Injuries hit Clarets for opener

[gtclaret]

He said that during the break he has had time to reflect on his professional position, I think he will not be here next season and if an offer comes his way

[Blackrod]

The club need to be cautious now but we should have strengthened more/ better in the last 2 windows. This is now coming home to roost. Dyche is sat on a big fat contract and made for life. The club has to safeguard its future. In respect of players Bardsley is the only one out of contract that I would like to stay but if he wants 2 years and club are only prepared to offer one you can understand it and there’s not much that can be done.

[Roosterbooster]

There's a serious chance we could end up with only:

Pope
BPF
Taylor
Mee
McNeil
Brownhill
Barnes
Wood
JRod

By the end of next season unless we sort some contracts out.

It's no wonder Dyche is annoyed. But I wonder if the board has pushed the wage bill too close to their limits, and they are battling their business model against keeping Dyche. It's a conundrum. I'm very concerned

[Hedontplayforyou]

Would be a ridiculous and catastrophic decision by the board if they allowed Dyche to leave.

I agree I’d keep Hendrick and Bardsley but the others can go. Sell Gibson who is another who will be on hefty wages, as states above there could well be some much cheaper deals to be snapped up from the Championship this summer. Swap deals will possibly be another option but the most important for me is still the manager.

[huw.Y.WattfromWare]

Not so sure they have delivered his requirements, these last months.

No window these last months, Ian. So the the only delivery they could do was getting Bards(?) and Hendrick(/) to re-sign. If they won’t they won’t.
Hendrick might be another Irishman who wants to play at Celtic at some point of their career?

[nil_desperandum]

With JBG out..

Pope,
Lowton, Tarkowski, Mee, Taylor,
McNeil, Brownhill, Cork, Westwood, Brady,
Rodriguez

It's not bad

I don't think anyone is terribly concerned about that starting-line-up and of course if we want to go more attacking in future games you could get Vydra in for one of those midfielders
Most people however are very concerned that if any of those midfielders gets injured and Westwood gets suspended then we are really short, and of course, we've not got much at all on the bench. It looks to me as though Pieters, (who seems to be big-hearted and committed) might yet play quite a big role this season as a "utility sub" playing in many positions on the left hand side.
I'm guessing that Brady could play at right back should we lose Lowton for whatever reason.

[NewClaret]

Regardless of whether they back Dyche, they’re going to have to back a manager and spend some money. They’re going to have to get their heads around that.

Assuming Hart, Lennon, Legzdins and Gibson leave, we need a minimum of a quality CH and RW. We probably need an addition DCM option too.

If Bardsley and Jeff leave too, we need a RB and certainly a RCM option.

Thats 4-5 signings minimum needed and assumes we’re going to trust BPF as reserve keeper.

Not really a great position to be in for a single summer and reflects lack of investment in previous years. Think we.’the going to need to be very active in the free transfer market.

[summitclaret]

Brady at RB. I bloodly hope not. Long could go there if needed.

[Longsider]

If Villa stay up he will be there sooner or later.

[NewClaret]

If Villa stay up he will be there sooner or later.

Dyche? Do you reckon?

If they go down I think they’re financially destroyed.

[IanMcL]

If Bardsley doesn't get offered a proper deal, after what he has done, I can only assume we are definitely signing Kieran Trippier!

Look forward to that!

[jojomk1]

You can't give a 2 year deal to someone who will be 35 this month

[Chester Perry]

Dyche? Do you reckon?

If they go down I think they’re financially destroyed.

Villa's finances are actually pretty strong, most of the debt has been converted into equity (shares) and all nearly all the cash injects in the last 2 seasons have been via rights issues (shares again) - If relegated the will have to negotiate FFP (which is likely to be relaxed in the Premier League) but overall they are in a relatively strong position and will expect well north of £100m for Grealish, Mings, and McGinn if they are relegated and they want to go.

The owners have pumped around £400m in (including purchase of the last 3 seasons and show no sign of stepping back from that activity - at least one of them has made a lot of money in the last year - and he was a multi billionaire to start with. - If they stay up they will be much stronger next year.

[bfcmik]

I reckon we will start with a 4-5-1 formation at the Etihad.
Pope;
Bardsley, Tarks, Mee, Taylor;
Hendrick, Brownhill, Cork, Westwood, MnNiel;
Rodriguez

[jrgbfc]

I reckon we will start with a 4-5-1 formation at the Etihad.
Pope;
Bardsley, Tarks, Mee, Taylor;
Hendrick, Brownhill, Cork, Westwood, MnNiel;
Rodriguez

Apart from maybe Lowton for Bardsley that's exactly what I'd go with I think.

[nil_desperandum]

Brady at RB. I bloodly hope not. Long could go there if needed.

Not sure why you would post that - unless you have a big agenda against him?
Brady has several International caps playing at full back, and has filled in there for other clubs too.
(I didn't just randomly post that he could be utilised there if we found ourselves short)
As for Long at full back I guess that he might do a job, but he would offer absolutely nothing going forward or down the wing (IMO).

[summitclaret]

It was simply because he is left footed. How many left-footed players have ever played at right back?

[jrgbfc]

If it came to it would rather see Tarks at right back and Long coming to play in the middle.

[Guller Bull]

Is Vydra unfit or not available?

[Wokingclaret]

It was simply because he is left footed. How many left-footed players have ever played at right back?

Seem to remember Willie Donachie played right back for Oldham

[nil_desperandum]

It was simply because he is left footed. How many left-footed players have ever played at right back?

Well, I agree with that to an extent,but my rationale was that we have frequently used him on the right so I'm guessing he would be able to cover if needed. (I didn't say it would be ideal).
Keith Newton - incidentally - was a right-footed England international full-back but played a lot of his career for Burnley at left back. (Probably our 2nd best left-back of all time after Elder).

[nil_desperandum]

I reckon we will start with a 4-5-1 formation at the Etihad.
Pope;
Bardsley, Tarks, Mee, Taylor;
Hendrick, Brownhill, Cork, Westwood, MnNiel;
Rodriguez

Well, if Bardsley and Hendrick are available then I guess that most of us would go with that starting line-up, but I think the general point of this thread is looking at what might happen if they aren't.
If both Hendrick and Bardsley are available for selection, then obviously the squad doesn't look so paper thin, since we would then have Lowton and Brady on the bench (along with Pieters, Long, Vydra and others) and maybe JBG and Wood to return before the end of the season.

[nil_desperandum]

Is Vydra unfit or not available?

Available, fit and scoring goals, but I think that most people are hoping that we will go with a 5 man midfield against City. (You would expect him to come on for Rodriguez when he inevitably tires up front on his own.)

[IanMcL]

I think we should play Joe Hart in goal.



..and Bailey Double-Barrel

Either side of Nick Pope.

[bfcmik]

I think we should play Joe Hart in goal.



..and Bailey Double-Barrel

Either side of Nick Pope.

Not sure we wouldn't concede even then LOL

[bfcmik]

Well, if Bardsley and Hendrick are available then I guess that most of us would go with that starting line-up, but I think the general point of this thread is looking at what might happen if they aren't.
If both Hendrick and Bardsley are available for selection, then obviously the squad doesn't look so paper thin, since we would then have Lowton and Brady on the bench (along with Pieters, Long, Vydra and others) and maybe JBG and Wood to return before the end of the season.

Barsley, Hendrick, Hart, Lennon and Gibson are all still under contract until June 30th (or beyond in Gibson's case) and we could, if we so wished, insist that they play in matches until that date. SD will have to make judgement calls on whether they are up for playing or would just go through the motions if selected. The call on Gibson has already been made, the others all seem to be good people and solid professionals so one would hope they would give 100% if called upon.

[NewClaret]

Villa's finances are actually pretty strong, most of the debt has been converted into equity (shares) and all nearly all the cash injects in the last 2 seasons have been via rights issues (shares again) - If relegated the will have to negotiate FFP (which is likely to be relaxed in the Premier League) but overall they are in a relatively strong position and will expect well north of £100m for Grealish, Mings, and McGinn if they are relegated and they want to go.

The owners have pumped around £400m in (including purchase of the last 3 seasons and show no sign of stepping back from that activity - at least one of them has made a lot of money in the last year - and he was a multi billionaire to start with. - If they stay up they will be much stronger next year.

Interesting, CP, so no debt at Villa? I thought they’d spunked a £150m+ in recent years. Take your point on transfer fee’s, but surely the loss of PL income would hit them hard?

Who’s the shareholder that’s done well? Does he sell face masks or something?

[Chester Perry]

Interesting, CP, so no debt at Villa? I thought they’d spunked a £150m+ in recent years. Take your point on transfer fee’s, but surely the loss of PL income would hit them hard?

Who’s the shareholder that’s done well? Does he sell face masks or something?

would you be surprised if I told you it was posted in the Magic Money Tree thread somewhere (not you DA I know you won't be)

[NewClaret]

would you be surprised if I told you it was posted in the Magic Money Tree thread somewhere (not you DA I know you won't be)

Okay.... I’m really going to have to start reading that thread, aren’t I?

[Royboyclaret]

Okay.... I’m really going to have to start reading that thread, aren’t I?

We look forward to seeing you over there, New Claret.

Villa are the classic case of a Club with owners that have the deepest of deep pockets. As Chester alluded to, vast amounts have been input in recent seasons by NSWE in terms of share capital, which is just as well since in the last decade Villa have recorded operating losses of an eye-watering £450million. And all that despite seven years of Premier League football and three years parachute payments.

However, with NSWE at the helm Villa appear to be in no trouble whatsoever (financially at least) and they have even been sufficiently clever to manipulate the last three years accounts to make sure they also comply with strict FFP rules. Of course, imminent relegation might well adjust the thinking of their owners particularly with the prevailing covid-19 circumstances.

[Chester Perry]

It was last year

https://egyptindependent.com/forbes-bil ... 9-billion/

though it looks like he has lost all that gain since then

https://www.forbes.com/profile/nassef-s ... 97087e2456

The worth of co-owner Wes Edens is subject to wildly different valuations

https://www.forbes.com/profile/nassef-s ... 97087e2456

https://gb.wallmine.com/people/10700/wesley-r-edens

[FCBurnley]

No way Sean will change to 4-5-1. For me I think he will stick with his tried and trusted 4-4-2

Team

Pope
Bardsley or Lowton Tarks Mee Taylor
Hendrick Westwood Cork Mc Neil
JRod Vydra

Wonder how often a team beat City and United away in the same season

[tiger76]

Interesting, CP, so no debt at Villa? I thought they’d spunked a £150m+ in recent years. Take your point on transfer fee’s, but surely the loss of PL income would hit them hard?

Who’s the shareholder that’s done well? Does he sell face masks or something?

Well they might have spunked £150m, but it's not doing them any good, they're staring relegation in the face, as in Fulham's case last year throwing money around doesn't guarantee success.

They are lacking desire and organisation, and when you're in a dogfight that's qualities you desperately need. Yet again they threw away a winning position today, and the games are rapidly running out for them to secure their PL status.

[dsr]

No way Sean will change to 4-5-1. For me I think he will stick with his tried and trusted 4-4-2

Team

Pope
Bardsley or Lowton Tarks Mee Taylor
Hendrick Westwood Cork Mc Neil
JRod Vydra

Wonder how often a team beat City and United away in the same season

Or if you want to be really optimistic, Man City, Man Utd, and Liverpool?

(Nelson once beat Real Madrid and Manchester United away in the same season. Though the Madrid game was a friendly.)

[NewClaret]

Well they might have spunked £150m, but it's not doing them any good, they're staring relegation in the face, as in Fulham's case last year throwing money around doesn't guarantee success.

They are lacking desire and organisation, and when you're in a dogfight that's qualities you desperately need. Yet again they threw away a winning position today, and the games are rapidly running out for them to secure their PL status.

I think Villa need to drop Grealish (luxury), sack Smith and bring in Allardyce for 8 games, drop 433 and play a proper 451.

[Gordaleman]

This is the most ominous thread I've read on here for some time. Very worrying indeed.

Bit less ominous than it was a few days ago. Sean has since backed off and said he's "No less happy" than he has always been. In other words, he's always a bit frustrated but he accepts that that's the job at Turf Moor.

[summitclaret]

Bit less ominous than it was a few days ago. Sean has since backed off and said he's "No less happy" than he has always been. In other words, he's always a bit frustrated but he accepts that that's the job at Turf Moor.

He can't unsay what he did last week though.

[Swizzlestick]

I think Villa need to drop Grealish (luxury), sack Smith and bring in Allardyce for 8 games, drop 433 and play a proper 451.

Grealish is their best chance of staying up!

Heaton being out is a massive blow for them. Too high a player turnover and manager is unconvincing at this level.

[Swizzlestick]

Bit less ominous than it was a few days ago. Sean has since backed off and said he's "No less happy" than he has always been. In other words, he's always a bit frustrated but he accepts that that's the job at Turf Moor.

Think he’s realised he went too far. Well I thought he did anyway.

[claretblue]

Sky report injury keeping Wood out is groin...that’s not correct surely!

[Gordaleman]

He can't unsay what he did last week though.

I didn't say he could. What I said was that his position is unchanged. He gets frustrated as he always has done but he accepts that that's the way it is at Burnley.

[jedi_master]

Could we see Lewis Richardson on the bench due to Barnes/Wood being injured and the other players who've been out on loan being unavailable? He was on the bench in one of the cup games so when I am thinking we might be struggling to fill a bench he looks maybe likely?

[NewClaret]

Grealish is their best chance of staying up!

Heaton being out is a massive blow for them. Too high a player turnover and manager is unconvincing at this level.

Luxury, for me. Seen it before - team have a great player, who they play regardless despite, when they need to be scrapping out wins.

[dsr]

Luxury, for me. Seen it before - team have a great player, who they play regardless despite, when they need to be scrapping out wins.

Yesterday the only chances Villa created were free kicks from Grealish's ability to fall over at a touch. They had nothing else. And it's not as if Grealish doesn't work hard - he does. He scraps, he works, he falls over screaming in pain. It's all Villa have.

[Swizzlestick]

Luxury, for me. Seen it before - team have a great player, who they play regardless despite, when they need to be scrapping out wins.

Ran the show at the Turf and they need his quality to provide the chances. Nobody capable up top though. I wouldn’t describe as him as luxury, tbh - he puts the yards in. There needs to be a balance. I don’t think they have the defensive unit to just sit back esp with no Heaton.

[agreenwood]

From what I gather the issues at club will be put in sharp focus when the line-up for tonight is announced.

[claretonthecoast1882]

Hopefully the rumoured flyover doesn't occur tonight

[dandeclaret]

Can you do me a quick favour...... can you write me a long list of ALL managers who have left a club of their own accord, without having another job to go to?

Then reassess why you think Sean Dyche will leave in the summer..... unless you think he's going to another club.

Thanks.

[houseboy]

We’ll be okay with Vydra and J-Rod (Barnes won’t be missed really) and JBG has been out that long that it’s almost like we don’t have him. Anyway the sad bit is we make our big come back in the worst possible game for us. City away FFS. Lawro’s prediction on BBC site is very kind to us...he reckons 3-0 to City. That would be a result in our case for this fixture. I’ve been looking forward to the return of football but this particular game doesn’t excite me, especially given the fact that City have already played a game.

[warksclaret]

Houseboy-I am with you on this particularly when you look back at the results v them in the last four or five years. Would almost prefer to play Liverpool than them. But I felt like this pre the Man U game away and look what happened.Big opportunity for Vydra and Jay Rod to shine