Written by Damian Thursday, 03 December 2009 09:56
Yesterday, I allowed the excitement of getting Blackburn in the semi-finals take over for a bit and it was fun, but let's not forget they've already beaten us this season and anything can happen at this stage and while this might be a fantastic opportunity for a Wembley trip, it isn't a done deal yet.
Don't get me wrong, I'm looking at how much it's going to cost me to come over for the Wembley final, but I'm not booking anything, I am merely budgeting, which is sound financial planning. But wouldn't it be absolutely fantastic to get to Wembley? That would be progress.
But, before all that, we have Hull at Villa Park on Saturday and as one of only two teams not to win away from home all season, you've got to fancy this is three points in the bag, don't you?
Matches like this are the important ones. The teams where we are expected to get three points, we have to, more often than not, get them and basically, we haven't done that this season. We have to start doing it this Saturday because we have to play Sunderland and Stoke, both three points behind us, in December and we want to be going into those games with a little cushion, if possible.
So, what will O'Neill do? Will he play four-four-two or will he finally try something new, now that Downing, Milner and Ash look set to start?
I'm desperate for O'Neill to change formation. I think Carew needs to be dropped and used as an impact player from the bench - I've got no stats to back me up on this but he just seems to make more of an impact from the bench.
I don't want Heskey starting either. Okay, some might say a bit harsh because he has scored two goals recently, but that is only three in 25 now and actually, we need to finally look at playing in a way that incorporates our three big signings and also allows us to have two central midfielders that can tidy things up and sit in the hole.
I know some of you are probably sick to death of this formation call from me, but I really do think it important, so I will continue with it until he figures it out. But I really do think he will now although I bet he's over the moon at how Heskey has scored recently and that will justify him starting for O'Neill and if we are lucky we might see another two goals from him over the rest of the season.
Anyway, I can get carried away with certain things, but I shouldn't, as it isn't doing me any favours, but Hull have only picked up two points away from home all season and I don't want them picking up their third this weekend, so I'm going to leave it now, but will just say, with Spurs playing on Sunday and Liverpool travelling to Blackburn, there is every chance we could be 4th by 4.45pm on Saturday, but it is in our hands.
More on this match on Saturday, I'm off to punch my arms in the air. I know we've all done it recently.
Before I go, no rumours today, but you can get 11/4 on Aston Villa to win the League Cup at PaddyPower. That is a pretty good price, although yesterday it was 5/1, but I might have a cheeky fiver.
Set as favorite
Bookmark
Email this
Comments (68)
Subscribe to this comment's feed
glynnder
said:
 |
... Hopefully we'll get to the final and maybe we'll even make it 3 wins from 3 man utds at Wembley! C'mon Villa!!! oh and Hull will be fun, fingers crossed. |
Bakewell
said:
 |
... Friedel L. Young-Carlos-Dunne-Warnock Reo-Petrov Webcam-Milner-DJ Gabby This team will beat Hull if it attcks and doesn't sit too deep. |
Damian
said:
 |
... Woz_ gb i'll be in london the night before and if we get to the final, i will be publishing the name of the pub  |
Chiefy
said:
 |
... Damo - NO RUMOURS ?? how about the club have denied Pennant, FULOP from sunderland reckons we want him and we are going to hammer HULL saturday |
GL
said:
 |
... I can tell, almost for certain, that the formation will be 4-4-2 with Gabby and Heskey on top. Typical MON, and why not, we CAN play well in this formation. Hope to see Milner in the middle, and Delph getting at least 30 minutes. |
Juan Pablo Angel
said:
 |
... We're at home to Hull. 4-4-2 all the way and Heskey to start. ------------Friedel-------------- Young-King Carlos-Dunnie--Warlock -------------Stan---------------- Webcam-------Milly-----Disco Stew ---------Gabby---Bruno----------- |
Rios.Jockstrap
said:
 |
...bakewell - lovin that team Me too. Its as sexy as a tarts.......well we wont go there  I think Martin might just go with that. Lets face it, i dont think hes been to endeared with Carew since all that club stuff. Downing just gives him the option of getting rid. I like Carew, and im not having a dig here. I just think the team is progressing to how Martin sees it, and that will not include big John, and proberly a few others. Wembley is so important for that progression, since it puts us in the shop window, |
Chiefy
said:
|
... Rio - "it puts us in the shop window" you make us sound like that sexy tart you mentioned early on  |
James Collins is the ginger Paolo Cesare Maldini
said:
 |
... Perfect Bakewell!! I'd do exactly the same. Lets dominant a game from start to finish. Keep the ball a bit more, give a bit more protection to the defence with Petrov and Reo and let Milner, Downing, Young and Gabby run riot and enjoy themsleves!! |
Juan Pablo Angel
said:
|
... Chiefy, Just take him off once he's scored a hat trick and let Fonz have a run out. |
Chiefy
said:
|
... JPA -- to be honest mate would rather give Gabby a break and bring Fonz on for him and Carew for the MULE ?? |
kane
said:
 |
... i would give heskey a start bringing big john on at half time also i would take on reo after 55 mins and letting delph have a run out he need the experiance  |
Chiefy
said:
|
... Kane - "reo off*" thats one way of putting it but until we have a replacement and it not be Sidwell he will do for now |
Vainn
said:
 |
... Agree with bakewell on the team formation and startin 11 Bring on Hull! And bring on Blackburn! |
ak_27
said:
 |
... Heskey has to start. If a player plays his heart out and does well he has to be rewarded by playing the next day. Carew just doesn't seem interested so leave him on the bench. |
Juan Pablo Angel
said:
|
... If we are'nt confident enough to play a four man midfield and two strikers at home to hull then someone needs f**king.  |
Villian_Within
said:
 |
... Damo, "incorporates our three big signings"... but Curtis isn't fit yet is he?  But would like to see a bit of a change as Carew, who I am a big fan of isn't looking at all like a footballer at the moment. Go Heskey!! |
Jinksy
said:
 |
... Bakewell - Why would anyone that knows anything about football want Reo-Shite in the Villa Team? The bloke is a waste of skin. |
GGGG
said:
 |
... I think I'd rather have had Man Utd in the semi - we seem to up our game against the top four, and Blackburn are a right pain in the arse, especially with the psychological edge of having beaten us this season. But it's great to be in a semi again and if we can carry on scoring we should get on another decent run regardless of who we're playing. |
DanWilson82
said:
 |
... Blackburn are a decent team and on their day they could beat us like they proved earlier this season, but over 2 legs I think we will more than have enough for them. I still see us playing City in the final and beating them. Watching Barry sob whilst the team he played for for 10 years climbs the famous steps and collects silverware would be nice. |
Lewis Lion
said:
 |
... Lads, I am a Chelsea fan... Been lookin on blogs too see whether someone is takin the piss at us so I could have a go! But you lot have as much if not the same amount of confidence we had goin into the game. You cannot right this team off, i knew goin into pens it was just a team vs another team, don't matter if your top or not! I want you lot to win, i really do I think you ask any other fan base, apart from the other 3 finalists then their shout is Villa. Do good! |
Juan Pablo Angel
said:
|
...JPA, we should also be confident enough letting Delph play. That was for Badger if pokes his head in later. I agree Delph should get a run, but not a start. Fonz, Marc & Delph should make an appearance after 70 mins or so if we're comfortable otherwise? NO. It's not worth the risk, this is a game we need to win to get a bit of momentum going, ready for a tough xmas schedule. Go attacking in 4-4-2, put the strongest side out and smash Hull to bits right from the word go. Close down, hassle, kick and blow them away in the first half. I don't want another bloody Spurs, Burnley or Wolves game where we can't put it out of sight when we're on top and concede soft goals and almost lose. |
MerryMan
said:
 |
... If we do make it, i hope our former captain doesn't come back to haunt us. I'll also take you up on that beer, a chorus of "its your round damo, its your round" might be in order. With regards to the formation i would normally agree with haveing downing, young, and milner playing behind gabby and inter changing postions. However at home against hull, an inform and physical threat like hesky is worth having on the pitch. Playing milner next to stan in the middle and really taking the game to them. Not sure we need the extra defensive midfielder. By all accounts milner was fantastic in that central role and might help us keep possession and pass the ball more than NRC or the ginger ghost. |
Juan Pablo Angel
said:
|
...However at home against hull, an inform and physical threat like hesky is worth having on the pitch. Playing milner next to stan in the middle and really taking the game to them. Not sure we need the extra defensive midfielder. YES! |
Jinksy
said:
|
... GGGG - We seem to up our game???? When exactly was the last time we beat Man Utd? Was it 1996 1st game of the season i think it was?? If you call that upping our game you aint got a clue. If we can't beat Blackburn over 2 legs we need shooting. I can't believe someone would say i'd rather have got Man U. This is the best draw we could have got it's as if Carsburg did the draw i personally couldn't beleive our luck. |
Juan Pablo Angel
said:
|
...I'd like to see Ashley Young in the hole behind Heskey. I agree, I think he'll wait for a bit though. I'd like to see Milner settle in his new role first. We don't want to go changing everything at once. |
Badger
said:
 |
...That was for Badger if pokes his head in later. Just seen it Same applies about us beating Blackburn over two legs. It should also apply to us beating Hull too, but I'm taking nothing for granted atm, as we seem to have an amazing ability to mess things up, of late. You only have to look at Wolves' and Everton's results since we played them to confirm that not beating them was inexcusable and just not good enough,imo, no matter how we try to gloss over it. Hull are a team we should be battering, I agree, but they'll be as dogged as us and that's where we tend to struggle. It bugs me a bit as I really ought to be thinking this is a shoe-in. I agree that if we're going 4-4-2, Heskey should be given a shot, but only because carew seems well off atm. |
Juan Pablo Angel
said:
|
... This game is more important than the last few against weaker opposition. If we can put Hull to the sword then we give ourselves the best chance of getting something at Old Trafford. If the players believe they are putting a run together and building some momentum aything could happen over the xmas period. Man U, Arsenal, Stoke, Sunderland. That's a tough run in, but imagine if we were still unbeaten adn perhaps picked up eight points from twelve, we'd still be knocking around the right end of the table come jan and have a cup semi to look forward to. |
Badger
said:
|
...Man U, Arsenal, Stoke, Sunderland. That's a tough run in, but imagine if we were still unbeaten and perhaps picked up eight points from twelve, Bloody hell mate, we've only taken 7 from the last 18 against far inferior opposition. That's a bit of an ask, to say the least. The plus side is we are capable of it and you're right, that would put us in a great position. |
Chiefy
said:
|
... cause we can do it MON has got his MOJO back, EMULE is scoring, DOWNING is nearly fit, MILNER in the middle we are going to finish this season as strong as we started last season |
Juan Pablo Angel
said:
|
...we are going to finish this season as strong as we started last season You might be right. |
kane
said:
|
... all were lacking is a midfielder with flare that will change a game with one pass and also a goalscoring midfielder |
MJT
said:
 |
... damian, is there any stats from the portmouth game? be interesting to see how many passes we made. oh and i think your allowed to be a little excited, i mean it has been a while since weve been this close |
MJT
said:
|
... kane, i dont think we need a goal scoring midfielder, as all 3 of our attacking midfielder scored at portsmouth, and i believe they will carry on scoring if played in that formation again. we are missing a natural goal scorer tho, a poacher type player |
tubbydunne
said:
 |
... Heskey has to start against Hull, if you play well you retain your place simple, you can't be dropped just because you're Heskey Milner and Petrov in the middle no room for Coker or Sidwell they are not good enough. When will Collins be fit again, if he was he has to be a starter, but then you can't really drop Carlos or Dunne. Options are great. Feel sorry for Beye any time he has played he has been ok at least he will keep Young on his toes |
Jinksy
said:
|
... Boys sorry to but in but what Villa need is a Sid Cowans, someone who can put his foot on the ball & thread it through the eye of a needle. |
Peen Vageen
said:
 |
...Boys sorry to but in but what Villa need is a Sid Cowans, someone who can put his foot on the ball & thread it through the eye of a needle. Sounds like Young, Downing or Milner could grant your wish soon! |
Jinksy
said:
|
... Chiefy - It's obvious isn't it, we've got the strikers they just dont get the service & by that i mean through balls not crosses. |
Jinksy
said:
|
... Peen Vageen - Did you ever see Sid Cowans? I can asure you the 3 players you mentioned are nothing like a Sid Cowans. 2 of them are wingers (Young, Downing) the other is more like Des Bremner (Milner). I rate all 3 very highly but sorry Sid Cowans is the best Midfield player i've ever seen in a Villa shirt & i went to my 1st game in 1971 at the age of 3. |
StickyAV
said:
 |
... Great to see some positivity!!! Loving the new look team. Been so desperate to see milner in the middle. I hope we keep him playing there, I have no idea why he has played in this position all his life when you look at his work rate, vision, and ability to make time on the ball. His crossing was not that great and a lack of raw pace means he isn't a natural winger for me. Plus if you look at the types of goals he scores, he likes powerful straight shots, which are better from a more central position. Just watch his goals on youtube and you see that. I'm backing him to hit a few from there. Really excited. Lewis Lion - Thanks for the well wishes! It's nice to know that pretty much all fans, look out for villa as a team they hope to do well. It just proves to the doubters on here that MON must be doing something right! And I know it's fashionable to hate certain players. Heskey for example. But lets get of his back and give him some support. He's scored 2 recently and came very close at the weekend with a flicked head. He's getting in to the right positions and making runs off the last man, something he didn't used to do much, so maybe they are working on his goal scoring traits. UTV!!! |
Bakewell
said:
|
... Jinksy Bakewell - Why would anyone that knows anything about football want Reo-Shite in the Villa Team? The bloke is a waste of skin. I agree that Reo isn't the best there is out there but so far when he's had opportunities this season he's either played well or at least been competent (as long as he's not passing forward. To be fair passing isn't and never has been his game - a simple lay off to a player who can utilise the ball better definitely, a Beckham-like dissecting ball no). My point is he will do a job for us and then next most likely alternative is Sidwell which will mean we'll be as good as playing with 10 men. Looking at the bigger picture he is a good squad player and in time and with better quality in the squad, we'll have better options available. |
Jinksy
said:
|
... Sticky - Your spot on about Milner he's made for that role like i said above he's a Des Bremner type 150% every game. We just need our Sid Cowans. |
Jinksy
said:
|
... Bakewell - I disagree that he has played well i can't ever remember him playing let alone well??? Anyway with Petrov & Milner centre there's no place for Reo, Sidwell so that will keep me happy. Perhaps Downing could be the inside left switching wide when needed??? With Ash doing the same on the other side??? MON could well be onto something but putting Milner in the middle is just obvious to me it had to happen. Now time to get rid of the Joker Coker. |
Bakewell
said:
|
... Jinksy - didn't you see the liverpool game? Reo Coker was brilliant. Now I'm not saying I'm a massive Coker fan or anything but I would prefer him to Sidwell any day of the week & I think we may need to habve someone else in there with Petrov to help protect the back 4 and break up play which is Cokers game. An alternative could be to throw Delph in which I think would be really positive but I don't think Martin will do that. Would like to see it though. I*f we went for a 442 I'd like to see Heskey in the most advanced position (as he does for England) with Gabby playing just off him. |
Jinksy
said:
|
... Bakewell i did and he wasn't sorry mate but he played ok but because he is normally hurrendus that nigh made him look half decent. I can remember the 1st touch that was going out for a goal kick until for some strange reason Gerard decided to foul him for the penalty. Brilliant is a word that never describes Coker never has & never will. |
Bakewell
said:
|
... Maybe I've been so beaten down by the invisible displays of Sidwell that now I view Coker as ok/sometimes good/ occassionally brilliant. Like him or not he does offer more than Sidwell did in a 442. Now with Downing (almost) fit maybe that's not an issue anymore but he would be the best more defensive option in a 4-5-1. Delph being the better attacking/creative option. Either way I think MON will play a 4-4-2 against Hull that neither includes Coker or Sidwell and does include Heskey with Gabby. I'd prefer my 4-5-1 though |
Jinksy
said:
|
... Mate i agree that Sidwell isn't great but Coker isn't the answer. The answer is get Delph up to speed or get another signing in the mould of Sid Cowans. Play Ashley Young or Downing as the wide player & obviously Milner in the middle with Petrov. My Team with the squad we have at present - Guzan L Young,Cuellar, Dunne, Warnock Milner, Petrov, Downing A Young Carew, Gabby |
Bakewell
said:
|
... Jinksy, in terms of the future I think you're spot on mate but for the Hull match we need to use what we've got. I'd love MON to go down the Delph route in a 4-5-1 for Hull but don't think he will. For now Milner will provide more creativity in the midfield but at the same time isn't the long term answer to the Sid Cowans type of player. Let's hope that MON can get in a real quality midfielder in the summer (I don't think it will happen the summer). |
Jinksy
said:
|
... I agree that wont happen in Jan but this Sid Cowans type in my opinion needs to play along side Petrov & Milner but that is for the future at present i'd play my team i put above with either Heskey or Carew along side Gabby. Guzan must be in goal for me also. Have a beer for me i'm in bed with the Flu, hence being on here all day. |
cockneyvillan
said:
 |
... Looking forward to seeing this new formation & if milner and etrov work as a central two? |
Panos
said:
 |
...My Team with the squad we have at present - I like your team Jinksy, and the formation too. But with Collins fit, it will be a tough decision to make. I think he's been fantastic so far. |
Jinksy
said:
|
... Panos - i can hear what yoiu are saying but Cuellar has been our best player since Colins has been injured so has earned the shirt. Colins will have to wait for & then grab his chance. Thats what a good squad is all about mate. |
cockneyvillan
said:
|
... For me on current form id go with collins and cuellar, and giving dunne a rest too!! |
Rortyboy
said:
 |
... Damian I think you are right that formation is everything. We need something to explan the lack of consistency. But as someone who is usually a 4-5-1 fan I would like to see 4-4-2 against a team like Hull at home. MON in his brillant interview on BRMB (I think) said he wanted players who had technical skill and were confident with the ball - it was an area he identified for development. Heskey fits that mould which is why MON likes him, as does Webcam whilst Reo & Carew don't. If Heskey can link up with DJ, Webcam & Milner, and all can feed Gabby, then we won't get the constant pressure that was so painful against Spurs (a few long days ago). Carew can't hold the ball up as well as Heskey. And hopefully if Milner plays in the centre his energy might fill up the space that seems to exist when we don't put 5 across the middle. My main worry is that we flag so early in the second half. Are we not fit enough for 90 mins or is it the style of play? |
cockneyvillan
said:
|
... The formation question.. I think what we are doing and able to do at the moment is change formation & players positions during games. so what might look like a straight 4-4-2 on paper ie gabby & hesky starting... isnt because we often see gabby wide right at some point in most games, and hesky or carew then operate upfront alone. Our last game against pompey probably started as a straight 4-4-2 but when needed changed to this... -------------------------friedel---------------------- L young------------cuellar-----dunne-----------warnock ---------milner-----------petrov----------downing----- gabby------------------------------------------A young -------------------------hesky------------------------ so 4-4-2 or 4-3-3..4-5-1 We have adaptable players now who can change formations & positions during games, and thats exactly what we do!! |
PMR
said:
 |
... Hi, Yes Damien I am sick of it. Martin is the manager not you And 11/4 is not value trust me. We'll be about the same price even if we beat Blackburn. 7/1 on Hull to win at Villa park IS a massive price though. Hull are a transformed side recently and I've got a feeling that this is going to be anything but easy today. I hope we sneak 3pts but I wouldn't bet Villa at odds on today. |
Write comment
This content has been locked. You can no longer post any comments.
Latest Rumours from the Web
- Rumour time: Karl Henry and Alexander Hleb
- Craig Gardner set to leave Aston Villa for Birmingham City
- Spurs want John Carew and they are willing to offer Robbie Keane if we stump up cash too
- Transfer window is open, speculation is mounting and Craig Gardner is off
- Emile Heskey: Will he stay or will he go?
Wemberlee t-shirt
Follow Us
More Posts
- Aston Villa Academy make semi-final and Doyle and O'Hara
- Headache for Martin O'Neill equals discussion topic for Aston Villa fans
- John Carew Carew, Chelsea at Wemberlee and Mr Lerner, take more
- Aston Villa beat Reading, Carew scores three and Wemberlee
- Aston Villa at Reading, Lerner cash cow and the FA Cup
- Aston Villa travel to Reading in the FA Cup and seventh isn't the new fourth
- Aston Villa player threatens to quit and others will be leaving too
- Krulak talks, the club say thanks and Vidic isn't wrong
- Manchester United just better than Aston Villa
- Aston Villa v Manchester United: No live text, but maybe plenty of banter
Partners and Friends
Lucozade Sport on Facebook
Lucozade Sport loves Football as much as we do. They’ve been fuelling Aston Villa players for over 15 years and using this expertise to support amateur Footballers across the country. Visit their Facebook page for expert advice, video clips and Football chat. 
Login
Latest World Cup 2010 News
|
|
Get your online avatar
This blog is Gravatar friendly. That basically means, if you use Gravatar and leave a comment, as long as it's the same email address you registered at both sites, we'll show your avatar. It's a cool little site, we like it. Register here! Latest AVFC Blog Tweets
AVFC Blog
avfcblog
- follow:
- updates:2095
- followers:375
Loading...
Last 4 tweets in past 30 days from avfcblog:
People talking about '@avfcblog':
Leaving Comments
Only registered users can post comments without the need for it to be approved. Registration is free and takes two minutes so if you want your comments to show up straight away click here to register.
The Internet is Changing
