Burnley v Aston Villa: Pre-Match Thread

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I discussed elsewhere that I think we've lost all semblance of coherence and structure both on and off the ball. There was no time between the ugliness of Norwich to Watford to change anything tactically.

For me, if I were Smith I'd see this as a must not lose, as if we do, I think he'll be sacked with the cup game giving two weeks before the next league fixture and enough time for Poch (it could happen!) or not Poch (boooo!) to add to the squad, given the new structure we have.

I think the absence of two leaders in McGinn and especially Mings has added to the bewildering muddle on the pitch.

For me I'd go 352 as it would let us keep a balance between how many men we commit forward, letting the full backs/wing backs push on without fear and also provide support up top;

Heaton

Hause
Mings
Konsa

Taylor
Grealish
Nkamba
Douglas
Guilbert


Kodjia
Wesley

If Davis was fit, I'd drop Wesley. I've gone with Douglas over Hourihane as Connor is seldom visible away from home, while Douglas has mistakes and can be lightweight, yet he is quick and picks a pass. As one of the two 8s with Grealish, I think attacking is more suited to him. He never hides at least.

The system gets Jack on the middle too.

Smith ought to be telling Nakamba to clear his mind and really identify to him his roll; you're to sit in a pocket of space no more than 15 yards in front of that defence. You compress space and when in possession you find Doug or Jack and if not, you hit it long into the channel, where one of the front two will be expecting it, along with the wing backs.

It's always been a hard place for us to go and the confidence and form being shot to pieces doesn't give much hope.

[LukeJames]

2-0 Burnley

[Axl Rose]

1-1

[KRS]

Do we have to play again?

[CT]

If we just don't actually turn up, we only lose 3-0 right?

[VinnieChase84]

3-0 Burnley and B6 to implode

[darren woolley]

I really hope we win but I just can't see it 2-0 Burnley.

[Legion]

They will score more than our nil.

[gpbarr]

Exactly the game we don’t want and are woefully suited to - a small close ground, a scrappy opponent, cold.

3-0 loss

[cdbearsfan]

No wins here since the Abdication Crisis. I can't see that changing, I'll be honest.

[Bobby Boy]

For Burnley read Sheffield United and read Watford. We know what they will do and they will fancy their chances of doing it effectively against us. Can we concentrate for 90 minutes given our current travails? Doubtful.

Oh and Burnley have an ex-Blues striker who hasn't scored for a few games who will no doubt fill his boots.

3-0 them.

[Three Spires Villa]

2-0

[phantom limb]

I’d be delighted with a point but I can’t see it, 3-0 Burnley

[ChicagoLion]

It’s another 3 for the opposition I am afraid.
Could be carnage.

[PeterWithesShin]

Burnley 4 Us 1