Intimations of autumn are in the air; the days are shortening and shadows lengthening, the sun traces a lower orbit, and the mornings and evenings, at least, are crisp. Sightings of leaves changing color have been reported, but I’ve yet to witness one. I’m being reminded to fertilize the lawn.
All of which naturally conjure up visions of Swansea. Yes. Swansea. The earliest of a number of must-win games.
Is it really a must-win? I hear protestations: I’m jumping the gun, putting undue pressure on the squad, panicking even. I understand. I don’t like calling anything a must-win unless it really is. Like a relegation six-pointer.
But seeing as Villa have played three, chalked up a point to climb out of the relegation zone, sit 17th, and have a recently promoted side at home, most of us, even if we won’t admit it, think this is a must-win of sorts. Because we do need a win under our belts, or elastic waistbands—our first EPL triumph under Paul Lambert. We want to establish some sense of winning ways.
So. How do we go about winning? Your guess is as good as mine. It’s really quite an interesting set of selection conundrums for Lambert in light of the as-yet unseen deadline-day darlings.
Since we’re at home, my guess is a 4-4-2. One that probably features Gabriel Agbonlahor up front with Darrent Bent since Gabby had an energetic run-out against the Toon and seems to be no worse for wear. More significant, I think, is that he offers more strength, pace, experience, and overall coverage than Andreas Weimann.
No Benteke? I’m thinking, yes, but I would imagine as a substitute, the exact timing of which depends on what Bent and Gabby do or don’t do factored in with what Swansea do or don’t do. But I’m guessing Gabby gets a chance to make his case in the first 45.
What about Joe Bennett? More likely to see him start, based on the fact Lambert hasn’t been shy about putting his signings out from the off. Doesn’t this contradict the Gabby logic? Yes it does. It’s just a feeling.
Bu that’s not to say Lichaj doesn’t, understandably, get another start. I’m doubting it would be Stevens starting ahead of Bennett. I’m just not sure we sign Bennett if Lambert was planning on Lichaj being a starter at LB given the various links throughout the summer.
Ashley Westwood? If El Ahmadi is declared fit, I don’t see him claiming a starting place from the off. And more likely not if KEA isn’t fit, simply due to needing someone more familiar with the side and the EPL to anchor proceedings with Villa likely looking for three points. I’d like Ireland up top in a four-man midfield with Charles N’Zogbia and Bret Holman flanking him, and KEA doing the job he’s been doing very well.
Why? Because I like to have a settled base formation, and I think these players need more time together. If we end up playing more of a 4-2-3-1, I can see Westwood getting a run-out alongside KEA.
Guzan, Lowton, Vlaar, Clark, Lichaj, KEA, CNZ, Holman, Ireland, Gabby and Bent. That’s not my ideal team, you know I want our new Drogba banging them in the first half against the Swans, but this is what I’m guessing we’ll see.
Naturally, the gaffer will contradict me.
What’s your starting XI?
Bits and Bobs
Ah, muckraking…I’m not going to mention the Benteke rubbish other than to say it’s a waste of time.
Perhaps more interesting is the flag-banning that took place, which seems to have some up in arms, “PR disasters” and the like being bandied about.
Am I fussed? No. Never mind the flag isn’t blocking my view. As a longtime attendee of all sorts of sporting events, I understand that people who pay money might get upset when their view is obstructed. I’ve been behind a few golf umbrellas and the like wielded by weak-kneed patrons in the face of a bit of intermittent rain.
I’ve also been annoyed when everyone and their uncle is sitting down for a moment, but I have to keep standing under a hot afternoon sun for three hours because the four people in front of me insist on standing.
Public spaces are about atmosphere, yes. And accommodation. If the club have been clumsy, it’s simply down to recognizing the fact that people pay money to watch the football.
You might think this is a rather belated revelation for the Villa front office. But it is a recognition that money is being spent, and the spectacle they’re paying for is on the pitch.
I support the banner’s sentiment unreservedly…I just know that more than 30 seconds of having my view blocked would annoy me. Because, just like dodgy Internet streams, those 30 seconds of interrupted action are when Villa are sure to score.
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