Martin O'Neill is preparing us for a change of formation on Sunday. I don't know this for sure, but he is today talking about formation and basically telling us it's the players and not the formation that wins you matches.

Now, I'm not saying he is preparing his excuse, but I think he is preparing us for a change and what he is saying isn't entirely wrong, it is about players. However, if he played the eleven players that lined up for Darlington against Lincoln and put them out in a 4-4-2 then I fancy they'd lose but they might not lose by as many if he played ten men behind the ball.

We all know and accept it is about players but it is also about how best to play those players and it is why Barcelona can play 4-3-3, because they have the quality throughout the squad that allows them to usually score more goals than the opposition and why I believe 4-5-1 is the best formation for us.

Regular visitors will now formation is a big thing for me. I'm not going to say it is why we beat Liverpool or Fulham but I will put it down as a factor. It maybe also isn't the only reason why we had such a good run last season until we reverted back to 4-4-2 when we signed Heskey, but again, I will say I think it was a factor.

Ironically, the last time we played Birmingham City, we played 4-4-2 and scored five goals, but I think they are better this time and I think while it might be a mistake to change around a formation that has got us six points from a possible nine in the league, if that is what Martin O'Neill decides to do, then that is what he decides.

Martin O'Neill
People can get carried away with formations. In this day and age, everyone seems to have a view, more so than ever before, with phone-ins and the internet.The truth is eventually winning football matches boils down to players. Of course you go out with a strategy and a plan and you set off with a formation.

But the teams who are able to be flexible and change their tactics will be successful.Every result in football is not based on your formation. If a team wins one week with a formation and loses the next with a different one, it doesn't automatically follow that the formation change was the reason. It might be to do with the opposition being better on the day.

In my opinion, if you have talent and discipline in your team, you will go a long way.

I am not saying he is wrong, but he wasn't aware that other teams were playing so many more players than us until he went to a managers meeting recently so maybe he doesn't know that we had a very good run playing 4-5-1 and it all started to go sour when we went back to 4-4-2 last season. You just don't know.

Anyway, it is a big match and one that I fancy will be won by the team that wants it more on Sunday, but if that team also plays to the strengths of the players in the team I think it might also be a factor.

I know there will be a split on this. Some will agree 4-5-1 or call it 4-3-3 when attacking is the best for us and some will also say that 4-4-2 is the best, but at the end of the day, or the end of this season anyway, we will only know for sure after we have looked at all the results, but if we were to use results from this season, it is pretty clear that 4-5-1 is the best way for us.

Much like Martin O'Neill, this is just my opinion and I hope he doesn't change it, if only for continuity, because I still fancy we will win on Sunday, because we are just the superior team. But if he changes it and we lose, then some, maybe even me, might point to the change of formation and the break in continuity as the reason.

Comments (88)

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Michael panizza said:

... If it ain't broken Martin..and as long as Heskey stays on the bench: couldn't hit a cow's arse with a banjo, see last night's game.

Comment 1, made on September 10, 2009 at 10.44 am

Adrian Kilgallon said:

... Damien i think MON will continue to try to go back to 442 due to one factor. He has 3 strikers to pick from and none will be happy to sit on the bench for too long. Heskey and Gabby will be looking to secure a trip to SA next summer and John Carew would also consider himself as a starter so how does he try and keep all 3 happy enough by playing only one man up front? This is my take on this at any rate.

Comment 2, made on September 10, 2009 at 10.45 am

Nick said:

... Anyone read Andy Gray's article about the Blues Villa derby in today's shortlist mag, It's a good read and really got me up for the game on Sunday. UTV

Comment 3, made on September 10, 2009 at 10.46 am

Rattus NorVillicus said:

... Martin O'Neill cleary reads this blog and I should take his words as a personal put down if I were you Damian. That aside, I have known for some time and stated on several occasions that MON will revert to 4-4-2 on Sunday and play Heskey. I can't tell you how I've known this other than an unerring belief in the stubborness of MON We shall see

Comment 4, made on September 10, 2009 at 10.50 am

stuper said:

... Villa will be relegated if you are the manager. Glad you are just running a blog !

Comment 5, made on September 10, 2009 at 11.01 am

Damian said:

... stuper and monkeys would rule the earth if you were a scientist

Comment 6, made on September 10, 2009 at 11.03 am

Billy7 said:

... I prefer us to play 4-5-1, we have the wingers and the battling attributes equired in the middle. when we play 4-4-2, we are rubbish, I dont know why but we're all over the place, Their team sit deep so we cant use our pace over the top. If we do go back to 4-4-2 we must learn to pass and move instead of hitting it up to the target man to flick on to Gabby. Strange but we're more entertaining with 4-5-1 IMO

Comment 7, made on September 10, 2009 at 11.04 am

Damian said:

... ak_27 i hope you are not suggesting that the manager will feel pressured into playing that formation just to keep players happy

Comment 8, made on September 10, 2009 at 11.05 am

sterms said:

... right on the nail AK_27, but who knows what goes on in MON world? He will dogedly stick with an off form striker (Gabby-2nd half of last season) while leaving a regular goal scorer (Carew) on the bench

Comment 9, made on September 10, 2009 at 11.06 am

adam said:

... i think against the lesser teams 442 will work but the second half of last season showed us 451 is definetely the way forward

Comment 10, made on September 10, 2009 at 11.07 am

Mike Carter said:

... Martin O'Neill blatantly reads this blog, Damian. Blatantly. That comment he made was aimed at you, me, and everybody else on here who has voiced an opinion on tactics in recent times. I just know it. So if you're reading Martin, thanks for the card you signed for my wedding day. It's my most prized possession and I have it framed on the wall in my house. For that reason, you can't leave Villa. Ever.

Comment 11, made on September 10, 2009 at 11.07 am

Damian said:

... b30 villain you are right. look at the rapid vienna match as a prime example, although we were fortunate they didn't score another one or two vivavilla we have banged the drum and i know people at the club read the site but i'm not sure o'neill and this isn't a pop, just an observation, spends to much time with a computer or even knows what excel is. he just comes across as 'old school' - but that is just my opinion

Comment 12, made on September 10, 2009 at 11.09 am

Simon said:

... Got to be 4-5-1 with Gabby on right, jimmy on left and Carew up front. Usual middle 3 and same back 4 except Dunne for sicknote. Rest ash (sub) and depending on score after 70-min, bring on the Hare

Comment 13, made on September 10, 2009 at 11.11 am

VillaDude said:

... confidence. MON loves Emule, and will want him in the starting lineup on Sunday, Emule has recently said he hasn't settled at Villa and is struggling... It will be a huge gamble, and if we lose - it will upset a lot of people.

Comment 14, made on September 10, 2009 at 11.11 am

Adrian Kilgallon said:

... Damien im not sure pressured is the right word but i do think MON will look at his bench with Carew and Heskey sitting there and think to himself i really should have another one of these guys on the pitch. Im not saying this is right(even though i don't buy into the 451 100% yet) i just think this is how MON will look at the situation. I think he is probably trying to formulate a working(sucessful) formation that will enable him to have 2 strikers on the pitch at the same time. Especially againest NON top 4/5 clubs in the league.

Comment 15, made on September 10, 2009 at 11.17 am

adam said:

... i can just see whats gonna happen if he goes back to 442 and we dont win. The MON out brigade will be loving it on here again. I dont think the scum will beat us whatever formation we play butwhy change a formation thats got us 5 goals against 2 decent teams. it would be madness

Comment 16, made on September 10, 2009 at 11.22 am

Mark said:

... I would say that was a strong reference to this site, albeit indirectly. Nice to get some fame Damian? I watch football once/twice a week, I have no career in it nor do I get involved in it 24/7. I sometimes play 5 a side, thats it really. MON is a full time professional with a good history. If he wants to change formation, then it is his call. He knows best!

Comment 17, made on September 10, 2009 at 11.23 am

Damian said:

... ak_27 maybe you are right and i can see what you are saying but only one person can score a goal. i know that is a simplied look at things and you can say we would have more chances to score with another striker but i dont think the stats would back that up the irony is, i think carew is our best out and out attacker on the pitch but i dont think we have the quality to be playing 442 and if i had to pick a player to play in 451 it would be gabby because of his pace and energy. although saying that i dont see an issue with starting carew in that position either, i just think in that specific formation, gabby is the man .. by a hair

Comment 18, made on September 10, 2009 at 11.23 am

adam said:

... i agree damo and the fact gabbys a local lad hes gonna be right up for the game methinks

Comment 19, made on September 10, 2009 at 11.26 am

Damian said:

... BrooksterMax You are spot on but there is a flip side to that. He also gets paid an enormous amount of money in a results orientated business. If he buggers it up, he should also take the stick that comes with it. I tell you what, I'd love to play football every day and I'd do it for a fraction of what some of the players get these days but management - it's a pressure can and it is very easy for me to look up stats and bang the drum for 451.

Comment 20, made on September 10, 2009 at 11.27 am

DaveS said:

... I don't think O'Neill will pick Heskey. I think he will stick with 451. I think when he uses 442 it will be against weaker teams. Lets face it, most of us would have put Wigan in that bracket, but they were on top form in that game(look at them now) and we played poorly. I think O'Neill is saying that our good results aren't just because we played 451. The big issue here is that Milner and Young hug the touchline leaving an awful lot of space for 2 other midfielders to cover. 3 men there stop us getting overrun like we did when Wigan just played around the 2 men there

Comment 21, made on September 10, 2009 at 11.28 am

Adrian Kilgallon said:

... Damien we do seem to far more effective with the 451 formation that is for sure and i think we should start againest the blues with the same team with Dunne in instead of Clarke. But i wouldn't be one bit surprised if we don't. I still think we play 451 to counter act limitations in the team and at home i think that formation with Gabby as its spear point will be found out againest teams that just sit back and give him no space to run into. One thing for certain the next day is the first goal is vital. That is why i wouldn't give them an edge in the centre and would play 5 in there to start with.

Comment 22, made on September 10, 2009 at 11.30 am

4-5-1 FFS!!! said:

... FFS...why change the formation?!?! We were dire against an average Wigan team due to us giving them too much space in midfield and they ran us ragged. We then revert to 5 across the midfield with 3 hard working, battling centre midfielders and we win 2 on the trot, quite easily, against 2 very good teams. You do the math!?!?! If it means a big name has to be dropped, so be it! Gabby won't be fit all of the time and will probably lose form at some point, so Carew and Heskey will have their chance to prove their worth and keep their places. After all he wanted a squad to compete for places and we now have that. If Carew and Heskey don't want to battle for their places in the team and want a guarenteed start, then Villa isn't the place for them. We want hungry players who will do everything possible to get in and then stay in the team. I will be gutted if we play 4-4-2 on Sunday, and really do believe we will struggle to win the game if he reverts to that. These comments from MON have really wound me up!!

Comment 23, made on September 10, 2009 at 11.31 am

Damian said:

... ak_27 I just think, mostly because of the pace and energy (youth maybe) we have in the team that we are better equipped to play this way and it also helps out our back line (nobody can deny this, it's a numbers thing) but also our width and options when we do get the ball is literally from left to right and Gabby is working the channels .. it just feels better for me. 442 is a different game and when we have played it, we seem to forget about the midfield and try to hit long .. might be completely different on sunday and we might play 442 and win 6-1 but i just think, with what we have or what o'neill has, the best, safest and most effective way is 451 but like he says, it all changes in the game. the mentality is however that you are getting 10 men back as opposed to 9 and you've got an extra or equal men in the middle and you are not getting potentially overrun

Comment 24, made on September 10, 2009 at 11.38 am

keith said:

... all this debate about formation is because we do not have a creative midfielder, but if we did would throw up other problems. usually this type of player is not a tackler, and using him it would be sensible to have 2 strikers therefore 4 4 2 but as he only comes into play in attack it would be 4 3 2. playing 4 5 1 suggests our defense has not been good enough but if dunne turns out to be the new god then dj can become our creative midfielder and bingo certain top 4 with carew and gabby up front

Comment 25, made on September 10, 2009 at 11.42 am

jk92923 said:

... formation chatter bores me....bring back the transfer window!!

Comment 26, made on September 10, 2009 at 11.43 am

Adrian Kilgallon said:

... Damian it might work better once we have Sidwell out of the team. He really offers very little in there to be honest. The sooner Delph can make the step up the better. Hopefully also with Warnock and Young playing on his favoured side we will become better in possession and maybe the 451 formation will win me over then. I just felt that we were really lucky in many of the wins in that formation last year. What really annoys me is when our CM is still being beaten by the oppossitions maidfield with an extra man in there. That was the case at Everton, West Ham and even Hull away last season even though we went on to win the games. Hopefully NRC can continue his form and like i said the addition of Delphs footballing qualitys may add that bit of guile we lack at the moment.

Comment 27, made on September 10, 2009 at 11.48 am

Damian said:

... ak_27 but maybe, playing 451, we, to coin a phrase, make our own luck

Comment 28, made on September 10, 2009 at 11.56 am

Stathis said:

... Have the scum fans gone extinct? we dont get any around here these days, *sad*

Comment 29, made on September 10, 2009 at 12.00 pm

Frank said:

... Well you cannot possibly discuss tactics with no reference whatsoever to the opposition. This is ridiculous! If you look at how Birmingham are likely to set up then there is ground to justify a switch to 4-4-2 or a 4-4-1-1 depending on the personnel we deploy. They will set up in 2 banks of 4 across the middle of the park. If we play a centre 3 of Sidwell, NRC & Petrov we could be playing directly in to their hands given the type of players they have and the lack of creativity in their midfield. The last thing we want to do is let the game descend into a scrap when we have the players to play these lot off the park. I think a 4-4-1-1 with Sidwell dropped for Carew is a good option but I do think MON is an expert with Derby games so I will sit back safe in the knowledge that his decisions will be a lot better than anything I can come up with banging away at this keyboard. Roll on Sunday…..Villa…Villa…Villa!

Comment 30, made on September 10, 2009 at 12.00 pm

Adrian Kilgallon said:

... No Damien when the opposition miss easy chances and hit the post, and then we score with freak deflections that is not making your own luck, that is just being lucky which will even itself out over the season (as it did at the end of the season). I would much rather be in control by being the better team and controlling the game. Long term that will lead to more points and more sucess.

Comment 31, made on September 10, 2009 at 12.02 pm

Damian said:

... Vainn There were a few yesterday but most didn't get anything published as you need to be logged in now to leave unmoderated comments.

Comment 32, made on September 10, 2009 at 12.02 pm

Adrian Kilgallon said:

... Frank im inclined to agree. But then also MON could also say i don't want to give them any advantage in the centre of the park so may just over load the midfield to stop them gaining any momentum. They are at home so it should be up to them to come at us and that hopefully would play into our hands. Then again McLeash will know this too so i can this game just being a war in the centre of the park to be honest as he will not want to push on too much to give us any space to break into. A lot depends on how the blues approach the game. Would they be hapy with a point from the start or do they really want all 3.

Comment 33, made on September 10, 2009 at 12.09 pm

Damian said:

... ak_27 i fancy they'd be happy with a point but they might come out looking for more, which i think will ultimately where we win the game

Comment 34, made on September 10, 2009 at 12.11 pm

Adrian Kilgallon said:

... Yeah Damien thats what i think too. As long as we don't conceed an early goal and the home crowd hopefully drive their team on for a winner that could really play into Gabbys and Ashs hands to catch them on the break.

Comment 35, made on September 10, 2009 at 12.15 pm

Dave J said:

... We don't have enough creativity in the middle of the pitch at the moment to play 4-4-2 against the best teams IMHO. So I think we'll see some sort of "Horses for Courses" when MON selects the teams this year - and rightly so. Also looks like Heskey tweaked his hamstring last night and is a doubt for Sunday.

Comment 36, made on September 10, 2009 at 12.15 pm

paul mclafferty said:

... it appears heskey got injured last night so is a doubt for sunday, so if he is a doubt then i really cant see mon changing tactics for this game especially as 4-5-1 is his prefered away formation.

Comment 37, made on September 10, 2009 at 12.19 pm

Andi said:

... Heskey is injured and a doubt for Sunday, few ! I can see the point in Heskey and i see what he brings to the England squad but he only does that because the England squad is full of goals and has goal scorers all around him. I do feel for him as he is a nice bloke, but at club level he cant do a job as good as big john. Now on to Sunday i reckon its going to be close but we will win maybe by one or two goals, delph will thrust his way into crowd favourite with a beauty and Dunne will score from a corner and kick the noses around a bit making him a favourite instantly. Its going to be a cracker Sunday but i cant see anything other than a villa win

Comment 38, made on September 10, 2009 at 12.24 pm

gareth horton said:

... i hope heskey gets injured for the whole season not because i hate the guy that much but because if this was to happen mon would stick to 451 as there is no chance he would play marlon and as a result couldnt risk playin gabby and carew together in case 1 got injured but if he does revert back to 442 on sunday the word stubborn can not be used to describe this man as it would be pure self absorbed arrogance continuing to play a system that no longer is effective for us but i will give mon 1 thing that he is right that it is down to players that win matches not formations but thats the point we dont have the players to make 442 work with the tactics mon employs with jimmy and ash hugging the touchline there is to much space and our midfield is not mobile enough to cover the space maybe nrc could do the job but he lacks the quality on the ball and stan cant play further forward as he wants to much time on the ball hence the success he has had in the deeper role so please mon 451

Comment 39, made on September 10, 2009 at 12.49 pm

Car Frost said:

... I'm with O'Neil ( go on give me a baa ) .. yes maths would suggest 4-5-1 is more successful but if we are to use maths do you think the equasion is that simple? Maybe there are just certain aspects that improve when playing this formation, aspects that could be kept in a 4-4-2 using free roles, utilising pace with width and so on... Like in chess, sometimes it is better to play to your oppositions weakness rather than your strength, especially if they know what your strengths are.

Comment 40, made on September 10, 2009 at 1.04 pm

Jonathan Walker said:

... I think MON making a comment on formation is tatical, it will keep other teams guessing. Blues will see the comment and wont know how to set there team in the not knowing how we are going to play. I reckon blues will have been trainning all week thinking we are going to play 4-5-1. Now they are going to have to rethink on how they are going to approch this game. Already before a ball has been kick pychologicly we have an advantage, in that they dont know how we are going to set up. I think as a team its good to be versitile that way we dont become so predictable to other teams like we were last season. If it works great if dosnt god help MON for I'm shore there will be plenty of villa fans ready to berate him. IMO I think this is a good move by MON this puts us on the front foot and will allow us to take the game to them. Prediction for this game if we play 4-5-1 i see a bore draw. 4-4-2 with carew up front definate win, we have to show confidents, show them that we are there to win this game and not just there to accept a draw. utv

Comment 41, made on September 10, 2009 at 1.05 pm

Tim Hodgetts said:

... Well said Frank. The idea that MON reads this site (or any other) and that it in any way influences his decisions is as laughable as it is unbelievable. The tail doesn't wag the dog you know. If you find a lump on your balls you can look up on the internet and find any number of sites telling you what it might be, what treatments options you might have and how long you might have to live. But come on, seriously lads, do you expect your doctor to determine what treatment you need on the basis of what some anonymous "expert" writes on the internet?

Comment 42, made on September 10, 2009 at 1.12 pm

Damian said:

... frosty martin o'neill might very well be right but he might also be wrong and if he is wrong and the numbers suggest there is a higher chance he will be if he plays 442, then he is going to come in for some stick but i'm sure he accepts that and he is fully aware that whatever formation we play he'll get stick if we lose on sunday Frank how about, rather than worrying about the opposition, the team go out to play their game - call it a consistent one if you will. manchester united lost the champions league final because ferguson made that mistake and didn't stick to the way his team had played all season. my point is, it isn't ridiculous to discuss formation not knowing how the opposing team is going to play, in fact, thinking about it, playing to the strengths of our team, regardless of how the opposing team lines up, i'm convinced, would see us win the match and actually see us do well against most teams rather than worry about them and how they play, focus on how we are going to play and what we are going to do

Comment 43, made on September 10, 2009 at 1.13 pm

Daniel Wilson said:

... Got a big feeling MON will re-instate Heskey intot eh starting line up in a 4-4-2 accompanied by Gabby. Reo-Coker being the one to lose his place. This will be rectified at half time when were down and we will run out 2-1 winners. Honestly think that when Heskey signed it was done as a Carew replacement and mon has told him that he is guarenteed playing time. He needs it even more now his England place is under threat. Nothing against Heskey, nice guy, just doesn't fit into or get near what I think our strongest line up is.

Comment 44, made on September 10, 2009 at 1.17 pm

4-5-1 is the key said:

... I'll accept 442, but only if that means Big Johns gonna get a game! We're just as likely to break a team down who are playing 10 men behind the ball with 451 as we are with 442, so thats not a reason to play it. Lets start calling it 433, which it is really. Sounds more attacking!

Comment 45, made on September 10, 2009 at 1.17 pm

Andi said:

... Lets not forget that our manager has experience of arguably one of the biggest, most sort after, angry derby days in football. So i for one think that what ever he does or does not decide to do it will work in our favour he has been there seen it and got the t-shirt. MON does know best

Comment 46, made on September 10, 2009 at 1.19 pm

Car Frost said:

... Damian .. very true, he will either be a genius for daring ( if we win ) or a looked upon as tactically naieve if we lose. I think he does this on purpose to motivate himself as he seems a pretty complex character. It's a good thing that nobody is ever quite sure with O'Neil, he makes the game exciting again for me & on the flip of that coin I think O'Learys biggest downfall was his predictability.

Comment 47, made on September 10, 2009 at 1.30 pm

Rattus NorVillicus said:

... leftwingextremist said: ... Well said Frank. The idea that MON reads this site (or any other) and that it in any way influences his decisions is as laughable as it is unbelievable. The tail doesn't wag the dog you know. Well MON is responding to something in his recent comments. Why not this site ? But of course he's not going to change the formation he plays on the basis of popular opinion. Who do you think he is ? Gordon Brown ?

Comment 48, made on September 10, 2009 at 1.45 pm

Ronan Kenny said:

... Were stronger in the centre of the park so theres no reason why we cant beat the scum with 4-4-2. No Heskey please Martin, big John and Gabby oh yes. Richie Dunne to score first has to be worth a few quid in the bookies

Comment 49, made on September 10, 2009 at 2.10 pm

Daniel Wilson said:

... Anyone got any ideas on who the back 4 is going to be, and most importantly to me, who is going to start in central defence? I really hope Cuellar is not given the boot for the sake of Collins. I'm sure Collins is a good player from what i've heard, but I'm starting to see why Cuellar got such great reviews from the Rangers fans now he has been given a run in his true position!

Comment 50, made on September 10, 2009 at 2.18 pm

Andi said:

... Back four something like this : Beye Carlos Dunne Warnock its the rest of the team thats the question, i think some new heros will be made sunday !!!

Comment 51, made on September 10, 2009 at 2.25 pm

cuell done said:

... i also believe the 451 formation suits villa best.but every fan for every team always has a difference of opinion somewhere along the line with their respective managers(capello-defoe etc.).this happens to be ours and to some extent and i think we need to zip it and deal with it.constant bickering whether it be 451 or the slating of heskey cant be good for the club. being from ireland ive always kept an eye on mon when with leicester and celtic and i honestly believe we are blessed with one of the best. granted some will point to certain signings such as harewood,sidwell and shorey.Harewood was signed as a back up player.most were pleased with the signing of the hare as back up considerin it was the beginning of the revolution although i suspect most will deny it now and for all shoreys and sidwells critics,mon purchased both in relation to their performances for reading.again most if not all were pleased with the signings at the time and in fairness both have played very well this season.heskey 3mill.who imo will improve for villa.even if it doesnt work out we should be able to recoup that fee. what im trying to say is there isnt much to moan about.we should appreciate what we got a bit more.if o neill is still on a rolling contract im sure other big clubs wud snap at the opportunity at having o neill at the helm. come on the villa

Comment 52, made on September 10, 2009 at 2.52 pm

scott harwood said:

... ive been banging the 451 drum forever lol but ive got a feeling hes gonna go 442 this weekend.blues arent good enough to thread through ball after through ball so they are gonna be very direct.hence the reason why we can do without a cm imho.BUT its got to be sidwell without a shadow of a doubt!i wouldnt mind the mule or carew starting.carews more of a goal threat but heskey works harder.i really can seea 442 fellas!

Comment 53, made on September 10, 2009 at 3.15 pm

Keith said:

... Maybe MON is just having a laugh at all us fools by making us talk about formations even more!

Comment 54, made on September 10, 2009 at 3.28 pm

Damian said:

... keefvilla he could be but if he is and he does play 442, he best win but saying that, and i mean no disrespect to blues here, but they are at about the same level as rapid vienna, so we should beat them

Comment 55, made on September 10, 2009 at 3.49 pm

John Samuels said:

... Damien, Didn't we lose 1-0 away to Rapid Vienna? I'm getting nervous now. I love football.

Comment 56, made on September 10, 2009 at 3.55 pm

Keith said:

... Damain I think that is disrespectful to Rapid Vienna

Comment 57, made on September 10, 2009 at 3.56 pm

Frank said:

... No Damien, you always need to look at the opposition first. Every game involves different tactics even if it is just a slight tweaking of certain players roles. If we start with the same formation MON may decide that the Blues pose less of a threat on the wings (bowyer & Larrsson) and allow Ashley and Jimmy to abandon some of their defensive duties to exploit the Blues fullbacks. Basically a slight tweak which in certain situations would see us playing more of a 4-3-3 Anyway my point as illustrated by your good self is that all managers even the ones who ran away with the league like Ferguson take each game on its own merits. I am delighted that we finally have a squad strong enough to raise this sort of debate. We are no longer as one dimensional as we once were even though we will always rely on exploiting our pace and power to get results we can now do it in a variety of different ways. And despite been criticised roundly by our fans, come the last 15mins of a scrappy goalless derby in St. Andrews a front 2 of Heskey and Carew could just be the ticket needed to force the ball through their net! I hope to avoid this scenario but can see how Mon would find it appealing if it arose.

Comment 58, made on September 10, 2009 at 3.56 pm

Damian said:

... Frank I'm not saying don't look, but you said it was ridiculous to discuss tactics not knowing what Blues were going to do. What I'm saying is, it's not ridiculous to discuss and one of the things I've said too many times to remember is that consistency, I believe anyway, is one of the attributes to a successful team. Sure, if they are looking weak down the left because they are playing a reserve team player at left back due to injury, by all means, push down that road as much as you want, but my point is, like I've said in response to your statement that it was ridiculous to talk about this, it isn't. Of course, things will change on the night and over the next few days but Blues will be doing their homework too and watching for that new cheeky free kick we've got where rather than shoot we play to the left for someone to nod over and sure, they'll mark Ashley Young (if he plays) with two men or try as hard as they can to make it difficult for him, but my point is, rather than us change our game based on who they are playing - if we play our game our way, let them worry about containing us and let us exploit that. We should play to our strengths, regardless of what team they put out. And Frank, it won't be scrappy - it will be all over with 15 minutes to go

Comment 59, made on September 10, 2009 at 4.03 pm

Frank said:

... We are possibly splitting hairs here. In my view it is obvious MON has the team playing the way he wants it to play. His core tactics are what they are and they don’t change often. We always set out to play to our strengths which are the raw pace and power of our team. However the new found strength in depth of our panel has allowed him the freedom to modify both the formation and personnel a luxury he has seldom had at Villa Park. So we have a scenario where he can depending on the game ahead liberate the likes of Ashley Young while in the very next game rip his head off for not tracking back quick enough. With Sunday in mind he could well feel that the power of Carew could be the key to unlocking the Blues defence and Gabby may well have to make do with starting on the bench.

Comment 60, made on September 10, 2009 at 4.26 pm

Rattus NorVillicus said:

... Frank: Are you the Fat Spanish Waiter in disguise ? These are not chess pieces, they are football players and Birmingham City are not worthy of champion'e league style tactical plan. Do what we do best and stick it up them is my view. Don’t sell the pelt before you have slain the bear

Comment 61, made on September 10, 2009 at 4.36 pm

Keith said:

... I think MON will be expecting Blues to throw everything at us early on and that we can catch them on the break. For that reason I think he will start with Gabby up front.

Comment 62, made on September 10, 2009 at 4.36 pm

John Samuels said:

... Off topic but I just read that DJ reckons he might be back as soon as November. Pin comes out monday week apparently and then it's just how long it takes to heal. Come on DJ!!! We will have some midfield when Delph clicks and DJ is fit. UTV!

Comment 63, made on September 10, 2009 at 4.40 pm

Frank said:

... Pancho, there's only one Benitez I will be concerned with on Sunday and that’s not Rafa. Oh and from what I have seen of Christian, he does pose a threat, but he will suffer from a lack of quality supply which may nullify him. As far as selling the pelt goes, I haven’t even settled on what sort of weapon we should use to kill this particular nest of rodents. Can’t wait to silence the f**kers though!

Comment 64, made on September 10, 2009 at 5.05 pm

Damian said:

... For those that are registered, the forum over at villabanter.com has now gone. Instead a brand new forum can be found right here on this site: www.thevillablog.co.uk/forum

Comment 65, made on September 10, 2009 at 5.24 pm

James Clift said:

... If O'neill reverts back to 4-4-2 he needs to ask himself some serious questions. We play our best football with 4-5-1, its proven. Change the formation thats bought us Two wins from two and we'll struggle.

Comment 66, made on September 10, 2009 at 5.43 pm

Mike Carter said:

... leftwingextremist Well he does read this site. So stick that in your pipe and smoke it.

Comment 67, made on September 10, 2009 at 5.56 pm

Steve Badger said:

... And despite been criticised roundly by our fans, come the last 15mins of a scrappy goalless derby in St. Andrews a front 2 of Heskey and Carew could just be the ticket needed to force the ball through their net! Yes I know it's me saying it, but i totally agree with this. With specific instructions to "rough it up", even at the risk of a booking. Rather like Pancho's "wrecking ball" theory From what I've seen, Heskey has only been booked once in the last 12 months. Maybe he needs to get stuck in a bit more.

Comment 68, made on September 10, 2009 at 6.20 pm

Greg said:

... I cant see why O'Neill would change a winning team. 4-5-1 definitely suits our players better, we llok solid, co-ordinated and dangerous on the break playing 4-5-1. So what if emule is on the bench i really think he should stay there. If 4-5-1 isnt working (and i cant really think of many times it hasnt worked well for us, was have carew to come off bench, thats our plan B and its as good as any. Id love to see gabby on the wing and see us utilise his blitering pace, for me this is something we havent done in ages, actually use gabby to his real raw strength, plus they have coffin dodger steven carr at full back and gabby would destroy him for pace. I still want to see ashley man up. He needs a firm kick up the arse. All these comparisions to ronaldo and messi by oneill have given him an ego the size of a small country and the guy falls over quicker than a house of cards under my fart. Hes a real quality player when he's not woosing around. Anyway 4-5-1, let them at us and hit em on the break, thats what we are quality at,, whats wrong with accepting it and play to our strenghts

Comment 69, made on September 10, 2009 at 6.39 pm

Mark said:

... mite be a silly point but, what about 3-5-2? that way we keep the 5 in the middle?

Comment 70, made on September 10, 2009 at 6.44 pm

Andy Scarborough said:

... We really ought to play 4-1-3-1-1, or variations on that theme. For example; when defending we will fall back into a 6-3-1, and when streaming forward with bits firmly clamped between our pearlies we will reform into a 0-1-2-3-4. As you can see I have spent much time and opened many tinnies to arrive at these conclusions. Trezzy; I like your idea, in fact we do play that way when Beye is on. UTV - SOTC

Comment 71, made on September 10, 2009 at 6.57 pm

Damian said:

... Lads I know I've only just put it up .. but we've only had 5 registered visitors view the new forum: /forum

Comment 72, made on September 10, 2009 at 6.59 pm

Rattus NorVillicus said:

... Hm...... just had a look. may give it a go I guess the lack of response is sort of a compliment to this blog side that people feel comfortable in.

Comment 73, made on September 10, 2009 at 8.00 pm

Damian said:

... Pancho Villan Mostly yes and the main aim is really to direct content that is wildly off topic .. it will get busier in time .. but just trying to push a little bit

Comment 74, made on September 10, 2009 at 8.04 pm

afvcbob said:

... Anyone see the Russia v Wales game last night Jimmy Collins scored one and had a sound game against a very good Russian Team

Comment 75, made on September 10, 2009 at 8.39 pm

James Clift said:

... I'm more than happy just to discuss the relevent topic. The forum doesn't really appeal as I spend enough time down the pub chatting to lads about all things Villa so to do it on here aswell may result in divorce. There's enough people on here that will keep it busy though. Its nice to come on and be able to talk about the main article. Many times if your late the last 30 odd comments will just be general chat and totally off track. Keep pushing it Damian and it will work.

Comment 76, made on September 10, 2009 at 8.48 pm

Damian said:

... Jimbo Daventry Villa I will .. it is just a nice feature and now that it is fully integrated, much easier to manage

Comment 77, made on September 10, 2009 at 8.59 pm

James Goddard said:

... This is such a difficult subject. I am heavily camped on the 451 side of things and really dont think we should change. But then reading MON's comments there really puts things into perspective, I work in a school, he successfully manages football teams, what do I know?!

Comment 78, made on September 10, 2009 at 9.05 pm

Tony Dunn said:

... I will be fuming if he plays 4-4-2 with Stan in the middle. Didn't work last 15 games of last season, didn't work in pre-season before Stan was injured (great results after he went off), didn't work against Wigan or Rapid Vienna. He simply doesn't have the engine/energy. If its 4-4-2 it has to be NRC + 1 and if the opposition play 4-5-1 then the second striker has to be disciplined and drop in when they have the ball (as Luke did against Chelski when we beat them at VP two seasons ago) restricting their ability to use the spare man (Makalele on that day).

Comment 79, made on September 10, 2009 at 10.06 pm

ruffy said:

... Agree with you on the 4-5-1. BUT I do think we can get away with playing 442 against a team that ALSO plays 442 and where we have a class advantage, such as we do against Birmingham. If we aren't going to boss the midfield with 4 in the middle then it makes sense to play 5 with out squad. But Carew and Gabby are on form, and if we can fit them both in then great. Unfortunately I think and we all know, that for some reason Heskey is getting in in front of Carew. Nothing against Heskey at all, but right now Carew is a better player. Simple as that.

Comment 80, made on September 10, 2009 at 10.51 pm

jimster said:

... I have just realised how good our midfield would be...we have ash, milner, petrov, sidwell, reo-coker, delph, dj (when fit), then if we could get a creative midfielder in jan, and i've missed some names out...looks good to me come on please villa lets win on Sunday!

Comment 81, made on September 10, 2009 at 11.37 pm

david mc gorrian said:

... jesus it quiet in here tonight just got home thought there wud be bit of banter,

Comment 82, made on September 11, 2009 at 12.22 am

david mc gorrian said:

... jimster i agree there could be endless possibilities with those guys on form

Comment 83, made on September 11, 2009 at 12.24 am

John Jordan said:

... Formations yet again?...451/433/433!....I'm sure MON knows what he's doing without your valuable advice.

Comment 84, made on September 11, 2009 at 4.27 am

John Jordan said:

... Heskey injured!!!!

Comment 85, made on September 11, 2009 at 4.29 am

parisianrob said:

... I think we may see three center backs deployed beye collins dunne cueller warnock milner reo petrov young gabby

Comment 86, made on September 11, 2009 at 6.53 am

Mark Sheasby said:

... When we play 4-5-1 we keep two midfielders in front of the back 4. When we play 4-4-2 with two wingers even average teams can give us a good game because we lose control of the midfield and leave the defence exposed. And that's really the whole point. It's less about the formation and more about controlling the midfield. I think we should play 4-4-2 on occasions but with only one winger.

Comment 87, made on September 11, 2009 at 9.28 am

robb david said:

... If we lose this match there will be alot of pissed off fans sayingits time for MON to go. This is the only match taht really matters this year, we wont win a cup and we wont get in the champions league, Just like when Newcastle play sunderland in the north-east it is the biggest of the season, this is the biggest for us. IF MON changes the formation and we lose then he deserves every last bit of stick he will get. It is bollocks that players win matchs not formations, look at real madrid they have the best attacking tallent in the world and could concivably play 9 forwards 1 defender and a goal keeper. They would be the best players in the world, would they win anything, of course they wouldnt. Formations and tactics win matchs, look at England we have the same players we did under sven and mclaren, but we are good know becasue we are playing the right tactics. We will lose if we play 442 we will win if we play 451 Look at the stats, look at the way we play, and look at that donkey thats going to come into the team if we play 442, you can bet it won be carew partenring gabby.

Comment 88, made on September 11, 2009 at 9.55 am

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