Bolton Wanderers vs Aston Villa match thread - EFL Cup Rd2

[LeonW]

Potentially a selection to try and build confidence in most of our normal starting 11.

[Astnor]

I like the team. Good strong selection.

That's what most said on Saturday. If only we had to play just on paper.

Yes true. I was happy with the team  that took to the field  at Palace. The problem came when they actually had to do something. In the words used in the Athletic article "lacked organisation". The first sin of professional football.

I like the teamselection today too; Luiz in i like that and try something else at RB where we have been most vulnerable IMO; might be our strongest at the moment. We vill win this.

[SamTheMouse]

Looking at that side, I expect to see a morale-boosting evisceration tonight.

[Gerrin]

It beggars belief that Cam is on the bench in an early round of the League Cup against a Division 1 side. At least Smith had the courage to start him in the cup matches.

SG taking no chances here.  Next match not until Sunday so this is an opportunity to hone the first team. 

Think he has every right to be pissed off. He started and scored against Chelsea away last year in this, think he'll be away on loan before the end of the month.

[Chris Smith]

To me he is really trying to build confidence and chemistry. Had we started the season off well I still think it would be a strong side, but there would have been more rotation.

Yes, that’s how it looks to me.

[cdbearsfan]

If we're 2 up at half time, then put Cam and Tim on and Josh later. Is it 5 subs also in this cup?

Yep (plus up to two "concussion subs" if necessary).

[LeonW]

If we're 2 up at half time, then put Cam and Tim on and Josh later. Is it 5 subs also in this cup?

Yep (plus up to two "concussion subs" if necessary).

We've had numerous opportunities to use a concussion sub, yet McGinn is still on the pitch week after week (I'll get my coat).

[ozzjim]

It looks like an easy option 11 to me.  Starting Archer and Tim is the right thing for them for their development,  but would leave him open to pressure to play them if they play really well. It is easier to stick with his first team and hope that they find some rhythm.

I do hope the formation is a proper double pivot with McGinn in front,  not this split 2 in front frantically trying to cover the full backs.

[Hookeysmith]

McGinn  ffs  if he won't drop him for this after another pathetic showing on Saturday then God knows what he will for.

[pauliewalnuts]

It beggars belief that Cam is on the bench in an early round of the League Cup against a Division 1 side. At least Smith had the courage to start him in the cup matches.

I reckon that's the biggest sign yet that he'll go on loan.

Starting Watkins and Ings at Bolton?

The only way it could have been made more obvious would for him not to have been on the bench.

[dutchvilla]

Really don't see why he's not picked both Swedes. Augustinsson is an international and should have the chance to challenge Digne.

[brontebilly]

Manager under pressure vibes off that selection. Should have more than enough to win. Don't get me started on the selection of the club captain.

[usav]

If that team loses they should walk home and Gerrard should stay there.

Agreed.

[ozzjim]

It beggars belief that Cam is on the bench in an early round of the League Cup against a Division 1 side. At least Smith had the courage to start him in the cup matches.

I reckon that's the biggest sign yet that he'll go on loan.

Starting Watkins and Ings at Bolton?

The only way it could have been made more obvious would for him not to have been on the bench.

It's very odd.  Scoring goals for England u21s,  good loan last season at Preston,  clearly ready for an opportunity.  Like is said,  it looks like a safe,  easy option team to me to prevent him having to make tough decisions down the line.

[Legion]

Plus if he does go out on loan we only have 2 recognised strikers and no back up in case of injury or suspension.