Aston Villa v Rotherham United Pre-Match Thread

[Matt Collins]

What's all this call for playing a diamond formation? Not for me thanks.

I'd stick with the three up top.

I'm a bit uneasy that we'll struggle to get up for this game. As long as we do, and play with real tempo, I think we'll be ok.

[royvilla949]

I think we should go reasonably strong given the upcoming break, but rest some of our players who've played most games and give game time to new signings and players who've missed a lot of pre-season.

Something like

Steer - bacuna Okore Clark Bennett - sylla Gardner KEA - Tonev gabby - helenius

oh please not bennett

[Matt Collins]

There's quite a lot of potential cupsets going on tonight so we shouldn't be complacent. Keep about 5-6 of the regular starters to date in, and tell helenius and Tonev this is their big chance to am show what they can do

[London Villan]

The thought of Bennett against strong lower league forwards will always make me shudder...

[villan from luton]

I am all for giving a few of the fringe players a run out, but with no game for 2 and a alf weeks, would keep the nucleus of the team. Luna apparently has a knock so Bennett is likely to play.

[Ad@m]

I'd keep a minimum of 6 from the team that started against Liverpool.

Probably keep in Lowton, Vlaar,  Westwood, Delph, Gabby and Andi. I'd also be tempted to start with Okore to allow him to start to build up an understanding with Vlaar.

Throw in Steer, Bennett, Tonev and Helenius and we should have too much for Rotherham.

[SoccerHQ]

Narrow 2-1 win I think.

Logical to give Helenius and Tonev starts in this and I'd keep Weimann in as he needs a goal. Would imagine Sylla will start aswell.

Gabby and Benteke on the bench just in case so Lambert can play his 4 forwards upfront again against lower league teams!

[villa kicks]

Guzan
Bacuna-Herd-Okore-Bennet
Sylla-Herd-Gardner
Bowery-Helenius-Gabby

I defo think Herd should play and welcome him back I like his style

[tomd2103]

Think we might see Tonev in the "number 10" position again tomorrow night.  Can see a team something like:

                     Steer

Bacuna   Okore  Clark   Bennett

              Sylla        KEA 

Weimann      Tonev         Gabby

                  Helenius

[pauliewalnuts]

I'd like to see Grealish get a run out.

[tomd2103]

I'd like to see Grealish get a run out.

Wouldn't be surprised to see him on the bench PW and get a run out if we build a good lead.   

[The Left Side]

2-0 to the Villa, Helenius x 2

[Salsa Party Animal]

Think we might see Tonev in the "number 10" position again tomorrow night.  Can see a team something like:

                     Steer

Bacuna   Okore  Clark   Bennett

              Sylla        KEA 

Weimann      Tonev         Gabby

                  Helenius

That sound good to me, but is Bennett fit ?

[silhillvilla]

The League Cup is our best chance of Wembley and silverware and hence we should play our strongest team. Bacuna Clark and Bennett in defence ?? That's just asking for trouble.

[Andy_Lochhead_in_the_air]

No extra time or penalties please.
I dont like late nights these days and like to be home and getting off to sleep between 10 and 10.30.