappy - too much for this fragile team right now.
Defeat 1-2.
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Reposting from a different thread:
Starting to think, in answer to the Watkings question - maybe we start neither? Reckon Buendia could do that false 9 trick very well, giving Bailey someone to run off on the inside right and dragging centrebacks out of position.
I know, I'm overthinking it etc. But the fact is that neither of the two main forwards' names on the teamsheet give me any confidence at 2pm UK time on any given Saturday.
ETH tried this yesterday at Old Trafford and it was a disaster. You and Eric are definitely guilty of overthinking this. We have 3 or 4 striker options, need to use one anyway but with Buendia very close to him.
I think they outdid us in the 'shittest start to the PL season' contest.
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Reposting from a different thread:
Starting to think, in answer to the Watkings question - maybe we start neither? Reckon Buendia could do that false 9 trick very well, giving Bailey someone to run off on the inside right and dragging centrebacks out of position.
I know, I'm overthinking it etc. But the fact is that neither of the two main forwards' names on the teamsheet give me any confidence at 2pm UK time on any given Saturday.
ETH tried this yesterday at Old Trafford and it was a disaster. You and Eric are definitely guilty of overthinking this. We have 3 or 4 striker options, need to use one anyway but with Buendia very close to him.
I think they outdid us in the 'shittest start to the PL season' contest.
We cant even win that
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I have to say I saw both Brighton goals live as we'd stopped for a drink in Hockley, it did cheer me up somewhat.
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Whatever the line up, whatever the tactics - please can someone ensure that Dave Woodhall does not say its going to be a walkover in his pre match piece ;)
That NEVER ends well
I think at most he will change Ings for Watkins, Ramsay for Luiz and possibly Chambers for Konsa
We will not get this midfield conundrum right whilst McGinn is thought of being the answer - i hoped being Captain was to energise him and the team, not rewards him for being the entertainment in the dressing room.
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My preferred team for Saturday:-
Martinez
Cash Carlos Mings Signed
Kamara
Bailey Luiz Coutinho
Buendia
Watkins
Or, if we can sign Haaland before Saturday, play him instead of Watkins!
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I quite liked the idea of a double pivot, but making McGinn captain has kyboshed that. I'd also stick with Ings, but appreciate I'm in the minority on that. The team will be:
Martinez
Cash Chambers Carlos Digne
McGinn Kamara Luiz
Bailey Watkins Coutinho
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I don’t know who signed is, I meant Digne
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Reposting from a different thread:
Starting to think, in answer to the Watkings question - maybe we start neither? Reckon Buendia could do that false 9 trick very well, giving Bailey someone to run off on the inside right and dragging centrebacks out of position.
I know, I'm overthinking it etc. But the fact is that neither of the two main forwards' names on the teamsheet give me any confidence at 2pm UK time on any given Saturday.
ETH tried this yesterday at Old Trafford and it was a disaster. You and Eric are definitely guilty of overthinking this. We have 3 or 4 striker options, need to use one anyway but with Buendia very close to him.
I think they outdid us in the 'shittest start to the PL season' contest.
Very similar to us. They nearly conceded through the opposition first attack. Being linked with Marco Arnautovic after the game just to rub salt into their wounds too.
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2-0 Villa. Wesley and Anwar.
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Goalkeeper/Defence.
I would make Martinez captain for Saturday and give Kaine Kesler Hayden a start too. Cash has not shown anything during the pre-season and was pretty non effective Saturday. I would also start Chambers ahead of Konsa. He has been far more effective at the back when given his chance.
Midfield.
It has got to be either Luiz or Iroegbunam sitting with Karmara in a defensive two, giving either Kamara or Luiz the license to move forward when on the attack.
Attacking Midfield.
Buendia should definitely start and have him play just behind both Bailey and Countinho on either side. This would allow for Buendia to move back into a central three without the ball, or as a playmaker when on the attack. If we are to play Coutinho, they must play to his strengths and play him further forward without the need to come deep for the ball. I would also keep Bailey where he is for now and I can see both him and KKH striking a great understanding out on the righthand side.
Forwards.
Watkins, although I think Archer should be given a chance up front second half if nothing is working for Ollie.
Summary:
Both KKH and Iroegbunam have impressed and both of them have looked very comfortable when given time in a game. Buendia is key for me. Yes, it is a tremendous amount of responsibilty to be given the role of both playmaker and also have defensive duties, but he has shown he is more than capable and I certainly think he would relish in the role given the chance.
Martinez (c)
KKH Chambers Carlos Digne
Luiz/Iroegbunam Kamara
Buendia
Bailey Coutinho
Watkins
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I'm worried about this one now. I know Everton lost at the weekend but they made chances. We didn't even do that. I'd take a draw 0-0.
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Good post, Dicedlam. I'm still reluctant for obvious reasons to see Ollie Fenton! Watkins return but I think whoever we put in there are likely to benefit from the service. That side, at least on paper, has a lot of balance. If I was feeling generous I'd probably start Cash but you're right, he's not at the races right now.
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I don't think Everton are as bad as has been made out. I'd be impressed if we win this given our form since spring.
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Everton aren't great, but I'm still not confident of the 3 points.
1-1
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Everton are fucking awful.
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Everton have no fit strikers and the man who used to be Dele Ali in their squad. If we can’t beat them at home then we should just give up.
So in theory it should be exactly the right game for a convincing and confidence boosting win.
0-0.
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Dele Ali to look like Maradona :D
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Everton have no fit strikers and the man who used to be Dele Ali in their squad. If we can’t beat them at home then we should just give up.
So in theory it should be exactly the right game for a convincing and confidence boosting win.
0-0.
Watch Gordon rip us a new one with his youthful exuberance!
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Martinez (c)
KKH Chambers Carlos Digne
Luiz/Iroegbunam Kamara
Buendia
Bailey Coutinho
Watkins
I'd love to see KKH and Tim play, but SG ain't going to go 'out there' this early in the season.
I think - with the exception of Watkins in for Ings - he'll be saying to Saturday's starters "Get there and put it right".
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I’d like to see Mings, Buendia and Archer start. That would give us a fighting chance.
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I'm worried about this one now. I know Everton lost at the weekend but they made chances. We didn't even do that. I'd take a draw 0-0.
That was the main problem for me from what I saw. We didn't really test their keeper or look like scoring.
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I’d like to see Mings, Buendia and Archer start. That would give us a fighting chance.
Fighting chance? We're only playing Everton.
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Martinez (c)
KKH Chambers Carlos Digne
Luiz/Iroegbunam Kamara
Buendia
Bailey Coutinho
Watkins
I'd love to see KKH and Tim play, but SG ain't going to go 'out there' this early in the season.
I think - with the exception of Watkins in for Ings - he'll be saying to Saturday's starters "Get there and put it right".
What better game to start them in against a team with no strikers and like someone else pointed out, Deli Ali?
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Everton are fucking awful.
People were saying the same about Bournemouth
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Yes, I'm still not sure if we're awful or not.
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We are not awful, ok we were on Saturday, but we are better than Everton in almost every position on the pitch.
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0.0
2 people changes. Same shape same formation same lack of imagination.
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We are not awful, ok we were on Saturday, but we are better than Everton in almost every position on the pitch.
As we were against Bournemouth before kick-off.
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Gerrard Vs Lampard show.
Aston Villa and Everton remain in the background.
I find that to be intolerable.
From the media's perspective, the focus will be on the team of players' failure to deliver for their coaches.
A fresh possibility for optimism and hope is presented by the first home game of the season!
I don't know how we'll play, but there's a chance for victory because of the weak oppostiton and that in theory we are supposedly to definitely improve from the Bournemouth debacle.
2-0 then but that's more leading in hope than expectation.
Up the Villa
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1-1
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We are not awful, ok we were on Saturday, but we are better than Everton in almost every position on the pitch.
As we were against Bournemouth before kick-off.
Its when the playing football stuff starts.
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Goalkeeper/Defence.
I would make Martinez captain for Saturday and give Kaine Kesler Hayden a start too. Cash has not shown anything during the pre-season and was pretty non effective Saturday. I would also start Chambers ahead of Konsa. He has been far more effective at the back when given his chance.
Midfield.
It has got to be either Luiz or Iroegbunam sitting with Karmara in a defensive two, giving either Kamara or Luiz the license to move forward when on the attack.
Attacking Midfield.
Buendia should definitely start and have him play just behind both Bailey and Countinho on either side. This would allow for Buendia to move back into a central three without the ball, or as a playmaker when on the attack. If we are to play Coutinho, they must play to his strengths and play him further forward without the need to come deep for the ball. I would also keep Bailey where he is for now and I can see both him and KKH striking a great understanding out on the righthand side.
Forwards.
Watkins, although I think Archer should be given a chance up front second half if nothing is working for Ollie.
Summary:
Both KKH and Iroegbunam have impressed and both of them have looked very comfortable when given time in a game. Buendia is key for me. Yes, it is a tremendous amount of responsibilty to be given the role of both playmaker and also have defensive duties, but he has shown he is more than capable and I certainly think he would relish in the role given the chance.
Martinez (c)
KKH Chambers Carlos Digne
Luiz/Iroegbunam Kamara
Buendia
Bailey Coutinho
Watkins
I'm excited about KKH but there's no way on earth Gerrard will be starting him for some time to come, unless Cash has an injury.
I'm also interested in how a doiuble pivot would work out, but he's also not dropping his captain and ripping up everything he's been working on pre-season to move to a formation we haven't really tried.
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A draw at best because Gerrard will pick the same old formation with the same old tactics.
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After Saturday any tactics would be welcome.
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I'd go with;
Martinez
Cash
Carlos
Mings
Digne
Kamara
Luiz
McGinn
Buendia
Coutinho
Watkins
A diamond midfield so we don't vacate the space so easily. Full backs need to push high and wide and one of the 8s needs to sit and the other absolutely has to pull wide. Coutinho and Emi to pull into narrow pockets to drag Everton and their midfield central to make way for full backs.
Absolutely more bodies in the box; Emi and Little Phil, Watkins, one of the 8s, the other full back. There needs to be options and the crosses need to be something other than 20/25 yard diagonals.
Ollie has to make it stick and with Phil narrowing up, he and Emi ought to get closer to Ollie so he stands a better chance with his back to goal. Fine to mix it up with a channel ball, get them turned etc.
I think those combinations would get more out of our full backs, give more balance out of possession and do more to disrupt a compact shape.
An emphasis on keeping the ball and being patient. Resisting the long out ball. If we have to go back, so be it. But move it quickly and move to press too with a bit more urgency.
They'll be a performance here and a Villa win. If you're going, be patient, be loud and enjoy yourself.
Villa win. Let's fucking start the season.
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Another couple of their defenders got injured at the weekend I think. Coutinho has to show up soon, I reckon we'll win fairly comfortably tbh.
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They will have their Scouse brother, Conor Coady, playing though.
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We really need to put in a performance after Bournemouth and put three points on the board.
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We simply have to improve our crossing and get Cash and Digne to byline and whip balls in. End of last season most of the Burnley 1-1 game seemed to consist of us hitting crosses that Tarkowski headed away with ease so same could happen again.
It will also be low 30s at kick off so it won't be a fast paced end to end game especially at this early stage of the season so that will favour Everton more to slow things down and get a point while we need to be on the front foot early.
We still have much more in final third than them but I think it will be a frustrating 1-1.
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Coady and Onana signed for them this week with another on the way apparently. I fully expect a Coady late winner.
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We simply have to improve our crossing and get Cash and Digne to byline and whip balls in. End of last season most of the Burnley 1-1 game seemed to consist of us hitting crosses that Tarkowski headed away with ease so same could happen again.
It will also be low 30s at kick off so it won't be a fast paced end to end game especially at this early stage of the season so that will favour Everton more to slow things down and get a point while we need to be on the front foot early.
We still have much more in final third than them but I think it will be a frustrating 1-1.
I still can’t figure out why we didn’t change up what we were doing Saturday. Endless crosses to Ings up against 3 centre backs. Probability of a scoring chance would be low not even accounting for them sitting deep. If we want to carry on like this then we’re going to need a Carew type to win the duels.
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I know he's too stubborn to do it, but this is what I'd like to see:
Martinez
Cash Carlos Mings Digne
Kamara Iroegbunam
Buendia Coutinho Bailey
Watkins
Only picking Watkins as I think it asks too much of young Archer. Gerrard won't change the formation to the above but I think it would free up the attacking players and give the full back license to push on. Captain would be Martinez. Buendia has as much chance of getting a game as I do.
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Coady and Onana signed for them this week with another on the way apparently. I fully expect a Coady late winner.
Gana is all but done isn't he? They'll struggle to score still but they won't go down with these signings as they have makings of solid unit when everyone is fit again.
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I'd go with;
Martinez
Cash
Carlos
Mings
Digne
Kamara
Luiz
McGinn
Buendia
Coutinho
Watkins
Bailey's got to start though, or that team will be far too pedestrian.
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We simply have to improve our crossing and get Cash and Digne to byline and whip balls in. End of last season most of the Burnley 1-1 game seemed to consist of us hitting crosses that Tarkowski headed away with ease so same could happen again.
It will also be low 30s at kick off so it won't be a fast paced end to end game especially at this early stage of the season so that will favour Everton more to slow things down and get a point while we need to be on the front foot early.
We still have much more in final third than them but I think it will be a frustrating 1-1.
I still can’t figure out why we didn’t change up what we were doing Saturday. Endless crosses to Ings up against 3 centre backs. Probability of a scoring chance would be low not even accounting for them sitting deep. If we want to carry on like this then we’re going to need a Carew type to win the duels.
Not always, Digne cross that Cash tucked away nicely v Man. City is one example where it can work well but we never looked likely on Saturday given both FBs were miles away from the box when chipping in hopeful crosses.
Have to be on front foot more so I expect better on saturday especially on set pieces as Everton are weak defending them.
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Luiz will come back in, that's an obvious change. Think Buendia and Watkins are also likely to start (at expense of Ramsey and Ings).
Big decision at the back. Mings should return but given what Gerrard has said I don't think he's going to put him back in as that would make him look very indecisive.
If it's purely who plays on the left then Diego will stay in anyway. Bigger question perhaps is why is Chambers behind Konsa in pecking order? He's not let us down at all so far and had some really good games while Konsa has been mediocre in 2022 and not like he's some amazing passer either so I find it bemusing Gerrard is sticking with Ez especially as he missed a chunk of pre season aswell. Chambers coming in would be another logical change anyway.
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We simply have to improve our crossing and get Cash and Digne to byline and whip balls in. End of last season most of the Burnley 1-1 game seemed to consist of us hitting crosses that Tarkowski headed away with ease so same could happen again.
It will also be low 30s at kick off so it won't be a fast paced end to end game especially at this early stage of the season so that will favour Everton more to slow things down and get a point while we need to be on the front foot early.
We still have much more in final third than them but I think it will be a frustrating 1-1.
I still can’t figure out why we didn’t change up what we were doing Saturday. Endless crosses to Ings up against 3 centre backs. Probability of a scoring chance would be low not even accounting for them sitting deep. If we want to carry on like this then we’re going to need a Carew type to win the duels.
Not always, Digne cross that Cash tucked away nicely v Man. City is one example where it can work well but we never looked likely on Saturday given both FBs were miles away from the box when chipping in hopeful crosses.
Have to be on front foot more so I expect better on saturday especially on set pieces as Everton are weak defending them.
Man City was a different game. Bournemouth will have been absolutely delighted at our approach. It would have had to be a near perfect ball in between the 3 centre backs, who would most likely need to out of position and then you’re hoping Ings connects well. He’s also not renown for winning aerial duels so it’s not as though he’d been winning knock downs for others in the box. Effectively, our game plan went out of the window after 2 minutes and we did little to nothing to correct it.
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Sod 5 at the back, i've come up with a groundbreaking new formation.
Martinez
Cash
Mings
Carlos
Chambers
Konsa
Digne
Kamara
Coutinho
Ings
Watkins
My patented 6-1-1-2 formation.
The genius bit is that the 6 defenders permanently have outstretched arms and hold hands, and by moving sideways to cover attacks no one can get past! And it can't be obstruction if they just stand there holding hands, it would be rather mean to penalise them for being close friends. It also solves the Mings scenario as they all play. And they swing Chambers table football style to kick it to Kamara, who passes to Coutinho, who beats 8 players and sets up a tap in for Ings or Watkins.
It's a work of art and a pretty flawless set up.
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My ideal team would be a 41221 formation...
Martinez
Cash
Chambers
Carlos
Digne
Kamara
McGinn
Sanson
Buendia
Coutinho
Bailey
Front 3 have freedom to roam.
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What do we make of the behind-closed-doors Liverpool game being binned? (Reportedly with comment that players “now have enough in their legs”).
Seems like that would have been an ideal chance for Chambers, Mings, Sanson, KKH, Traore even, to stake a claim ahead of some of that seaside tosh served up last weekend.
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Listening to Gerrards comments after the game on Saturday, I would be surprised if Mings started , unless he shows a change in attitude in training this week
I think the changes will be Chambers / Watkins and Luiz in for Ramsey
Massive game for Gerrard, lose this one and the crowd could turn against him
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The team needs a shake up after the weekend, I’m not sure he will though and I worry he will say to the same 11 “put last week right” which another poster has also said.
I would go for :
Emi
Digne
Mings
Carlos
Cash
Luiz
Kamara
McGinn
Buendia
Bailey
Watkins
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Lampard will play 5 at the back with Coady organising, keep it tight and look to Steptoes grandson to help hit us on the break.
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Lampard will play 5 at the back with Coady organising, keep it tight and look to Steptoes grandson to help hit us on the break.
ha ha that made me laugh
oh leave orrffff
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Up against a poor side in Everton but I have no confidence that Gerrard has even the slightest idea what he’s doing.
0-2.
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It's got "late winner from Coady" via a set piece written all over it hasn't it?
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Rangers, Brentford, Hull, No Job, No Job, No Job, Norwich, The Rags. That's where we recruit our managers from. No wonder we've been shit for so long.
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Rangers, Brentford, Hull, No Job, No Job, No Job, Norwich, The Rags. That's where we recruit our managers from. No wonder we've been shit for so long.
Well when we were in the Championship, I don't think the likes of Guardiola were too interested. And the much admired Pochettino went from Southampton to Spurs, and is currently "no job".
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It's got "late winner from Coady" via a set piece written all over it hasn't it?
Of course it has. They will have seen how weak without Mings we are at set pieces and will play on that.
Maybe we should all look Gerrard in the eye and see if we get a response from him before predicting what might happen.
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This week's press confrerence will be interesting, as will the usual training ground smiley pictures.
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I thought we would win comfortably in Bournemouth so this week I will go for an Everton win as I am awful at predictions.
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Hopes for the weekend:
We win 4-0, with Mings in defence, who also scores the 4th from a towering header following a genius MacPhee training ground move. Mings then runs to Gerrard who carries him aloft like the end bit of Dirty Dancing. Manly, comradely back slaps abound. People on Twitter declare that we're going to win the league. Fat Fwank gets sacked.
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Last time we lost to Bournemouth we beat Everton next game, I think?
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Last time we lost to Bournemouth we beat Everton next game, I think?
That was games 2 and 3 of that season.
Last time we lost to Bournemouth we took 2 points from the next 9 games and Covid was starting to be news. So maybe a zombie apocalypse is around the corner after this defeat.
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Last time we lost to Bournemouth we beat Everton next game, I think?
Not quite. Last time we lost to them we then lost our next 4 games (including the league cup final) which took us up to the covid pandemic. In fact, the last time we lost to them, we drew 2 and lost 8 of our next 10 games.
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Martinez
Cash
Konsa
Carlos
Digne
Kamara
Luiz
Mcginn
Beundia
Coutinhio
Watkins
3-1 (Watkins, Coutinhio, Beundia), nervy 2-1 lead with late goal to settle the nerves
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Rangers, Brentford, Hull, No Job, No Job, No Job, Norwich, The Rags. That's where we recruit our managers from. No wonder we've been shit for so long.
Well when we were in the Championship, I don't think the likes of Guardiola were too interested. And the much admired Pochettino went from Southampton to Spurs, and is currently "no job".
Pochettino can do one. We weren't in the Championship when we appointed Lambert, Mcleish, Gerrard, Sherwood or Garde. That's a right shit list. There's a reason why no one tends to employ any of our recent managers after us.
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Last time we lost to Bournemouth we beat Everton next game, I think?
That was games 2 and 3 of that season.
Last time we lost to Bournemouth we took 2 points from the next 9 games and Covid was starting to be news. So maybe a zombie apocalypse is around the corner after this defeat.
Last time we lost to Bournemouth we beat Everton next game, I think?
Not quite. Last time we lost to them we then lost our next 4 games (including the league cup final) which took us up to the covid pandemic. In fact, the last time we lost to them, we drew 2 and lost 8 of our next 10 games.
Can people stop ruining things with facts, please?
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Rangers, Brentford, Hull, No Job, No Job, No Job, Norwich, The Rags. That's where we recruit our managers from. No wonder we've been shit for so long.
Well when we were in the Championship, I don't think the likes of Guardiola were too interested. And the much admired Pochettino went from Southampton to Spurs, and is currently "no job".
Pochettino can do one. We weren't in the Championship when we appointed Lambert, Mcleish, Gerrard, Sherwood or Garde. That's a right shit list. There's a reason why no one tends to employ any of our recent managers after us.
Our club has been a managerial graveyard for nearly 30 years. Sometimes finishing careers dead (DOL, Sherwood, RDM?), others firmly finishing previously upwardly mobile managers (Lambert, MON, Little). Even Deano looks in peril now at Norwich unless results improve quickly.
McLeish was universally unpopular from day 1 but Gerrard was the biggest gamble that I can recall. His CV really didn't warrant any PL job, same for Lampard. With the exception of these two, again I can't recall major opposition to the appointments of the others.
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Rangers, Brentford, Hull, No Job, No Job, No Job, Norwich, The Rags. That's where we recruit our managers from. No wonder we've been shit for so long.
Add to that Sheffield Wednesday (Ron Atkinson), Watford (Sir Graham) and Man City 4 points above the relegation zone (Ron Saunders).
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Lose this and its going to be toxic. That's why I think we'll win.
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I really don’t think it will be toxic if we lose, its the second game of the season. The crowd at the game are far more tolerant and patient.
We’ll win comfortably, the new three at the back system will be lauded and used for the rest of the decade.
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I like Rissos post, wonder what the odds are on that lot happening.
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I'm off to the bookies tomorrow to see what they will give me on Coady scoring, I'm expecting very short odds!
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Mike's had a word (https://twitter.com/CianByNature/status/1556980388999872512?s=20&t=nmrsR2BaNwgU_LXOltP9aw)
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Their new midfield signing will probably end up having the game of his life.
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Their new midfield signing will probably end up having the game of his life.
The new Robert Warzycha.
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I'm expecting starts for Luiz, Watkins, Buendia and Chambers. I think it's early enough in the season to put that many changes in as many other teams will be switching around.
Get the feeling it's going to be one of those have loads of ball but struggle to break down opposition game, 1-1 wouldn't surprise me at all as Everton will sit back and play 5 in defence. The high temperatures won't help us either as we're the ones who need to be on the front foot.
Going to be travel chaos aswell with the train strikes and the club seemingly expecting everyone to come by car going by their website post today, surely they could purchase some of the buses the council used for the Commonwealth for this?
I'm going to Bloodstock on Saturday anyway. First band I want to see is Sylosis at 3pm so will have time to catch most of this game so any good Villa pub in the Lichfield area to drop in on the way, was thinking of the one at Boley Park which shows football and has been o.k in the past when I've eat there.
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Mike's had a word (https://twitter.com/CianByNature/status/1556980388999872512?s=20&t=nmrsR2BaNwgU_LXOltP9aw)
God, I wish he really was in charge of the team with Gus our chief exec.
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I'm expecting starts for Luiz, Watkins, Buendia and Chambers. I think it's early enough in the season to put that many changes in as many other teams will be switching around.
Get the feeling it's going to be one of those have loads of ball but struggle to break down opposition game, 1-1 wouldn't surprise me at all as Everton will sit back and play 5 in defence. The high temperatures won't help us either as we're the ones who need to be on the front foot.
Going to be travel chaos aswell with the train strikes and the club seemingly expecting everyone to come by car going by their website post today, surely they could purchase some of the buses the council used for the Commonwealth for this?
I'm going to Bloodstock on Saturday anyway. First band I want to see is Sylosis at 3pm so will have time to catch most of this game so any good Villa pub in the Lichfield area to drop in on the way, was thinking of the one at Boley Park which shows football and has been o.k in the past when I've eat there.
Good stuff mate.
Sylosis! Lucky man!
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Isn't that what you get after spending a muddy weekend at Glastonbury or is that trench-foot?
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So when Mings starts for us we never concede a goal from a corner or a set piece? if that is the case then Mings should always be in the team.
if Mings does not start on Saturday and we concede a goal even if it is a 40 yard thunderbolt - most on here will say "if Mings had started we would not have conceded that goal"
If he starts and we concede a goal from a corner or set piece it will not be his fault.
Whenever a player is not in the starting 11 they are always the best player in the club, you never make a mistake in a game sitting on the bench watching the game.
For me on Saturday it should be Chambers and Carlos as our 2 centre backs as Everton will not just launch the ball up the field, and will play a more possession based game against us.
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Isn't that what you get after spending a muddy weekend at Glastonbury or is that trench-foot?
Haha!
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So when Mings starts for us we never concede a goal from a corner or a set piece? if that is the case then Mings should always be in the team.
if Mings does not start on Saturday and we concede a goal even if it is a 40 yard thunderbolt - most on here will say "if Mings had started we would not have conceded that goal"
If he starts and we concede a goal from a corner or set piece it will not be his fault.
Whenever a player is not in the starting 11 they are always the best player in the club, you never make a mistake in a game sitting on the bench watching the game.
For me on Saturday it should be Chambers and Carlos as our 2 centre backs as Everton will not just launch the ball up the field, and will play a more possession based game against us.
That’s how it works.
Carlos Cuellar and Ron Vlaar turned into Baresi & McGrath when they were out of the side.
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I like Rissos post, wonder what the odds are on that lot happening.
Me too.
I'll take the 4-0 and the Dirty Dancing thing when Mings scores.
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Unchanged line-up I reckon.
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Oh, and the joy of no trains at Aston or Witton stations on Saturday.... Have fun those that are going. Me? I'll be on the beach. I hope the players aren't.
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Their new midfield signing will probably end up having the game of his life.
He only played 5 full games last season and was a sub most games? Now he is worth 40M euro's?? Sounds like another Moise Kean?
They don't have a striker again so with our lack of creativity I wonder where the goals come from, Everton corners of course!
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Unchanged line-up I reckon.
Yes maybe Ramsey out for Luis
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Their new midfield signing will probably end up having the game of his life.
He only played 5 full games last season and was a sub most games? Now he is worth 40M euro's?? Sounds like another Moise Kean?
They don't have a striker again so with our lack of creativity I wonder where the goals come from, Everton corners of course!
Everton like to waste money more than we do
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They've been a lot better at recouping than us, though.
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clean sheet please Villa and it looks like it will be very hot on Saturday
UTV
The Doc
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Unchanged line up would be worst for me, has to be accountability for the performance at Bournemouth - I suspect Ramsey & Ings will be the two to definitely come out, maybe more.
Martinez
Cash Carlos Mings Digne
Luiz Kamara
McGinn Coutinho Buendia
Watkins
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They've been a lot better at recouping than us, though.
Can't tell if you're being sarcastic?
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Unchanged line-up I reckon.
Even Ramsey? Being hooked at half time usually indicates you're struggling to play next game.
Would be up there with Gerrard laying into team v Newcastle....and then making one change for the next week v Watford when we were even worse.
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Watford at home was a one off with the wind. No one could play football that day with the balloon they throw on the pitch nowadays. But this is now turning into a massive game for Gerrard. Just hope he keeps things in check and the fans need to play their part and allow the game to develop.
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It's got to be time to try a tweak in formation to get a performance surely.
Emi
Cash
Digne
Chambers
Carlos
Luiz
Kamara
McGinn
Buendia
Archer
Watkins
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Nah, he's stubborn. He won't change formation.
Ramsey was hooked because of the booking I can't see him being dropped.
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They've been a lot better at recouping than us, though.
Can't tell if you're being sarcastic?
Well, £100m better in the last seven years accroding to https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk
But there isn't much in the net spend.
Since 2015/16 they have spent £637m and received £381m (Net £256m)
https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/fc-everton/alletransfers/verein/29
Villa in the same period - spent £558m and received £285m (Net £273m)
https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/aston-villa/alletransfers/verein/405
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https://twitter.com/avfcofficial/status/1557317127769661441?s=21&t=8RQ19zKgqsRfPWMVNasr7g
Was staggered to read this.
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https://twitter.com/avfcofficial/status/1557317127769661441?s=21&t=8RQ19zKgqsRfPWMVNasr7g
Was staggered to read this.
With the temperature likely to be in the 90s I will probably not go.
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https://twitter.com/avfcofficial/status/1557317127769661441?s=21&t=8RQ19zKgqsRfPWMVNasr7g
Was staggered to read this.
I clocked it as soon as the strike dates were announced we’re still deciding on how we’re getting there.
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Isn't that what you get after spending a muddy weekend at Glastonbury or is that trench-foot?
HeeHee, very good.
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Nah, he's stubborn. He won't change formation.
Ramsey was hooked because of the booking I can't see him being dropped.
Ah fair enough.
McGinn tends to get booked 10 times a season so hopefully the subbing when on a yellow will also apply to him this season.
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A toothless Villa against a toothless Everton.
A 0-0 draw it is then with a tannoy announcement at the end of the game for the services of an NHS dentist.
(No chance, mate. Like hen's teeth they are)
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1-1 draw with Everton scoring a late goal
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With highs of 91°on Saturday in Birmingham, we're probably lucky to kick off at half 12.
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With highs of 91°on Saturday in Birmingham, we're probably lucky to kick off at half 12.
We should have the advantage with our pre-season trip to Oz to acclimatise and the fact that Toffees don't do well in the heat.
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I am still optimistic that the Bournemouth performance was 'one of those days', and not a portent of what is to come this season.
I do think that buying a better DM and the emergence of Iroegbunam should see us be able to play better, as it has limited our options in midfield. I also think we needed competition in central defence and with Chambers and Costa added to Mings and Konsa we now have four good players to select from there.
Whilst I agree that neither Watkins or Ings are pulling up any trees lately, both have shown ability in the not too distant past, and Bailey and Archer both looked great in pre-season.
Everton are a team we often play well against, and I am expecting a much better performance and a comfortable win. If it turns out like Bournemouth I will start to worry more though.
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The press are reporting that Rondon may be back? No doubt for his one good game of the season and his only goal?
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It's Diego Carlos, not Diego Costa!! Aston Villa, not Ashton Villa ;)
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I am fed up being gloomy about the Villa so parking my doubts until after the game and hoping I have no need to revisit them.
The players should be raring to put things right after last week. We need to be on the front foot from the start, score early and give them a proper hammering.
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I am fed up being gloomy about the Villa so parking my doubts until after the game and hoping I have no need to revisit them.
The players should be raring to put things right after last week. We need to be on the front foot from the start, score early and give them a proper hammering.
Good man! UTV
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It's Diego Carlos, not Diego Costa!! Aston Villa, not Ashton Villa ;)
Been out in a field digging potatoes and too hot for my brain to work properly!
In the dim and distant past when I first set my username, I lived in Ashton-In-Makerfield hence the name. Should change it to WoodplumptonVilla now I guess.
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No worries. Hope you get to enjoy your spoils/chips :)
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Everton play 5 at the back. 2 big lads in front of that. Like Bournemouth I fear we will be bullied all over the pitch and concede from a set pieces. How will Gerrard tactically adjust to stop the above happening?
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No worries. Hope you get to enjoy your spoils/chips :)
Not going to eaten sadly, being sliced up to check for Internal Rust Spot levels.
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Really not looking forward to this. If Everton score first then it might get a bit nasty quick
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I rate Lampard as one of the most limited managers in the game. If he comes and beats us at home I would be amazed. This should be a straightforward win by the odd goal, but I fear the worst after last week.
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1-1 written all over it.
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If there is a loser, the manager who does will be under a fair bit of pressure. 0-0 bore draw in too-hot conditions it is, then.
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With the train strike on Saturday I always go by train to witton usually but because of the strike which bus route will be the best from Birmingham on Saturday to Villa Park.
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Everton play 5 at the back. 2 big lads in front of that. Like Bournemouth I fear we will be bullied all over the pitch and concede from a set pieces. How will Gerrard tactically adjust to stop the above happening?
It depends who's available. If they play Anthony Gordon as a lone striker again in a 5-4-1 like they did last week then I'm not too worried.
I have little doubt that we'll take all 3 - I think the players will be up for it after last weekend's embarrassment. The home crowd won't have it.
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Really not looking forward to this. If Everton score first then it might get a bit nasty quick
It'll be fine, Villa fans aren't fickle.
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It feels like a tide is starting to turn against SG but there still seems a lot of people that think just give him time, so I dont think there will be a turn on SG anytime soon
Maybe booing - no cabbages
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If we dont beat these, and i think we will as they would have been hopefully roasted after last week, then SG is going to get a lot of stick.
We can argue about his tactics or lack of them but, and i appreciate it a cliche, but once they go over the line the players have the responsibility.
I am sure the tactics were not to give away a stupid corner in the first 3 minutes and then stand like statues whilst some guy lumps it towards goal
These players also need to stand up and be counted on Saturday
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My prediction......it'll be a tad warm
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Going for a 2-1 win to us. Stay positive as enough in life to make us negative. Villa will probably fuck it up but I’m keeping the faith
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well im going to be wearing my lucky scarf. lukcy jumper and lucky bobble hat - so were sure to win... cant see any issues with my plan
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well im going to be wearing my lucky scarf. lukcy jumper and lucky bobble hat - so were sure to win... cant see any issues with my plan
You will probably die of heat exhaustion in that lot mate
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With the train strike on Saturday I always go by train to witton usually but because of the strike which bus route will be the best from Birmingham on Saturday to Villa Park.
I think 7, 65 or 67 should all do the trick according to Google Maps.
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well im going to be wearing my lucky scarf. lukcy jumper and lucky bobble hat - so were sure to win... cant see any issues with my plan
You will probably die of heat exhaustion in that lot mate
And that's before you consider the beard. :(
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After last Saturday wouldn't be too unhappy with a draw, providing we get an improved performance, which is hardly asking for a lot.
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well im going to be wearing my lucky scarf. lukcy jumper and lucky bobble hat - so were sure to win... cant see any issues with my plan
You will probably die of heat exhaustion in that lot mate
And that's before you consider the beard. :(
Yeah - thats getting a trim for Saturday me thinks.
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Are there no trains at all on Saturday? Last time there were a few but looking on Trainline it appears there's none at all ? Bit of a disaster for those on public transport,expect the bus will be packed now. Not ideal weather for it either. What a disaster
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After last Saturday wouldn't be too unhappy with a draw, providing we get an improved performance, which is hardly asking for a lot.
Nope, we have to win. At home. Against a team that just avoided relegation and is weaker. We should not accept a draw at all.
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Are there no trains at all on Saturday? Last time there were a few but looking on Trainline it appears there's none at all ? Bit of a disaster for those on public transport,expect the bus will be packed now. Not ideal weather for it either. What a disaster
I thought you were a fan of the dispossessed fighting back?
Train strike.
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Is the correct answer Drummond. 2-0 to Villa.
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After last Saturday wouldn't be too unhappy with a draw, providing we get an improved performance, which is hardly asking for a lot.
Nope, we have to win. At home. Against a team that just avoided relegation and is weaker. We should not accept a draw at all.
Absolutely.
Tired of excuses. And that’s not just a SG thing, it runs back almost a decade. A big club that hardly ever wins and sees a point at home to Everton as acceptable.
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Are there no trains at all on Saturday? Last time there were a few but looking on Trainline it appears there's none at all ? Bit of a disaster for those on public transport,expect the bus will be packed now. Not ideal weather for it either. What a disaster
I thought you were a fan of the dispossessed fighting back?
Train strike.
Im anticipating Fred somehow spinning this to be the clubs fault for not putting on a load of free coaches for the supporters…
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Are there no trains at all on Saturday? Last time there were a few but looking on Trainline it appears there's none at all ? Bit of a disaster for those on public transport,expect the bus will be packed now. Not ideal weather for it either. What a disaster
No bother, will get the butler to tell the chauffeur to get the Rolls-Royce out
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The train strike must be inconvenient of course but we always seem to get good crowds on Boxing Day when there's no public transport at all is there?
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Quite a few returns from season ticket holders put on today. Just shy of 200.
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Quite a few returns from season ticket holders put on today. Just shy of 200.
Not bad. Wouldn't this be classed as what was once "the factory weeks", last week of July, first week of August?
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I think there will be a few giving it a miss, not just because of the trains. The Upper Holte is like a fucking greenhouse where I sit.
As for travel, there has been plenty of notice so we've all made different arrangements and if the Rags weren't in Wales (well a tiny proportion of them) they could've had a good old drink in town?
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Holidays, trains and heat. The family in front of me are never at the first couple home games and haven't been for the 20 odd years they've been sat there. Sure these returns will be snapped up.
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The train strike must be inconvenient of course but we always seem to get good crowds on Boxing Day when there's no public transport at all is there?
There are no trains but still buses are still supposed to be running a Sunday service, usually. Though they often seem to become non-existant after about 5pm.
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Has anyone mentioned this is the most played game in the top flight?
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Yes, but how many more years of us in the Championship would it have taken for that stat to be over-taken by some other pairing of clubs?
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Yes, but how many more years of us in the Championship would it have taken for that stat to be over-taken by some other pairing of clubs?
Not many I think. I do know that if Everton were to be relegated and spend 12 seasons in the Championship we'd be the team with the most seasons in the top flight. Another reason to hope they're relegated.
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Yes, but how many more years of us in the Championship would it have taken for that stat to be over-taken by some other pairing of clubs?
One season for it to be equalled, two for it to be overtaken.
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Who is at number two in the charts - Everton v Arsenal ?
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Who is at number two in the charts - Everton v Arsenal ?
Arsenal v Man U and Everton v Liverpool are both 2 games (1 season) behind.
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I see. ManUre and the Toffees for the drop, so.
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Aston Villa have won two of their last 12 Premier League games - both against relegated clubs - and have only won two of their 10 PL home games in 2022.
Up next: (H) vs. Everton. 😰
#AVLEVE
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Who is at number two in the charts - Everton v Arsenal ?
Think Liverpool are 1season behind us in terms of top flight seasons and Arsenal a further season behind.
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Are there no trains at all on Saturday? Last time there were a few but looking on Trainline it appears there's none at all ? Bit of a disaster for those on public transport,expect the bus will be packed now. Not ideal weather for it either. What a disaster
I thought you were a fan of the dispossessed fighting back?
Train strike.
I'm pro strike for the workers ,I did not mention I was against the strike? I said it will be a disaster for fans trying to get to Villa Park that does not mean I'm not for those taking action AT ALL
The club should be putting on shuttles anyway regardless. Purslow talks the talk but can he walk the walk?
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Two big units, Tarkowski and Coady, starting at the back for them.
No slinging the crosses in for little Danny Ings this week please SG.
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Just play the way we can, sure we will then win. It's the nerves that could cause an issue tomorrow.
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Two big units, Tarkowski and Coady, starting at the back for them.
No slinging the crosses in for little Danny Ings this week please SG.
Conversely a tricky little fucker who can turn people on a sixpence should be able to open them up along the floor (Phil or Emi) and the someone with pace (Bailey) should be able to exploit the 2 cart horse lumps in the middle
Just trying to remain positive :)
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Two big units, Tarkowski and Coady, starting at the back for them.
No slinging the crosses in for little Danny Ings this week please SG.
Conversely a tricky little fucker who can turn people on a sixpence should be able to open them up along the floor (Phil or Emi) and the someone with pace (Bailey) should be able to exploit the 2 cart horse lumps in the middle
Just trying to remain positive :)
Agree and Watkins has to play against those two as well
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Agreed! Watkins must start.
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The match predictor competition that is on the club website for members - does anyone know what the latest time is for submitting an entry? Bit tricky to predict a first goalscorer if one doesn't know the team. Or maybe its sensible to just go by the laws of probability, and always just stick down Cash or Coutinho, regardless.
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The match predictor competition that is on the club website for members - does anyone know what the latest time is for submitting an entry? Bit tricky to predict a first goalscorer if one doesn't know the team. Or maybe its sensible to just go by the laws of probability, and simply stick down Cash or Coutinho, regardless.
Just select Bailey, he always scores against Everton.
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I've a feeling we could see some matches cancelled tomorrow. This heat is starting to seem unsafe. It would make sense to move the kick off until the Evening for all fixtures
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The front of the Witton Lane and the Holte are going to be warm tomorrow.
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Matches in lockdown were playing in this type of heat, they've already said they'll have drinks breaks at halfway point of each halve.
Bigger issue will be crowd all getting in for kick off with the half 12 start and train strike so think they'll be plenty of empty seats at kick off which means the atmosphere won't be up to much.
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I've a feeling we could see some matches cancelled tomorrow. This heat is starting to seem unsafe. It would make sense to move the kick off until the Evening for all fixtures
10 o' clock ?
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I have a ticket now. Sorry.
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Are there no trains at all on Saturday? Last time there were a few but looking on Trainline it appears there's none at all ? Bit of a disaster for those on public transport,expect the bus will be packed now. Not ideal weather for it either. What a disaster
I thought you were a fan of the dispossessed fighting back?
Train strike.
I'm pro strike for the workers ,I did not mention I was against the strike? I said it will be a disaster for fans trying to get to Villa Park that does not mean I'm not for those taking action AT ALL
The club should be putting on shuttles anyway regardless. Purslow talks the talk but can he walk the walk?
But if he lays on shuttles why would he have to walk?
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I have a ticket now. Sorry.
Welcome news for the 'Gerrard Out' brigade. :( :)
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I've a feeling we could see some matches cancelled tomorrow. This heat is starting to seem unsafe. It would make sense to move the kick off until the Evening for all fixtures
In the Mexico World Cup 1986, the opening game was nearly called off due to very hot weather.
Said no one ever.
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The match predictor competition that is on the club website for members - does anyone know what the latest time is for submitting an entry? Bit tricky to predict a first goalscorer if one doesn't know the team. Or maybe its sensible to just go by the laws of probability, and simply stick down Cash or Coutinho, regardless.
Just select Bailey, he always scores against Everton.
You can still chose Barney too.
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Do the club not update the kick off times on the calendar so it updates on synced mobile devices? I thought kick off was still 3pm until I checked the first post in this thread.
Edit: removed calendar from iPhone and adding back again from the official site has resolved it.
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Thinking positively, we can go top of the table with a decent win!
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You can still chose Barney too.
Choose (winky)
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I've a feeling we could see some matches cancelled tomorrow. This heat is starting to seem unsafe. It would make sense to move the kick off until the Evening for all fixtures
In the Mexico World Cup 1986, the opening game was nearly called off due to very hot weather.
Said no one ever.
Latest from the Met Office is temperatures during the game between 28º and 31º. Rather pleasant then.
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I'd go with:
Martinez
Cash
Chambers
Carlos
Digne
Kamara
Not McGinn
Not McGinn
Not McGinn
Buendia
Toss a coin
All I know is I can't stand Fat Frank so I'm hoping for the best.
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Uh oh, there’s been the traditional ’good response’ in training this week. 0-3 then.
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Surprisingly, my season ticket realise still hasn’t sold. I’d have thought that would have been snapped up my now.
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Uh oh, there’s been the traditional ’good response’ in training this week. 0-3 then.
Ha! It's the 'we go again' kiss of death I fear.
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Worst pre-match presser ever. "How important is it to bounce-back?" How good would it be if Villa Park was a fortress?" "You and Lamps, must bring back memories of playing together?"
"Yeah but how good has Leon Bailey looked in pre-season?" Just fcuk right off and ask searching questions that aren't leading or lazy...
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Surprisingly, my season ticket realise still hasn’t sold. I’d have thought that would have been snapped up my now.
It's a scam.Happened to me several times last season
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Think we will actually turn up this week and beat Everton
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Late post but I now have to work tomorrow and have 2 tickets available.
Aston Villa v Everton A6 Y 202 Adult £39.50
Aston Villa v Everton A6 Y 203 Adult £39.50
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Surprisingly, my season ticket realise still hasn’t sold. I’d have thought that would have been snapped up my now.
Maybe 35 degree temperatures and a rail strike is putting off people who have not already committed to goin.
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Uh oh, there’s been the traditional ’good response’ in training this week. 0-3 then.
Ha! It's the 'we go again' kiss of death I fear.
The club sell there own before selling those of season pass holders,happened to me also.
There were seats in upper Trinity unsold so my in demand Holte End seat was not put for sale because there were empty seats in the Trinity/Doug upper . It's a disgrace but no surprise with how we operate now
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All the omens look hunky dory. Playing at home, training has gone really well. The players want to show what they’re really capable of. Everton don’t have any strikers…
Obviously, result will be 1-1 at best, bearing in mind that Bournemouth were woefully short of players etc.
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Uh oh, there’s been the traditional ’good response’ in training this week. 0-3 then.
Ha! It's the 'we go again' kiss of death I fear.
The club sell there own before selling those of season pass holders,happened to me also.
There were seats in upper Trinity unsold so my in demand Holte End seat was not put for sale because there were empty seats in the Trinity/Doug upper . It's a disgrace but no surprise with how we operate now
It's not really though, is it? You could have a situation where 'fans' take advantage and snap up season tickets just to get tickets for the 'big' matches, but resell the less glamourous fixtures (*as is the case with a large portion of the Villa away fans who have pretty much created a closed shop by doing so!).
It's in the club's best interests to maximise matchday revenue - They're not going achieve that if they prioritise reselling season tickets over empty seats.
Personally, I think it's great that they even give fans the option of reselling individual matches from a season ticket. Fans know the risk of not being able to attend games when they put their money down - It's the price you have to pay for being guaranteed a seat to every game imo (*not inc. last minute fixture changes, which ARE a bit shit!).
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Love the positivity but worry we are falling into the same trap we did last weekend. Everton played pretty well considering injuries / opposition last weekend, and will be boosted by signings this week - got a feeling they will bully us (they are bigger than us), with 5 at the back will let us have possession but challenge us to create (which we woefully failed at last weekend), and will look to get goals from set pieces (again a perennial problem for us). And the weather will suit them more than us - we have to take the initiative and speed up the play.
It will be a tight game - maybe one goal - I fear for us because our lack of creativity, physicality, and pace have been fundamental problems for some time now.
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Uh oh, there’s been the traditional ’good response’ in training this week. 0-3 then.
Ha! It's the 'we go again' kiss of death I fear.
The club sell there own before selling those of season pass holders,happened to me also.
There were seats in upper Trinity unsold so my in demand Holte End seat was not put for sale because there were empty seats in the Trinity/Doug upper . It's a disgrace but no surprise with how we operate now
It's not really though, is it? You could have a situation where 'fans' take advantage and snap up season tickets just to get tickets for the 'big' matches, but resell the less glamourous fixtures (*as is the case with a large portion of the Villa away fans who have pretty much created a closed shop by doing so!).
It's in the club's best interests to maximise matchday revenue - They're not going achieve that if they prioritise reselling season tickets over empty seats.
Personally, I think it's great that they even give fans the option of reselling individual matches from a season ticket. Fan's know the risk of not being able to attend games when they put their money down - It's the price you have to pay for being guaranteed a seat to every game imo (*not inc. last minute fixture changes, which ARE a bit shit!).
I agree with that completely. Just to add, I was really pleasantly surprised last season when the day before a game (v Watford) the ticket office refunded me the money I'd paid for a ticket, as a train strike prevented me (or at least very much deterred me) from travelling.
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There was talk not long ago of outsourcing resales to a firm that were basically glorified touts.
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All the omens look hunky dory. Playing at home, training has gone really well. The players want to show what they’re really capable of.
Then Gerrard picks the team.
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No more midfield like the last game under Smith please Gerrard. Structure, structure, structure.
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I've a feeling we could see some matches cancelled tomorrow. This heat is starting to seem unsafe. It would make sense to move the kick off until the Evening for all fixtures
In the Mexico World Cup 1986, the opening game was nearly called off due to very hot weather.
Said no one ever.
Very good👏
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Clapping emoji or the beginnings of a mexicanwave?
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Coutinho and Buendia need to start when teams want to pack their defence against us. Traore can twist and turn too......
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Narrowing the midfield is what we should have done last week. I'm in favour of them being nominal 10s, as long as one drops deep so we get overloads at 8 inside for that width at full back.
Of the 200 returns from the other day, there's 10 left. Mad dogs and Villa fans come out in the midday sun.
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For once im glad its an early kick off, anticipation and nervous excitement too much to be hanging about till this afternoon, match day build up starts now, cmon the lads!!
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Surprisingly, my season ticket realise still hasn’t sold. I’d have thought that would have been snapped up my now.
Maybe 35 degree temperatures and a rail strike is putting off people who have not already committed to goin.
Met Office are still predicting 28º to 31º during the game. They'll be water breaks for the players and I'm expecting plenty of subs being used, Buendia replacing Coutinho on 65 minutes being the first. Enjoy your half time piping hot cup of Bovril, Chris.
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Surprisingly, my season ticket realise still hasn’t sold. I’d have thought that would have been snapped up my now.
Maybe 35 degree temperatures and a rail strike is putting off people who have not already committed to goin.
Met Office are still predicting 28º to 31º during the game. They'll be water breaks for the players and I'm expecting plenty of subs being used, Buendia replacing Coutinho on 65 minutes being the first. Enjoy your half time piping hot cup of Bovril, Chris.
The only time we get a half time beer these days is if we concede a few minutes before the whistle and one of the youths storms off in temper to get them in. Otherwise the scrum at the bar and inexperienced agency staff make it more trouble that it’s worth for a pint of tasteless yellow stuff.
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In all the years I’ve gone to the Villa, I have never taken food or drink inside (always been lazy and purchased inside) but with the weather today I was thinking about bringing a water bottle for the boy, what are the actual rules regarding this? Can’t seem to find anything on the website.
It’s a clear bottle with a screw top that carries a litre.
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If its your own bottle, in a bag, you'll be fine.
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If its your own bottle, in a bag, you'll be fine.
Cheers Drummond!
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Due to the rail strike I had the pleasure of experiencing going though Sheldon for the first time. Quite the delight, the travelodge was a particular highlight
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Was Howard the famous Halifax Building Society manager (Sheldon branch) anywhere to be seen Ger?
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If its your own bottle, in a bag, you'll be fine.
Cheers Drummond!
Good to hear. We were saying a while ago that there needs to be a step change from all these venues and their allowance on bringing a bottle. In the last few years we've taken to using those refillable metal bottles on our travels and they are surprisingly brilliant. When we pop into London, it's a piece of piss to refill them and carry on about our business. Even the boozers will top them up etc.
We're off to Newbury Races shortly, they are allowing you to bring x1 sealed bottle in because of the heat - which leans itself to only allowing disposable bottles. Unfortunately it's not practical to enjoy the day carrying a bottle so we'll be trying to snaffle a glass of water between beers, but that won't be easy. The sealed thing though does seem a joke, as it would at face value deny you use of a refillable and add to the plastic issue. I can however see part of the logic as all the hard of thinking idiots would be bringing in 500ml of vodka each if not sealed.
Back on topic: Please just win Villa, it would enhance my day tremendously if you could not be shit again.
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I hope he brings Mings in alongside Carlos and plays Buendia in midfield.
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I hope he brings Mings in alongside Carlos and plays Buendia in midfield.
Mings back alongside Carlos but Ollie Fenton! Watkins in alongside Ings.
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Ings and Watkins again ffs
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Hmmm, not sure about this midfield
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Ings and Watkins again ffs
The only positive to that is it gives more chance of Archer getting on.
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What does Buendia have to do to start a game - arrange for Coutinho to be kidnapped ?
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Ings and Watkins again ffs
The only positive to that is it gives more chance of Archer getting on.
This please!
Currently boiling alive on the 11c Outer Circle bus. Might even get there before half-time...
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Much easier getting here in the car now the Perry Barr junction roadworks have been completed, so that’s a good start.