Aston Villa v Wigan Athletic Pre-Match Thread

[paul_e]

One good thing that came out of yesterday was glimpses of Ireland and Benteke linking up well. I'd start Ireland just behind, with maybe a midfield three of Westwood (if fit) Bannan and Holman.

I just don't see it tbh, Ireland looks decent in unimportant areas of the pitch, other than the odd decent pass he does very little around the box.  If we're playing someone off Benteke as the lone front man they need to be a bit of a goal threat and, for me, Ireland isn't remotely that.  If you take out his 1 season where he got 13 you're left with an attacking midfield with a record of 11 goals in 180 games (in context on average he offers around 3-4 goals a season), which isn't good enough to be paid what he is or regarded as highly as he is by some.  We need to replace him with someone who is a goal threat.

For all Holman's limitations regarding technique he is willing to shoot and has provided 3 assists so far so he can be effective for us.

[Irish villain]

This is our biggest game of the season now. Losing this is unthinkable.  Lose and we probably become favourites to be among the relegated three.

Needs a huge reaction from the entire club.

[Rip Van We Go Again]

A scrappy 1-0 win - Benteke.

[JUAN PABLO]

Herd , KEA and Holman should be dropped for me .   Problem is , with players injured they will probably start .
PL needs to spend a few days on the offside with Benteke too.

[Rip Van We Go Again]

I'm afraid KEA is utterly inept.
A poor signing.

[JUAN PABLO]

I'm afraid KEA is utterly inept.
A poor signing.

yeah , worse than Makoun

[Rip Van We Go Again]

As Baker is injured, i'm assuming it will be 4-4-1-1 against Wigan.

[johncvilla88]

As Baker is injured, i'm assuming it will be 4-4-1-1 against Wigan.

Herd should play but not in defence mid-field 3 of Bannan Westwood Herd Holman/Albrighton Ireland (AM) Benteke (ST)

[Clampy]

One good thing that came out of yesterday was glimpses of Ireland and Benteke linking up well. I'd start Ireland just behind, with maybe a midfield three of Westwood (if fit) Bannan and Holman.

I just don't see it tbh, Ireland looks decent in unimportant areas of the pitch, other than the odd decent pass he does very little around the box.  If we're playing someone off Benteke as the lone front man they need to be a bit of a goal threat and, for me, Ireland isn't remotely that.  If you take out his 1 season where he got 13 you're left with an attacking midfield with a record of 11 goals in 180 games (in context on average he offers around 3-4 goals a season), which isn't good enough to be paid what he is or regarded as highly as he is by some.  We need to replace him with someone who is a goal threat.

For all Holman's limitations regarding technique he is willing to shoot and has provided 3 assists so far so he can be effective for us.

I'm just suggesting using Ireland behind Benteke whilst our strikers are out. Benteke seemed more involved in the game when Ireland came on. I think it was Holman's job to support the front man in the first half and it did'nt really work.

[Villafirst]

I'm afraid KEA is utterly inept.
A poor signing.

agree, him and Delph gave away the ball all night.

[Lambert and Payne]

Narrow 1 0 win to us à la Reading earlier in the season. Its going to be tight, scrappy and nervy but we'll prevail and it'll give us another much needed kick

Holman with the goal

[David_Nab]

I'd move herd into midfield give us some tackling ability in there.

[PaulTheVillan]

I think we'll win 1-0.

Holman.

[PaulTheVillan]

I'd move herd into midfield give us some tackling ability in there.

Fouling ability, you mean?

[PaulTheVillan]

Would love to see Guzan - Lowton, Vlaar, Clark, Bennett - Westwood, Bannan - Weimann, Holman, N'Zogbia - Benteke

subs: Given, Lichaj, KEA, Gabby, Ireland, Bowery, AN other

That would be a significant step up from the side that finished today.

I really don't know who is injured and who isn't.

Guzan
Lowton Clark Baker Bennet
Bannan Westwood
Weimann Ireland Holman
Benteke