Summer 2013: Villa Transfers, Speculation, Suggestions and Rumours

[Keeno]

He's a very good talent, but do we need another slightly-built wingforward type? I'd have thought a playmaker with more intelligence and ability to dictate tempo and make things happen in the central area of the final third, like he had at Norwich but obviously to a more Villa Standard. A rich man's Wes Hoolahan, in other words.

This perhaps.

Or both if we're being greedy.

Would be nice if we could be greedy for once. Weimann/Tonev/this guy could potentially play down the middle of the three behind Benteke. With Carruthers away, we don't have a huge amount of top-quality players (I'm not including Jordan Boweryin that, btw.) of that attacking midfield type. With four of those we could rotate the players around Benteke nicely throughout the year. I know we've played two quality teams in the opening games but Lambert hasn't shown that he wants to play a No. 10, instead going with the three solid CMs across the middle. If he is gonna carry that on (obviously it's early days, it'll be interesting when we play a lesser team at home, maybe even against pool on Sat) there would be scope for him to join and play regularly and develop IMO.

[Dante Lavelli]

I think there is a danger that we're underestimating Liverpool. I'd stick with the solid three for this match, at least from the start.

[eric woolban woolban]

so wheres Greg?

At his secret base under a volcano in Japan

Looking for Kiyotake?

Is that the sequel to Ken Loach's "Looking for Eric"?

Hello...

[Monty]

I think there is a danger that we're underestimating Liverpool. I'd stick with the solid three for this match, at least from the start.

For Liverpool I'd stick with the solid three, definitely. But against lower midtable and down sides, especially at home, I'd like to see a number 10 and a more adventurous 4-2-3-1.

[jembob]

so wheres Greg?

Don't worry about him. He's alive and working really hard at the moment but I'm not sure if he's renewed his ST yet.

[Percy McCarthy]

so wheres Greg?

Don't worry about him. He's alive and working really hard at the moment but I'm not sure if he's renewed his ST yet.

Working hard you say? He's MON's agent isn't he?

[paul_e]

I think there is a danger that we're underestimating Liverpool. I'd stick with the solid three for this match, at least from the start.

For Liverpool I'd stick with the solid three, definitely. But against lower midtable and down sides, especially at home, I'd like to see a number 10 and a more adventurous 4-2-3-1.

As it's a position we're only looking to fill either in the games you mention or when we're chasing a game I'm happy with a 'part-time' option in there who also covers elsewhere, Tonev for example, but I'd like another option as well, preferably who covers for Weimann and Gabby.

[Monty]

I think there is a danger that we're underestimating Liverpool. I'd stick with the solid three for this match, at least from the start.

For Liverpool I'd stick with the solid three, definitely. But against lower midtable and down sides, especially at home, I'd like to see a number 10 and a more adventurous 4-2-3-1.

As it's a position we're only looking to fill either in the games you mention or when we're chasing a game I'm happy with a 'part-time' option in there who also covers elsewhere, Tonev for example, but I'd like another option as well, preferably who covers for Weimann and Gabby.

I see what you mean, but I'd like that player to be able to slot back in as a hardworking member of a midfield three as well. More of an attacking midfielder than a second striker, is what I think I mean.

[Dante Lavelli]

I think there is a danger that we're underestimating Liverpool. I'd stick with the solid three for this match, at least from the start.

For Liverpool I'd stick with the solid three, definitely. But against lower midtable and down sides, especially at home, I'd like to see a number 10 and a more adventurous 4-2-3-1.

As it's a position we're only looking to fill either in the games you mention or when we're chasing a game I'm happy with a 'part-time' option in there who also covers elsewhere, Tonev for example, but I'd like another option as well, preferably who covers for Weimann and Gabby.

I agree with that Paul. Ironic because its arguably the strength of our side at the moment, but I think a player to compete with gabby and benteke (who both could be asked to fill for benteke if he's in available) would be worthwhile. To keep them on their toes and allow them to be rested. Tonev could be that man but I've not seen him play yet, assuming he is not I'd suggest Moses ad an option (maybe even on loan).

[ozzjim]

I think there is a danger that we're underestimating Liverpool. I'd stick with the solid three for this match, at least from the start.

For Liverpool I'd stick with the solid three, definitely. But against lower midtable and down sides, especially at home, I'd like to see a number 10 and a more adventurous 4-2-3-1.

As it's a position we're only looking to fill either in the games you mention or when we're chasing a game I'm happy with a 'part-time' option in there who also covers elsewhere, Tonev for example, but I'd like another option as well, preferably who covers for Weimann and Gabby.

I agree with that Paul. Ironic because its arguably the strength of our side at the moment, but I think a player to compete with gabby and benteke (who both could be asked to fill for benteke if he's in available) would be worthwhile. To keep them on their toes and allow them to be rested. Tonev could be that man but I've not seen him play yet, assuming he is not I'd suggest Moses ad an option (maybe even on loan).

I would agree. A wide forward for me more than a number 10, simply because I don't think there are many sides we can afford not to have 3 in the centre of the pitch, win the battle before the war and all that. A central midfielder that will do the work with the flair to also unlock the opposition and get some goals would be great though! Someone like Kagowa at United when he gets going would be grand. Double deal for Fischer and Erikson would be grand.

[charlie]

Looked solid so far, Pool a capable team who see VP as a luck ground, stay with present configuration even if personnel change, experiment in League Cup.  Should have 4 points at least, 3 more would be very good, draw them on and counter attack.

[ozzjim]

I think it is the best plan against Liverpool. They are quite confident in themselves and we need to watch Sturridge, but hitting them on the counter could hurt them.

[Keeno]

I think both Fischer AND Eriksen would be a liiittle bit out of our reach, unless we wanted to chuck up 25m+ for the pair. We can but dream... I agree about us needing to play the midfield 3 in a lot of games this season, which is why Fischer would be a great option to give competition in the guys either side of Benteke.

[Leighton]

That chip was beautiful!

All chips are beautiful. Apart from frozen ones. They are evil.

[Mister E]

so wheres Greg?

Don't worry about him. He's alive and working really hard at the moment but I'm not sure if he's renewed his ST yet.

ST? - I didn't think he ever went anywhere near VP.