Villa (Home) Build Up

[dww]

So only a few days to go. A good team in a poor run of form at home - can we keep our form going after two spectacular wins in big games?

I'd like to see Lucas keep his place. I think he deserves it. I would take Riera out of the team but otherwise the same as against United. I can see Carra being shifted inside though if Arbeloa is fit.

[Reece]

I'd keep Lucas in too, assuming Alonso is not fit. Otherwise I'd put him back in. And yeah like you I'd take Riera out and put Babel in.

[kingfunk]

I'd keep Lucas in too, assuming Alonso is not fit. Otherwise I'd put him back in. And yeah like you I'd take Riera out and put Babel in.

He has done enough for me to start ahead of Riera in this game.

[Tee]

I think there is a strong case for starting Dossena LW.

[Kenneth]

So only a few days to go. A good team in a poor run of form at home - can we keep our form going after two spectacular wins in big games?

I'd like to see Lucas keep his place. I think he deserves it. I would take Riera out of the team but otherwise the same as against United. I can see Carra being shifted inside though if Arbeloa is fit.

So not the same team then

Who do we play at CB though. FOr me, I'd pick Sami and Carra. Sami for an expected aerial threat.And he was so good against the scum it would be a shame to drop him.

[Joe King]

I would suspect Hyypia might play in order to negate the threat of either Carew or Heskey.

Play a proper right winger - Babel or El Zhar - to test Reo Coker at left back.

[SK]

doesn't luke young play at leftback for them? or is he suspended or something?

[Joe King]

doesn't luke young play at leftback for them? or is he suspended or something?

Reo Coker played against Spurs at left back.

[SK]

didn't know that, saw l.young play there a couple of times, but it really shouldn't matter who they have at left back. the only surprise mon can throw at us is by selecting a.young-agbonlahor-milner as their front line and try to counter attack us, otherwise well batter them!

[dww]

I would suspect Hyypia might play in order to negate the threat of either Carew or Heskey.

Play a proper right winger - Babel or El Zhar - to test Reo Coker at left back.

I really don't see Babel as a 'real' right winger at all and El Zhar I can't see starting. I can see the point that Villa have been using make sift fullbacks a lot this season. I'd be tempted to have Babel on the left and switch with Kuyt if neither is getting any joy. Hopefully Benayoun will be ready for the bench as some guile from there would be advantageous.

[dww]

So not the same team then

Who do we play at CB though. FOr me, I'd pick Sami and Carra. Sami for an expected aerial threat.And he was so good against the scum it would be a shame to drop him.

- I'd keep the same back four as against United. The switch for Arbeloa is what I would expect to happen in reality. Carragher doesn't seem to like playing RB and I can see why Rafa would like a genuine fullback there.

If Arbeloa does come in I would go with Skrtel and Carra. There is an element of risk but Sktrel is improving aerially and I like the way he carries the ball into midfield. Having said that Hyypia was exceptional and his passing very assured against United. I would be happy enough whoever starts there.

[Craig_H]

So only a few days to go. A good team in a poor run of form at home - can we keep our form going after two spectacular wins in big games?

I'd like to see Lucas keep his place. I think he deserves it. I would take Riera out of the team but otherwise the same as against United. I can see Carra being shifted inside though if Arbeloa is fit.

We have zero margin for error and if (please god) the mancs drop points at Fulham, it's absolutely paramount that we beat Villa.

There's little room for sentiment here, if Alonso and Mascherano are fit, they must both play - unless we play 442 and Gerrard plays CM.

[Guest]

We have zero margin for error and if (please god) the mancs drop points at Fulham, it's absolutely paramount that we beat Villa.

There's little room for sentiment here, if Alonso and Mascherano are fit, they must both play - unless we play 442 and Gerrard plays CM.

But you said that mancs won't drop points! Where's the realist in you? You are veering too much towards sentimentality.

[Craig_H]

But you said that mancs won't drop points! Where's the realist in you? You are veering too much towards sentimentality.

Where have i ever said that the mancs 'wont drop points' ?

Take a day off and stop being an idiot, fredo.

[dww]

We have zero margin for error and if (please god) the mancs drop points at Fulham, it's absolutely paramount that we beat Villa.

There's little room for sentiment here, if Alonso and Mascherano are fit, they must both play - unless we play 442 and Gerrard plays CM.

I'm not sure it is about sentiment - his last game was exceptional, keeping him in is a decision based on performance for me. Alonso has been good this season but I don't think he has been irreplaceable so. I suspect that Alonso will come in and I won't be unhappy about that.

We won't play 4-4-2 that would be a bad idea.