After the humiliating defeat to Liverpool over the weekend, Remi Garde has hinted that he would select a starting 11 of players that actually want to be on the pitch. But is that even possible? Villa have a lot of injuries, Agbonlahor remains Villa’s only fit/available forward. So what does leave Garde? Well the youth academy is a good starting place, in the past the likes of Bannan, Albrighton, Lichaj, Grealish, Agbonlahor and Barry all came through the academy and all put in a good shift. But recently, this doesn’t seem to be happening. Jordan Lyden is the only Villa youth player that has been consistently on the bench, and even starting a few cup games. If there is anyone who should be given a chance, it’s Lyden.
Guzan could be brought back in, Bunn did ok for the first few games, but it was clear all along that he doesn’t have the ability to be a Premier League keeper. The defence could get a shake up, with Hutton coming back into right-back, Clark and Okore could try and re-capture their great defensive partnership again, and Cissokho should retain left-back because let’s face it, Richardson shouldn’t be playing there.
The midfield needs a shake up Bacuna has been poor, really poor recently. And I feel as though only Veretout and Gueye should stay in midfield and should be joined by Lyden. Agbonlahor would lead the attack, with Sinclair/Grealish and Gil supporting Agbonlahor. Ideally, I’d like to see Traore back and in the first team, since he has a drive and can make an impact. But it’s unknown when Traore will be match fit again.
In short, Garde wants to change the team up, but I’m afraid that this is difficult to achieve. I do feel for Garde, he has tried his best, but the board weren’t behind him in January and he is contemplating his position at the club, whether or not this is the best news for Villa remains to be seen.
