World Cup Winning Kit Stealers v Aston Villa Pre Match Thread - Sunday - 2pm.

[adrenachrome]

Because of injuries and tactical adjustments forced upon us, we are in Jeckyll and Hide mode.
I am a betting man, but I wouldn't bet on this game.

On second thought, the number of goals scored odds are tempting.

[PhilVill]

Don't risk Watkins. Konsa and Torres together in centre, Cash at RB, Digne at LB, Tim in for Sir John with Luiz to protect back four and let Duran, Bailey and Diaby cause merry hell up front with Tielmans feeding the front 3. 4-2-1-3 (or 4-2-3-1). Zaniolo can take Tielmans place in last 30. We got burnt playing it safe last week so sod it, let's try and use what we have and hopefully the break will see some lads getting a much needed rest and others recovering for the big last push.

[andyh]

If Watkins still has two legs, two arms and a head, he has to play, regardless.
There is no risk. He has a cut and two weeks to let it heal after today.
I’d rather he play today and miss the International games. Internationals have cost us one player this season, I’d rather not risk another as we approach the run in.

[Olof's Beard]

It's probably the least confident I have been about a game this season. They have generally performed well and had some big results when they have Paqueta, Kudus and Bowen all available, and they are a big, physical side which we tend to struggle against even when we don't have three of our midfield five out injured. Plus our record down there is dire.

Unai's Villa has a good knack of surprising me when I expect the worse so here's hoping.

[PeterWithe]

At some point we are going to have to give Irogbunam a start and let him sink or swim.

Agreed, bung him in, lets see what he can do.

[PeterWithe]

I cant find this on the TV schedules, can someone point me in the right direction?

[Clampy]

I cant find this on the TV schedules, can someone point me in the right direction?

No-one is showing it although if any other of the top 6 were playing, it would be on.

[taylorsworkrate]

Massive opportunity after the favour Fulham did us

[john e]

maybe Watkins will keep safe today so he can play for England especially as Kane hobbled off yesterday
Whether he plays or not today he will Definitely play for England,

not a great scenario for us but you can’t see it happening

[Rigadon]

I can’t understand this ‘don’t risk Watkins’ stuff.  He played for 20 mins after the cut knee (and scored).  Why on earth would villa not play him so he ca play for England FFS.  It’s downright weird. 

[Andy_Lochhead_in_the_air]

I cant find this on the TV schedules, can someone point me in the right direction?

I've sent you a link to the Canal & River Trust

[Andy_Lochhead_in_the_air]

If Watkins still has two legs, two arms and a head, he has to play, regardless.

Fitness update on Watkins this morning. He's only ticking one of the boxes.

[VillaTim]

I can’t understand this ‘don’t risk Watkins’ stuff.  He played for 20 mins after the cut knee (and scored).  Why on earth would villa not play him so he ca play for England FFS.  It’s downright weird.

Wonder what Watkins see's as his priority today or England. I'd play him today if it's just a cut.

[KevinGage]

We're generally rubbish against these on the road, true.

But the same was said previously of Brentford and Fulham. 4-3 to the Villa.

[Chris Smith]

I can’t understand this ‘don’t risk Watkins’ stuff.  He played for 20 mins after the cut knee (and scored).  Why on earth would villa not play him so he ca play for England FFS.  It’s downright weird.

Wonder what Watkins see's as his priority today or England. I'd play him today if it's just a cut.

I don’t think he’s the sort to swap the chance of being Kane’s understudy in the summer for the prospect of Champions League football next season.