Aston Villa v Swansea City Pre-Match Thread

[tomd2103]

With Gabby still coming back to full fitness I'd be tempted to keep him as an impact sub. There was space on the pitch when he came on against Newcastle and their defenders shat themselves at the sight of him, so a repeat of that plan might be a good idea.

Can understand that logic Monty, but I would rather start Gabby and then replace him with Benteke when he starts to tire.  I think Swansea's defence is a little on the slow side, so Gabby could cause them real problems.

[Rigadon]

what have pogrebnyak, michael ricketts and adrian mutu have in common with Michu, swanseas star man?

they all scored in their first 3 premier league games. my prediction for michu, average la liga player for last 5 years? he will get sussed out just like the above 3 and end up rather cack and sitting on the bench!

villa 2-0 ireland bent

One thing Michu is not, is average. He was the highest scoring midfielder in LaLiga last season, which is very impressive in a league with Madrid and Barca.

It's like calling Dempsey average.

Sorry, don't mean to be argumentative but if he's that great why is he at Swansea?  They had a good team last year with tidy players all pulling together.  But they has no super stars. 

[Monty]

With Gabby still coming back to full fitness I'd be tempted to keep him as an impact sub. There was space on the pitch when he came on against Newcastle and their defenders shat themselves at the sight of him, so a repeat of that plan might be a good idea.

Can understand that logic Monty, but I would rather start Gabby and then replace him with Benteke when he starts to tire.  I think Swansea's defence is a little on the slow side, so Gabby could cause them real problems.

That lack of pace is why I'd be tempted to spare him for use as an impact sub, when there's more space on the pitch. Having said that, Benteke is no slouch, and it might be good to bring him off the bench for his debut.

[Matt C]

2-1 Villa. Ireland is due a goal.

[tomd2103]

With Gabby still coming back to full fitness I'd be tempted to keep him as an impact sub. There was space on the pitch when he came on against Newcastle and their defenders shat themselves at the sight of him, so a repeat of that plan might be a good idea.

Can understand that logic Monty, but I would rather start Gabby and then replace him with Benteke when he starts to tire.  I think Swansea's defence is a little on the slow side, so Gabby could cause them real problems.

That lack of pace is why I'd be tempted to spare him for use as an impact sub, when there's more space on the pitch. Having said that, Benteke is no slouch, and it might be good to bring him off the bench for his debut.

After the past two seasons, I have to say that it is great to even be having a debate on who should start up front!!

[Matt Collins]

I dont know why anybody would drop Lowton, he was excellent against Newcastle.

I can't quite understand that one either Ads and can't quite understand the calls to replace him with Lichaj.  For me, Lichaj is a willing grafter who isn't too great in possession and doesn't get forward that well. 

Definitely. I don't get why people would put lichaj or herd ahead of other options.

[N'ZMAV]

I dont know why anybody would drop Lowton, he was excellent against Newcastle.

Agreed

[SoccerHQ]

Not sure I'd throw Bennett in just yet.

Nathan Dyer ripped Warnock to shreds last season (o.k it's only Warnock) so think I'd keep Lichaj in for this as he seems to cope quite well with pacy wingers.

[ozzjim]

Bennett is very quick though reportedly. I would go with you on it purely on the basis of fitness though thinking about it. Bennett has not played for a long old time, and Dyer is on fyer.

[eamonn]

Lichaj is playing out of position at left-full, might be time for a specialist to come in.

[tomd2103]

Not sure I'd throw Bennett in just yet.

Nathan Dyer ripped Warnock to shreds last season (o.k it's only Warnock) so think I'd keep Lichaj in for this as he seems to cope quite well with pacy wingers.

Been thinking the exact same thing the last few days and you have to wonder if it is the kind of thing that goes through a manager's mind.  Bennett might be better making his debut away at Southampton the following week, where there will be a bit less pressure on him.

[Monty]

The problem with Lichaj is when wingers go on the outside against him. He's not great when he's attacked on his weaker side, and Dyer or Hernandez even (perhaps even more scarily) would be able to exploit this. It's up to the manager's fitness assessments, but all things being equal I'd go for Bennett.

[andyh]

Have absolutely no idea what to expect tomorrow. I don't know who'll play, where they'll play or what the formation will be.
 What I hope is that we continue the great work started at Newcastle, that we get our first win of the season.
2-0 Villa.

[Mister E]

I dont know why anybody would drop Lowton, he was excellent against Newcastle.

I can't quite understand that one either Ads and can't quite understand the calls to replace him with Lichaj.  For me, Lichaj is a willing grafter who isn't too great in possession and doesn't get forward that well. 

Definitely. I don't get why people would put lichaj or herd ahead of other options.

I think Lichaj is better than that, but I agree Lowton should play: he is getting better as he adapts to the EPL and should be allowed to continue his induction.
FWIW, I actually think Lichaj may well end up as a CB: he's strong and physical and seems to read the game well.

[N'ZMAV]

Lowton is a far more intelligent player than Lichaj.
Eric is a good backup, but that's about it.
Useful to have in and around the squad.