Heroes & Villains, the Aston Villa fanzine

Heroes & Villains => Match Threads & Player Ratings => Topic started by: Legion on November 23, 2010, 12:58:30 PM

Title: Aston Villa v Arsenal Pre-Match Thread
Post by: Legion on November 23, 2010, 12:58:30 PM
2-0 Home win

Bannan 16
Downing 33

Friedel
Dunne
Young (L.)
Collins
Warnock
Bannan
Young (A.)
Downing
Albrighton
Clarke
Agbonlahor
Title: Re: Aston Villa v Arsenal Pre-Match Thread
Post by: garyshawsknee on November 23, 2010, 01:05:37 PM
I admire your positive outlook,i think we'll get a draw tops.
Title: Re: Aston Villa v Arsenal Pre-Match Thread
Post by: Yeltzer on November 23, 2010, 01:11:36 PM
3-1 to them.

Downing


Fabregas
Samri
Chamakh
Title: Re: Aston Villa v Arsenal Pre-Match Thread
Post by: PaulTheVillan on November 23, 2010, 01:11:46 PM
I admire your positive outlook,i think we'll get a draw tops.
Don't think Lee has ever gone for anything other than a Villa win.
Title: Re: Aston Villa v Arsenal Pre-Match Thread
Post by: PaulTheVillan on November 23, 2010, 01:13:14 PM
I'll go for a 3-1 defeat.

.............Friedel
Young Collins Dunne Warnock
Albrighton Clark Bannan Downing
..............Young
..............Gabby
Title: Re: Aston Villa v Arsenal Pre-Match Thread
Post by: TimTheVillain on November 23, 2010, 01:40:44 PM
2-1 the Arse

Can't see a depleted Villa team beat them , and after they lost at home to Spurz they will be well up for it.
Title: Re: Aston Villa v Arsenal Pre-Match Thread
Post by: Pete3206 on November 23, 2010, 02:20:34 PM
Not a fan of the term 'tearing us a new one', but applicable here I fear.

0-3
Title: Re: Aston Villa v Arsenal Pre-Match Thread
Post by: tom jennings IV on November 23, 2010, 02:36:49 PM
No chance of a win, unfortunately. Here's hoping I'm wrong, come on you Villa boys!
Title: Re: Aston Villa v Arsenal Pre-Match Thread
Post by: PaulTheVillan on November 23, 2010, 02:48:02 PM
No chance of a win, unfortunately. Here's hoping I'm wrong, come on you Villa boys!

I thought the same v Man Utd, but still can't see it this time.
Title: Re: Aston Villa v Arsenal Pre-Match Thread
Post by: TheSandman on November 23, 2010, 03:01:57 PM
0-3 loss

Nasri
Chamakh
Walcott

I'd pick

--------------Friedel-----------------

Lichaj   Dunne   Collins   LYoung

----------Clark----Bannan----------

Albrighton   AYoung   Downing

-------------Agbonlahor------------

If Albrighton is injured Young should move out wide with Pires coming into midfield.

I expect however, to see Warnock continue his reign of terror at left back.           
Title: Re: Aston Villa v Arsenal Pre-Match Thread
Post by: Walmley_Villa on November 23, 2010, 03:12:32 PM
It will take something special from us to get a win here. I'll go for an optimistic 1-1. Can't see our defence manging to hold them.
Title: Re: Aston Villa v Arsenal Pre-Match Thread
Post by: Matt Collins on November 23, 2010, 03:59:03 PM
With Albrighton out the obvious thing to do is play Young wide and either Ireland or Pires centrally. Although some have been positive about Pires' performance on Sunday, i thought he looked very slow indeed. I think I'd play:

Friedel - Young, Collins, Dunne, Warnock - Clark, Bannan - Delfouneso, Young, Downing - Agbonlahor

subs: Guzan, Lichaj, Beye, Hogg, Pires, Ireland, Carew

Can't see a win here. But then I didn't think we had a cat in hell's chance vs Man U.

We just need to scrape together whatever we can and hope that we get the bonus of new players coming in in January, and a real impact from the return of the walking wounded
Title: Re: Aston Villa v Arsenal Pre-Match Thread
Post by: Rip Van We Go Again on November 23, 2010, 04:00:25 PM
3-1 to them.
Title: Re: Aston Villa v Arsenal Pre-Match Thread
Post by: VillaAlways on November 23, 2010, 04:10:43 PM
Not a prayer here.How can we when we've got players like Ireland who can't be arsed or step up to the plate when they're really needed

0-4 to the Gooners
Title: Re: Aston Villa v Arsenal Pre-Match Thread
Post by: Reality on November 23, 2010, 04:15:23 PM
4-1 Arsenal.
Title: Re: Aston Villa v Arsenal Pre-Match Thread
Post by: The Left Side on November 23, 2010, 04:23:51 PM
0-2 to the Arse... I would take a draw but have got a bad feeling they will want to get over their loss to the spuds!
Title: Re: Aston Villa v Arsenal Pre-Match Thread
Post by: pedro25 on November 23, 2010, 04:39:55 PM
I think I might stick Carew up top with Gabby as he usually plays well v Arsenal and they don't like playing against that sort of forward.  If he has one of his rare on days and Gabby plays well we could cause them a few problems.
Title: Re: Aston Villa v Arsenal Pre-Match Thread
Post by: pedro25 on November 23, 2010, 04:40:27 PM
Say 1-1, Carew and Chamakh.
Title: Re: Aston Villa v Arsenal Pre-Match Thread
Post by: Ger Regan on November 23, 2010, 04:48:29 PM
I fear a spanking
Title: Re: Aston Villa v Arsenal Pre-Match Thread
Post by: Mazrim on November 23, 2010, 04:52:09 PM
Aston Villa from:

Friedel
Hercules the Lion
Clark
Mr Edward Moss, Cannock
Ms Stacey Keating, Erdington
Bannan
Mrs the Lion
Hogg
Fat Chris, Great Barr
Downing
McAllister
Pires
Delfouneso
Houllier
Cowans
Mr Norman Jennings, 1875-1935 RIP
Guzan
Herd

Ireland just misses out.
Title: Re: Aston Villa v Arsenal Pre-Match Thread
Post by: luke25 on November 23, 2010, 04:59:39 PM
Aston Villa from:

Friedel
Hercules the Lion
Clark
Mr Edward Moss, Cannock
Ms Stacey Keating, Erdington
Bannan
Mrs the Lion
Hogg
Fat Chris, Great Barr
Downing
McAllister
Pires
Delfouneso
Houllier
Cowans
Mr Norman Jennings, 1875-1935 RIP
Guzan
Herd

Ireland just misses out.
fucking quality
Title: Re: Aston Villa v Arsenal Pre-Match Thread
Post by: manic-road on November 23, 2010, 05:35:20 PM
0-2
With the amount of players out, and the likes of Ireland playing poo this could be painful to watch.
Title: Re: Aston Villa v Arsenal Pre-Match Thread
Post by: PaulWinch again on November 23, 2010, 05:51:36 PM
Not confident at all now Albrighton is out.
Title: Re: Aston Villa v Arsenal Pre-Match Thread
Post by: CJ on November 23, 2010, 06:01:54 PM
Another stupid fcuking kick off time and ongoing injuries galore.  According to Physioroom (http://www.physioroom.com/news/english_premier_league/epl_injury_table.php) Albrighton down with appendicitis, and no Carew or Heskey to bully their defence. Hopefuly NRC will be back to provide some bite in midfield with Ash going wide right/left, but I still fear a beating.  3-1 to them
Title: Re: Aston Villa v Arsenal Pre-Match Thread
Post by: luke25 on November 23, 2010, 06:07:36 PM
Another stupid fcuking kick off time and ongoing injuries galore.  According to Physioroom (http://www.physioroom.com/news/english_premier_league/epl_injury_table.php)
not sure how reliable that is but NRC, Cuellar and Carew all due back
Title: Re: Aston Villa v Arsenal Pre-Match Thread
Post by: timeoutbigbar on November 23, 2010, 07:01:16 PM
2-1 Villa.  Perfect opportunity to put in another performance similar to that against Manyoo, being as their midfield probably won't be over physical.  Downing and Young with our goals.
Title: Re: Aston Villa v Arsenal Pre-Match Thread
Post by: Salsa Party Animal on November 23, 2010, 07:33:50 PM
Villa 5 Arsenal 0 Ireland 4 goals and 1 assist.

Not.

probably 0-0
Title: Re: Aston Villa v Arsenal Pre-Match Thread
Post by: eamonn on November 23, 2010, 08:20:32 PM
Will we ever play a big team at 3pm at home again?
Title: Re: Aston Villa v Arsenal Pre-Match Thread
Post by: Shrek on November 23, 2010, 08:27:25 PM
Just watching arsenel in the champions league,

They have rested Nasri, arshavin, song, sagna, clichy, chamakk and kosielny.

They have brought in the likes of rosiky, Walcott, wilshere, Bendtner.

Not a bad squad, but I'm still feeling positive about saturday.
Title: Re: Aston Villa v Arsenal Pre-Match Thread
Post by: Rotterdam on November 23, 2010, 08:30:05 PM
0-3  :'(
Title: Re: Aston Villa v Arsenal Pre-Match Thread
Post by: N'ZMAV on November 23, 2010, 08:31:32 PM
I haven't a fucking clue who is going to be fit for this one.
Title: Re: Aston Villa v Arsenal Pre-Match Thread
Post by: timeoutbigbar on November 23, 2010, 09:09:01 PM
On the plus side Fabregas just pulled up with a Hamstring injury
Title: Re: Aston Villa v Arsenal Pre-Match Thread
Post by: SoccerHQ on November 23, 2010, 09:31:50 PM
We'll get chances in this, especially if they play the two french centre backs against Gabby.Can we actually be clinical for once at crucial moments in the game?

The worry I have is their movement will just be too much for our inexperienced central midfield. We really need Collins fit for this and move Clark into holding midfield as I feel this would be a step too far for Hogg.

Open game, plenty of chances, 1-3 Arsenal.
Title: Re: Aston Villa v Arsenal Pre-Match Thread
Post by: Shrek on November 23, 2010, 09:35:40 PM
Arsenel just lost 2 nil, fabregas is injured, so come Villa.
Title: Re: Aston Villa v Arsenal Pre-Match Thread
Post by: SoccerHQ on November 23, 2010, 09:45:48 PM
Did the Fabregas injury look serious or did he just go off as a precaution?
Title: Re: Aston Villa v Arsenal Pre-Match Thread
Post by: Rudy Can't Fail on November 23, 2010, 09:46:36 PM
On the plus side Fabregas just pulled up with a Hamstring injury
Make it a double plus, he's been joined by Eboue.
Title: Re: Aston Villa v Arsenal Pre-Match Thread
Post by: Shrek on November 23, 2010, 09:52:35 PM
Did the Fabregas injury look serious or did he just go off as a precaution?

Not too bad, but Arsene Wenger has just said Fabregas is definitely  out of this game.
Title: Re: Aston Villa v Arsenal Pre-Match Thread
Post by: N'ZMAV on November 23, 2010, 09:53:37 PM
Yep - Fabregas out.
Title: Re: Aston Villa v Arsenal Pre-Match Thread
Post by: pmk1981 on November 23, 2010, 09:55:06 PM
0 0 all over it
Title: Re: Aston Villa v Arsenal Pre-Match Thread
Post by: SoccerHQ on November 23, 2010, 10:01:09 PM
Good good, every little injury to the opposition's best players helps.
Title: Re: Aston Villa v Arsenal Pre-Match Thread
Post by: *shellac* on November 24, 2010, 06:12:12 AM
Us 2 - 1 Arse

Agbonlahor & Pires for us.  The Moroccan dude for them.

We have 2 shots on goals to their 69.

We have 39% of the possession.

In another words, we did a "Birmingham City".



Title: Re: Aston Villa v Arsenal Pre-Match Thread
Post by: Matt Collins on November 24, 2010, 07:48:54 AM
Fabregas being out is a big plus. If Collins and NRC return I'd feel more confident.
Title: Re: Aston Villa v Arsenal Pre-Match Thread
Post by: Hookeysmith on November 24, 2010, 08:07:13 AM
I see the problem being that teams like Arse, Chelsea, United rarely if ever lose games back to back - that is why they are usually at the top of the league

Can see a good game of football but both teams have the same weaknesses in front of goal and defense

so i predict an entertaining but frustrating 0-0
Title: Re: Aston Villa v Arsenal Pre-Match Thread
Post by: PaulTheVillan on November 24, 2010, 09:05:28 AM
I really hope NRC & Collins are back for this game.

If they are...

..............Friedel
Young Dunne Collins Warnock
Young Bannan NRC Downing
....Agbonlahor Delfouneso


I think Gabby & Delfouneso would work. Gabby seems to do a lot of his hard work outside the box these days and Nathan is more of a clinical finisher, poacher type.

If not then it'll have to be Clark in for Collins & Hogg in for NRC.
Title: Re: Aston Villa v Arsenal Pre-Match Thread
Post by: pedro25 on November 24, 2010, 09:23:14 AM
Could Cuellar be fit?
Title: Re: Aston Villa v Arsenal Pre-Match Thread
Post by: Rip Van We Go Again on November 24, 2010, 09:46:28 AM
I see the problem being that teams like Arse, Chelsea, United rarely if ever lose games back to back - that is why they are usually at the top of the league
If Chelsea can lose back to back games against Sunderland and The Dog shit, anything is possible.
Title: Re: Aston Villa v Arsenal Pre-Match Thread
Post by: alanclare on November 24, 2010, 10:00:56 AM
1-0 to us (Downing).
Title: Re: Aston Villa v Arsenal Pre-Match Thread
Post by: alanclare on November 24, 2010, 10:06:03 AM
Arsenal captain Cesc Fabregas will miss the trip to Aston Villa on Saturday with a hamstring injury.

http://www.espn.co.uk/football/sport/story/58671.html
Title: Re: Aston Villa v Arsenal Pre-Match Thread
Post by: mj on November 24, 2010, 10:09:11 AM
0-3 to them, anything better will be a huge bonus
Title: Re: Aston Villa v Arsenal Pre-Match Thread
Post by: VillaAlways on November 24, 2010, 11:14:27 AM
It's funny just having a read of the pre match thread on the Arsenal forum they're just as negative about the game as we are.They obviously haven't heard about Albrighton
Title: Re: Aston Villa v Arsenal Pre-Match Thread
Post by: Chris Smith on November 24, 2010, 12:10:51 PM
Pires to start. Villa to pass Arsenal to death but our insistence on trying to walk the ball into the net lets us down and we lose to a late headed goal from a corner.
Title: Re: Aston Villa v Arsenal Pre-Match Thread
Post by: Dan England on November 24, 2010, 01:17:09 PM
0-3 - We get the backlash from two crap Arse results and the press will be full of "Arsenal back in title chase".
Title: Re: Aston Villa v Arsenal Pre-Match Thread
Post by: PaulTheVillan on November 24, 2010, 01:35:52 PM
There's a video on the Birmingham Post with a Mat Kendrick(who the fuck? He keeps saying 'ermm' which is really annoying) talk about our injuries.

Hogg, Collins & Carew may feature on Saturday.
Title: Re: Aston Villa v Arsenal Pre-Match Thread
Post by: Merv on November 24, 2010, 02:35:13 PM
Really need Collins or Cuellar (and it doesn't sound as if Cuellar's anywhere near fit) fit. Then we can move Clark into midfield and go with:

Friedel

L Young Collins Dunne Warnock (stay on your feet, Stephen! Stephen!!!!!)

A Young Clark Bannan Downing

             Gabby Delfouneso

Subs: Guzan, Lichaj, Hogg, Ireland, Carew, Pires, Lowry

Could be worse.

Title: Re: Aston Villa v Arsenal Pre-Match Thread
Post by: levico on November 24, 2010, 03:45:10 PM
Can't see anything other than an Arsenal victory - bottom 3 for us by Christmas I'm afraid but we'll start to improve in January I'm sure.
Title: Re: Aston Villa v Arsenal Pre-Match Thread
Post by: Phil from the upper holte on November 24, 2010, 03:46:49 PM
Draw, Its easy to go for an Arsenal hammering but we've been good at home and even had a creditble draw with Manure with a weakened team and we will want to make ammeds for a bad performace the weekend
Title: Re: Aston Villa v Arsenal Pre-Match Thread
Post by: Lambert and Payne on November 24, 2010, 04:44:57 PM
0 - 2
Chamakh (2)
Title: Re: Aston Villa v Arsenal Pre-Match Thread
Post by: sfx412 on November 24, 2010, 05:15:48 PM
If ever there was a game likely to go the way everyone will expect, this is it.
Title: Re: Aston Villa v Arsenal Pre-Match Thread
Post by: Ad@m on November 24, 2010, 07:08:26 PM
Can't see anything other than an Arsenal victory - bottom 3 for us by Christmas I'm afraid but we'll start to improve in January I'm sure.

Yep, because Chelsea and Blues away, followed by Man City at home are all absolute bankers!!!!
Title: Re: Aston Villa v Arsenal Pre-Match Thread
Post by: Marlon From Bearwood on November 24, 2010, 09:20:27 PM
When's NRC due back?
Title: Re: Aston Villa v Arsenal Pre-Match Thread
Post by: WALTERS WARRIORS on November 25, 2010, 01:35:48 AM
Would prefer Clarke to NRC for the rest of the season. NRC will not take us forward. Clarke will get better and he will win more in the air and he`s distribution is better ........
Title: Re: Aston Villa v Arsenal Pre-Match Thread
Post by: Matt Collins on November 25, 2010, 08:14:53 AM
Doesn't sound like NRC is going to be fit. Collins hopefully will be though.
Title: Re: Aston Villa v Arsenal Pre-Match Thread
Post by: darren woolley on November 25, 2010, 09:52:13 AM
I will go 1-1 Gabby with gaby scoring.
Title: Re: Aston Villa v Arsenal Pre-Match Thread
Post by: Risso on November 25, 2010, 09:57:25 AM
I think we're in for a battering unfortunately.
Title: Re: Aston Villa v Arsenal Pre-Match Thread
Post by: Tom_Mc9? on November 25, 2010, 10:07:17 AM
Carew's back, so we'll be back to winning ways with the non-stop effort he puts in.
Title: Re: Aston Villa v Arsenal Pre-Match Thread
Post by: PaulTheVillan on November 25, 2010, 10:35:21 AM
It's a tough one. Start Ireland or Carew?
Title: Re: Aston Villa v Arsenal Pre-Match Thread
Post by: Mazrim on November 25, 2010, 10:42:19 AM
With Fabregas missing I'm more optimistic. I think the result might suprise a few.
I'm going for a narrow win believe it or not.
Title: Re: Aston Villa v Arsenal Pre-Match Thread
Post by: Oscar Arce on November 25, 2010, 11:10:51 AM
Looks like we could have a bit of a stronger squad at least.

Friedel: LYoung Dunne Collins Warnock: AYoung Clark Bannan Downing: Agbonlahor Carew
Subs: Guzan Beye Pires Delfonesou Hogg Ireland Lichaj
Title: Re: Aston Villa v Arsenal Pre-Match Thread
Post by: Merv on November 25, 2010, 11:13:09 AM
You're right; take Fabregas out and their midfield doesn't look so hot. I certainly don't think Wilshere's much to be frightened of and I think Clark could take care of him.

Positives are that Arsenal are vulnerable at the back, and we should have Young, Downing, Gabby, Carew and the Fonz available to feature, if not all from the start then at some point. We should give them some problems.
Title: Re: Aston Villa v Arsenal Pre-Match Thread
Post by: pedro25 on November 25, 2010, 11:21:06 AM
I think Carew over Ireland just as he offers something different, even if not on form he will distract defenders giving Ash, Gabby, Downing and Bannan more space.  To be fair Carew always looks terrible up top on his own but when he plays with Gabby he can be very effective and i think Gabby might get in the goals a bit more playing off someone.  Don't think it's just as simple as Carew or Ireland though, Pires and Fonz would want that shirt too, so it will be interesting to see which 1 from 4 he picks.  People are assuming Clark straight in for Hogg, yet Hogg played better against Man U than Clark did against Blackpool, but on balance I would play Clark as I thought he was wonderful at Fulham.
Title: Re: Aston Villa v Arsenal Pre-Match Thread
Post by: Pete3206 on November 25, 2010, 02:02:46 PM
Friedel
L Young Collins Dunne Warnock
A Young Pires Clark Bannan Downing
Agbonlahor

S: Guzan Beye Carew Ireland Lichaj Fonz
Title: Re: Aston Villa v Arsenal Pre-Match Thread
Post by: PaulTheVillan on November 25, 2010, 02:30:32 PM
I think that Arsenal are beatable without Fabregas.

Their defence and keeper are a bag of shit. Ashley Young always rips Clichy a new one.

I hope Pires starts.
Title: Re: Aston Villa v Arsenal Pre-Match Thread
Post by: usav on November 25, 2010, 03:56:53 PM
Their defence and keeper are a bag of shit. Ashley Young always rips Clichy a new one.

It will be interesting to see Downing against Sagna - and would have been even more interesting to see Albrighton as well.  Sagna put in one of the best defensive displays I've ever seen a couple of years ago in the 2-2 game at Villa Park.  Without him, we would have murdered them, as the rest of the defence was all over the shop.
Title: Re: Aston Villa v Arsenal Pre-Match Thread
Post by: N'ZMAV on November 25, 2010, 04:27:29 PM
Quote
Aston Villa vs. Arsenal (12:45pm GMT)

Referee: Mark Clattenburg

The early kick off sees Arsenal travel to Villa Park a ground the Gunners haven’t won at since 2007.  Gerard Houllier’s men lost 2-0 to Blackburn this weekend but have drawn the last two home games against Arsenal in the league.


Mark Clattenburg takes charge of this fixture for only the second having overseen the 1-1 draw between the two sides at The Emirates in March 2008.  Clattenburg from Tyne and Wear has had a good season thus far refereeing eleven Premier League matches including some high quality games like Tottenham against Villa and Manchester City vs. Arsenal but he, like many other referees has had his fair share of controversy and criticism none more so than Manchester United’s second goal against Tottenham when he allowed Nani’s goal to stand despite the Portuguese winger handling the ball.

Clattenburg in my opinion is one of the best players of the advantage rule and isn’t afraid to allow play to go on and come back and book players but he, along with Phil Dowd is a very good man manager because he likes to talk to players rather than showing needless yellow cards.

This is why I believe this is a fantastic appointment from Mike Riley because these two teams like to play football so as long as Clatts lets the game flow like he usually does then this has the potential to be a really entertaining game.

Clattenburg has taken charge of one previous Arsenal game and one previous Villa game this season.  He refereed Villa’s 2-1 defeat at Tottenham in early October, a match in which he booked three Villa players.  The Arsenal game he refereed was their 3-0 win at Manchester City where he correctly sent of Dedryck Boyata after only five minutes, and gave a penalty for a foul by Vincent Kompany.

That red card for Boyata was one of two shown by Clattenburg this season, the other was to Birmingham’s Craig Gardener against Wigan, but with no red card in a Villa vs. Arsenal match since Gilles Grimandi was sent off in 2001 so I think this one should go without any major blips for Mark

My Prediction:

Aston Villa 2-2 Arsenal

Yellow Cards: 2, Red Cards: 0, Penalties: 0
Meet the ref (http://smo.infinigraph.com/view?title=Meet+the+Premier+League+Referees,+Gameweek+15&iframe=http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/EPLTalk/~3/UK6CAQ3Yj5A/meet-the-premier-league-referees-gameweek-15-26903)

Title: Re: Aston Villa v Arsenal Pre-Match Thread
Post by: N'ZMAV on November 25, 2010, 04:42:30 PM
Quote
LAWRO'S PREDICTIONS
(Kick-offs at 1500 GMT unless stated)
SATURDAY
Aston Villa v Arsenal (1245 GMT)

The Champions League defeat to Braga was a bad result for Arsenal - they were cruising and only have themselves to blame for losing. And they will be without captain Cesc Fabregas at Villa Park.
However, the Gunners have the best away record in the Premier League and although Villa are good on the counter-attack, they still have lots of inexperience.
Arsenal to get back on track with their fifth away win of the season.
Prediction: 1-2
Lawro (http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/football_focus/9228325.stm)

Title: Re: Aston Villa v Arsenal Pre-Match Thread
Post by: The Situation on November 25, 2010, 04:50:29 PM
Lawro's a dick.

I'd like to see Houllier maybe go with the formation of players Pete has used. Got to play Pires, Ireland's too inconsistent atm and we need someone who is already proven (not saying Ireland isn't proven, just think it's taking him a long time to adjust) to just slot in that hole and pick out nice passes for our attackers.

We need to win this for two reasons 1) we need to get out that bottom half 2) we need a nice win to take lots of momentum into beating blose.

Quite a rarity for Arsenal to lose 3 games in a row... hopefully that rare time occurs on Saturday...
Title: Re: Aston Villa v Arsenal Pre-Match Thread
Post by: N'ZMAV on November 25, 2010, 05:04:24 PM
We should go with Delfouneso & Gabby up front. Let's get in their faces, they don't like it up 'em.
Title: Re: Aston Villa v Arsenal Pre-Match Thread
Post by: eamonn on November 26, 2010, 01:55:36 AM
Quote
Aston Villa vs. Arsenal (12:45pm GMT)

Referee: Mark Clattenburg

The early kick off sees Arsenal travel to Villa Park a ground the Gunners haven’t won at since 2007.  Gerard Houllier’s men lost 2-0 to Blackburn this weekend but have drawn the last two home games against Arsenal in the league.


Mark Clattenburg takes charge of this fixture for only the second having overseen the 1-1 draw between the two sides at The Emirates in March 2008.  Clattenburg from Tyne and Wear has had a good season thus far refereeing eleven Premier League matches including some high quality games like Tottenham against Villa and Manchester City vs. Arsenal but he, like many other referees has had his fair share of controversy and criticism none more so than Manchester United’s second goal against Tottenham when he allowed Nani’s goal to stand despite the Portuguese winger handling the ball.

Clattenburg in my opinion is one of the best players of the advantage rule and isn’t afraid to allow play to go on and come back and book players but he, along with Phil Dowd is a very good man manager because he likes to talk to players rather than showing needless yellow cards.

This is why I believe this is a fantastic appointment from Mike Riley because these two teams like to play football so as long as Clatts lets the game flow like he usually does then this has the potential to be a really entertaining game.

Clattenburg has taken charge of one previous Arsenal game and one previous Villa game this season.  He refereed Villa’s 2-1 defeat at Tottenham in early October, a match in which he booked three Villa players.  The Arsenal game he refereed was their 3-0 win at Manchester City where he correctly sent of Dedryck Boyata after only five minutes, and gave a penalty for a foul by Vincent Kompany.

That red card for Boyata was one of two shown by Clattenburg this season, the other was to Birmingham’s Craig Gardener against Wigan, but with no red card in a Villa vs. Arsenal match since Gilles Grimandi was sent off in 2001 so I think this one should go without any major blips for Mark

My Prediction:

Aston Villa 2-2 Arsenal

Yellow Cards: 2, Red Cards: 0, Penalties: 0
Meet the ref (http://smo.infinigraph.com/view?title=Meet+the+Premier+League+Referees,+Gameweek+15&iframe=http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/EPLTalk/~3/UK6CAQ3Yj5A/meet-the-premier-league-referees-gameweek-15-26903)



You trying to take nicardinho's thunder?!
Title: Re: Aston Villa v Arsenal Pre-Match Thread
Post by: hawkeye on November 26, 2010, 09:47:27 AM
Arsenal s weakness is central defence, but i doubt GH will risk playing 4-4-2 and get out run in midfield, i hope he plays Downing on the left and Young on the right
Title: Re: Aston Villa v Arsenal Pre-Match Thread
Post by: pedro25 on November 26, 2010, 12:25:33 PM
Who would you play in the middle Hawkeye with Hogg a doubt, Clark, Bannan and Ireland?
Title: Re: Aston Villa v Arsenal Pre-Match Thread
Post by: PaulTheVillan on November 26, 2010, 12:33:15 PM
Who would you play in the middle Hawkeye with Hogg a doubt, Clark, Bannan and Ireland?

Depends on the fitness of Collins.

I'd play Clark & Bannan if Collins is fit.
Title: Re: Aston Villa v Arsenal Pre-Match Thread
Post by: pedro25 on November 26, 2010, 12:49:55 PM
If Hogg and Collins are missing, does that mean Herd comes in, or Clark with Lowry/Beye/Lichaj at centre half?
Title: Re: Aston Villa v Arsenal Pre-Match Thread
Post by: Shrek on November 26, 2010, 12:57:27 PM
If Collins and Hogg are out, I'd play Bannan, Pires and Herd in midfield.

If they are fit I'd play Clark and Bannan and play 442 gabby and fonz.
Title: Re: Aston Villa v Arsenal Pre-Match Thread
Post by: Duncan Shaw on November 26, 2010, 01:07:18 PM
Every Gooner I know, and I know a few, are shit scared of Carew and say he always plays really well against them, so if he's fit yes please!  I still can't see us winning though.
2-2
Title: Re: Aston Villa v Arsenal Pre-Match Thread
Post by: saunders_heroes on November 26, 2010, 01:18:54 PM
WM reckon Gabby's a doubt for tomorrow due to illness.
Title: Re: Aston Villa v Arsenal Pre-Match Thread
Post by: mozza on November 26, 2010, 01:51:14 PM
Injuries & illness will take their toll on us tomorrow I fear -

Our unbeaten run in league will come to an end -

2-0 away win and precious little to keep us warm

Title: Re: Aston Villa v Arsenal Pre-Match Thread
Post by: eamonn on November 26, 2010, 01:55:43 PM
For fuck sake, how did O'Neill get away with never having more than 3 players injured?
Title: Re: Aston Villa v Arsenal Pre-Match Thread
Post by: Archie on November 26, 2010, 02:13:46 PM
For fuck sake, how did O'Neill get away with never having more than 3 players injured?

Because he didn't do serious training sessions, so the players are consequently not acclimatized to an hard athletic work!
Title: Re: Aston Villa v Arsenal Pre-Match Thread
Post by: usav on November 26, 2010, 02:17:40 PM
For fuck sake, how did O'Neill get away with never having more than 3 players injured?

Because he didn't do serious training sessions, so the players are consequently not acclimatized to an hard athletic work!

Or if you believe the other theories, they played through injuries.
Title: Re: Aston Villa v Arsenal Pre-Match Thread
Post by: PaulTheVillan on November 26, 2010, 02:24:07 PM
Yep, Gabby is now a doubt.

I'd rather have Delfouneso & Ireland in than Carew.

.....Bannan Clark/Hogg
Young Ireland Downing
............Delfouneso
Title: Re: Aston Villa v Arsenal Pre-Match Thread
Post by: pedro25 on November 26, 2010, 02:36:52 PM
I think Carew scares them, I don't see us beating them at their own game with lots of small players and pretty passes, we need to be strong and direct.
Title: Re: Aston Villa v Arsenal Pre-Match Thread
Post by: PaulTheVillan on November 26, 2010, 02:56:52 PM
I think Carew scares them, I don't see us beating them at their own game with lots of small players and pretty passes, we need to be strong and direct.

Carew scares anyone, about 5 times a season.
Title: Re: Aston Villa v Arsenal Pre-Match Thread
Post by: Holtenderinthesky on November 26, 2010, 03:32:20 PM
Gabby out now?  FFS.  This is taking the piss.
Title: Re: Aston Villa v Arsenal Pre-Match Thread
Post by: timeoutbigbar on November 26, 2010, 04:54:44 PM
Had a quick look on the OnlineGooner site to see how they thought their chances were, and they're about as pessimistic as us!
Title: Re: Aston Villa v Arsenal Pre-Match Thread
Post by: CJ on November 26, 2010, 04:58:13 PM
Gabby out now?  FFS.  This is taking the piss.
Hope not - where does it say that?
Title: Re: Aston Villa v Arsenal Pre-Match Thread
Post by: tom jennings IV on November 26, 2010, 05:07:24 PM
Any news on Gabby? Happy for Delf to be given a chance but I really think Gabby could cause problems against this mob
Title: Re: Aston Villa v Arsenal Pre-Match Thread
Post by: timeoutbigbar on November 26, 2010, 05:26:04 PM
Saw on skysports that Gabby has been out for a few days with illness and Houllier isn't sure if he'll be able to play, supposed to be assessed this afternoon/evening.
Title: Re: Aston Villa v Arsenal Pre-Match Thread
Post by: Rudy Can't Fail on November 26, 2010, 05:33:18 PM
2-1 Villa with Ireland getting the winner.
Title: Re: Aston Villa v Arsenal Pre-Match Thread
Post by: Matt Collins on November 26, 2010, 06:22:11 PM
Yep, Gabby reported as a strong doubt with an illness. At least Carew is back, but I really don't think he suits the lone striker role. I'd still play him ahead of Delf as lone striker though.

GH hasn't played two up top since he joined us, so I don't see any real chance of that happening tomorrow.
Title: Re: Aston Villa v Arsenal Pre-Match Thread
Post by: JJ-AV on November 26, 2010, 06:53:43 PM
Would start Ireland tomorrow. Infact I'd keep starting him right up until January.

If he hasn't picked up and he still wants out then let him go. But there is potential brilliance there.
Title: Re: Aston Villa v Arsenal Pre-Match Thread
Post by: JJ-AV on November 26, 2010, 07:51:14 PM
---------------- Friedel
Young - Dunne - Collins - Warnock
----------------- Clark
Downing - Ireland - Bannan - Young
----------------- Gabby

Would be my team, hopefully get an hour out of Gabby before bringing Carew on. Their centre backs are shakey.
Title: Re: Aston Villa v Arsenal Pre-Match Thread
Post by: Dave on November 26, 2010, 07:54:21 PM
---------------- Friedel
Young - Dunne - Collins - Warnock
----------------- Clark
Downing - Ireland - Bannan - Young
----------------- Gabby

Would be my team, hopefully get an hour out of Gabby before bringing Carew on. Their centre backs are shakey.
Yup, that looks nice.

First game since West Ham for me. Hopefully a similar performance and scoreline.
Title: Re: Aston Villa v Arsenal Pre-Match Thread
Post by: Matt Collins on November 26, 2010, 08:12:10 PM
I'd much rather play Young and Downing on their proper sides. And Carew may need to play instead of Gabby. Otherwise, I still think that team looks good considering the horrendous injury list.
Title: Re: Aston Villa v Arsenal Pre-Match Thread
Post by: N'ZMAV on November 26, 2010, 08:14:00 PM
I'd also like to see Young on the Right and Downing on the Left
Title: Re: Aston Villa v Arsenal Pre-Match Thread
Post by: Matt C on November 26, 2010, 08:14:36 PM
A plucky draw.
Title: Re: Aston Villa v Arsenal Pre-Match Thread
Post by: eric woolban woolban on November 26, 2010, 08:41:34 PM
The dreaded 'r' word is creeping into my mind.

The old adage of 'too good to go down' keeps going around my head.

I hope it's just the fact that my mind and brain are tiny and I'm reading too much into the curse that has befallen on the once mighty Lions.
Title: Re: Aston Villa v Arsenal Pre-Match Thread
Post by: Matt C on November 26, 2010, 08:46:22 PM
 Now come on Eric, we'll have none of that nonsense around here.
Title: Re: Aston Villa v Arsenal Pre-Match Thread
Post by: Holtenderinthesky on November 26, 2010, 09:45:39 PM
0-3.  Can see them giving us a right good hiding I'm afraid.  We need our players back, and soon.  Hope I'm wrong but I can't see us winning any game against anyone at the minute.  Not a good thing when you have a quarter final away to your hated rivals coming up.  Where are the goals gonna come from?
Title: Re: Aston Villa v Arsenal Pre-Match Thread
Post by: hawkeye on November 26, 2010, 09:52:33 PM
Arse are not confident about this game at all, they know the frailties of thier team and so should we, this is winnable
Title: Re: Aston Villa v Arsenal Pre-Match Thread
Post by: hawkeye on November 26, 2010, 09:53:15 PM
2-1 to us
Title: Re: Aston Villa v Arsenal Pre-Match Thread
Post by: avfcpg on November 26, 2010, 10:05:56 PM
I think the Blackburn game was a real "welcome to the Prem" for some of the kids. Big, physical, organised, in your face, set piece type of side.

Am hoping Arsenal will let us play a bit more....a la Man Yoo.

2-0 Villa...make that 2-1 (clean sheet? what was I thinking?!)
Title: Re: Aston Villa v Arsenal Pre-Match Thread
Post by: LeeB on November 26, 2010, 10:09:52 PM
3-1

We're gonna drop one of the big boys soon and everything will click from there.

Tomorrow is that day. They wont get the ball off us.
Title: Re: Aston Villa v Arsenal Pre-Match Thread
Post by: avfc_1874 on November 26, 2010, 10:14:54 PM
Be an open and entertaining game. Think Arse will just edge it 2-1 though.
Title: Re: Aston Villa v Arsenal Pre-Match Thread
Post by: Irish villain on November 26, 2010, 10:15:31 PM
I'd take a draw...
Title: Re: Aston Villa v Arsenal Pre-Match Thread
Post by: supertom on November 26, 2010, 10:31:30 PM
Hopefully Arsenal have one of their overplaying days. Our defence can't take a bombarding at all. Dunney is a huge worry, as is the constant chopping and changing in the central area. Warnock is dropping a bollock with great regularity sadly too.

It all depends on which Goons side turns out, but we could snag a good win or get a roasting tomorrow. I suspect though, we'll have one of those good games, but lose to the odd goal. The midfield isn't solid enough.
Title: Re: Aston Villa v Arsenal Pre-Match Thread
Post by: brontebilly on November 26, 2010, 11:02:12 PM
Gerard Houllier badly needs a win to be honest. Yes there has been a lot of injuries, performances have been generally good, young players being given a chance etc but only two wins both fortunate enough too. There is a lack of gumption about the side at the moment whether that is a result of playing inexperienced players or not we have a pretty soft centre, points tossed away against Fulham and United in particular are haunting us. If Gabby is out then we can't go with one up top. Might not be a bad thing anyway. Team picks itself unfortunately.
Friedel
Young, Collins, Dunne, Warnock
A Young, Bannan, Clark, Downing
Carew, Delfouneso

Simply must go with Downing on the left. Pissed me off how he remained on the right for the whole game last week. Think we will get a point. 0-0
Title: Re: Aston Villa v Arsenal Pre-Match Thread
Post by: JD on November 27, 2010, 04:28:40 AM
Some of you need to harden up  :o. We are ASTON VILLA and we will win tomorrow , there is no doubt about it. I think this game will suit us more than last weeks. 
Title: Re: Aston Villa v Arsenal Pre-Match Thread
Post by: N'ZMAV on November 27, 2010, 08:09:26 AM
Some of you need to harden up  :o. We are ASTON VILLA and we will win tomorrow , there is no doubt about it. I think this game will suit us more than last weeks. 
I think you meant we will win today.
Title: Re: Aston Villa v Arsenal Pre-Match Thread
Post by: Shrek on November 27, 2010, 08:31:50 AM
I know we haven't got tge results with Houllier, buy he has brought the excitement back to going to watch Villa. I'm really looking forward to this game.
Title: Re: Aston Villa v Arsenal Pre-Match Thread
Post by: Tony Boucher on November 27, 2010, 08:40:43 AM
Has it snowed in Brum overnight?  I've had loads of the stuff & its only 50 miles or so to vp from here.
Title: Re: Aston Villa v Arsenal Pre-Match Thread
Post by: alanclare on November 27, 2010, 08:43:01 AM
Some of you need to harden up  :o. We are ASTON VILLA and we will win tomorrow , there is no doubt about it. I think this game will suit us more than last weeks. 
I think you meant we will win today.
You mean we shall win today. Use the emphatic.
Title: Re: Aston Villa v Arsenal Pre-Match Thread
Post by: Andy_Lochhead_in_the_air on November 27, 2010, 09:10:32 AM
Has it snowed in Brum overnight?  I've had loads of the stuff & its only 50 miles or so to vp from here.

A mere dusting in brum. No problems.
Title: Re: Aston Villa v Arsenal Pre-Match Thread
Post by: villajk on November 27, 2010, 09:24:25 AM
Not got good vibes about this one.

I think we're going to lose 3-1.
Title: Re: Aston Villa v Arsenal Pre-Match Thread
Post by: ROBBO on November 27, 2010, 09:56:41 AM
One thig we can't afford to do is start defending deep, if we let the Arse knock it around just outside the box we're cactus.
Title: Re: Aston Villa v Arsenal Pre-Match Thread
Post by: olaftab on November 27, 2010, 11:16:58 AM
Does any one  know if Bannan is playing? Heard  them discussing the match in 5Live Kickoff  prog last night I am sure Colin Murray siad  Bannan was out?
Title: Re: Aston Villa v Arsenal Pre-Match Thread
Post by: TopDeck113 on November 27, 2010, 11:18:11 AM
On the back of both teams of a disappointing weekend 7-days ago, I'll go for a 1-1 draw.
Title: Re: Aston Villa v Arsenal Pre-Match Thread
Post by: PaulWinch again on November 27, 2010, 11:35:36 AM
I think we'll really struggle, I'm clinging onto hope!
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