John McGinn - signed (Captain)

[nick harper]

I like him in that deeper central role. Him and Tielemans really complement each other. Dougie is a real technician but McGinn just brings more energy and moves the ball quicker. Interesting decision for Unai on Saturday.

[Rigadon]

I like him in that deeper central role. Him and Tielemans really complement each other. Dougie is a real technician but McGinn just brings more energy and moves the ball quicker. Interesting decision for Unai on Saturday.

Yes, I agree - tough call. 

[Risso]

Unless he puts Tielemans behind Ollie and drops Diaby. I'd leave the team as it is though. You get banned for daft bookings, you have to earn your place back, even Luiz.

[Keeno]

I think it depends on the fitness of Bailey - that strapping on his leg has increased over the last few games and he was looking really tired by the time he came off yesterday.

I wouldn't mind him coming off the bench v Chelsea and moving McGinn or Tielemans slightly further forward, with Luiz coming back in to his usual role. Chelsea also tend to play with quite a compact, energetic midfield with Gallagher, Caicedo and Enzo behind so we could perhaps do with an extra man in there.

[Risso]

Bailey looked fit enough all game to me, second half especially he tore them a new arsehole. No mid-week game this week, I reckon he'll be fine. We can't afford any slip ups, so if we do want an extra midfielder I'd move Tielemans further forward and use Diaby as a sub.

[dcdavecollett]

Hard to take in how good McGinn and Teillemens were on Sunday, when you consider that Bouba and Doug were regarded as rock-solid selections for these positions before they became unavailable..

What a difference a top coach makes!

[Percy McCarthy]

Bailey looked fit enough all game to me, second half especially he tore them a new arsehole. No mid-week game this week, I reckon he'll be fine. We can't afford any slip ups, so if we do want an extra midfielder I'd move Tielemans further forward and use Diaby as a sub.

Exactly what I’d do.

[Percy McCarthy]

Hard to take in how good McGinn and Teillemens were on Sunday, when you consider that Bouba and Doug were regarded as rock-solid selections for these positions before they became unavailable..

What a difference a top coach makes!

Imagine how good they’ll be when inspired by competition for places.

[dcdavecollett]

An exciting thought!

[usav]

Let's remember, the first third of the season, Tielemans couldn't get in the team....we have Kamara, Ramsey and Buendia to come back for next season.

[chrisw1]

Let's remember, the first third of the season, Tielemans couldn't get in the team....we have Kamara, Ramsey and Buendia to come back for next season.

Nor could Bailey.  They both showed superb attitudes and are integral now.

[Footy-Vill]

What's going on with Ginny ?
Seems below par. Somewhat tired.
Needs a big performance tomorrow.

[Villa in Denmark]

What's going on with Ginny ?
Seems below par. Somewhat tired.
Needs a big performance tomorrow.

Playing something approaching 60 games this season (including internationals) might have a bit to do with it.

[Footy-Vill]

Source: The athletic

Since the start of this Premier League season and for club and country, the Scotland international has played 58 games in 267 days. This equates to a match every four and a half days over nine straight months.

Players are playing through pain,” said McGinn. “We did not expect Leon in Lille, never mind coming on and putting in a performance like that. Several players, including myself, had off nights. But that is when you look at the squad. We have had many injuries and many games. You are in the trenches now. You look to your left and right and hope someone digs you out.”

McGinn is Villa’s captain. His leadership style, according to team-mates and Emery, errs on the side of showing rather than telling on the pitch, but his attitude is exemplary. On occasions this season, he has reminded certain players about the standards of how to behave and speak to staff around the training ground. He is a down-to-earth, honest talker and has, lately, spoken about frustrations with his own slightly skittish performances.

McGinn has spoken about being “knackered” and the growing appreciation he has for rest days, even if he has learned his lesson of not asking Emery, on behalf of the players, for days off, knowing the brick-wall response he will be given.

[Footy-Vill]

McGinn:
"The manager has a no-excuse mentality. People have written us off and we’ve floated under the radar. We’ll have our Man City tops on [on Tuesday]. Big Jhon is a bit nuts at times, he’s a nightmare to play against. It was a brilliant effort towards the end. We got a bit of luck. It’s been a tough few weeks with lads coming back and playing through the pain barrier.”