Middlesbrough vs Aston Villa: Pre-Match Thread

[PeterWithesShin]

[tomd2103]

Hopeful for a point but going to be turning off the TV whenever Boro get a corner I think!

They won't stretch us as much as Forest did at least. Also got a few injuries, Downing didn't play their last game and Gestede went off injured against Preston.

This is a game I wish John Terry could come out of retirement and play one final time as it's not like he'd do a huge amount of running, just heading practice.

We didn't actually concede a goal v Boro in any of the four games last season, problem is we simply don't have the grit at the back we did last year.

Jedinak was a key part of that and got the goal up there which won us the semi final.  I don't see him fitting in the current style of play, but he is very effective in the defensive midfield role against long ball teams.

[CT Villan]

It has been noticeable, especially of late, that Axel and Chester don't win many headers so I am a little concerned with Boro's route 1 stuff.

If we can hold it together defensively, we have the fire-power to win. I'm going 4-6 to the Villa.

[tomd2103]

It has been noticeable, especially of late, that Axel and Chester don't win many headers so I am a little concerned with Boro's route 1 stuff.

If we can hold it together defensively, we have the fire-power to win. I'm going 4-6 to the Villa.

I think Tony Pulis' head would explode on the touchline if that happened.

[Matt Collins]

Last season we'd have had Hutton at left back and jedinak in midfield who are both good in the air. Taylor and hourihane / Whelan aren't. While tuanzebe is taller but less good in the air than Terry. And nyland is worse than Johnstone

It's pretty obvious what Pulis will be focusing on

Our best tactic is to dominate the ball and avoid giving away set pieces as much as possible

We do have a great record at Boro I think?

[Matt Collins]

Although I've just checked our boro's home form:

Swansea 0-0
Forest 0-2
Rotherham 0-0
Derby 1-1
Wigan 2-0

I can't see a similar stalemate here, but that's a lot less strong than I'd imagined

[Perthvillan]

Think they might grind out a 1-0 win, hope I'm wrong mind.
It will probably be very different to our last three games though.

[Ads]

They won't grind anything out against us.

[Toronto Villa]

They won't grind anything out against us.

They’re a typical boring bastard Pulis team that will try and get the lead and keep it. While we’re not exactly ace at the back no less is safe against us now. In a battle of who scores most we’ll win.

[TonyD]

2.6.  I might check out the odds on that score.  Worth a fiver.

[PaulWinch again]

I fear for us against a side that is just going to pump the ball into the box.

[Dr Butler]

a BIG ask I grant ya, but if we keep a clean sheet we will win easily....3-0 Villa...if we keep a clean sheet that is

UTV
THe Doc

[Risso]

I never thought I'd say it, but this might be a game for Jedinak to sit in front of the defence.

[darren woolley]

1-1 Draw for me.

[chrisw1]

I think we will struggle at corners and set pieces.  Blues looked like they would score from every corner and Boro will be focused on this. I think we'll concede a couple.  Whether we can outscore them will decide the game.  I'm going 2-2.