Responding to a concerned post by news account Total Villa, many supporters have been in full debate over manager Dean Smith’s potential conundrum of switching to a back four rather than a back five – with full-backs Frederic Guilbert and Matt Targett potentially guilty of over-committing.
Villa, who played a back four in their last outing, a narrow 2-1 defeat to Manchester City in the Carabao Cup final at Wembley, could be set to switch things up ahead of their battle to avoid the drop – with manager Smith potentially opting to revert to that 4-2-3-1 system on display last weekend.
However, judging by the response of these Villa fans, there is definitely some concern – with a lot of supporters taking to Twitter in full debate over Smith’s tactics. Most often deploying a back five off the ball this campaign, full-backs Guilbert and Targett, when looking to get forward, were covered by three centre-halves – keeping the danger of overexposure to a minimum.
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As a result, some supporters are debating the potential switch to a back four which could remove that safety net, especially when opposition sides counter-attack – something that has ‘been a problem all season‘. Find all of their best comments down below.
I agree. It has been a problem all season. Nakamba has to play so defensively that he is almost a CB aswell.
And then hopefully McGinn is back soon and can cover the entre pitch.— Thomas Eghave (@Eghave86) March 4, 2020
Maybe start with Elmo at right back with Guilbert ahead of him at right midfield?
— chris darlaston🌹 (@cdarl67) March 4, 2020
They were more defensive in a back 5, most teams full backs are attacking now, the dm needs to do more.
— Wayne Turner (@turner295) March 4, 2020
I’d play Elmo right back for a spell now. Better positionally and crosser although Guilbert is quicker. I think Targett is more worth the risk as he’s a genuine threat with goals and assists. If we’re up against a team with quick wingers I’d consider Hause at left back
— StanTheMan (@StanStaunton) March 4, 2020
I think guilbert played better at full back so not too worried there. Targett did get exposed quite often, even on sunday he kept giving the winger way too much space
— RicardoAV (@RichieLionel81) March 5, 2020
Especially Targett
— Dom Phillips (@DomPhillipsCSGO) March 5, 2020
How would you solve this potential defensive conundrum? Join the discussion by commenting below…
