Looking for a villa save to read

[Asmart01]

Has anyone or is anyone planning an Aston villa save on fm17 to read and follow?

[Welshace]

Have you tried checking out some of the lets plays on youtube? there are a few for Villa I think.

[Wyer]

I've got 1 going atm, currently sitting top after 16 games.

More than happy to share it with you or have I mis-undertood?

[SwedenYid]

On 2016-11-10 at 17:59, Wyer said:

I've got 1 going atm, currently sitting top after 16 games.

More than happy to share it with you or have I mis-undertood?

I'm currently managing Villa as well and I've played around 10 games so far. I've previously struggled to find a suitable, balanced formation for my team but I think I did a pretty good working 4-3-2-1, just a little bit too offensive and vulnerable at the back sometimes. I can post some screens if you want to!

 What formation do you use and what transfer did you make? It would be interesting to hear from one antoher  

[Asmart01]

Please share yes, transfers, formations everything I like reading villa saves 

[Luckyredcap]

On 11/14/2016 at 20:02, Asmart01 said:

Please share yes, transfers, formations everything I like reading villa saves 

in the 3rd season with my Aston Villa save. Won the Championship no problem. 2nd season in the premiership i managed to finish 6th and won the EFL cup. 

 

managed to build a really good side and have always had decent cash injected into the squad from Tony Xia. In the January transfer window at the moment and currently sitting in 7th place.

 

tend to play a 442 narrow diamond lately:

                    Gollini

Iorfa, Holgate, Elphick, Angelino

                    Rossiter

        Barkley            Dozzell

             Andreas Pereira

                       Kuki (only just bought)

 

Have options to play wide players with Cerny, Grealish and Karamoh (great sub for striker, scored 19 goals for me in the championship). Have kept Ayew and kodjiea (he will go soon). 

i like to play with a high tempo, closing down alot more, tight marking, retain possession, be expressive and play out from the back, full backs overlap and work ball into box. tend to score really attractive goals using this style.

looking to eventually replace Elphick at the back but will probably wait for the summer.

 

to be continued...

 

[Rss94]

 

 

 

I am currently in march

[avillafan.com]

I have been debating doing a Villa thread as it really bothers me that there isnt one but I have never done one before..

 

Currently need a winger after Liverpool come and met Janazaj's 27m release fee on deadline day.

[Welshace]

If you don't fancy doing one.. let me know @avillafan.com ... I've just started with them and will happily make one.

[avillafan.com]

22 hours ago, Welshace said:

If you don't fancy doing one.. let me know @avillafan.com ... I've just started with them and will happily make one.

Happy for you too Welshace.

[heartandgroin]

I'm only 2 months into a Villa save but it going alright so far. Nothing too major in the way of transfer in or out as I feel we have enough to go straight up.

Solid start to the season with the players still finding their feet with the tactic I'm using.

Sitting top after a narrow 1-0 win at home to Brentford. I've still not found my ideal starting XI and I can't seem to get a tune out of Kodjia at all. Ayew doesn't seem to be much better so I may need to invest in a Striker in Jan. Going ok so far though.

 

Made some massive changes with the backroom staff. There was virtually no Under 23 or 18 set up with coaches etc. 

[Asmart01]

On 14/12/2016 at 20:43, Welshace said:

If you don't fancy doing one.. let me know @avillafan.com ... I've just started with them and will happily make one.

Id be happy to follow on this as well

[Welshace]

Apologies guys, haven't found time to sit down and start one.. if someone comes up with something before I do, they are welcome to.

[cns180784]

Hi thought i'd share my experience with Villa, not going well at all but bear in mind i dont bother looking up what the best freebies/loans are available in the game through forums or whatever, i like to find good players myself through scouting in the game. Luckyredcap i am just 14 games into my first season had no money to spend until i sold Kozak, take it Tony Xia gave you money in the January window and after that? anyway heres' what i posted in the general forum:

 

So i'm managing Villa trying to get them back up in the prem straight after getting relegated. Doesnt look like happening...just like in real life. The board want the playoffs and i'm currently 16th with 16 points after 14 games. Looking quite safe with a 7 point buffer over the drop zone and with those below me (except Bristol City-15th on same points) really sturggling. 3 of my 4 wins have come against teams below me so i'm not worried about a relegation battle but the playoffs are looking unlikely. Just lost to Fulham 3-0 at home and lost my previous home match 1-0 to Wolves also.

After conceding too many especially early in games i changed to a 4-4-11 2DM sometimes playing a 4-2-2-2 DM and with that i got 4 clean sheets, scoring 5 conceding 4. 3 of the goals conceded were to Chelsea in the EFL cup (Hazard hat trick) but the 2 wins were just against the lower struggling teams, one of those Preston have yet to win a game in 14.

I changed to starting with a 4-4-2 control mentality playing very wide against Fulham in my last game. Before the game Fulham werent doing very well away from home but solid at home and were 5th in the table. They dont score many but dont concede either and its easy to see why as they play 2 DM's and 1 CM with all 3 having high attributes for aggression, bravery, teamwork, work rate and stamina (all in the mid to high teens). I thought to get around this we'll play very wide with an emphasis on getting crosses in and both full backs supporting. They dont score many goals and they didnt have much pace going forward with their front 3 only with Floyd Ayite so i wasnt too worried defensively or worried about their counter. Yet they win 3-0 and score all 3 goals in the first half, the first on 7 mins. I watched back on the goals and the defensive mistakes were poor. For 2 of the goals i had a few players seem to always close down one of their DM's even though i hadnt ordered them to leaving space in behind. Their DM's were pushing right up, with a large gap between them and their defence which was surprising...they didnt play how i expected them to. But how we were setup should have been able to punish them, but we didnt. The final nail in the coffin was the 3rd goal which they scored on the counter. We had the ball in their half, Gestede holds it up, tracks back and for some reason Paredes my right mid/winger makes a run into a central position, ignoring the team instructions for playing very wide. Gestede passes to him which he shouldnt have done and when he does Paredes gets surrounded by 5 players and loses the ball. From that they break and score.

I felt in that last game my instructions were being ignored, or the team just wasnt comfortable with the tactics but i know now that we'll have to revert to playing with a counter mentality and we have the big derby with Bham City next (away) and i'll most likely go back to the 4-4-1-1 2DM formation. Its defensive and i dont like playing this way but it has made us a lot more solid at the back and we got those 2 good wins against Barnsley and Preston (2-0 and 3-0) as well as a respectable 0-0 draw with Newcastle who are top of the league. I find that a team who is expected to make the playoffs and predicted to finish 3rd by the media shouldnt need to be playing defensively. Is it just me or does anyone else think Villa (who i support in real life) do not have one of the stronger top 6 teams in the league? looking at players in a lot of other teams i think the board should expect safe mid table finish and look to build for next season. Its a tough league and the last result shows that...hopefully i'll be given the time with 2 more transfer windows between now and the start of next season to push on. I believe we need probably 2 attack minded CM's with high attributes for first touch, technique, passing, vision, decisions, teamwork, off the ball and anticipation and another CB with pace and good all round reading of the game.

I'd like to know everyones thoughts on Aston Villa in FM17 those of you who are and who have managed them. I watched some vids on you tube and one guy got sacked after 9 games, the other faired better. Do you think its a tough job? how are you doing? what players have come in and left and what tactics are you using? i should also add my top goalscorer Ayew has been injured and before the Fulham game i had Adomah injured who has the highest average rating, most assists with 4 and 3rd top goalscorer with 3. In his place i played Juan Carlos Paredes on loan from Watford.

[DonVilla]

Hi,

I tried a couple saves with Villa, was quite excited at the opportunity of returning them to PL, however I too found this a tougher task than expected. In my first save I played 4-2-3-1 wide formation, second save started with a flat 4-4-2, however none of these worked very well.

The problem I found was that, with the number of strikers in the squad, you are almost forced to play with 2 strikers, or risk having unhappy players. Another issue I found, is that a DM is a necessity! So I am changed from my flat 4-4-2 to a rather unorthodox formation, with high pressing and pressure on the opposition. Since this change I have gone 10 games unbeaten, 1 draw & 9 wins, scored plenty of goals, however I do concede a few as well.

The closing down takes a toll on team fitness, so I'm having to rotate often and sometimes remove TI's if I've got a decent lead to protect.

Only made a few transfers, mostly free transfers, as the team "should" be strong enough to earn promotion. I'm also looking to give some of the youngsters a chance, such as Green & Hepburn-Murphy.

Results & league table:

[DonVilla]

My very next game after the above post was vs Reading, who were top of the league with only 1 loss & only 3 goals conceded in 12 games.

We completely outplayed them, although we didn't create too many good scoring chances. Only chance they had was right at the death with a CCC, fortunately Gollini came to my rescue.

[cns180784]

You're doing really well there. I see you got Diego Poyet same as me. I managed to keep Cissokho despite him wanting to leave after Sunderland made a bid. I agreed a fee with the player to let him go for (through player interaction after he requested to leave, told him i'd let him go if i get an acceptable bid) but i never got a bid to match it so he stayed and he's happy that i tried to sell him, but he expects to go in January. I sold Kozak to Stuttgart and got £1.8m for him. I bought a youngster Bright Osayi-Samuel a winger very skillful with good pace for £925k with addons. Got Juan Carlos Paredes a right FB/MD from Watford on loan as backup for Adomah and i wanted to get Kyle Lafferty on a short 1 month loan whilst i had Gestede out injured but for some reason the minimum is 5 months. Think i read somewhere that i couldnt have short term loans so i just got him for 5 months. Havent played the game since my last game that i lost 3-0 and have the big derby next...taking a break from it and playing other games atm.

Interesting tactic you're using and i see Kodjia is playing well for you and scoring goals, he's only scored once for me so far though he does have 3 assists. How is Ayew doing for you?

[DonVilla]

On 1/28/2017 at 02:00, cns180784 said:

You're doing really well there. I see you got Diego Poyet same as me. I managed to keep Cissokho despite him wanting to leave after Sunderland made a bid. I agreed a fee with the player to let him go for (through player interaction after he requested to leave, told him i'd let him go if i get an acceptable bid) but i never got a bid to match it so he stayed and he's happy that i tried to sell him, but he expects to go in January. I sold Kozak to Stuttgart and got £1.8m for him. I bought a youngster Bright Osayi-Samuel a winger very skillful with good pace for £925k with addons. Got Juan Carlos Paredes a right FB/MD from Watford on loan as backup for Adomah and i wanted to get Kyle Lafferty on a short 1 month loan whilst i had Gestede out injured but for some reason the minimum is 5 months. Think i read somewhere that i couldnt have short term loans so i just got him for 5 months. Havent played the game since my last game that i lost 3-0 and have the big derby next...taking a break from it and playing other games atm.

Interesting tactic you're using and i see Kodjia is playing well for you and scoring goals, he's only scored once for me so far though he does have 3 assists. How is Ayew doing for you?

Some interesting signings you've made there. I wasn't too worried with letting Cissokho go, the player I got as back-up, Kevin, is doing really well as back-up to Amavi. Poyet has also played decently, though he hasn't had much game time.

Interestingly all my strikers have done well when called upon, although Gestede has had the least playing time. So he's requested to leave in Jan, and I accepted. Kodjia, Ayew & McCormack are all scoring and assisting plenty.

Currently in mid December, just played Norwich away who are in top 4 and beat them comfortably 2-0. The game prior I decided to rest some players, played a few youngsters and back-up players vs Wigan and won 3-0. Hepburn-Murphy has now played 3 senior games, he has 3 goals & 3 assists, very pleased with his contribution.

I've now gone about 17 league games unbeaten, with only 1 draw in those 17.

I'll keep you posted. Hope you get back into your Villa save. Always difficult when playing as the team you support, as you don't want to lose any games

[cns180784]

Sounds like you'll get promoted no problem, have you stuck to that unorthodox formation? i still havent got back into it, i've been playing another game lately, an air/naval strategy war sim.

[DonVilla]

22 hours ago, cns180784 said:

Sounds like you'll get promoted no problem, have you stuck to that unorthodox formation? i still havent got back into it, i've been playing another game lately, an air/naval strategy war sim.

Should do hey. I switch between that formation and a 4-5-1. Mostly I play that formation due to the number of strikers at the club.

I've now set the record for most consecutive wins in the Championship (15) as well as most consecutive wins for Villa as a club (10).

[DonVilla]

One of my most, shall we say, "interesting" matches ever! 

I had played Watford in the FA Cup 3 days prior, so had a few tired first-team players. Ayew & Adomah are also still at AFCON. What makes it even sweeter is that, just hours before, I attempted to load Hepburn-Murhpy out, however there were no takers.

[cns180784]

Wow 5 goals for Hepburn Murphy think i'll have to give him a go. Did you get extra money to spend in the Jan window? i'm going to get back into this tomorrow and play my next game against City, the derby.

[yoyo2006]

He was a super sub at me against City as you see

[DonVilla]

He was really good for me when called upon. I won the league by quite some distance, in fact only drew 1 game after the results posted previously, with 0 losses. So my final record was 2 losses, 3 draws & 41 wins over the season. Honestly, not something I ever thought possible, but things just seemed to go my way regularly.

I only bought one player in Jan, Lundemo on a free, however he was still injured at the time, so didn't make too many appearances.

Now in pre-season and made a few signings, including Rob Green (needed an experienced keeper with high determination to tutor my regen keeper), Clichy, Charlie Adam & Gareth Barry. I now have a very experienced squad and will try involve some of the youngsters again.

 

[cns180784]

Good signings you've made there and thats an amazing achievement only 2 losses, easily winning the league. Well...i have since played another 2 matches and things are improving, i posted about this in another thread in the tactics forum. Drew with City 1-1 and beat Blackburn 2-1 much more solid at the back and both goals conceded were from long range. In both games they didnt have any clear cut chances only City had 2 half chances, Blackburn had nothing. Has to be said though before i played Blackburn they were just above me in the league and hadnt won in their previous 4 games, that was a must win (at home too). 

First half against City we didnt create anything and only one shot on goal to their 9 and conceding the goal on 40 mins. Second half was much better we had 10 shots to their 8 and this was down to just a few minor changes. Firstly for Poyet playing as a regista the only PI for that role is roam from position and was playing him alongside Jedinak both in DM so very little support going forward through the middle- pretty obvious what i had to do. I gave Poyet PI's for get further forward, more risky passes, dribble less and shoot less. Also i changed McCormacks' role from shadow striker to attacking midfielder- attack. This was so that he focused mainly on just getting in the box when i had possession and not trying to create chances himself or take players on as i had Gestede playing as DLF- support and he held up the ball very well (this was much more evident against Blackburn). The equalizing goal came on 57 mins which was a clear cut chance that McCormack scored from a nice Hutton cross, and just before this there was a clear cut chance for Jedinak but he headed wide.

The Blackburn game we bossed for almost all the game and had 65% possession. If we had played against City in the first half like we did in the 2nd half and against Blackburn i think we would have won and we'd be 6 points off the playoffs but as it stands we're 8 points off- and the board appear to be getting more frustrated with the league situation but i feel that i have nailed it now and hopefully can get a run going. What i found odd about the Blackburn game was it said we had 3 half chances but the one goal McCormack scored was easily a half chance but it wasnt registered as one. The other goal was McCormack from long range, a beauty.

What really just stood out for me was going over my teams analysis for opposition assist locations and types. The most assist locations were centrally outside the box and the most assist types were through balls (15, next highest from passes-8 so big difference) playing with the counter mentality so defence sitting deeper- and having the 2 DM's to protect them has restricted the space the opposition have to pick a pass outside the box, and theres' much less of a gap between by defence and goal for through balls to slip through- why i didnt pick up on this before i dont know, but there you go. Hopefully onwards and upwards now, Brighton away next problem is they've only lost 1 in their last 8 and that was away.

[DonVilla]

Good signs of improvement there. Hopefully you can keep it up and get into the playoff positions. I think it takes a while for this Villa team to gel and start performing as they can.

[cns180784]

Well my optimism was short lived really. Just had back to back goalless draws with Brighton and Cardiff. The Brighton draw can live with that but had to beat Cardiff as they are 23rd and at home. Had chances didnt put them away, in the scout report it said they had conceded a lot from crosses and headers so Gestede should have had a few. He did have a few headers on goal- one in the 6 yard box but went over. 17 for heading not good enough he should have scored easily. But what prevented us from getting more crosses into the box was i had Amavi injured and no-one else who could play as an out and out winger on the left, i had to play Green who cuts inside and brought him off for Adomah who is right footed. 5 more games and we're half way into the season, the board are getting more frustrated after each game.

Oh and i have Grealish injured for 5 months, a huge blow.

[DonVilla]

It sounds like you're going about things the right way, just not having much luck. Losing Grealish is a massive blow, as the squad is already short of wide players, unless you play the strikers out wide.

[cns180784]

Well McCormack is accomplished as a LM so he's an option but without Amavi i have no natural winger option in LM and even with Amavi he isnt natural there only accomplished (but he's my only player who is good enough to play as a winger in LM and get crosses in). Adomah is a very good (first choice) option as a winger on RM and my loan signing Paredes is good backup for him (also can play RB- which is where i'll play him in the next game) so when playing against teams who are vulnerable to crosses or play narrow formations i have to focus passing mainly down the right for Adomah/Paredes. Also Bacuna can sort of play as a winger in RM but lacks skill.

Anyway would you believe it....played Leeds after Cardiff away and another 0-0 draw! thats three 0-0 draws on the bounce! never in my history of playing FM have i had three 0-0 draws on the bounce. Its just the total opposite to the Fulham game where the game was lost after only 45 mins at 3-0 down...and the Forest game losing 4-1 at home but the tactics were quite a bit different. I think this way i'm playing now is a draw specialist, not only that but goalless. The goal threat is there for me though, especially against Leeds as i played 2 up front and i made a few adjustments. For the 2nd half i played a control mentality and was better- only a few mins in and we had a good chance but again- didnt convert it. We had the better chances- just with 1ccc and 2 halves to their 1 half chance but no converting them. After the game Gestede, Ayew and Kodjia were all worried about their lack of goals....yea so am i. I might just get the sack after a few more games if i dont pick up wins. With 20 mins left to go i wanted to go 3 up front to really try and nick it but no joy.

Wigan at home next and an interesting one. First championship team i'm to play that primarily play a 5-3-2WB. Bristol Rovers and Leyton Orient from league 2 played this formation and we won 3-1 both games, that was with me playing 4-4-2 but those were league 2 sides. I plan to play Cissokho and Paredes at full back but with wing back attack roles. McCormack LM as a WM support, cutting inside and for the first time i'm trying Westwood in RM with same role as McCormack. Reason being is they will cut inside opening up space for the full backs to overlap (tI's using exploit flanks, look for overlap and low crosses due to tall back 3 of Wigan). Westwood is only competent in RM but the idea is to create space for the overlap and gives us more options going forward and should be able to retain possession better, i have Westwood now training to play RM as a wide midfielder, and i've had Gary Gardner train to play in DM as a regista as he's just become accomplished there, also he learned the trait switching ball to other flank, perfect to use in this game so he will start alongside Poyet in DM. As Wigan have one awesome CB in the air (19 for jumping and 6'7 in height, plus the other two are 6'2 with 14 for jumping) i cant expect Gestede to get much joy in the air so i'm going with Kodjia and Ayew, using their pace to get on the end of my WB's low crosses. I may during the game have McCormack get further forward for his goal threat too. Fingers crossed really need to win this!

[avillafan.com]

I have just started the 2020-21(Season 5) season with Villa. Updates on my progess:

Season 1: Champions (101points)

Season 2: 8th (59points)

Season 3: 8th (61 points)

Season 4: 3rd (74 points)

During my time i have been the England manager before getting bored. Been offered the roles at Arsenal, Franch and Italy also.

 

Aim for this season is to try and get champs league again. Finances are so much an issue anymore with over £100m to spend but wages tend to be a problem competing with the big boys.

[cns180784]

Maybe you should manage the Planet Earth team and enter the universal league competing against the very best the universe has to offer you shouldnt get bored of that...lol. Not sure how you can get bored if you find it boring you should be managing in real life.

So what about your tactics, players in/out in your first season in the championship...do you read scout reports on opposition? how do you watch games, in extended? how do you play the game.

[cns180784]

Well i beat Wigan and my tactics works perfectly from start to finish. We were rock solid at the back, they had no chances with 6 shots from long range and they never had much time and space to get them off. Going forward we had 2 half chances so didnt create a bucket load but all it takes is to convert one, keep it solid at the back and the 3 points are in the bag. Ayew got an injury before the game so i decided to have him on the bench with protective gear for his damaged wrist. I wanted pace up front as their back 3 look so dominant in the air, so i decided to start the young Hepburn-Murphy. I was encouraged to try him from what he has done for you, DonVilla and he didnt disappoint. He scored in the 4th minute which won us the game, a nice powerful effort into the roof of the net and credit to Kodjia for a great assist.

10 points off the playoffs and Norwich away next. Tough game and they just won 3-1.

[DonVilla]

On 2/12/2017 at 06:43, cns180784 said:

Well i beat Wigan and my tactics works perfectly from start to finish. We were rock solid at the back, they had no chances with 6 shots from long range and they never had much time and space to get them off. Going forward we had 2 half chances so didnt create a bucket load but all it takes is to convert one, keep it solid at the back and the 3 points are in the bag. Ayew got an injury before the game so i decided to have him on the bench with protective gear for his damaged wrist. I wanted pace up front as their back 3 look so dominant in the air, so i decided to start the young Hepburn-Murphy. I was encouraged to try him from what he has done for you, DonVilla and he didnt disappoint. He scored in the 4th minute which won us the game, a nice powerful effort into the roof of the net and credit to Kodjia for a great assist.

10 points off the playoffs and Norwich away next. Tough game and they just won 3-1.

Good win vs Wigan, sounds like you put in a lot of effort to get things right for each game. Do you change your tactic around a lot? Could be that your players are struggling to find familiarity with it.

Glad to see Hepburn-Murphy did well for you as well. Try give him a couple more chances, if your main strikers aren't performing.

[cns180784]

No i have mostly stuck to the 4-2-2-2 DM (wide midfielders not CM's) although some games i have played with an AM with one striker but its almost the same, and i keep my eye on the familiarity levels which are all good enough, mostly all fluid now. The only game i switched back to the 4-4-2 was the hammering by Fulham at home 3-0. Theres' no consistency with the 4-4-2 and i was losing more than winning, looking too vulnerable at the back so had to change it. I think with playing the likes of Jedinak who just want to win the ball all the time there just wasnt enough protection for the back 4 when playing 4-4-2 i felt.

Played Norwich last game and drew 2-2 was winning 2-0 after 15 mins. Their equalizing goal came on 82 mins and both goals from 30 yards scored by Jonny Howson...but they did have chances in the box which they didnt convert luckily for me although 2 chances they had were headers and both times both my CB's challenged the player so did enough to put him off. Like when Gestede had a header on goal in the 6 yard box a few games ago he was put off by the defenders challenging him in the air. I posted a thread in the tactics forum to get peoples views on the 4-2-2-2 DM and asking if anyone has had any real success and consistency with it. I'm getting consistency, only consistent draws its just turning all these draws into wins. I'm looking at changing to a 4-1-2-3 DM wide but i need a few midfielders in the Jan window first i feel before i can make it work properly.

[DonVilla]

I also had poor results with a 442 when I started. 4123 might work better. You should have enough midfielders to make it work, maybe just lacking a bit of depth.

[cns180784]

for the 4123 Dan Gosling is listed at Bournemouth for £3.9m looks a great BBM and they have Lewis Cook loan listed.

You say when you first started with a 442 you had poor results but that couldnt have been in the season you last did in the championship as you won it easily. Was that a previous game you played? was you sacked?

[DonVilla]

Those could be decent signings, I used Tshibola as BBM and he was immense!

That was the same season I got promoted, only played 4 or 5 games with the 442 though. I think I had 2 losses and a draw or 2 as well. I quickly realised that it wasn't going to work, struggled to come up with a standard formation to fit the players into, that's the reason for my unorthodox formation I played.

[cns180784]

Update on my game.

Lost 2-0 to QPR and was summoned to a board meeting. Managed to persuade them to give me a month to turn it round. Have signed Gosling from Bournemouth he'll come on 1st Jan after the next match- Leeds. But after the QPR game we drew 1-1 at home with Burton. Played 69 mins with 4-2-2-2DM and then changed for the first time to the 4-1-2-3. I think first half they had like 55 or 56% possession, and 2nd half was about 52% for us. Which quickly makes me quesion why is there no option for first half possession in the match stats? i could have sworn i saw this in previous version of FM but not in this. The board really werent happy with the Burton draw.

Both goals in this game came almost straight away ours on 2 mins, and theirs was almost instant on 4 mins. Jamie Ward for them beating Gollini at his near post and surprise surprise he scored against his former club (which happens a lot in FM). I had gone a long time without conceding a goal from a through ball until the Burton game and this was down to their 3 CM's against my 2 DM's. I probably should have set both Gardner and Poyet as DLP but i wanted more support in midfield. With these roles they would have closed down less and the space wouldnt have been allowed for the through ball on the edge of the box. Still it wasnt even a half chance, Baker was showing Ward away from goal which meant he had to beat Gollini at his near post. I'm sure if Villa wasnt his former club that wouldnt have gone in (he blasted the ball almost ripping the net). Chester got injured before the game so had to play Elphick who can barely pick a pass. In this game saw his worst pass completion yet...9 from 33 attempted and i wanted him to play as cover, yet he was pressing and this caused them to have a clear cut chance. I think this is down to 2 things...assistant feedback saying he needs more time to blend in, and that he's used to closing down more. In the end i had to swap their duties Baker on Cover and Elphick on Defend which is far from ideal.

2nd half was better with more possession and more shots on goal. First half we had 4 to their 9 shots...2nd half we had 9 to their 1. We started the first half brilliantly. The passing, working the flanks and then the cross by Adomah was pinpoint with Gestede tapping it in at the back post, I knew this would work as Burton had conceded from loads of crosses. I think their instant reply knocked us back a bit and we didnt carry on what we did in the first 2 mins consistently, only in spells here and there. After the change to 4-1-2-3 was made we created 3 half chances in 21 mins...before that we just had the 1 ccc that was the goal on 2 mins, and 1 half chance.

With the time i have left to turn it around (improve overall confidence) means i have 4 games left. If i dont win at least 3 of them (one an FA cup game against Cov) i'm getting the sack...no doubt. Leeds next and i have a good plan to keep Oscar and Hernandez quiet and i'll go with the 4-1-2-3. Think for me thats it, i've had it with the 4-2-2-2 DM but it would still be good to play against the toughest teams away who leave a lot of space behind their defence.

[cns180784]

Theres' a quality player for the CM-Attack role at Liverpool, hes' a 20 year old hot prospect called Marko Grujic. No chance of signing him permanent but might be able to get him on loan. He's got everything and is excellent in the air, a real threat in the box and just a great all round midfielder. His loan status isnt set, he's had 6 sub appearances in the premier league and 2 EFL cup starts...do you (or anyone reading this) think its worth me waiting till 1st Jan to try and get him on loan? have you ever managed to get a young player at a bigger club on loan who wasnt loan listed before?

I'm asking as i dont want to waste my time if theres' no chance Liverpool will let him go on loan. My scout report says the player wont come permanently, with no indication of whether he'd come on loan or not. If i know theres' no chance of getting him then i'll just get Hourihane from Barnsley and get a deal thrashed out so i'll have him in the squad on the 1st- same as Gosling.

Oh yea forgot to mention i'm looking at Conor Hourihane...who Villa signed in real life. Both he and Gosling make great BBM's but if i was to play them together i'd have Hourihane as a BBM and Gosling as a CM- Attack.

[DonVilla]

Can you post a screenshot of Grujic? Always hate getting youngsters from bigger clubs on loan if there's no option to buy, as you end up developing their players for them. But if you need a short-term fix, then it's probably worth it.

I suspect the game has something against 442 formation, it doesn't appear to have anything going for it.

[cns180784]

16 hours ago, DonVilla said:

Can you post a screenshot of Grujic? Always hate getting youngsters from bigger clubs on loan if there's no option to buy, as you end up developing their players for them. But if you need a short-term fix, then it's probably worth it.

I suspect the game has something against 442 formation, it doesn't appear to have anything going for it.

Not sure how i can post screenshots on here. In game, do i select print page and then select web page? or another way? i would happily have him till the end of the season his attributes and traits are perfect for CM-Attack.

[DonVilla]

6 hours ago, cns180784 said:

Not sure how i can post screenshots on here. In game, do i select print page and then select web page? or another way? i would happily have him till the end of the season his attributes and traits are perfect for CM-Attack.

I normally just press prtsc on keyboard, paste to Paint and import that saved file. There probably is another way though.

[cns180784]

Here figured it out hopefully...he's a beast. He's even good defensively too.

Hmm dont asky why its come out like that but you can see his attributes. His traits are gets into opposition area, gets forward whenever possible, shoots from distance, shoots with power, dictates tempo.

Marko Grujic.html

[DonVilla]

He looks really good man. Should be able to do a job for you.

[cns180784]

Well....i got the sack.

After the Burton draw we were fantastic against Leeds dominated in every department and comfortably won 2-0 and against a quality side who are flirting with a playoff place. I thought the 4-1-2-3 was it, i've arrived in Success City. But it wasnt to be.

We then lost 1-0 away to BOTTOM of the league without a win in 17 games- Cardiff. Cant be bothered to go into that game only it was Tshibola got caught in possession in their half and they quickly broke forward with another former Villa man Joe Bennett down the left crossing into a box with mainly blue shirts. One player who darted forwards from the middle was on like 50 something percent condition...wtf? playing like he'd just come on as a sub.

Then played Cov City in the FA cup and this was much like back to the Leeds game. Dominated and naturally were even more dominant than against Leeds and won easily 3-0.

Then last game before the dreaded wrath of the board as it was coming to the end of my month i had to improve overall confidence...Wolves away and lost 1-0. 5th in the league in great form with great pace going forwards, awesome full backs with Silvio and Iorfa i knew this was a long shot to go there and get a win, which i had to get if i were to keep my job...a draw wouldnt be enough. I knew i had to sit back and i knew i wouldnt even have much (or any) success with quick counters...for one Wolves hadnt conceded goals from assists in central midfield or the opposition half, no long balls so had to try and play it slow like we did against Cov and Leeds. We actually didnt do too bad in possession we finished the match with 51% but had just 7 shots with non on target. Much of those earlier in the game from set pieces and from long range. Their goal was a long ranger from 25 yards from a player with 11 long shots 13 technique who hit it first time on the volley. Gollini no chance...what can you do? they didnt create anything clear cut and only one half chance. I changed it with just under 20 mins to go to a 4-3-3 going route one with Gestede as TM and we did have a couple good chances in the box but surprise surprise the best one fell to Kodjia who as usual couldnt score.

It just was not to be, if i had more time i could have turned it round but the poor early form and trying to play a system which suited the players with a good defensive/attacking balance took too long. If i were to start it again with a new save i know it would be better but i'm carrying on and after a very short stint unemployed Notts County offered me an interview which went well and i accepted their contract so now i'm going to work with them to achieve a mid table finish. Sitting 19th- 6 points from the drop zone in L2. I did want the only championship job that was available, Sheff Wed but i didnt think i would get it and i was Notts County's first choice for their new manager and could see it would be a good challenge.

So here we go with the Magpies in League 2 lol.

[DonVilla]

Unlucky man. Like you say, a switch to a different formation earlier might have worked. All the best in League 2.

[Aandy]

Enjoyed a successful first season finishing 2nd behind Huddersfield thanks to a late season surge after a terrible start to the campaign.  First season back in the PL is going OK so far, 21 games in and have just started 2018 13th in the table on 29 points thanks to a great end of 2017 with wins over relegation rivals Bournemouth, Middlesbrough and Sunderland.

 

Will write more up later tonight.  Am also considering starting a full Villa thread, if there's enough interest.

[mbabbs]

Into my 3rd season with Villa. 1st season I was promoted via Playoffs after finishing 3rd, 2nd Season I qualified for Europa and got to FA Cup semi final, 3rd season is now January, I am 7th and I am through to the first knockout round. My wage bill is currently 1.3 million, but we are struggling for transfer funds (mostly because I spent it).

My tactics are 4-5-1 (High Tempo&Closing Down Less&Counter&Flexible), 4-5-1 (High Tempo&Closing Down Less&Standard&Flexible), 4-5-1 (High Tempo&Closing Down Less&Attacking&Flexible) and I swap the tactic during the match depending on the strength of the opposition. I get the occasional lesson in football from the likes of Man Utd, but on the whole the tactics work ok and I sometimes give a lesson of my own. Next season I am going to introduce 3-5-1-1 now that we have a solid base to build on.

Things of note: I use Amavi as a Winger, I bought Sam Johnstone after his loan and he's been great, Hogan is a pretty good F9.

 

[Cal585]

Just started a Villa save on FMT with the Winter database. I notice the team's a bit different to the original database. They no longer have a lot of their strikers and have more quality in the midfield. Also quite a few players out on loan, many with frustrating sell-on clauses. Gollini for me is 5 star potential (Johnstone is 4) and we've agreed to sell him for 4 mill. I can only hope they don't take it.

Thinking 4-3-3 (with a flat midfield given Jedinak being the sole DM?) or 4-5-1 and rotating Kodija and Hogan. Lack of depth out wide is concerning though but the return of Gil, Veretout and McCormack next season might indicate an inclusion of an AM at the expense of width, so I'm not even sure if it's worth reinforcing.

How have others chosen to play with this squad?

[mbabbs]

I started 4-5-1 and then in later seasons added 3-5-1-1 and 3-4-2-1.

I managed Villa for 5 years and got them to qualifying for the Champions League. We came 2nd once (20 points behind United who are just formidable in my save), won the FA Cup twice and two Charity Shields. They also got to a Euro league final, but lost to Juventus. When I left, the stadium was being expanded to 55k, the wage budget was 1.9 million and the transfer budget was 67 million. They are fun to manage.

The players that stayed with me throughout the 5 years were -

Johnstone - He's a very solid goalkeeper.

Amavi - I used him as a ML. He's great. Still a solid first teamer after 5 years.

Grealish - Good back up for ML and AMC

Bree - Develops into a good RB

Green - Becomes a decent ML

Other players who didnt stay the distance but are worthy of note:

Hogan - Stayed for 3 years. He's not bad upfront.

Lansbury - Good backup for 4 years

Chester - First team initially and then good backup for 3-4 years

Bjarnason - Great player. First teamer and then excellent backup for 4 seasons.

Elphick - Good in initial seasons

Bacuna - useful backup initially both LB and MR

Kodjia - Was ok first season. Sold him after that.

Agbonlahor - Very useful first season. Got me a number of last minute winners