Aston Villa v Crystal Palace ( Carabao Cup )

[SaddVillan]

Unai has been fairly unequivocal - the domestic cups aren't top priority - it's the League and Chumps comp.

Both have the potential to generate the money we need to build.

When we've got a squad of proper first teamers who we can rotate properly, then the Cups might come into view as proper targets, instead of nice to haves - which is what they are at the moment.

That might disappoint traditionalists, but it's our current reality.

[Skerra]

Maybe we have bigger fish to fry but, in terms of realistically winning a trophy, this one is our best chance. Not sure the bench is strong enough to pull off a win if they are required.

[Brazilian Villain]

Omagh God, great to see Mings starting.

Happy enough with the line-up, fingers crossed we can make it through.

[steamer]

Palace will be up for this. Their chance to have some sparkle in a season
Up to the Villa contenders/pretenders/returnees to show what they are worth.
I was unfortunately at the Everton game last year, I hope for all involved that the performance and  atmosphere is bette

[Percy McCarthy]

First XI fine. Disappointed with the bench though.

Looks like another bad Holte End night. Last two I’ve sat in here -Stevenage and Everton in the cups.

[eamonn]

Is Barkley the only senior not to start either tonight or last weekend?

[PeterWithe]

Palace gone veey strong which is suprising.  They must feel there is a opportunity here for them

There very clearly is.

I've no problem with this, bigger fish to fry and I haven't bought a ticket.

[Nii Lamptey]

Right team choice for the occasion, but looks like it's much higher up Palace's priority list, fielding a pretty much full strength side.

If 3 of our starting 11 weren't working their way back from injury, I'd think we could get something out of this, but I think it's going to be tough. If our name is in the hat for the next round, it will be a bonus.

[AV84]

Not surprised with that line up. Emery has been clear where our priorities lie, and given the great start we've had in the CL, and how we haven't been great in the league games right after CL, he was always going to ring the changes for this one.

[Risso]

We've started stronger and the bench is weaker than I thought. Not sure how that bench can rescue anything if needed. It looks like we've gone with the thought that Palace would go weak, that we would get it won early and then allow the kids a bit of first team game time. That hasn't happened

I'm not sure that Unai gave a stuff if Palace went strong or weak, the League Cup is a long way down his list of priorities and he sees it as a chance to give some returning injured players and some people on the fringes a run out.

[john e]

We have a very strong squad now

Mings, Maartsen, Carlos, Kamara, McGinn, Bailey, Buendia, Duran all starting all big guns for me, all could start a league game without any eyebrows raised ( obvs when the come back kids are fit)
this is not Augustinson, Dendonker, Chambers, Olsen

[olaftab]

First XI fine. Disappointed with the bench though.

Looks like another bad Holte End night. Last two I’ve sat in here -Stevenage and Everton in the cups.

Problem here is that those on the pitch tonight will have a second string mentality, feeling that they are not good enough for Emery’s main aims. This will end very badly special looking at the Palace line up.

[Risso]

this is not Augustinson, Dendonker, Chambers, Olsen

This is M&S substitutes...

[Baldy]

Their manager is desperate for a win. Might save his job.

Our manager, is clearly thinking of the bigger picture. We might have to wait a year or two before we raise a cup over our heads.

Still a decent starting eleven but not good enough for glory.

[Louzie0]

It’s just taken me 7+ hours to drive from Sutton back to the old homestead in East London.
They closed the M25…

Anyway, I am well up for this cup tie after all that and I hope the Villa and Our Ty are buzzing as well 👍
Including our subs.
Young legs off the bench!