Your team for Villa?

[123EasyasBFC]

There’s just absolutely 0 width on the left side there - swap berge with Brownhill and have berge drifting out wide putting crosses in and it may work.

How is the 0 width on the left. Foster played the left side well, he was wide when he needed to be and central when he needed to but, but no you think sticking out 6ft 5 new CM out wide when he’s never played there before hahaha come on

[123EasyasBFC]

Surely Foster is one of the 1st names on the team sheet after last week's performance?

And surely after having the best game he’s had for Burnley form the left you don’t suddenly move him back central

[CoolClaret]

How is the 0 width on the left. Foster played the left side well, he was wide when he needed to be and central when he needed to but, but no you think sticking out 6ft 5 new CM out wide when he’s never played there before hahaha come on

Because you have two right footed players on the left side…

No I didn’t say put Berge on the wing, I said he could drift wide in a roaming role to put crosses in like a lot of modern day 8s do…

[Iloveyoubrady]

Because you have two right footed players on the left side…

No I didn’t say put Berge on the wing, I said he could drift wide in a roaming role to put crosses in like a lot of modern day 8s do…

I don’t think foster or Berge should play wide left but your reasoning is ridiculous. Berge is also right footed. Yes he could play 8 and drift wide, in fact he probably will. But that doesn’t mean you start him on the left wing!

Also, foster played wide left purely because we played a 523 out of possession with foster pushing up to a more central striker position when we did have the ball. I expect us to play our more conventional 4231 against villa and foster is the man to play up top.

[CoolClaret]

I don’t think foster or Berge should play wide left but your reasoning is ridiculous. Berge is also right footed. Yes he could play 8 and drift wide, in fact he probably will. But that doesn’t mean you start him on the left wing!

Also, foster played wide left purely because we played a 523 out of possession with foster pushing up to a more central striker position when we did have the ball. I expect us to play our more conventional 4231 against villa and foster is the man to play up top.

I NEVER SAID START HIM ON THE LEFT WING

I said he can drift wide to ping crosses in

Foster was also hardly on the wing against city - more of an inside forward… the width was meant to come from Vitinho but we struggled getting our wing backs up the pitch because City pretty much controlled the midfield

[Iloveyoubrady]

I NEVER SAID START HIM ON THE LEFT WING

I said he can drift wide to ping crosses in

Foster was also hardly on the wing against city - more of an inside forward… the width was meant to come from Vitinho but we struggled getting our wing backs up the pitch because City pretty much controlled the midfield

Ok I apologise I was mistaken.
I do agree that Berge can be that man for us to drift wide. He did it well at Sheffield.

Spot on re Foster, I didn’t see him as being on the wing when we had possession, Vitinho was meant to provide that.
In future games I expect Vitinho to be swapped for a more conventional winger as I think he was picked to give us more defensively.

[123EasyasBFC]

Because you have two right footed players on the left side…

No I didn’t say put Berge on the wing, I said he could drift wide in a roaming role to put crosses in like a lot of modern day 8s do…

Right and we had 2 eight footers on the left against city and didn’t lack width. You can’t be suggesting having berge drifting out to the left at times is more width than the role foster played against city?

[jlup1980]

Vitinho shouldn't be in the starting 11. I thought he looked like a rabbit in the headlights vs City. We will need Brownhill's energy and work rate in CM.

Trafford
Roberts O'Shea Beyer Al Dakhil
Berge Cullen
Koleosho Brownhill Foster
Amdouni

[CoolClaret]

Right and we had 2 eight footers on the left against city and didn’t lack width. You can’t be suggesting having berge drifting out to the left at times is more width than the role foster played against city?

We most certainly did struggle to have width against City - especially down that left side.

Vitinho might be predominantly right footed but the nature of the formation has him default wider than lb in a back 4 - especially as we’re probably going to do as RVClaret says and have Roberts or Al Dak come into midfield and be 3 at the back when in possession.

Yeah I can - Berge is a very good crosser of the ball and is good at getting into those half spaces and putting first time balls in - in fact it’s a speciality of his (albeit for Sheff it was mainly drifting out to the right).

One of the reasons Anass played pretty much every game last season was his ability to really hug the touchline and either stay wide and be comfortable going around the outside or cutting in onto his right.

Whichever way we look at it it’s the same - we’re very short at left back / left wing back to the point where I feel it’s negatively impacting the team

[123EasyasBFC]

The argument is you can’t think berge drifting out wide is better than the role foster played from the left, the chance Forster created for himself wouldnt of happened if he had played central

[BleedingClaret]

He was perfectly fine as a keeper but I wouldn’t say his distribution was ‘excellent’

Noticeably slower and needing of an extra touch than Muric - far less ping on his passes as well (can’t teach that imo)

You obviously can be taught it when you’re 20
Plus the Muric of the start of last season was more ponderous and awkward looking than Trafford is now
A season of achievement confidence training and match play Muric is better now than then.
Most likely Trafford will grow in confidence and ability too

[BleedingClaret]

No he isn’t - but one of his best strengths is splitting wide and putting first time crosses in to the box ‘De Bruyne’ esque if you will

You’ve got me excited now
If Berge can be De Bruyne~esque

[CoolClaret]

The argument is you can’t think berge drifting out wide is better than the role foster played from the left, the chance Forster created for himself wouldnt of happened if he had played central

We did that to match City

I’m not sure if we will play 3 at the back again.. could be wrong, point still stands about the width.

You obviously can be taught it when you’re 20
Plus the Muric of the start of last season was more ponderous and awkward looking than Trafford is now
A season of achievement confidence training and match play Muric is better now than then.
Most likely Trafford will grow in confidence and ability too

I’m not so sure about that, I think he took his time when not pressed but still absolutely pinged it.

The howler against Blackpool was on Cullen - that short ball to the midfielder coming short (if someone follows him) you’re meant to flick it out wide to a full back that should in theory be unmarked, it’s used to beat the press.

City did it to us a few times - what Cullen didn’t do in that instance was check over his shoulder properly before receiving the ball and low and behold it got nabbed off jinx

Not to mention the entire team was getting used to a different system - my point being that Muric has a really high footballing ability and ping in his passes that not many have.

[Newcastleclaret93]

He was perfectly fine as a keeper but I wouldn’t say his distribution was ‘excellent’

Noticeably slower and needing of an extra touch than Muric - far less ping on his passes as well (can’t teach that imo)

Not sure I agree if I am honest. If anything I thought his distribution was a level up. He was up against the best team on the planet that are renowned for their closing down in the final third. Doing that against city is incredibly difficult. Not sure how you can compare that to Muric doing it against championship teams.

He looked calm and assured on the ball and made a few good saves.

I suspect Trafford will start every game in the league this year.

[CoolClaret]

Not sure I agree if I am honest. If anything I thought his distribution was a level up. He was up against the best team on the planet that are renowned for their closing down in the final third. Doing that against city is incredibly difficult. Not sure how you can compare that to Muric doing it against championship teams.

He looked calm and assured on the ball and made a few good saves.

I suspect Trafford will start every game in the league this year.

Fair point, I don’t think his distribution was ‘bad’ or anything I just don’t think he has the same footballing ability as Muric and I don’t think many keepers do.

He has this ability to launch long balls flat and hard akin to an Ederson; I thought this season that would have been utilised as teams wouldn’t be sitting off as much as they did to us in the Prem.

I also know that you’re reluctant to give Muric any credit either

[BleedingClaret]

We did that to match City

I’m not sure if we will play 3 at the back again.. could be wrong, point still stands about the width.



I’m not so sure about that, I think he took his time when not pressed but still absolutely pinged it.

The howler against Blackpool was on Cullen - that short ball to the midfielder coming short (if someone follows him) you’re meant to flick it out wide to a full back that should in theory be unmarked, it’s used to beat the press.

City did it to us a few times - what Cullen didn’t do in that instance was check over his shoulder properly before receiving the ball and low and behold it got nabbed off jinx

Not to mention the entire team was getting used to a different system - my point being that Muric has a really high footballing ability and ping in his passes that not many have.

I hate that ball out from the keeper central to the midfielder coming deep
It’s a recipe for disaster if the other team has a full press

Interesting that Muric is only 24, so hardly mature but he’s better than Trafford presently I agree.

There was many a heart beat missed early on last season though, but he got there

[CoolClaret]

I hate that ball out from the keeper central to the midfielder coming deep
It’s a recipe for disaster if the other team has a full press

Interesting that Muric is only 24, so hardly mature but he’s better than Trafford presently I agree.

There was many a heart beat missed early on last season though, but he got there

It can be if your defensive midfielder isn’t an absolute maestro -

City did it to us a few times to beat our press but Rodri and Kovacic are seriously good players like - always helps

[CoolClaret]

Aston Villa’s passing network against Everton -

Note their distinctive rigid structure

(Also lol @ Everton’s because that is just putrid)

[matttheclaret]

Trafford
Roberts O'Shea Beyer Al Dakhil
Cullen Berge
Benson Brownhill Foster
Amdouni

[ksrclaret]

That’s brilliant from Everton. Dyche has them set up perfectly in the classic L shape formation.

[Carwin261]

. Trafford
. Oshea - Beyer - Al Dakhil
.Roberts Vitinho
. Berge - Cullen
.Redmond Foster
. Zeki

This isn’t being racist but replace Cullen,and Redmond .and we’ve a truly a global team.( What would Sean say ?

[claretandy]

Aston Villa’s passing network against Everton -

Note their distinctive rigid structure

(Also lol @ Everton’s because that is just putrid)

That doesn't do villa justice, digne was there main outball, he was hugging the touchline for the long diagonal, with mcginn floating inside.

[KlyBfc]

Trafford

Roberts O’Shea Beyer Al Dahkil

Cullen
Berge. Brownhill

Redmond. Amdouni. Foster

Koleosho impact sub for me. Did ok v city, started brightly (quick and direct) but was wasteful with his passing in some promising areas after that first 30mins.
Benson if properly fit would start in my best eleven but may also be better as an impact sub at this moment.

[summitclaret]

If Benson is he needs to start.

[BleedingClaret]

If Benson is he needs to start.

Benson will be used as an impact sub
Wrapped in cotton wool until needed

[BleedingClaret]

Koleoshi & Benson as impact subs would be a threat

[CoolClaret]

That doesn't do villa justice, digne was there main outball, he was hugging the touchline for the long diagonal, with mcginn floating inside.

It might have been - this is just the total sum in the game showing where on average players are receiving/making passes

[Newcastleclaret93]

I would honestly be tempted to throw Ramsey straight into the starting eleven

[burnley007]

That doesn't do villa justice, digne was there main outball, he was hugging the touchline for the long diagonal, with mcginn floating inside.

Digne is leaving, unlikely to be involved on Sunday apparently.

[burnley007]

What about Odobert?

He will be involved.

[claretonthecoast1882]

Trafford
Roberts O'Shea Beyer Al Dakhil
Cullen Berge
Benson Brownhill Foster
Amdouni

Plenty of options on the bench

[warksclaret]

Trafford
Roberts Al Dahill Beyer O Shea
Benson Cullen Berge Ramsey
Amdouin
Foster

[NottsClaret]

Genuinely struggling to remember everyone who plays for us now.

[ArmchairDetective]

Aside from LB I'm not sure I agree with the idea that we're weaker than the starting 11 from last season.

Clear upgrades up top and in midfield. More options on the wings.

Shame it's looking as though we won't get a LB in during the two weeks between the City and Villa games but plenty to be optimistic about with this team. Think we'll improve as the season goes on as players continue to develop. Early predictions are that Foster and Amdouni will be two of the first names on the team sheet by the end of the season but who knows how it'll play out.


Muric
Roberts O'Shea Beyer Al Dakhil
Cullen Berge
Benson (if fit) Amdouni Redmond
Foster

Koleosho or Larsen if Benson doesn't start.

[ArmchairDetective]

Genuinely struggling to remember everyone who plays for us now.

I had to refer back to the squad list to post my starting line-up above Refreshing to have so many new faces and options though.

[burnley007]

back 4 or back 5?

That seems to be the biggest question.

[Commy]

In Mission to Burnley VK said to the board that we needed players that could press high up. We had City struggling to play out and Villa weren't very good with Newcastle's press so it will be interesting to see how they cope if we get it right. Everton tried but were useless at it .

[AGENT_CLARET]

.........................Muric

.......Al Dahill....Beyer....O Shea

Roberts....Cullen....Berge....Vitinho

Koleosho.....Amdouni.....Ramsey

Other than that God knows exciting times at Burnley

[Nonayforever]

It's brilliant at the moment, numerous players for each position, various formations that could be used, plenty of options from the bench to change the complexion of the game completely and we still expect more to come !

I'm going for the following line up but will probably be 3 or 4 players out ;-

Muric
Roberts AL Dahill Beyer Vitinho
Berge Cullen Ramsey
Redmond Amdouni Foster

[Barlickclaret]

Muric
Roberts Al dahill delcroix Taylor
Benson Cullen berge ramsey
Koleosho foster

[AlargeClaret]

Some interesting teams for sure , but how in holy hell does anyone think Vitinho should be anywhere near our 1st team is beyond me . Great song though

[CoolClaret]

Ramsey has been with us for a good two weeks so I think he will be ready to roll so to speak.

I’d throw him straight in there, he will be buzzing to play against Villa.

———————-Muric
Roberts-O’Shea-Beyer*-Al-Dakhil
—————-—-Cullen
Benson-Berge-Ramsey-Redmond
———————Foster

Ekdal if Beyer isn’t fit

Roberts coming into midfield in possession forming a 3-2

Very excited for the game

[Spiral]

Completely impossible to pick one. We've got too many new players that it's impossible for a fan to credibly judge I think. Who would've imagined a few weeks abgo ago that we'd start Koleosho against City. We were literally speculating whether or not he'd been signed for the u21's, and he goes and makes his debut for us tasked with getting past Nathan Ake and Rodri. It's legitimately gonna take us to about late October at least before we can be making educated and informed judgements on this. (I'm not saying the discussion is pointless, just stating that it's insane how fresh this team is.)

[Cruciverbalist]

Muric

Roberts Al Dakhil Beyer (Ekdal) Taylor

Berge Cullen

Benson Redmond

Amdouni Foster

[LeadBelly]

Completely impossible to pick one. We've got too many new players that it's impossible for a fan to credibly judge I think. Who would've imagined a few weeks abgo ago that we'd start Koleosho against City. We were literally speculating whether or not he'd been signed for the u21's, and he goes and makes his debut for us tasked with getting past Nathan Ake and Rodri. It's legitimately gonna take us to about late October at least before we can be making educated and informed judgements on this. (I'm not saying the discussion is pointless, just stating that it's insane how fresh this team is.)

I feel the same. I've no great understanding of the capabilities/ positional possibilities of the signings we've made. I like a bit of conjecture as much as the next footy fan but feel there are too many unknowns to contemplate the permutations here- Ill just await whatever VK goes with.

[claretandy]

Muric
Roberts O'Shea beyer Al dakhil
............ Cullen
........ amdouni Berge
Benson foster Redmond

[Barden Lane]

Trafford
Roberts. Oshea. Beyer Al Dakhil
Cullen Berge
Redmond. Brownhill. Larsen
Foster

[BleedingClaret]

Teams being picked without Amdouni?

[Commy]

Don't know if this is just a general photo or from this weeks training but Beyer is there.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jbUfSYJfSBY

[summitclaret]

There's some weird team selections on here.