When writing this article, I was thinking about the team I would field for the game at Anfield tomorrow but, due to the options we have, especially in midfield, it gave me a mini headache.
Lambert has brought in a number of players on a low budget, experienced players who can go straight into the team. I did have my doubts about the signing of Philippe Senderos but, after watching him with Vlaar at the back, I have completely changed my mind about him. He has strengthened the Villans’ leaky defence, along with Cissokho and Hutton. Cissokho’s signing also raised a few eyebrows and concerns but in his opening games for the club, he has looked a good signing, particularly when I consider how much it cost to bring him to the club.
Paul Lambert focused on improving the midfield; he brought in Kieran Richardson, Carlos Sanchez and Tom Cleverley. Richardson has performed well and I feel that he is a brilliant purchase because of his versatility. He can play left back, left-sided midfield or he can be used as a central midfielder. His previous seasons in charge have shown that Lambert likes versatile players, with Weimann, Agbonlahor and Bacuna a few example of players who have been played out of their natural positions.
Competition to lead the line up front will heat up with the return of Kozak and Benteke. They both will feel like new signings, as last season they had positive impacts at different times. Villa fans are still unsure if they can play together up front but time will tell if Lambert links the pair. Darren Bent will also look to be involved and will take the opportunities given to him. Once he scores, he will gain confidence.
Lambert may go for his preferred formation of 4-3-1-2, which he used with us on several occasions and used frequently with Norwich. He has the players to do so now. If I were to use this formation, the back five would be unchanged even though Okore has returned. The Senderos and Vlaar partnership is working so why change something that isn’t broke?
The midfield is the one part of the team that I would change. We will need to get numbers in the middle of the pitch and the 4-3-1-2 formation will do this. I would select new signing Carlos Sanchez to start his first Premier League game. He has been eased into the team with cameo appearances off the bench but this is the sort of game in which we need him to play, to break up play, as I expect Liverpool to have most of the possession and Sanchez is the man to break the play up. I’d keep Richardson and Westwood in the midfield as they have played well so far this season. Richardson will bring energy and pace, whereas Westwood will try to control the game. I would also give Delph a free role. He can link up with the strikers or get back and help Sanchez in breaking up the play and counter Liverpool.
The front two should remain unchanged as they had good games against Hull City in their previous game. Agbonlahor has recently signed a new contract so he will want to prove he is worth keeping hold of. He also had a brilliant game at Anfield last season and I would love to see that type of performance again tomorrow.
This is only my opinion and I know a few may disagree with my team – it is only natural with the options we have. Let me know what your team would look like tomorrow by commenting below. What would Villa’s strongest team look like if we had a fully fit squad? You decide!
