Pre-season 2023/24

[RamboandBruno]

there isn't a first XI , it will be opponent and game plan dependent. Dendonker not featured at all though despite being there , is he injured?
Its hard to read much into these games when players aren't putting proper challenges in other than that ****** Mee who was out to mame someone again

He’s not there is he, his wife has just had a baby donker.

[VillaTim]

Short of an injury, I don't think there's any way Unai doesn't start Torres in the first game.

He might get minutes but can’t see him starting unless in the next two preseason games he’s outstanding. He was okay today but disappointingly there was no evidence of any great pace we were told about. We also looked stronger with Mings and Konsa. Understandable as they know each other inside out.

Agree. No way Torres goes ahead of Mings/Konsa and today he looked ok but was a CB playing at LB which i'm not sure about, got caught a couple of times for pace but also looked excellent with the ball at his feet

[pauliewalnuts]

there isn't a first XI , it will be opponent and game plan dependent. Dendonker not featured at all though despite being there , is he injured?
Its hard to read much into these games when players aren't putting proper challenges in other than that ****** Mee who was out to mame someone again

Dendoncker isn't there, he's in Brum having just become a father.

[VillaTim]

ok cheers i thought someone had said Dendoncker flew out there

[Legion]

Today first halt we was good I thought. Second half was a bit MEH from both teams. The 3 at the back very good first half. Carlos and Chambers did ok as did Digne. Kamara had a good game. Diaby our best forward already. Watkins as last season  nearly an attack on his own but miss most of the times when he should hav scored - might be a mental factor. I think Bailey is better than others on here seems to think. PC isnt good enough ATM.
How I would like the the Team for the season as it stands:
Martinez, Konsa , Mings, Torres, Moreno (Digne), Kamara, Luiz, Mc Ginn, Ramsey (Buendia), Diaby, Watkins.
Bench: Olsen, Chambers, Carlos, Digne, Tielemans, DenDoncker, Bailey, Buendia

No Cash or Archer?

[Astnor]

I see now that there is a Last place on the Bench and then that will be for Cash and then it s not place on the bench for more players. As it stands Archer will be third choiche striker.

[Legion]

Who is second for you?

[Astnor]

Who is second for you?

Diaby, I guess he can play the Watkins role if Watkins get injuried fx. Today I got it like Diaby was playing as a second striker behind Watkins.

[pablo_picasso]

If Philogene-Bidace keeps this pre-season form up he'll be hard to ignore. I thought he had absolutely no chance whatsoever of making it with us, but has looked very good indeed. Full of attacking intent and puts a decent amount of hard work in as well. I can well see him taking Ramsey's spot until JJ is fit again.

His tracking back was good to see...

[newryvillain]

Today first halt we was good I thought. Second half was a bit MEH from both teams. The 3 at the back very good first half. Carlos and Chambers did ok as did Digne. Kamara had a good game. Diaby our best forward already. Watkins as last season  nearly an attack on his own but miss most of the times when he should hav scored - might be a mental factor. I think Bailey is better than others on here seems to think. PC isnt good enough ATM.
How I would like the the Team for the season as it stands:
Martinez, Konsa , Mings, Torres, Moreno (Digne), Kamara, Luiz, Mc Ginn, Ramsey (Buendia), Diaby, Watkins.
Bench: Olsen, Chambers, Carlos, Digne, Tielemans, DenDoncker, Bailey, Buendia

No Cash or Archer?

Or JPB?

[tomd2103]

IT was interesting to see a different formation in the game earlier.  Thought we looked pretty sharp and moved the ball well until understandably losing momentum when we made a lot of changes. 

I thought Torres looked a bit out of place a few times at left back, which is understandable given that he is a centre half.  I thought Diaby looked lively and took his goal well.  Tielemans slotted in nicely when he came on and looked comfortable in midfield.

Thought the others all did pretty well by and large, but Ollie Watkins wasted three good opportunities and Buendia looked a bit out of sorts when he came on.  Thought Cotinho looked rusty, which is only to be expected.

[AV84]

Thought the others all did pretty well by and large, but Ollie Watkins wasted three good opportunities and Buendia looked a bit out of sorts when he came on.  Thought Cotinho looked rusty, which is only to be expected.

Buendia was an injury doubt for todays game. Emery said yesterday that he would be assessed this morning, so possibly he was a bit out of sorts.

[Toronto Villa]

Have to say John Townley has been really good in how he’s covered us on this tour

https://twitter.com/johntownley11/status/1685795898154987521?s=46

[edgysatsuma89]

Short of an injury, I don't think there's any way Unai doesn't start Torres in the first game.

Exactly what I think. I think it will be the same starting line up as today apart from JPB swapping for Buendia (as he had fun against Newcastle) and I think only making the one change at half time compared to all the other preseason games suggests he may have been sticking with his 'preferred' line up for longer. That could be bollocks, just a hunch.

So:

Martinez

Cash
Konsa
Mings
Torres

McGinn
Kamara
Luiz
Buendia

Diaby
Watkins

I wouldn't have Torres there personally but I think that's what he'll do.

I think what will be interesting is what happens when Moreno is fit. I think it's possible he creates that 3 at the back effect but with Konsa at RB, switching which side we have the attacking fullback on.

[RamboandBruno]

Have to say John Townley has been really good in how he’s covered us on this tour

https://twitter.com/johntownley11/status/1685795898154987521?s=46

Yes he quite good and knowledgeable, a lit more so that old Ashley Preece his predecessor