Aston Villa v Wigan Athletic Pre-Match Thread

[David_Nab]

Just look on OS this is the outfield players we have left who are not injured or on loan

Clark
Bennett
Stevens
Lichaj
Lowton
Williams

Ireland
KEA
Albrighton
Westwood
Bannan
Herd
Johnson
Carruthers

Benteke
Bowery
Burke
Holman

Gulp

[paul_e]

so we go with:

Guzan

Lichaj
Lowton
Clark
Stevens

Albrighton
Herd
Westwood
Bennett

Holman
Benteke

Not ideal but should be reasonable for a home game against Wigan.

[David_Nab]

I think he might actually consider Burke to partner Benteke get 2 strikers on the pitch at once.

[paul_e]

I've tried to pick as experienced a side as possible.  I don't think bringing Carruthers or Burke (who I'd pick ahead of Albrighton and Holman in other circumstances) in for this is a great idea after the last couple of games.

I definitely think we need a flat 4 at the back and then need natural width in midfield, hence trying Bennett a little further forward.

[Clampy]

Ok i'd go......

Guzan

Lichaj
Lowton
Clark
Bennett

Westwood
Bannan
Holman
Albrighton
Ireland

Benteke

With Ireland just playing off Benteke.

[paul_e]

The problem with that is that none of the attacking midfield can play on the left, we genuinely have no one who can fill that gap currently with Gabby and nzogbia both out.

That'd be my key signing in January.

[Clampy]

The problem with that is that none of the attacking midfield can play on the left, we genuinely have no one who can fill that gap currently with Gabby and nzogbia both out.

That'd be my key signing in January.

That's true but we've been playing without any wide men for most of the season anyway. Bannan and Holman will give us some energy in the middle like they normally do and at least in Albrighton we have someone who can give us some kind of width.

[Ads]

I would go with Lowton and Clark at centre half, Lichaj and Bennett at full back. Westwood, Bannan and Ireland as a midfield three. Benteke up top with Albrighton and Holman in support.

[Ads]

Come the West Ham game, I think we will see Vlaar back and next to a new signing at centre half, Lowton and Bennett at full back. Westwood alongside some huge and dynamic brute, with a young and foreign attacking midfielder more advanced. Then a triumvirate of Benteke, Bent and Gabby wide left.

Just in time to win a cup and put us solidly midtable.

[Concrete John]

Ok i'd go......

Guzan

Lichaj
Lowton
Clark
Bennett

Westwood
Bannan
Holman
Albrighton
Ireland

Benteke

With Ireland just playing off Benteke.

That line up would naturally lend itself to more of a 4-2-3-1 formation. which I'd be quite happy with.

[N'ZMAV]

Could we bring in Dunne to play next to Baker, or Vlaar and move Clark to midfield to sure it up a bit in there?

[David_Nab]

Ok i'd go......

Guzan

Lichaj
Lowton
Clark
Bennett

Westwood
Bannan
Holman
Albrighton
Ireland

Benteke

With Ireland just playing off Benteke.

Suspect that's what will happen ..Albrighton did look too bad against Spurs considering he has been pretty woeful recently so hopeful he is not regaining some form.If his crossing is on form then Benteke is a big target to aim for.

[Matt Collins]

I wondered whether he might play Lowton Clark and herd at cb, with lichaj and Bennett wing backs. Then bannan and Westwood, Ireland / albrighton and Holman behind Benteke?

Wigan play 352 as well, tho you could argue they play it better thus we're better off going our own way

I agree otherwise the 4231 outlined above seems best: bannan and Westwood holding, albrighton Holman and Ireland behind Benteke.

Whatever we do it looks a weak side. I think we need big performances from Benteke, bannan - Westwood and Clark.

Need to get some of these injured players back quickly

[LeeB]

Let Wigan lick their lips, rub their hands or their balls, as they wont be leaving B6 with anything other than a good fucking hiding.

Fantastic, and wholly accurate.

Ads should be sent in to deliver the final team talk before the players take to the pitch.

[Rigadon]

Just look on OS this is the outfield players we have left who are not injured or on loan

Clark
Bennett
Stevens
Lichaj
Lowton
Williams

Ireland
KEA
Albrighton
Westwood
Bannan
Herd
Johnson
Carruthers

Benteke
Bowery
Burke
Holman

Gulp

Gulp at left back for me.