SHA v Aston Villa: Pre-Match Thread

[Leicester_Villian]

Is there a poll for which second Craig Gardener will foul Jack for the first time?

[robbo1874]

We have to be favourites, but the sty is somewhat of a leveller.

After last week, I’d say 0-2. But will probably end up a draw.

Plenty to play for though, so I expect Smith to have a proper crack at it.

[KRS]

Seems pretty obvious to that they will target and kick Jack throughout the game again so we need a strong ref that won’t shy away from making early bookings if needed. I have a feeling one of them will get a red card this game. Any news on who the ref is?

[ajmant]

Whelan was great against Derby, but I look at that Derby midfield and think a lot of average players could have shone against it. If rather have McGinn starting as he is far more mobile. Bring Whelan on if we are winning and we need to tighten things up.

Let's not go negative to start with and have to chase the game. Blues would love that.   

[lovejoy]

Living and working in the south east, I never meet a Birmingham fan. This game is like any other in that respect, the only difference is that they play above themselves against us.

[Risso]

I'd definitely start with the same team that started against Derby, for the following reasons:

- Winning mentality - they'll all be on a high and will hopefully get off on the front foot again
- Whelan's passing is better than McGinn's
- Jack is still coming back to full fitness, so will probably need to be subbed some time afrter 60 mins again.  That's when I'd bring McGinn on.
- Sends the squad a message that if you come in and play well, you keep your place, and if you're out through suspension, you're not automatically recalled.


edit: obviously with Elphick injured, it necessitates a change.  I really don't want to see Taylor play, any options?

[KRS]

Unlikely but could try McGinn at LB?

[Risso]

I was thinking similar.  He strikes me as the type of player who can play anywhere on the pitch.

[KRS]

The only other option would be Jedinak at CB which would be a scary prospect going back full circle to the start of the season under Bruce. More importantly, we can’t afford to pick up any more injuries at the back.

[Lastfootstamper]

It's not the maddest idea ever.

If I'd back anyone at the club to fill in and adapt to pretty much anywhere on the pitch, and probably make a pretty good fist of it, it'd be McGinn.

I'd be happier seeing that than Jedinak back in.

[brontebilly]

Didn't their winger Mahoney cause Taylor a lot of problems at Villa Park. Monk bizarrely took him off. Taylor is rubbish, we really need to avoid playing him.

[SoccerHQ]

Would honestly take Adomah out to bring McGinn back. Always a tight game where a couple of game changing options on the hour from the bench isn't a bad weapon.

AEM will get forward plenty on the right.

[Ads]

Why change shape? Drop Whelan, he lacks the legs and was the very reason we were diabolical for 35 minutes against this shower previously.

[SoccerHQ]

Why change shape? Drop Whelan, he lacks the legs and was the very reason we were diabolical for 35 minutes against this shower previously.

The play a very rigid 4-4-2 so I'd have Jack and El Ghazi floating in free roles behind Tammy. With that and also three centrally that's a hell of a lot of ground for their middle two to cover. Apparently Davis could barely keep up with the pace of Hull when he started the other day after 8 months out.

[CT Villan]

Blues really are so irrelevant that if they were not just down the road we'd be treating this like a game against Rotherham.

Routine 0-2 win for the Villa, though Jack will have to be careful to avoid their attempts to put him back on the treatment table.