Aston Villa vs Burnley Pre-Match Thread

[gervilla]

My one trip over to Villa Park a season falls on May 24th for the last league game.  Hopefully we will be safe by 3pm  next Saturday so.....  with the Cup final in mind would it be madness for Tim to risk injuries and play a full strength team v Burnley. I doubt we can get away with fielding the reserves so how much of a weakened starting 11 would we get away with ?

[KRS]

We don't want to be going into the final on the back of a loss against Burnley, so start with our best X1, get at them, secure the result then bring off Jack, Benteke and Delph...and pray no one else gets injured.

[silhillvilla]

Nice dilemma to have . Assuming we are safe I'd go.

----------- Guzan -------------

Hutton.  Senderos  Okore . Cissoko

        Sanchez.       Cole.   

Gil -------------------------- Weimann

Sinclair ------------------  Gabby (c)

[KRS]

I doubt we'd get a result against Burnley with that team. Its a fine balance between maintaining momentum and ensuring our best players are fit for the final. Like you say, it would be a nice dilemma to have but I have faith in TS to do what he thinks is best for the players.

[gervilla]

Hopefully we will have that dilemma.Hutton, Gabby, Sanchez and Sinclair to start to get them up to speed . Cole, not so sure about. He'd be nackered by half time. Benteke is the big worry. If he picked up a knock it would be a disaster.

[dave.woodhall]

Bugger momentum. I wouldn't let Benteke, Vlaar and Delph even look at the pitch against Burnley.

[silhillvilla]

I remember playing a very under strength Ipswich at villa park in 78 (?), we tossed them aside 6-1.
A week later they won the FA cup 1-0 v arsenal. The "Osborne 1 nil" final

[johnny from donny]

Bugger momentum. I wouldn't let Benteke, Vlaar and Delph even look at the pitch against Burnley.

Add Grealish Cleverley and Okore to the wrapped in cotton wool list as well for good measure

[PeterWithesShin]

All depends if we're safe or not.

[Chipsticks]

We won't necessarily be 100% safe for this game and I think Sherwood's the type to try and keep form going ahead of Wembley rather than resting key players. I'd go for the strongest team, but to sub Benteke, Vlaar, and Delph off after 60 minutes to protect them.

[Can Gana Be Bettered!?!?]

Start with the best 11 and continue to grow in confidence would be how I'd want to see it.

[nigel]

Burnley haven't struck me as a 'Kick lumps out the opposition' team, unlike WHU!!, so I don't think we need to fear that side of the game.
I would go with a strong team first half then make some changes on the hour.
I'd certainly rest Vlaar and Richardson. Having said that, Okore was carrying an injury vs WHU, so that might force Tims hand somewhat.

[gervilla]

All depends if we're safe or not.

Indeed it does. If we are not then there is no question.

[silhillvilla]

If anyone gets a red now do they run the risk of missing the final ? Or is there now an amnesty ?

[Chipsticks]

I'd certainly rest Vlaar and Richardson. Having said that, Okore was carrying an injury vs WHU, so that might force Tims hand somewhat.

It'd certainly be a decent idea to give Senderos some playing time, in case (god forbid) he's forced on during the final. We saw how dodgy Okore was in his first 10 minutes after coming on, let alone the months out of action Senderos has had.