Crystal Palace v Aston Villa Match Thread

[Nelly]

Does that mean Buendia on the right wing? I'm really glad (and impressed) he's starting but I hope he has license to go more central, that's where he's most dangerous I think.

[Risso]

Looks like Steve has felt the mood on the terrace

Or maybe picked a team on form and who he thinks can beat Palace?

In which case he'd have picked Buendia as a starter weeks ago

We're on the third game of the season, and Buendia hasn't been fully fit.

[brontebilly]

Konsa selection worries me.

Big show of faith in him anyway, needs to reward the manager and show his best form.

Changes are welcome but I'm not sure about Bailey. Means another 433 and I'd prefer Buendia left centrally, not coming in off the wing. Great options on the bench.

[ChicagoLion]

Thinking of going fishing so looking for a river to angle.

[olaftab]

Blimey I am running out of reasons to blame Steven for his team selection.

[Risso]

I think Buendia will play more centrally, with Bailey playing a more forward position with Watkins. On paper at least, it's a very good forward three. The graft and pressing of Watkins, the speed of Bailey and the guile and trickery of Buendia.

[ChicagoLion]

Would prefer Chambers over Konsa and not convinced our midfield is right.

[Legion]

Everybody's been screaming for Buendia to start so let's see what he can do. The ability to bring Coutinho and Ings on as circumstances dictate is pretty decent. Would rather see Iroegbunam on the bench than Marv though.

Iroegbunam played for the U21s last night.

[Villa Lew]

Happy with the team, time for Bailey to show what he can do.

[Nelly]

That sounds really exciting! Buendia pulling the strings behind Bailey and Watkins. Not a formation I'd considered so fair play if that's what it is.

[ez]

I'm liking the squad rotation.

[richtheholtender]

Big chance for Bailey. I like that SG has changed the team, none of this once size fits all, we need to play the players that cam hurt the opposition on the day.

[Rudy Can't Fail]

I hope it's not a return to lumping the ball into the box. Watkins needs a good game on his own up front. It's a brave decision by Gerrard. Everything crossed it pays off.

[Footy-Vill]

That sounds really exciting! Buendia pulling the strings behind Bailey and Watkins. Not a formation I'd considered so fair play if that's what it is.

I thought it was a 4-3-3 but guess there's a flexibility in and out of possession. Buendía left forward Bailey right forward however it is there's goals here. Let's go Villa!
Confident of the win.

[PaulWinch again]

Looks like Steve has felt the mood on the terrace

Or maybe picked a team on form and who he thinks can beat Palace?

In which case he'd have picked Buendia as a starter weeks ago

We're on the third game of the season, and Buendia hasn't been fully fit.

Yep I suspect the “mood of the terrace” has nothing to do with it, and I’d bloody hope it doesn’t.