There really isn’t much news surrounding Aston Villa this week so let’s take a look at how Villa could potentially line up against Crystal Palace. As we know, Sherwood doesn’t like to alter his side often, we’ve seen this last season and a bit this season. But very often, when Aston Villa lose a game, Sherwood will slightly change his side. Being away I expect Sherwood to play a 4-3-3 again. In defence, I expect no real changes, despite the fact I reckon that Hutton is better than Bacuna at right-back. We will be seeing Bacuna play at right back against Crystal Palace. I expect for that to remain until Villa’s League Cup game against Notts County. Whilst Richards, Clark, Amavi and Guzan have all done very well for Villa so far.
In midfield we might see some changes. The key news is the recent arrival of Traore and the return of both Grealish and Gil to the first team side. As stated previously I expect Grealish to start, with Traore and/or Gil coming off the bench, with Traore being more likely to make a substitute appearance. The midfield trio will most likely consist of Veretout, Westwood and Gana. However if I was manager I’d put Sanchez in the middle of midfield with Westwood and Gana either side of Sanchez. Being away I think it would benefit the Villa midfield to have more of a defensive midfielder in the middle. Veretout will need time to adapt and will be better suited to play against Notts County. The game against Crystal Palace is a game where we can pick up 3 points and playing more experience in midfield will benefit us more. As things stand I feel as though Sanchez offers more to Villa’s midfield than Veretout. Plus Veretout was brought in primarily for more creativity, which can be replaced by Grealish.
The Villa front 3 needs to be changed. Agbonlahor has been heavily criticised in recent weeks and should be benched, it just doesn’t make sense to not start a forward who has scored a goal for Villa and playing less than 90 minutes of football. Gestede will (and should) start up front against Crystal Palace. Once their defenders get tired, Agbonlahor can come off the bench and hopefully make a greater impact. The dilemma lies in the wingers. Sinclair, Grealish and Agbonlahor can all play out wide on the left. I thought Sinclair played well out wide and should keep his place, but would Sherwood really deny Grealish a starting spot? Perhaps playing Grealish in behind Gestede would make greater sense? Jordan Ayew is in contention to start out wide on the right, but he is in a similar situation as Veretout. He’d benefit from starting against a lower league opposition and allow more experienced player to play against Crystal Palace.
Guzan
Bacuna-Richards-Clark-Amavi
Sanchez
Westwood-Gana
Grealish———Sinclair
Gestede
That looks like a team that could snatch 3 points off of Crystal Palace. If substitutions are needed, Traore and Agbonlahor should come on during the game to add more attacking threat, especially in the case if Villa are a goal down to Crystal Palace. Whilst Veretout could also come on the pitch to add more stability should Villa need it.
Is Kozak fit? He had a good preseason, seems strange we haven’t given him some game time to see what he’s got?
Looking forward to seeing Grealish back, not sure Sherwood thinks Traore or Gil are fit enough just yet, sadly.
This week, Gabby has talked about a “dream” partnership with Gestede while Richards has also been talking about Gabby’s role as club captain, so it doesn’t really seem like he’ll be benched, does it?
Not sure if it’s been mentioned on here, but in Ireland there’s this yearly competition (that none of us here really care for) called the Rose of Tralee. Well, this year one girl was up on stage, not sure where’s she’s from, and she claimed to be a Villa supporter. Saying that’s she’s been to 200-odd games to roar the lads on. So what happens next? They bring the FA Cup on stage for her, cool right? But then there’s a message from Bacuna, also. So Daithi, the host, says he has no clue who the player was. He asks the girl and would you believe it? She couldn’t name the player either, claiming she was too shocked to say anything?! It was very awkward to watch, mind you..
That’s a lot of lippy to check through 200 odd games then lol !
ifiruledtheworld, i had to dig it out, got it on you tube, akward as
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2O-s7Yo3cH8
And ironically, he has signed a new contract! I’m actually pretty happy he has, think he’s improved in the right back area with every game.
Really pleased to see him sign up. I think he is underrated. He isn’t a natural full back but I cant remember him having a bad game there. Hope he gets a good run this year.
Also it’s another positive sign , not just a young player committing to the club. But also the club showing faith and stumping up for a long term contract. Bacuna, Clark, baker, westy, all on 5 year deals. Could add up to £25m+ in wages. Add that to the contracts for the 10 new boys and that’s not the sign of an owner about to sell up soon.
Bacuna is also necessary as our scoring-range free-kick expert. There isn’t another at the club, though Gil might prove me wrong when he gets selected. Mind You Bacuna needs to practice his efforts.
I would like to see Kozak play, he is just the sort of player the impetuous Palace team would bundle over for a penalty.
Gabby chose the right words: “dream partnership”. In his dreams he always anticipates the header on, stays on side, bursts past the defenders with pace, gives the goal keeper the eyes, waits for the dive and chips the ball over him into the gaping goal. Then he runs to hug Carew, Heskey, Bent, Benteke, Gestede for the assist.
With his eyes open he never had an effing clue where the ball would go from the flick on, started too late to catch it most of the time, and when he did collect the pass he either hit the keeper or row Z.