Aston Villa v Birmingham City - Match Thread

[Deano's Mullet]

Gabriel Agbonlahor you owe us a performance tonight - two days in a row in the paper for non-footballing reasons, for McGrath's sake get your name on the score sheet and some positive news in the rags tomorrow.

[Hairbandinho]

That team selection is.......interesting

[Dave]

Baffling line-up but I predicted he'd overload the team with attackers and hes done it - Gabby, Sinclair, Gestade.

You feel that playing three attack minded players is too many?

[SoccerHQ]

That midfield looks very lightweight to me, SHA will be snapping into challenges, we're in big trouble if Westwood and Veretout go into hiding, I would've stuck with Sanchez for this one.

When I saw it I thought Bacuna in midfield and Richards moved to RB but guess Clark could be DM although he hasn't played there in about 4 years I think.

Would've played Grealish aswell, his quality on the ball would've worried their defence imo.

As ever in derby games first goal is crucial.

[Villafirst]

Bloody hell that line up doesn't fill me with confidence, especially with no Gil or Grealish who are the only players who look like ever creating something.

At least one of Gil or Grealish should be starting. A big game to pitch Veretout in.

[garyshawsknee]

Looks like 3 at the back, unless Richards is at RB. Could be a make or break night for TS, middle of the park looks light weight to me. Hopefully Rudy will fair better against Championship players. UTV.

[Astral Weeks]

That team selection is.......interesting

"Interesting" as in, "potentially disastrous"?

[Chris Jameson]

Bloody hell that line up doesn't fill me with confidence, especially with no Gil or Grealish who are the only players who look like ever creating something.

At least one of Gil or Grealish should be starting. A big game to pitch Veretout in.

I'm amazed Grealish isn't playing, he knows all about this fixture as well.

[ozzjim]

I am a bit perplexed by the selection. I think it is a 3-4-3 in essence, but we will see. If it is a 4 at the back, I reckon it is much more likely Bacuna is in midfield, with Lescott moving over to left back.

For me though, for the 3rd game running without Gana, we are a central midfielder light whatever you play.

[exigo]

4-3-3 according to Sky. Richards at right back. Bacuna on the right of midfield.

[PaulWinch again]

On the plus side Gestede should be operating at his level!

[brontebilly]

Looks like 3 at the back, unless Richards is at RB. Could be a make or break night for TS, middle of the park looks light weight to me. Hopefully Rudy will fair better against Championship players. UTV.

Rudy really bossed Bournemouth around when he came in so hopefully can do likewise here

The selection of Gabby is very puzzling, Sanchez for him and you could at least see what Sherwood is trying to do

Share the concerns re our midfield getting bullied without Sanchez

UTV

[kippaxvilla2]

Blimey what a night to faff about with formation, he is certainly a gambler our Tim.

[curiousorange]

Is it just me who feels a bit underwhelmed after the last couple of weeks?

[Rudy65]

4-3-3 according to Sky. Richards at right back. Bacuna on the right of midfield.

I think they are wrong

Two lefties at CH?