FA Premier League

Aston Villa 1:1 Manchester United

Villa Park

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Sat, 20 December 2014 @ 3:00pm GMT
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    Valencia does not deserve to be dropped for Rafael

    Agree with this. Especially if we're playing wingbacks, Valencia and Young have come in and earnt their places.
    Both, let's not forget played key parts in a goal on Sunday.

    The biggest question I'd pose to Valencia, is why, when he has such strength power and pace, does he keep just stopping dead, rather than taking the fullback on. He did it to incredible effect v Liverpool. If he loses the ball a couple of times, or he gets tackled and it's a throw, that's not the end of the world, but why not try, like he used to.

    Sooner Di Maria is back the better.

    Falcao, it's like a broken record. I really can't see him starting any time soon.
     
    Valencia does not deserve to be dropped for Rafael
    I don't agree. He had a solid game against Liverpool but Sterling still wrecked havoc. Rafael is infinitely better defensively and whilst Valencia did actually take his man on last game, it's the only time all season I've seen him do it. Rafael is far more adventurous and would have been reaching the constant times Rooney was angry at a lack of support going forward against Southampton.
     
    De Gea

    De Gea De Gea De Gea De Gea

    De Gea

    De Gea De Gea

    De Gea

    De Gea De Gea


    Result 1:3 (Aston Villa, 3x De Gea)
     
    I don't agree. He had a solid game against Liverpool but Sterling still wrecked havoc. Rafael is infinitely better defensively and whilst Valencia did actually take his man on last game, it's the only time all season I've seen him do it. Rafael is far more adventurous and would have been reaching the constant times Rooney was angry at a lack of support going forward against Southampton.


    Let's just hope Rafael is back now, so we at least have a choice!
    Once we have a choice in defence we'll be well away, we've spent half the season being forced into what we field!
     
    Also, the idea of rotating the team because "certain players need minutes" is ridiculous

    We have matches to win and are not good enough to just turn up with any old line up

    When people talk of rotation they're mostly referring to the likes of Falcao, Herrera or even Januzaj, all players more than good enough to start for this team. Falcao, in particular, should be getting a chance from the start to show what he can do.
     
    Also, the idea of rotating the team because "certain players need minutes" is ridiculous

    We have matches to win and are not good enough to just turn up with any old line up

    I don't think you understand the idea of a squad.

    If certain players get injured and their replacements have been left out in the cold with no games for weeks you're in big trouble.


    We should be able to give Falcao and hopefully Di Maria 60 minutes each to get them closer to match fitness and still roll over Aston Villa.

    That's actually ridiculous that I shoukd need to say that. "We should be able to play Di Maria and Falcao and still win"
     
    Di Maria is back for this, isn't he? Would love to see him have a good crack at their defense.
    Hopefully Evans is told he's not allowed play.
     
    Di Maria is back for this, isn't he? Would love to see him have a good crack at their defense.
    Hopefully Evans is told he's not allowed play.

    Not too sure, LVG seems to be very strict with match fitness.
     
    One of my biggest pet hates of the final years of the Fergie reign was his absolute obsession with rotation and making sure that all players got an equal share of games, even if they had to play out of position.

    It cost us at least one FA Cup, maybe more. It also contributed to losing the 11/12 title (the hideous Park and Rafael CM pairing in the home defeat by Blackburn)

    I want a settled side playing almost every game. We have very few backup players who are genuinely good enough
     
    One of my biggest pet hates of the final years of the Fergie reign was his absolute obsession with rotation and making sure that all players got an equal share of games, even if they had to play out of position.

    It cost us at least one FA Cup, maybe more. It also contributed to losing the 11/12 title (the hideous Park and Rafael CM pairing in the home defeat by Blackburn)

    I want a settled side playing almost every game. We have very few backup players who are genuinely good enough

    LVG himself has said that he prefers fielding the same XI week in and week out, trouble is our ridiculous injury curse has made that impossible.
     
    If Di Maria's back for this I'd like to see him get some game time even if he doesn't start. I'd also like to see Falcao get a decent run out. It's a shame he's become available again just as Van Persie has come into form (a shame for him, not for us) because that's going to limit his appearances to 20 minute cameos where he doesn't get a chance to get into the game properly. Hopefully he'll get a chance to show what he's made of during the congested fixture pile up over Christmas and New Year.

    If Rafael's fit and we play 4 at the back I'd prefer him to start instead of Valencia even though it would be a bit harsh on him. If we're playing a back three and wing backs it's a slightly tougher call for me, I'd probably still opt for Rafael because I think he brings more to the table than Valencia even though Tony's had a decent spell. Is likely to be Rojo fit for this? If he is I'd like to see him at left back and the team deploying the diamond formation (although this would mean Evans and Jones at Centre Back :wenger:). Start with Carrick at the base, Herrera and Fellaini ahead of him and Mata behind Rooney and Van Persie. Until Di Maria is match fit I think that's our best possible starting eleven.

    If Rojo is still injured then no doubt we'll start with a 352 so you can disregard most of the above.
     
    I don't agree. He had a solid game against Liverpool but Sterling still wrecked havoc. Rafael is infinitely better defensively and whilst Valencia did actually take his man on last game, it's the only time all season I've seen him do it. Rafael is far more adventurous and would have been reaching the constant times Rooney was angry at a lack of support going forward against Southampton.
    That's about the tenth time i've heard that this season.

    He had a more than solid game against Liverpool, he had an assist and should have had another via the boot of Rvp. If he did make any mistakes defending they were minor, i thought he defended well.

    Why sterling? he wasn't up against sterling he was playing through the middle, as far as i could tell he was dealing with Moreno and Allen. As for the Southampton game could you point out the Rooney incidents? I know he was angry one time when we were leading in the game and am pretty sure Van Gaal didn't want out full backs pushing on.

     
    we're all dying to see that carrick-herrera-di maria threesome in the diamond

    this wont work because it would be like against leicester city...there are reasons why fellaini is needed in PL...Players are rough, will try their best to push you off to dominate the midfield..With players like carrick,di maria,rooney,rvp,mata/falcao, we have enough creativity but without fellaini as the beast in the midfield,u will get those high score games where we have to score more than the opponents thing...Cant believe people cant see this and still asking why herrera is dropped in the favor of fellaini
     
    we're all dying to see that carrick-herrera-di maria threesome in the diamond

    Wont happen, with the defense united has Van Gaal depends on the physical presence of Felliani. If you played that threesome, the opposition would break through the midfield with ease. Thats why Felliani gets a regular start, not because of his footballing skills but because of his physicality and aerial advantage.

    This is why Van Gaal is so keen on Strootman because he is the package of all traits. He can pass, take on long shots, very physical, can also be aggressive, break down the attack, and good in the air. proper box-to-box player which united do need. Herrera is not a box-to-box midfielder, he is a holding midfielder or attacking midfielder because ive been hearing herrera is a box-to-box player. He's not, thats why Van Gaal cant give him game. He's not technical and creative than Mata (even though their link-up play makes up for that) and he's not physically dominate than Felliani. Therefore he is benched.
     
    Along with an attacking threesome of RVP-Rooney-Falcao in front of it :drool:

    Carrick
    Herrera - Di Maria
    Rooney
    Falcao - Van Persie
    Subs: Blind, Fellaini, Mata, Wilson

    Not bad.
     
    Carrick
    Herrera - Di Maria
    Rooney
    Falcao - Van Persie
    Subs: Blind, Fellaini, Mata, Wilson

    Not bad.


    :drool: That's exactly what I had in mind.

    As good as Fellaini has been, I don't see why we're obligated to start him every game now. Villa aren't exactly the most physical this season.
     
    :drool: That's exactly what I had in mind.

    As good as Fellaini has been, I don't see why we're obligated to start him every game now. Villa aren't exactly the most physical this season.

    That team has 9-4 written all over it :drool:

    Well it would if we didn't have De Gea. 9-0.
     
    He's also a bit of a bully, which can be useful. Herrera is a much tidyer type.
    I think some people have still got the slag off Fellaini bug; brought here by Moyes, for a while he was an easy scapegoat for the Moyes disaster. People said he wasnt a United player. Well a lot of different type players are United players. Fellaini gives us much needed presence and competitiveness in midfield. Fellaini gave us a hard time in the opening match of the 2012 season, was virtualy unplayable; his height, strenth, and energy, plus surprisingly deft touches on the ground (no, he is not Paul Scholes, but he is smart and committed). I am delighted for the lad to see his resurgence under Van Gaal. He seems a decent bloke. I remember when it was open season on Michael Carrick around here!
     
    I don't agree. He had a solid game against Liverpool but Sterling still wrecked havoc. Rafael is infinitely better defensively and whilst Valencia did actually take his man on last game, it's the only time all season I've seen him do it. Rafael is far more adventurous and would have been reaching the constant times Rooney was angry at a lack of support going forward against Southampton.

    That's about the tenth time i've heard that this season.

    He had a more than solid game against Liverpool, he had an assist and should have had another via the boot of Rvp. If he did make any mistakes defending they were minor, i thought he defended well.

    Why sterling? he wasn't up against sterling he was playing through the middle, as far as i could tell he was dealing with Moreno and Allen. As for the Southampton game could you point out the Rooney incidents? I know he was angry one time when we were leading in the game and am pretty sure Van Gaal didn't want out full backs pushing on.

    I agree with Gavin.

    If Rafael is fit, i would suggest he gets some minutes as a late sub
     
    This is a game we really should be winning but it will probably go one of two ways:

    1) Villa throw away the form book and play like they are in a cup final, making it a really difficult and frustrating game.
    or
    2) We stuff them like we did with Hull.
     
    Villa have been shit so far, we could easily get away with playing Carrick at CB in a back 4 alongside Jones.

    Disagree

    Where Carrick struggles at Centre half is when up against a centre forward who is dominant in the air. They have benteke back. Its Jones' strength to play against a physical centre forward so i think we'll revert back to a back 4 and with carrick infront of it
     
    Put on the DDG-Carrick-Rooney-RVP axis and whatever is available around them.
     
    I think some people have still got the slag off Fellaini bug; brought here by Moyes, for a while he was an easy scapegoat for the Moyes disaster. People said he wasnt a United player. Well a lot of different type players are United players. Fellaini gives us much needed presence and competitiveness in midfield. Fellaini gave us a hard time in the opening match of the 2012 season, was virtualy unplayable; his height, strenth, and energy, plus surprisingly deft touches on the ground (no, he is not Paul Scholes, but he is smart and committed). I am delighted for the lad to see his resurgence under Van Gaal. He seems a decent bloke. I remember when it was open season on Michael Carrick around here!

    Yes of course. But I'm not slagging him off. I'm pointing out that if he's dropped then we lack a battling element in the team. Although not the most technically gifted, he's a handful for any player and unpleasant to play against - which certainly can be useful.
     
    3-5-2:

    ----------------De Gea
    -------Jones----Evans-----Rojo
    Valencia--------------------------Young
    ----------------Carrick-------------------
    --------Fellaini----------Di Maria
    ----------------Rooney------------------
    ---------------Van Persie

    With Falaco playing the last 20mins.
    Herrera for Di Maria around the hour mark.
     
    Jones is made of glass...where did you get "steel" from? :p

    Do people honestly believe Falcao will start?
    The guy is recovering from injury, LvG is not allowing him to play more than 20 minutes and people think he will now start?
    Is there any logic to thinking Falcao will start?
    Have I missed something?

    And aren't we now committed to playing 3-5-2?
    Why are people expecting us to switch to 4 at the back?
    Again, am I missing something?

    You're right... check out my line-up above.
     
    Yes. But not change for the sake of change. Making 3 or 4 changes each game, unless enforced, is not a good strategy.
    After thought... my line-up brings in only Rojo and Di Maria.
    Falaco need more time... but Janujaz should definitely start against Newcastle.
     
    this wont work because it would be like against leicester city...there are reasons why fellaini is needed in PL...Players are rough, will try their best to push you off to dominate the midfield..With players like carrick,di maria,rooney,rvp,mata/falcao, we have enough creativity but without fellaini as the beast in the midfield,u will get those high score games where we have to score more than the opponents thing...Cant believe people cant see this and still asking why herrera is dropped in the favor of fellaini
    ok i didn't say that i want this to be our midfield forever and ever amen i just said that there's a common desire to just see it
     
    Wont happen, with the defense united has Van Gaal depends on the physical presence of Felliani. If you played that threesome, the opposition would break through the midfield with ease. Thats why Felliani gets a regular start, not because of his footballing skills but because of his physicality and aerial advantage.

    This is why Van Gaal is so keen on Strootman because he is the package of all traits. He can pass, take on long shots, very physical, can also be aggressive, break down the attack, and good in the air. proper box-to-box player which united do need. Herrera is not a box-to-box midfielder, he is a holding midfielder or attacking midfielder because ive been hearing herrera is a box-to-box player. He's not, thats why Van Gaal cant give him game. He's not technical and creative than Mata (even though their link-up play makes up for that) and he's not physically dominate than Felliani. Therefore he is benched.
    OK mate I'm aware of the reasons why Fellaini is getting the nod ahead of herrera and you're right it does currently make sense but all i said was that We just want to see that threesome at some point so we can potentially ejaculate repeatedly at its attacking brilliance
     
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Post-match discussion

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5.6 Total Average Rating

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Compiled from 425 ratings.

Score Predictions

676,35,38
  • Man Utd win
  • Aston Villa win
  • Draw

Detailed Results

  • 21% Aston Villa 0:2 Man Utd
  • 18% Aston Villa 1:3 Man Utd
  • 17% Aston Villa 0:3 Man Utd
  • 14% Aston Villa 1:2 Man Utd
  • 8% Aston Villa 0:4 Man Utd
  • 6% Aston Villa 1:4 Man Utd
  • 3% Aston Villa 0:5 Man Utd
  • 3% Aston Villa 1:1 Man Utd
  • 2% Aston Villa 0:1 Man Utd
  • 1% Aston Villa 2:3 Man Utd
  • 1% Aston Villa 0:0 Man Utd
  • 1% Aston Villa 2:1 Man Utd
  • 1% Aston Villa 2:0 Man Utd
  • 1% Aston Villa 2:2 Man Utd
  • 1% Aston Villa 3:0 Man Utd
  • 1% Aston Villa 1:5 Man Utd
  • 1% Aston Villa 1:0 Man Utd
  • 0% Aston Villa 4:0 Man Utd
  • 0% Aston Villa 5:0 Man Utd
  • 0% Aston Villa 3:2 Man Utd
  • 0% Aston Villa 3:3 Man Utd
  • 0% Aston Villa 4:4 Man Utd
  • 0% Aston Villa 2:4 Man Utd
  • 0% Aston Villa 3:1 Man Utd
Compiled from 749 predictions.
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Match Stats

  1. Aston Villa
  2. Man Utd
Possession
35% 65%
Shots
10 16
Shots on Target
4 9
Corners
3 9
Fouls
9 10

Referee

Lee Mason