I think the two main issues we’re all thinking about are which team Dean Smith will pick and how he’s going to set them up against a very decent footballing side, in Swansea.
The first part is anyone’s guess, as we have a wealth of options in the middle and up front. The defence is another question, but I’d think the manager won’t be going with Jedinak in the centre, as he’ll surely be massively aware of how we’ve complained about the Aussie in that position.
Chester and Tuanzebe makes most sense,then.
Otherwise, I’m not convinced Smith will change much around, as he won’t have seen much or had time to work with a lot of the squad, because of international duties.
I think he’ll be more interested in seeing how players take his instructions on board, mostly, but even so, there’s still a myriad of choices. What we can be sure of, is that there won’t be any favouritism.
And it’s those instructions that will prove most interesting. Smith will have seen videos of us and he’s probably spotted a few problems, with our main one being a lack of intensity and pace.
Whoever gets picked, they’ll be playing for their shirts and I do expect a performance from them, especially when buoyed by a massive home crowd. But it’s that frailty in the defence that worries me.
Does that mean Smith will go all out attack to counter this? It’s a nice thought, but one that could see us punished, hence I don’t see it.
Without doubt, the manager will have had plenty of food for thought and I’m not going to try and guess the side or even our formation.
Which makes my prediction a pure guess.
Villa to win, 2-1, mainly because of our home advantage.
I really hope so anyway, as we need a result.
Interesting team selection. Players in more preferred positions. Unsure why Elmo is in instead of Bolasie but overall can’t really fault it.
Goal Abraham
I’m listening via the avfc site as video won’t work.
Sounds encouraging, with Mcginn winning the ball and jack looking to create.
Should be about 3-1 up, but the swans seem to be getting back into it.
Halftime Villa 1-0. From what I’m seeing Smith has given them freedom to attack, could have been 3 in the first half. Gealish been given some stick but Villa are pressing Swansea well.utv.
Cant see that much improvement YET …early days though.
Have to see how DS changes / freshens it up.
Everyone saying its a great improvement and should be 3 up……no more than a Bruce team could have been in the past.
Mr Grumpy …News at Ten…In the cave…lol
Haven’t seen the game as I’m abroad but it looks from the live text as if we rode our luck a bit.
Still a win is a win and if Smith turns out to be a lucky manager I for one won’t argue.
UTV
Yes good to get a win……DS has not had any time to have an influence on them yet…..something to build on though.
From the little I saw in the 2nd half it was just like the old regime just booting it up field…..
Clean sheet, 3 points, confidence boost and a bit of feel good factor to build momentum whilst Smith asserts his style on the team. Good day and i can sit back and enjoy my weekend which hasnt been done for about 8 weeks!