Important Players: Villa vs Blues

For the next installment in the build up week to the Aston Villa game, I will be looking at the two most important players that each team has to offer.

As most fans will know, the Blues squad has been built up around the group having a good work ethic and for that reason, there isn’t always much focus on individuals.

However, I have picked out the two players from our side which I think could be very important during the game against our local rivals.

In addition to highlighting the two players who will be important to our team, I have also taken the opportunity to look at two players from Villa’s team which could be important for them.

To begin with, I think one player that most people will agree with is our main striker, Clayton Donaldson.

It is quite well know by many fans now that the majority of our play comes from the work load that Donaldson puts in week in week out. Lets face it, without him, our style of play just wouldn’t work.

Therefore, I think bring the former Brentford man into play is vital if we are to attack Villa with pace.

Unlike some of our previous performances where we have just sat off teams and let them have possession, I think it is key that we get he ball as much to Donaldson as possible.

Instead of making him run the channels in search of the ball, I think we need to keep him central to really test Micah Richards.

Speaking of the former Manchester City man, Richards is the first player from the Villa squad who I think will be very important to them if they are to succeed in this match.

Now before fans jump on my back, no I don’t want them to win but I have to be equal and fair in my discussion.

There is no doubt since Richards has come in that he has secured the Clarets back line up. However, despite coming up against some of the best players in English football at the moment, I don’t think he will have ever met anybody like Donaldson.

For me, if Donaldson has a good night, Richards could be in trouble. The no nonsense defender must be alert at all times because with Arsenal loanee Jon Toral feeding off Donaldson’s runs, he could be in trouble if he isn’t paying attention.

Moving on, the second player who I think could be very important to how well Blues do in this game is Stephen Gleeson.

The August Player of the Month nominee has been in fine form during the handful of games and most fans will be hoping that he can continue his form into this massive game.

His range of passing, his awareness of what is going on around him in the centre of the park could prove to be the difference when it comes to Blues counter attacking and Villa counter attacking.

After getting himself a few goals already this season, I am hoping that he can come up with another wonder striker to sink our out of town rivals.

Finally, the second Villa player who I think could prove to be hugely important to them is Scott Sinclair.

Another former Manchester City player who I think could cause us problems, especially Jonathan Grounds if he starts down the right.

Villa’s number nine has hit the ground running this year bagging a fair amount of goals and I think he could be the biggest goal threat, although if Gabby is playing, he always seems to score against us.

However, if Blues play their cards right and get stuck in right from the get go, I think Sinclair’s confidence may get knocked a little and that may put him off his game.

Blues fans, what do you make of my thoughts? Do you agree with the players I have selected? If not, which players would you choose? Let us know in the comment section down below!