Nottingham Forest v Aston Villa Pre-Match Thread

[PaulWinch again]

Blimey Paul. Could you send me some of whatever you're on!

Ha ha it goes against character. Obviously I stand to be proven wrong, but I suspect their recent goal scoring flurry will embolden them to attack and if they do that clearly it presents some danger. However, at the same time, I think it absolutely plays into our strengths as well, if they leave space we will hurt them.

[brontebilly]

I’m really not sure about Lindelof and Torres as a c/b pairing.
I rate Lindy very much, I think he’s been absolutely superb, but that pairing doesn’t ‘feel’ strong/powerful/mobile enough.

If Woods is playing we need physicality in the back line.

And yes I know, to be worried about a journeyman like Woods seems overkill, but players like him (Welbeck etc) have a tendency to do exactly what they are on the pitch for.

They didn't give Jesus or Wood a sniff when he came on (Lindelof/Torres). Playing Mings or even Konsa in his current form sends the wrong message. We will struggle to play the ball into midfield if they are selected. Mings isn't as good at organising the defensive line as he once was either.  I fear Emery will play him, particularly if Onana is out, to give us height defending set pieces. Understand the logic but don't agree with it.

For me Tielemans form has been patchy since returning from injury, was average at Forest a few weeks ago. I'd try Tielemans at 10 instead and get Luiz back in. Let's pass these off the pitch.

[Dave]

I’m really not sure about Lindelof and Torres as a c/b pairing.
I rate Lindy very much, I think he’s been absolutely superb, but that pairing doesn’t ‘feel’ strong/powerful/mobile enough.

If Woods is playing we need physicality in the back line.

And yes I know, to be worried about a journeyman like Woods seems overkill, but players like him (Welbeck etc) have a tendency to do exactly what they are on the pitch for.

They didn't give Jesus or Wood a sniff when he came on (Lindelof/Torres). Playing Mings or even Konsa in his current form sends the wrong message. We will struggle to play the ball into midfield if they are selected. Mings isn't as good at organising the defensive line as he once was either.  I fear Emery will play him, particularly if Onana is out, to give us height defending set pieces. Understand the logic but don't agree with it.

For me Tielemans form has been patchy since returning from injury, was average at Forest a few weeks ago. I'd try Tielemans at 10 instead and get Luiz back in. Let's pass these off the pitch.

I agree with all of this.

Apart from possibly the Konsa bit, who I think is still doing broadly fine. Not to mention in a rich seam of European goalscoring form.

[brontebilly]

I’m really not sure about Lindelof and Torres as a c/b pairing.
I rate Lindy very much, I think he’s been absolutely superb, but that pairing doesn’t ‘feel’ strong/powerful/mobile enough.

If Woods is playing we need physicality in the back line.

And yes I know, to be worried about a journeyman like Woods seems overkill, but players like him (Welbeck etc) have a tendency to do exactly what they are on the pitch for.

They didn't give Jesus or Wood a sniff when he came on (Lindelof/Torres). Playing Mings or even Konsa in his current form sends the wrong message. We will struggle to play the ball into midfield if they are selected. Mings isn't as good at organising the defensive line as he once was either.  I fear Emery will play him, particularly if Onana is out, to give us height defending set pieces. Understand the logic but don't agree with it.

For me Tielemans form has been patchy since returning from injury, was average at Forest a few weeks ago. I'd try Tielemans at 10 instead and get Luiz back in. Let's pass these off the pitch.

I agree with all of this.

Apart from possibly the Konsa bit, who I think is still doing broadly fine. Not to mention in a rich seam of European goalscoring form.

Goalscoring aside, has Konsa been fine of late? Easy street games v Bologna and West Ham fine but awful v Fulham (granted still better than Torres), at fault for Sunderland's second goal and awol for their first, awful in Bologna, before that we had Chelsea, Man United, Wolves where he was hopeless too (granted in very poor team displays).

I don't think Lindelof has had a poor game at CB for us all season. Last couple of starts particularly so, Lille at home, Forest away - he was our best defender by miles. Surprised he didn't start at Fulham.

[Ads]

No one tore us a new one at their place. We should have won.

They did down our right side.

Williams could have had a hat trick but only got one.

What game were you watching?

[Dave]

I think he has been fine, because I don't think he was "awful" against Fulham or Bologna. I don't think he was "hopeless" during that bad run either.

[Jockey Randall]

A lot depends on what the situation is with Onana for me. If he's out on Thursday it will be a struggle to get back to VP at level pegging I think. Our record when we have patched up midfield is not pretty and it makes sense when you think about how much we rely on them to progress the ball. Hopefully he's back asap.

[Baldy]

No one tore us a new one at their place. We should have won.

They did down our right side.

Williams could have had a hat trick but only got one.

What game were you watching?

Evidently, WBA vs Coventry.