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

[Rotterdam]

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

He certainly wouldn't be phased by being around he 1st team.

[JUAN PABLO]

At this rate I wish SG hadn't retired as a player , we could do with him on the field .  The midfield is a problem at the moment , lets hope we get someone in Jan .

[sickbeggar]

"THERE'S ONLY ONE IGREGUBNHMAM
ONE  IGROEGegbunham….
THERE'S ONLY ONE TIM"

[TonyD]

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

He best not ever play Nakamba. 

[Hookeysmith]

I'm sure i saw Nakamba out for 4 weeks with injury?

It will be more how they play than how they line up

[Damo70]

At this rate I wish SG hadn't retired as a player , we could do with him on the field .  The midfield is a problem at the moment , lets hope we get someone in Jan .

Last week we didn't want him near Villa Park and now we want him as player manager. The next thing we will know he will have a seat on the board. 

[Legion]

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.

Agreed. He should. However we'll see what Gerrard thinks tomorrow.

[achilles]

I'm sure i saw Nakamba out for 4 weeks with injury?

It will be more how they play than how they line up

It just goes to show how little people read the thread before posting team selections as this was mentioned earlier in the thread, that leaves us with McGinn, Ramsey and Luis (if fit otherwise we are left with Young in midfield). We cannot play youngsters in the position we are currently in so SG options are very limited!

[Lastfootstamper]

If the youngsters can't play, why are they with the first team squad?

[Rudy Can't Fail]

"THERE'S ONLY ONE IGREGUBNHMAM
ONE  IGROEGegbunham….
THERE'S ONLY ONE TIM"

As long as we don't hear 'Stevie, give us a wave' I'll be happy. Oh and 3 points obviously.

[Aldridge Villa]

Will be delighted tomorrow if Mr Gerrard is asked to give us a wave as that will be on the basis the game is going well.

[caster troy]

Would love to see the start of a new era with Chuk, JPB and Archer involved but something tells me it’ll be a very cautious lineup, maybe Tuanzebe as a holding midfielder, possibly Young in there too. Hope I’m wrong, we need a win with tough games coming up.

[dave.woodhall]

I have a horrible feeling we are going to be Stev.ie G's claranbluearmee.

[adrenachrome]

I have a horrible feeling we are going to be Stev.ie G's claranbluearmee.

Nailed on, and you can take it to the bank Mr. W.

[Legion]

Would love to see the start of a new era with Chuk, JPB and Archer involved but something tells me it’ll be a very cautious lineup, maybe Tuanzebe as a holding midfielder, possibly Young in there too. Hope I’m wrong, we need a win with tough games coming up.

I'm going for the latter. Or possibly a mix of the two.