Aston Villa v Wigan Athletic Pre-Match Thread

[Lobsterboy]

On that performance this evening we would struggle against Bradford!

I'll go for a 1-1 draw v a piss poor Wigan with a late equaliser for us from Clark

[Matt Collins]

That doesn't sound very promising! I guess you're looking at something like:

Guzan - Lowton, Herd, Clark, Bennett - KEA, Bannan - Albrighton, Ireland, Holman - Benteke

Which isn't convincing in any area of the pitch, apart from in goal. Weak at the back, uncertain in midfield, poor wide, and lacking in goal threat

[eastie]

No mention of Westwood being injured- why did he leave kea on and take off westy?

[David_Nab]

Westwood wasn't playing too well and was being pushed off the ball still I would have taken off KEA.

Worried about this match we have far too many injuries now to cope.We basically have 3 CB's and 3 strikers all unavaliable.Add in N'zogbia and Gardner and we are down to the bare bones.No experiance really left and you could see from the start tonight we were nervous we seemed to compose ourselves at HT but once the  first goal went in we were in trouble.The 2nd we look utterly defected.I just don't see how they can inspire the team after 2 beatings and no experienced players to come into help them.

[andyh]

I have already mentioned that I bet wigan will be chomping at the bit for this one, I bet it can't come quick enough for them.

A nervy 1-1

[Karlos96]

I think we'll lose this 2-1

[levico]

I think we'll see a continuing improvement. We'll only lose this 2-0. Seriously.

[Ads]

I think we'll win. It will be one of those 1-0 types where we keep saying to the bloke next you "they're going to equalise in a minute."

[Matt Collins]

If Vlaar, baker, nzogbia, gabby and weimann are all out I fear the worst. Vlaar would be the biggest plus, if he's genuinely fit, but I don't think he's even stepped up to training with the first team yet.

[D.boy]

I'm not going to start worrying too much as we have had 2 very tough games over xmas and being realistic I didn't expect us to pick up any points. The goals against was disappointing but we have to move forwards into the New Year and start picking up points again to put the last 2 results behind us. I just hope the youngsters haven't had their confidence battered too much. We need to turn things around sharpish now.
 

[silhillvilla]

0-2 loss

[sirlordbaltimore]

My head says loss, my heart says terrible 0-0

[ozzjim]

2-1 win.

Not having the injured players will be a massive blow though. Missing Baker AND Vlaar would be the difference, and if out I would have Lichaj into right back, Lowton in alongside Clark at centre half. In fact, I would do that anyway and leave out Herd.

Benteke needs a partner up front too. If we go in 5-3-2 I would play Bowery right up with Benteke and give him his shot. We need pace and someone to do the running up there, we missed Weimann running the channels and stretching the back 4 really badly. That option to pass too not being there automatically makes the midfield go sideways and back, and then results in the hoof.

 

[JUAN PABLO]

Play the team tonight and we will lose. Maybe we should throw Samir in ?       cant be any worse than what we have

[JD]

Can we not get The Fonz back from loan to play if Weimann, Gabby & Bent are all unavailable? He's scoring a few goals and making chances for others. At least it will give us players on the bench.

We desperately need Vlaar and/or Baker fit.
 
Same squad that finished tonight and we will lose 2-0.

Get some players back and we will win 2-1.