Olympiacos v Villa Pre-match Thread

[Baldy]

Yeah everything said over the years by players, managers, coaches, physios, studies by sports scientists and so on is all a load of hokum. A bloke on the internet is the real expert on elite sports fitness.

Yes, is my interview for new manager over?

When do I start?

[PeterWithesShin]

Never Mr Gregory.

[Demitri_C]

I have to say I don't think Emery is doing much to help the tiredness situation at the moment. If fatigue is an issue, then why not pick Cash at right back ahead of Konsa? Why keep playing Diaby and Bailey from the start when the lack of defensive work from the pair of them means the midfield is even more under the cosh? Why not stick Iroegbunam in as a fresh pair of legs to free up McGinn and Luiz from some of the donkey work?

Exactly. But then the general response is who do you play instead. You say a few youngsters who have been on the bench but we might lose if we pkay them.

Well we lost against brighton anyway and still tired our players out. So im all in for giving opportunities if we give some players a breather.

I mean chambers isnt great but he is a experienced player thats rarely been used too

[LeeB]

Have we tried blood doping? Just the once I'm sure won't hurt.

[Baldy]

Never Mr Gregory.

Pity. I have just bought a new set of whips!!

[Risso]

I have to say I don't think Emery is doing much to help the tiredness situation at the moment. If fatigue is an issue, then why not pick Cash at right back ahead of Konsa? Why keep playing Diaby and Bailey from the start when the lack of defensive work from the pair of them means the midfield is even more under the cosh? Why not stick Iroegbunam in as a fresh pair of legs to free up McGinn and Luiz from some of the donkey work?

Exactly. But then the general response is who do you play instead. You say a few youngsters who have been on the bench but we might lose if we pkay them.

Well we lost against brighton anyway and still tired our players out. So im all in for giving opportunities if we give some players a breather.

I mean chambers isnt great but he is a experienced player thats rarely been used too

I've already said some of it. Cash at right back, Tim in midfield. One of Diaby or Bailey on the bench.

[PeterWithesShin]

Cash started 4 in a row after coming back from injury, Brighton is the only one he missed.

[Drummond]

Cash put a shift in at the weekend.

It's not just the exertion that causes the fatigue, but the mental and psychological pressure too. It's a relentless season, more games than we've played before, with an exacting manager who studies infinite detail and tries to pass on specifics to players.

[PeterWithesShin]

I meant missed as in he didn't start.

[London Villan]

We've only seen it a couple of times - but Moreno left midfield might be worth a shout. Offers more defensively, but can attack too.

Being really brave, McGinn back to the righthand side of midfield with Tim coming in next to Doug - Bailey up front with Watkins.

[Risso]

We've only seen it a couple of times - but Moreno left midfield might be worth a shout. Offers more defensively, but can attack too.

Being really brave, McGinn back to the righthand side of midfield with Tim coming in next to Doug - Bailey up front with Watkins.

That would make some sort of sense. Neither McGinn or Luiz really suit the defensive role, and we've seen going all the way back to Smith that they don't look confortable there together. Diaby and Bailey together in the same team look abysmal at the moment, and at least McGinn there would give us a bit more clout both defensively but also going forward.

[VillaTim]

We've only seen it a couple of times - but Moreno left midfield might be worth a shout. Offers more defensively, but can attack too.

Being really brave, McGinn back to the righthand side of midfield with Tim coming in next to Doug - Bailey up front with Watkins.

Moreno has had a very poor season. I'd only play him as a way to give Digne a rest before Liverpool .

[Ben1505p]

If Yuri available?

[Ads]

If we're going to play 2 up top on Thursday, I'd like Duran to start with Watkins. Pop Bailey on the bench to impact and bring Tim in, for McGinn to go left. Bulk the midfield and forward line up.

[London Villan]

We've only seen it a couple of times - but Moreno left midfield might be worth a shout. Offers more defensively, but can attack too.

Being really brave, McGinn back to the righthand side of midfield with Tim coming in next to Doug - Bailey up front with Watkins.

Moreno has had a very poor season. I'd only play him as a way to give Digne a rest before Liverpool .

Agreed, but playing 4 attack minded players is killing us.