Bent and Given Injuries

[Vanilla]

True Gabby was a prolific goal scorer, but he was used as a winger for virtually all of last season, scoring 1 in 8 in the Premier League, and for the start of this, so expecting him to fit nicely back into a striker role may not be he easy answer to all our questions.

That said, the main benefit of him playing compared to Bent, is that at least he will drop into midfield to pick the ball up.

[Handsworth Wood Villa]

GA is a perfect replacement upfront in a 4-2-3-1. keep the faith.

[darren woolley]

Let's hope Bent and Given are fit for Everton on saturday.

[villadelph]

Let's hope Bent and Given are fit for Everton on saturday.

We can only hope. I'm happy Bent didn't feature in Bulgaria, we need him fit. But then again we also need to get the ball to him 

[ozzjim]

I would think Gabby would slot in, with Ireland coming in for Bent and Heskey left, NZogbia right.

Given, if he needs 2-3 games out to get it right should be given it. His fitness is vital long term, but Guzan is a decent keeper.

[SoccerHQ]

Gabby's played a lot of his best football for us as the one upfront so I reckon he'd be upfront against Everton with maybe Bannan coming in as the third central midfielder.

We'll lose up there if McLeish goes with just Heskey upfront.

[VillaAlways]

Given has just been named in the ROI team to face Russia

[Villafirst]

I hate these international call ups - with our 'small' squad they are a nightmare! Thanks for squad depth Randy!

[PaulTheVillan]

I bet they both start on Saturday

[Rudy Can't Fail]

I hate these international call ups - with our 'small' squad they are a nightmare! Thanks for squad depth Randy!

26 man first team squad. How just how big a squad do you want?

[brice jovial]

GA is a perfect replacement upfront in a 4-2-3-1. keep the faith.

spot on gabby as the 1 in 4-2-3-1 be ideal

[brontebilly]

Given shouldnt be playing. He looks clearly injured and isnt moving as sprightly as he should. Definitely uncomfortable kicking the ball. Id say an operation and a lay off is in the offing.

[eamonn]

Has our official 25 man squad been named for the season (presumably done after the transfer window)?

[paulcomben]

Bent has averaged a goal every other game for Villa & Gabby 1 in 3.7.

[Pete3206]

Has our official 25 man squad been named for the season (presumably done after the transfer window)?

Yes. 23 players in it, but other reserve players like Gardner are eligible to play.