Aston Villa v Brighton pre-match thread - Sat 20 Nov 3pm

[chrisw1]

SG has made it clear his first priority is going to be to tighten up at the back, so I don't think we should be expecting any swashbuckling performances just yet.

With Luiz out I don't see any other option than starting with Nakamba in midfield, much as I know this will annoy some.  Other combinations are likely to just be too lightweight, particulalrly as Bissouma is likely to dominate.

So, with the latest injury news I'd expect:

          Martinez 
Cash   Konsa   Mings   Targett
McGinn   Nakamba   Ramsey
Buendia   Ings   Watkins

I think Watkins gets in over Bailey for his fitness and work rate.  But I wouldn't be shocked if Young gets the nod, either at leftback or left in the front 3.

[Drummond]

I still think there's a surprise in store. Wouldn't bet against Archer and or Chukwuemeka getting the nod.

[ozzjim]

I have a feeling Tim Iroegbunam might be quite close. Been excellent in the cup games and the PL2.

[VILLA MOLE]

I have a feeling Tim Iroegbunam might be quite close. Been excellent in the cup games and the PL2.

where does he play ?

[chrisw1]

I still think there's a surprise in store. Wouldn't bet against Archer and or Chukwuemeka getting the nod.

Possibly, if so it could be Chuck in midfield and McGinn in one of the forward roles, probably in place of Buendia.  I'd be amazed if Archer started.

         Martinez
Cash   Konsa   Mings   Targett
Chuck   Nakamba   Ramsey
McGinn   Ings   Watkins

[Drummond]

I think Archer surprised Smith and Shakespeare with how good he was and how determined too (which is pretty crap if they didn't know already). I think it isn't inconceivable that he gets a chance.

[London Villan]

As a new manager, you'd surely want to make some sort of statement about what your selections will look like and why they are better than the previous guy in charge. Otherwise, we may as well of kept him!

[john2710]

I think we're very unlikely to see any radical team selections that include unproven players. Unless injuries provide us with no other option.

It'll be the team that's most compact & offers the highest level of pressing. 
With hopefully some options from the bench if needed.

                               Martinez
      Cash            Konsa        Mings        Targett
                Ramsey    Nakamba     McGinn
      Buendia                 Ings                 Watkins

[algy]

SG has made it clear his first priority is going to be to tighten up at the back, so I don't think we should be expecting any swashbuckling performances just yet.

With Luiz out I don't see any other option than starting with Nakamba in midfield, much as I know this will annoy some.  Other combinations are likely to just be too lightweight, particulalrly as Bissouma is likely to dominate.

So, with the latest injury news I'd expect:

          Martinez 
Cash   Konsa   Mings   Targett
McGinn   Nakamba   Ramsey
Buendia   Ings   Watkins

I think Watkins gets in over Bailey for his fitness and work rate.  But I wouldn't be shocked if Young gets the nod, either at leftback or left in the front 3.

I reckon that'll be the starting lineup.  Archer, JPB, and Chuk all on the bench, with a decent chance of coming on.   Formation to look more like

          Martinez 
Cash   Konsa   Mings   Targett
McGinn   Nakamba   Ramsey
    Buendia     Watkins
               Ings

[Drummond]

As a new manager, you'd surely want to make some sort of statement about what your selections will look like and why they are better than the previous guy in charge. Otherwise, we may as well of kept him!

I think the interesting thing here is that there isn't anyone that hasn't been picked that the fans have been clamouring to see. It's not like Smith was leaving anyone out or anything, we've just had lots of injury issues.

[Richard E]

I have absolutely no idea how this is going to go. I have absolutely no idea how Steven Gerrard is going to perform as our manager full stop. Its exciting, weird and scary all at the same time. 

[Mister E]

As a new manager, you'd surely want to make some sort of statement about what your selections will look like and why they are better than the previous guy in charge. Otherwise, we may as well of kept him!

I think the interesting thing here is that there isn't anyone that hasn't been picked that the fans have been clamouring to see. It's not like Smith was leaving anyone out or anything, we've just had lots of injury issues.

Well, and playing 3 at the back, the players not being fit enough and poor substitutions.

[Drummond]

As a new manager, you'd surely want to make some sort of statement about what your selections will look like and why they are better than the previous guy in charge. Otherwise, we may as well of kept him!

I think the interesting thing here is that there isn't anyone that hasn't been picked that the fans have been clamouring to see. It's not like Smith was leaving anyone out or anything, we've just had lots of injury issues.

Well, and playing 3 at the back, the players not being fit enough and poor substitutions.

That's a different issue. I'm talking about the players. When there's a managerial change, the fans are usually wanting someone different to play. And there's none of that this time.

[sickbeggar]

Only one surprise inclusion I can see. Well a surprise for those who've haven't followed Mr. Gerrard's next-level progressive tactics up North

Spoiler for Hiden:

[Chris Smith]

I have absolutely no idea how this is going to go. I have absolutely no idea how Steven Gerrard is going to perform as our manager full stop. Its exciting, weird and scary all at the same time. 

Yep, I feel the same.

I’m hoping that we get an improved performance with the players all be trying to impress the new manager.