Aston Villa v West Ham Match Thread

[paul_e]

For me, Duran still isn’t ready to start

I think we’re playing it safe because he could be sold

I think he had the shirt but then got a red and a ban and Watkins has played well in his absence so he needs to force his way in again, as it should be.

[jwarry]

Surprised Bailey and Watkins starting as Malen can’t play Tuesday, but in Unai I trust 

[eamonn]

No Bowen for them, Cresswell must be quite rusty as he had his first start of the season. No excuses for Bailey on that side.

[IFWaters]

Disappointed that Unai wants a player in, we get the player in, and he decides not to play him. Especially when Bailey has had multiple chances this season. Surely he has had enough training sessions to know how he is expected to play by now.
[/quote
Because we are competing, respecting the team and the competition being comfort-able in the system.

[Rudy Can't Fail]

No Bowen for them, Cresswell must be quite rusty as he had his first start of the season. No excuses for Bailey on that side.

Cresswell will be playing centre half. They only have Kilman as a recognised centre half. Looks like Potter is going 4-6-0.

[tomd2103]

 

Bailey. Just why…..

No real other real option maybe? It might be felt that Malen isn't quite ready to start just yet and McGinn needs to be eased back in perhaps?

[VillaTim]

Very surprised to see Bailey start again .

[dorsetvillian]

Surely Duran should have started to rest Ollie for Wed. Surprised Buendia didn't get the nod over Bailey.

[Woody17]

Bailey. Just why…..

No real other real option maybe? It might be felt that Malen isn't quite ready to start just yet and McGinn needs to be eased back in perhaps?

Maybe, but can’t see why Malen wouldn’t ’be ready’. Fitness surely wouldn’t be an issue and there’s no way he wouldn’t offer more seeing as Leon has been a complete non-entity all season (and beyond).
 In Unai we trust I guess and go on Bailey, play a blinder.

[PeterWithesShin]

Hasn't Unai tended to ease all our Jan transfers in rather than starting them in the first few weeks?

[TelfordVilla]

Can't believe Watkins, Rogers and Bailey instead of Duran, Buendia and Malan. What is the point of having a squad. It's Martin O'Neil all over again.

[Baldy]

Unai must like a Bailey before dinner?

2-0 (Watkins and Rogers)

[Demitri_C]

Can't believe Watkins, Rogers and Bailey instead of Duran, Buendia and Malan. What is the point of having a squad. It's Martin O'Neil all over again.

I think the league is more of a prority than CL now. As i think for the club its vital we get CL again.

But  its going to be very frustrating  if the teams the same Wednesday  night ans we dont win because twams knackered

[eamonn]

Hasn't Unai tended to ease all our Jan transfers in rather than starting them in the first few weeks?

Yep. Jhon still being gradually eased-in after signing in Jan 2023 

[Ian.]

Can't believe Watkins, Rogers and Bailey instead of Duran, Buendia and Malan. What is the point of having a squad. It's Martin O'Neil all over again.

Why would you take Ollie out when he’s hitting some good form? Rogers is our best player and I’d say he hasn’t quite got Malen up to speed yet.