Ollie Watkins

[Smirker]

Of course Smirker enjoys Watkins failing to perform. He's committed. If Villa lose, all the better. It is obvious, and tragic.

On reflection, I went too far with this post. I do find your posting on Watkins weird and grating, but I had no right to question your support for the club.

Apologies, Smirker.

No problem mate.

[RamboandBruno]

Ollie is more dangerous when he is running towards the goalposts and not the corner flags.

Until we get recognised wingers, poor Ollie is probably under instruction to run the channels and create more space in the middle for others to exploit.

Break the bank in January/summer for a good winger (Semenyo springs to mind) and we will see the best of Ollie again.

We didn't play with wingers really even when Ollie was at his best. Bailey perhaps but that was for a short enough spell when he was firing. Certainly we can create more of those chances around the penalty spot. Like the one Ollie created for Buendia v Fulham. We aren't doing that enough. I said it on another thread but I think that means finding a spot for Maatsen more on the the left.

I think the best spell of football under Unai was August to December 2023 when Bailey and Diaby were both regulars and firing from the wings.

[tony scott]

Oli Watkins not scoring is a confidence issue. Unfortunately he’s not making  the runs that drag defenders out of position  I think that Malan is going to have to pick up the Baton, two players for every position.

[PaulWinch again]

Malen doesn’t work as a lone striker for the way we want to play.

[kippaxvilla2]

Whilst I am concerned about him and think we have possibly held on to him one season too long, our playing style this season certainly doesn't play to his strengths.  Liverpool was a classic case of where we should have gone longer and he would have had more opportunities in behind the defence. 

[rougegorge]

Interesting take on our key player this season.

Nearly all the other choices are players who are performing well, although I guess he is still key given our system and lack of competition.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/articles/clyk3gq91glo

[JUAN PABLO]

I think he has to start Thursday , got a chance to score and assist then and build up his confidence . He has been awful and I would really worry if he has another G/A 0/0 on Thursday but its got to be the perfect game to get him back going.    Maybe Youri helps him out .

[Dante Lavelli]

Yep, normally I'd give Malen the Europa matches but Ollie needs the chance to increase his confidence and change the narrative on his stats. 

[Rudy Can't Fail]

Good time to play them both together and see how it goes. Right now, for differing reasons, neither can play to their potential as a lone striker. I'd also have no problem in playing out the last 15 minutes with just one up front or bringing on one of our youngsters for a few minutes experience.

The team need to rediscover giving our strikers more and better service. Playing two up front should help focus their minds.