After a rare but very pleasant weekend off work, with excellent weather, I have to admit I’d almost forgotten about this game.
Which is quite sad really, as it yet again demonstrates how little this cup means compared to being in the Premier league nowadays. The prize money for winning is only £100,000, after all and it’s not even a weeks wages to some players. There is a Europa cup place at stake though, so it still holds some importance.
The devaluing of the cup is even more demonstrated when the top teams treat the competition with contempt by playing almost fully changed up sides.
As much as I dislike this practice generally, there’s no doubt we’ll be doing the same and in fairness to the Villa, this time I think we’ll have very valid reasons for doing it, as there are players who haven’t featured yet and it’ll be a good oportunity to see how they integrate.
Which makes me wonder who will start?
Will Jed Steer start, for example? To my mind goalies don’t need a rest, but many of us feel that Steer has been a bit hard done by and it’s probably only fair that he will start.
Surely Targett will get his first game, as while Taylor hasn’t done much wrong, we all know he’s very limited going forward and surely Dean Smith will want to get at Crewe tonight?
I’d imagine Engels keeps his place, but Mings will probably be rested after his groin twinge, which needed a painkilling jab before the Everton game. Which should prove an opportunity for Ezri Konsa to start, although there might be a case for Hause too.
I’d keep Guilbert in the side to help him get fully up to match fitness, but given that it’s pretty obvious he’s going to replace Elmohamady over this season, Smith might feel he owes the Egyptian.
The midfield offers even more options.
Luiz did okay on Friday and I’d expect he’ll start, but everywhere else is open. It wouldn’t suprise me if Grealish and McGinn are rested, which leaves room for Hourihane and possibly Lansbury, who if he doesn’t get a game means he’s finished at the Villa, for whatever reason.
Then it’s a choice of of Jota, El Ghazi and Trezuguet as the wide players. I’d expect all to feature at some time.
And finally, Davis gets a start, as we don’t want to burn Wesley out, do we? although he might be chomping at the bit after getting off the mark on Saturday. No, we definitely can’t risk him playing more than a few minutes, given our lack of options up front.
The keen-eyed among you will have noticed I haven’t mentioned Nakamba. If I recall correctly, Dean Smith said recently that he’s not match fit yet, so I doubt he’ll feature, but guess he might get a few minutes.
While I think I’ve seen someone at Crewe talking about a shock win, in a headline somewhere, I can’t help but feel that whoever we put out should have enough to beat the railwaymen quite comfortably.
I’m going for a 3-1 win.
Comments
57 responses to “Crewe – Villa; Should be a win?”
Your not on your own Badger, didn’t know myself till you said., I’d like to see some of the other lads play tonight at 7. 45 ko . Steer needs to play as it must be heart breaking sitting it out week after week and he did no wrong. As you say this cup has no meaning only the winner will benefit in the long run.
I’ve been thinking about whether or not a long cup run would be a good or bad thing.
One good thing about it is giving players some match time who we know will figure in the team at some point due to suspensions or injuries. So tonight I’d agree that players like Steer, Hourihane, Lansbury, Davies, Elmo, Konsa and Hause should start. Also Targett but I wonder about him as I’d expected him to move into the first eleven just as Guilbert has recently done.
Anyway the ideal situation might be to do okay in the cup competitions and then get knocked out by someone reasonable while fielding our second eleven. I feel that the Prem is going to be hard enough this first season back without piling on extra fixtures.
A trip to Wembley is nice but the pre-season fixture list with us playing the likes of Man City, Liverpool etc is so much nicer.
Chance to rest some players and a chance to integrate some players and give them match time. We should still aim on winning though.
Reports that Marvelous will play; marvellous 🙂
I could see JG and the Ginniesta being on the bench. Jota needs more match fitness and I agree that Davis could start and you would think Steer will start; if so it’ll be interesting to see who’s on the bench with reports that Kalinic is moving on. Otherwise I don’t really have a clue 🙂
No chance of a stream for this one and I genuinely don’t have an old fashioned radio in the house to listen to it on WM (it’s not available online).
Hence I’ve subscribed to AVTV for their commentary.
If they have problems I’ll be fuming.
It’s on Bein 5 7.40pm…
VILLA: Steer, Elmohamady, Konsa, Hause, Targett, Nakamba, Hourihane, Lansbury, Jota, Davis, El Ghazi
SUBS: Nyland, Douglas Luiz, Grealish, Guilbert, Tshibola, Ramsey, Archer.
Tshibola as sub?
I thought he’d gone?
Kodjia not being in the squad is interesting, although I did hear he has an ankle problem.
All in all, 10 changes from the last game, but we can probably justify most of them, as they have previously featured this season.
Oh, yes Hitch.
You’d expect that Kalinic will be gone.
Bill, cheers.
And it seems Konsa has scored!
1-0
Konsa
I thought Mahanadi, never mind.
Shut Elomahamady Elmohamady shit Fred did.
They scored but off side they should be winning.
Shit Crewe net, but it’s ruled off.
Very open game.
Crewe get cut to pieces, by being too open and Hourihane scores.
2-0
2
Davis shoots from range, but it’s well over.
I don’t think Hourhane wants to be their. His body language telling me.
Only frustration, I’d say Bill.
Targett struggling with a left leg problem.
He’s being subbed for Guilbert.
Just reported on Sky – that’s a blow. Hope it’s not serious.
Target t down again , think his not going to make it into the first side. He’s off now Gilbert on.
3 now
Hourihane again 0-3
I’ve lost the stream, but Guilbert sounds very decent.
Hourihane scores again, after a nice ball in from the left.
3-0 and another El Ghazi assist, after he assisted Hourihane’s first too.
HT 3-0.
And seemingly the quality is showing out.
Hourihane making a statement but how do you include him as his best game is as an attacking mid!
Believe me there right, Crewe are the better side and losing, just hit the post, and a yellow card to Langsbury., the only learning from this game is keep the side you’ve got because nothing to show here.
Gary Rowett reporting on game says ‘Crewe looking decent in between the goals but Villa just look so dangerous in the final third’.
Probably a fair assessment Hitch, from what I’ve seen.
As for Hourihane, it’s a puzzler.
Very decent going forward against Championship level and below, but needs to prove it in the Prem.
Personally, I’m not convinced he has the all-round game that’s required, but hopefully he’s getting better.
Ken McNaught is the co- commentator.
One of the best defenders I’ve ever seen, alongside Alan Evans, of course.
Crewe shoot again, but Steer’s up to the job yet again too.
As it stands, Crewe shouldn’t feel disgraced.
And another good chance missed by Crewe.
It’s the quality of finishing.