Aston Villa v Leeds Utd Match Thread

[The Subhuman]

Being able to runaround a lot is not really a good reason to start someone which is why I get irritated when Roofes key contribution to the team is "he never stops running" ..I hate that, he's so much more

[Genghers]

Ayling may be the best of the bunch for our right side, but Shacks has done little wrong either.

Aylings passing accuracy is the lowest of any player we have had at right back this season incidentally, or indeed left back, its less then Dallas, Shacks, Berardi, Douglas and Pearce.

In our style passing out from the back and being so vulnerable in transition that is something that must improve.

I don't really understand the negativity towards Ayling. He's been one of our more consistent players for a couple of years, and his form early in the season had been good - people were praising him to the same degree as Douglas.

Ayling is clearly a player who gets worse when he's not playing... I think we might need his experience vs a very attacking Villa side, and that's probably where the thinking lies (if he does play).

Those passing stats are misleading/uninformative. How many minutes has he played? More than most of the others (probably with the exception of Douglas). What are the stats figures? If he's still getting in the high 70s/80s then that's objectively pretty good.

Just like the Alioski argument - if he wasn't contributing and there's another option available, why is he playing? Taking is clearly a big presence within the team and him being on the pitch presumably gives us another leader there.

In Bielsa we trust, I say.

[1964white]

Ayling & Phillips receive much stick but they are big strong players in Bielsa's set-up

Looking forward to the game

Must get ready, leaving here at 8am

[Genghers]

Ayling & Phillips receive much stick but they are big strong players in Bielsa's set-up

Looking forward to the game

Must get ready, leaving here at 8am

I think that's the key point - "in Bielsa's set-up". He has taken limited footballers and improved them markedly. Phillips has been much maligned in previous years and now we find him as one of the key pieces and is getting rave reviews (rightly so).

Let's hope today isn't a repeat of West Brom and we can go back to being top this evening!

Safe journey Leon!

[rab_rant]

A moment to remember.

[paddy parrott]

Seems that Patrick Bamford hasn't made the trip .. a knock in training?.
Come on Leeds United. MOT.

[The Subhuman]

[The Subhuman]

Harrison replaces Saiz...lets hope he's improved recently and maybe learned to use his right foot. TBF looks a very unbalanced team. No forward on the bench

[rab_rant]

[Cjay]

I don't really understand the negativity towards Ayling. He's been one of our more consistent players for a couple of years, and his form early in the season had been good - people were praising him to the same degree as Douglas.

Ayling is clearly a player who gets worse when he's not playing... I think we might need his experience vs a very attacking Villa side, and that's probably where the thinking lies (if he does play).

Those passing stats are misleading/uninformative. How many minutes has he played? More than most of the others (probably with the exception of Douglas). What are the stats figures? If he's still getting in the high 70s/80s then that's objectively pretty good.

Just like the Alioski argument - if he wasn't contributing and there's another option available, why is he playing? Taking is clearly a big presence within the team and him being on the pitch presumably gives us another leader there.

In Bielsa we trust, I say.

I dont think he is a very good defender, defensively ive always thought he leaves a lot to be desired.

Berardi is a better defender but poor going forward.

His energy and drive are very important for the style.

He is against Kodjia today so maybe his extra height is the thinking.

[Cjay]

Not feeling confident now ive seen that side tbh

[Chilli D]

Where the hell is Bamford?

[Chilli D]

The average age on the bench must be about 20

[The Subhuman]

Picked up an injury is the rumour

[Cjay]

Beginning to worry that we are rushing players back to soon.

Bamford admitted he was still in pain, Brown got reinjured.

Seriously weak bench.

Need Roofe, Hernandez and Klich to have a good game.

Harrison over Clarke is bizarre.

[60sUnited]

Down to 10 men already with Harrison playing

[Chilli D]

A Christmas miracle needed I think.

[Chilli D]

Theyve got Bolasie and Kodja out wide and we have Harrison and Alioski.....

[The Subhuman]

Probably the worst starting 11 we've put out all season. Not saying we can't get a result but Roofe looks isolated and the defence a little light.

[The Subhuman]

I'd imagine Clarke on for Harrison start of second ...