roonst83

Get the feeling Traore will be missing for a while. Sherwood has said he hasn't trained all week. We are cursed with injuries.

Do we ever have a player who goes off injured who plays the next game. It seems like every 'knock' a player has rules him out for months. Gil will be a big miss on Saturday.

The issue here for me is Gestede doesn't win enough headers when facing his own goal - so he doesn't bring anyone else into the game. Since his great header against Bournemouth i've barely seen him win much in the air. That worries me. But perhaps if we (as you suggest) have people such as Traore providing for him then we may see more from him. One of Benteke's strengths was bringing others into play and were definitely missing any striker being able to do that.

Need anything to try and take my mind off the atrocity which was our meltdown against Leicester so thought I kick off the match thread. Really think Tim will have a huge job on his hands to lift the boys after such a gut wrenching defeat. This will play into Pulis's hands and he'll certainly make it hard work for us. Feels like the two wins in a week from last season could come back to bite us in the arse with Baggies and Blues coming up next. Gil and Grealish should start (if Gil is fit) but in truth we need to find any way we can to get a win and as fans we need to cross our fingers and hope for the best because I've got very little faith in Tim being able to use any tactics to affect the game once it's underway. A win would be unbelievably huge. Im just not sure if we have it within us to get one. Prove me wrong Tim.

isn't the person he tagged and the person who retweeted two different people?

I hope you're right, I'm hoping the two week break has ruined their momentum Well the 3 months off season didn't but yeah. Think it will be a very open game. That would be so sweet Its pretty incredible how a team that struggled so much for most of last season have picked up where they left off given their amazing last 10 or so games from last season. All their bad press over the summer about their players abroad in Thailand and losing their (bat -shit-crazy) manager combined with acquiring a new manager with new idea etc - yet they have carried on their great form. They know their home form is their strength and as someone said above, they will want to start fast. If we keep it tight in the opening half hour then we could get a result here. Would love to see Traore and greasily back in the fold but we're going to miss Gana massively.

Hoping to see Traore back for this.

Agree

Skysports reporting that Lescott has completed his medical. Agree with others in that he'll be a welcome addition, do feel its strange WBA have let him go - wasn't he one of their best players last season? Always felt he'd end up at the villa one day - typically a few years too late, but he should help solidify us at the back too and could work well with Richards. Good to have a threat from our defence on set pieces too - Joleon loves a goal.

SkySports reporting that l

Palace have rejected our bid for Dwight Gayle apparently... http://www.skysports.com/football/news/11706/9974675/crystal-palace-turn-down-aston-villa-bid-for-dwight-gayle

any idea if this is done yet?

Were those quotes recent or from a while ago?

They are absolutely chomping at the bit for this. I agree that we're certain to concede so need to create plent of chances and take them. Any idea what their allocation will be? Assume they'll get the North Upper and Doug Ellis usual - which will be bad news placing these bastards above our fans. Tim could really cement himself in the hearts of the Villa faithful with a win here.

Need more from him. Seemingly only good at attacking headers and doesn't win enough of the ball in the air from goal kicks and long punts.

There's no such thing as an "easy 3 points" for us.

I was hoping Sunderland would roast Exeter last night - as despite them getting the win that they needed, there's plenty of sceptisism and negativity around them so far and so I can now see them coming and sitting behind the ball and trying to catch us on the break. Which is the best way to beat us at home unless you're one of the top teams. We need to go at these from the off. Gutted Traore is injured as this would've been ideal for his first Prem start. Gabby needs to be dropped and Sinclair thrown in his place. Feels like a six-pointer. Get us the win please Tim!

Any further info on the extent of his injury?

Any idea when we'll know what day the game is?

He's playing better at CB than I thought he would. He seems to read the game really well and is incredibly strong in his challenges. But he has tendencies to drive forward and hang on to the ball for too long and losing possession which means we get over run as the opposition counter attack. Pleased with him overall but think he still has things to improve. Would like us to get some more experience next to him or Clark.

We need to win this game and ideally keep a clean sheet to instil some confidence and belief into our team ahead of Sunderland. Hope Adama gets a good run out for his match fitness, so too Veretout. No idea if Gil will be available but hope he is. No doubt Gabby will be rested but brought back for Saturday. Chance for Ayew and Kozak maybe. Should win this.

Got to get Gueye on top of Cabaye and not give him a moments peace. We look at our most weakest up front so hopefully with someone like Grealish and Traore n the mix we can get some chances.

That's exactly why I hope Tim does start Traore. He's rapid. Sinclair doesn't possess that much pace, in my opinion.

Hoping Traore starts. Although my prime concern is if when Traore gets to some decent crossing/supplying positions do we have a striker who will be on hand to poach? Gabby is awful at this and i'm still unconvinced about Ayew. We saw against United when Amavi did some fantastic work on the left and crossed the ball across the face of the goal but noone had made the move or shown the desire to get on the receiving end. I worry that we do not have a striker with the pure hunger and desire to get into those dangerous positions to take advantage when those opportunities arise. Back to the game and Palace will be favourites and fancy themselves for sure. Keep Bolas, Zaha and luncheon quiet (easier said than done) and we have a better chance of getting something here. Be great to see Gil, Grealish and Traore feature in this.

Is there any chance Traore will feature? Cannot wait to see the big dog let loose...