Time to map out a plan for Villa's future
- Says blogger Matthew Turvey
Scramble for places hotting up at Albion
Tuesday 22nd September 2009, 11:26AM BST.
Albion boss Roberto Di Matteo has insisted the scramble for places in the first team will remove the threat of complacency at the Hawthorns.
The Baggies head coach looks set to field several of his back-up players in the Carling Cup at Arsenal tonight.
But Di Matteo reckons the fight for first team spots in the Championship will keep his entire squad on their toes, as they target success on all fronts.
He said: “There is always a risk of complacency, but at the moment I don’t see that in our players.
“We just have to make sure we have enough competition within the squad that keeps everyone on their toes. We are pleased with the start and I think we are still going to get better and stronger.
“We have a few players who are injured and we’ve done well considering we haven’t had them at all. Ishmael Miller, James Morrison and Neil Clement injured and Jonathan Greening have only played a small part. They were the hardcore of the team before.
“I think Marek Cech is a very good player and an important player for our team. We missed him in the last two games, because he got injured early on in the Tuesday game.
“But even without him we keep going on and performing and winning.”
Albion’s new signing, Chile international Gonzalo Jara, could make his debut tonight.
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So what’s the team? My guess:
Kiely
Jara Meite Barnett Samuels
Reid Koren Texeira Thomas
Wood Cox
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i just think credit must also be given to our chairman for the excellent work he has done over the last few years.to appoint good young hungry managers in mowbray and dimatteo were spot on,its easy to go for tried and tested ones that come for the money,look at newcastle.to structure a wage bill makes sence and to purchase young hungry quality players who want to play the passing football albion are traditionaly known for,well done again.his wheeling dealing in the transfer market has been fantastic over the last seasons especialy in the present economic market.i know his share percentage is high and is waiting in the wings for a takeover payout, doug ellis 2 .but its a club thats solid ready for the prem,under dimatteo we will stay there
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I’m surprised this match hasn’t been chosen for inclusion on TV, it’s such an intriguing fixture. Arsenal Reserves v Albion Bench Warmers and both teams noted for dedication to skill and goals. I keep looking on the computer but, nothing for the moment. Let’s hope E&S have a reporter down there.
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I think it will be-
GK,Kiely
RB,Martis
CB,Olsson (Captain
CB,Barnett
LB,Jara
RM,Texeira
CM,Koran
CM,Dorrans
LM,Thomas
ST,Woods
ST,Cox
However, i would have liked us to field a full strength squad as i think we could have caused an upset against the Arsenal kids. A return to Wembley would be nice. We have unfinished business there. Although i agree that the league is far more important.
Boing Boing
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Chris;
I can’t see RDM playing so many firt team members to be honest as from Saturday we play 3 league games in 8 days!!! I envisage a large change from Saturday and Dorrans and Thomas at least to be rested. We don’t ant to risk any more injuries, what with Brunt and Cech probably out for Sat against Palace.
Anyhow, i’m going tonight so I will find out soon :)
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Cyril Randle
I totally agree with you about Albion not been on
the box,who the hell wants to watch Man Utd v
Wolves,yet another drab match shown by sky tv.
I`d like to know who picks these games,
MAN UTD V WOLVES and LEEDS V LIVERPOOL
you couldnt pick 2 worse boaring games.
After hearing what the Arsenal team could be
then RDM should put out a strong side,
My Albion Team:
Carson,Zuiverloon,Martis,Olsson,Jara,
Teixeira,Mulumbu,Koren,Dorrans,Wood,Moore.
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6,Another stupid comment from an uninformed Baggie,Whilst i am fed up of Man U on TV They just happen to be the biggest club in the World.And as the game game will be shown live all over the world Millions will watch.Personally it would be no great loss if both Baggies and Wolves go out so that we can both concentrate on the more important issues of Promotion and premiership survival.
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If we win this I can see us going on 2 win the cup, the form were in! Just a feeling I got, call me crazy :)
This could be a cracking game 2nite! Should deffo been on telly. What was they thinking??
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