Aston Villa v Crystal Palace - Pre Match Thread

[Chris Smith]

I wonder if we're planning to do the reverse of last season - start poorly and storm the second half. None of this 'top at christmas' nonsense.

We’re a point of 3rd place. To paraphrase Mark Twain, reports of our decline have been greatly exaggerated.

[Meanwood Villa]

We'd be third if not for that bloody Bournemouth equaliser. I know I need to let it go for peace of mind.

[Meanwood Villa]

Doesn't help getting over it that we've lost every game since

[Meanwood Villa]

Looks like conditions will be pretty grim tomorrow. Gusty winds and heavy rain.

[Demitri_C]

But its not just being a point for 3rd. The performances have been generally poor most of the season in the PL.  The bbc article on our struggles highlights the problems excellently
Hopwfully we will see a massive improvement after the break

[VillaTim]

We've made heavy weather of games against the bottom sides and generally our performances have been sketchy and the defence is a mess . If we are being honest we don't look the team we were last season so far , juggling the Prem and ECL is certainly not easy as Newcastle found out, as we are now .

[eye digress]

I wonder if we're planning to do the reverse of last season - start poorly and storm the second half. None of this 'top at christmas' nonsense.

Think we're all banking on that, and there is some evidence - or perhaps indications may be a better word - that that will be the case.

[simon ward 50]

We'd be third if not for that bloody Bournemouth equaliser. I know I need to let it go for peace of mind.

Me too!

[VillaTim]

So annoying how we played those closing stages , constantly hoofing the ball losing possession then Barkley lunging in , then Duran/Cash losing their man . Frustrating

[Tuscans]

Ezri Konsa has been ruled out of #AVFC's game against Crystal Palace. Amadou Onana also absent, but Unai Emery hopes to have both fit for Juventus next week. Ramsey and Kamara unavailable but Cash and Barkley return.

[Demitri_C]

Ezri Konsa has been ruled out of #AVFC's game against Crystal Palace. Amadou Onana also absent, but Unai Emery hopes to have both fit for Juventus next week. Ramsey and Kamara unavailable but Cash and Barkley return.

Thanks for update.  Mixed bag then on injury front

Eze out for palace

[Dave]

Could be worse then, at least we can cobble a midfield together.

Emi
Cash
DC
Torres
Digne
Barkley
Tielemans
McGinn
Bailey
Rogers
Watkins

[Demitri_C]

Could be worse then, at least we can cobble a midfield together.

Emi
Cash
DC
Torres
Digne
Barkley
Tielemans
McGinn
Bailey
Rogers
Watkins

Only change i would make is put maatsen in. Think he needs a league start ans we can save digne for Juventus

Im not sure if i would start bailey on second thought either. I know philiogene hasnt been good but hasnt had manay starts. Maybe give him a start and bring bailey on as a sub

[VillaTim]

No way would i drop Digne , player of the season so far for me

[Demitri_C]

No way would i drop Digne , player of the season so far for me

Im just thinking digne would be useful for CL. We really need to beat juventus midweek. I do agree with you tim digne been excellent its more resting than dropping for me

I think maatsen could do the job tomorrow