Heroes & Villains, the Aston Villa fanzine

Heroes & Villains => Match Threads & Player Ratings => Topic started by: Legion on November 14, 2011, 07:44:18 PM

Title: Tottenham Hotspur v Aston Villa Pre-Match Thread
Post by: Legion on November 14, 2011, 07:44:18 PM
1-2 Away win.

1 Darren 'Darren' Bent
90+2 Kyle Walker
90+4 Gabriel Agbonlahor
Title: Re: Tottenham Hotspur v Aston Villa Pre-Match Thread
Post by: luke25 on November 14, 2011, 07:55:18 PM
Can't see past a comfortable Spurs win, something like 3-1, Gabby with ours.
Title: Re: Tottenham Hotspur v Aston Villa Pre-Match Thread
Post by: cdbearsfan on November 14, 2011, 08:00:57 PM
Is Redknapp going to be in charge and is there any news on if Bent is ok? He went off injured against Spain didn't he?
Title: Re: Tottenham Hotspur v Aston Villa Pre-Match Thread
Post by: berneboy on November 14, 2011, 08:02:09 PM
I cannot ever say any victor but the Villa and so it will be a glorious 0-2 victory.

Gabby (if fit) and Hutton (just to shock us all).
Title: Re: Tottenham Hotspur v Aston Villa Pre-Match Thread
Post by: gervilla on November 14, 2011, 08:07:40 PM
3-1 to them.
That bloody dutch bloke for them (3)
Gabby for Us.
Title: Re: Tottenham Hotspur v Aston Villa Pre-Match Thread
Post by: Lambert and Payne on November 14, 2011, 08:14:39 PM
Spuds 2-0 Villa
Walker
Adebayor

Spuds wont even get out of 2nd gear and its going to be a painfully frustrating defeat and we wont even look like scoring
Title: Re: Tottenham Hotspur v Aston Villa Pre-Match Thread
Post by: Ads on November 14, 2011, 08:42:56 PM
Villa away win.
Title: Re: Tottenham Hotspur v Aston Villa Pre-Match Thread
Post by: darren woolley on November 14, 2011, 08:56:24 PM
I think Spurs will win 3-0 but I hope I'm wrong.
Title: Re: Tottenham Hotspur v Aston Villa Pre-Match Thread
Post by: PeterWithesShin on November 14, 2011, 09:14:47 PM
1 Bent to miss open goal
3 'Arry's missus
9 Bent to do a Rosenthal
15 Bent to miss a penalty
28 'Arry's missus
34 Bent to miss open goal after tripping over a blade of grass
51 Bent to miss penalty
52-87 Bent to sit in the center circle and cry
88 Bent
89 Bent
90 Bent
91 Bent
92 Bent
93 Bent

FT Them 2 Us 6
Title: Re: Tottenham Hotspur v Aston Villa Pre-Match Thread
Post by: l_mckay on November 14, 2011, 09:46:24 PM
3-1 Defeat i think. hopefully im wrong though!!
Title: Re: Tottenham Hotspur v Aston Villa Pre-Match Thread
Post by: Chipsticks on November 14, 2011, 10:57:17 PM
We get absolutely played to piss yet manage to salvage the scrappiest 1-1 since records began.

Bale 24'       Bent 78'                  Shots: Spurs:19     Villa:1
Title: Re: Tottenham Hotspur v Aston Villa Pre-Match Thread
Post by: pauliewalnuts on November 14, 2011, 11:00:43 PM
We get absolutely played to piss yet manage to salvage the scrappiest 1-1 since records began.

Bale 24'       Bent 78'                  Shots: Spurs:19     Villa:1

This is the outcome I would be putting my money on, were I a betting man.
Title: Re: Tottenham Hotspur v Aston Villa Pre-Match Thread
Post by: TaxDodger on November 14, 2011, 11:43:01 PM
I'll probably be watching this match at the rose and crown in Nottingham. These are the previous Villa matches I've watched there.

Newcastle 6 - 0 Villa
Blackburn 2 - 0 Villa
Birmingham City 2 - 1 Villa
Liverpool 3 - 0 Villa
Manchester City 3 - 0 Villa

Law of averages.. We can't lose..
Title: Re: Tottenham Hotspur v Aston Villa Pre-Match Thread
Post by: villabren on November 15, 2011, 12:25:23 AM
We get absolutely played to piss yet manage to salvage the scrappiest 1-1 since records began.

Bale 24'       Bent 78'                  Shots: Spurs:19     Villa:1
...with some unbelievable goal line clearances from Dunne (ref: Russia 0-0 Ireland from a couple of months back)
Title: Re: Tottenham Hotspur v Aston Villa Pre-Match Thread
Post by: Mazrim on November 15, 2011, 12:33:29 AM
I'll probably be watching this match at the rose and crown in Nottingham. These are the previous Villa matches I've watched there.

Newcastle 6 - 0 Villa
Blackburn 2 - 0 Villa
Birmingham City 2 - 1 Villa
Liverpool 3 - 0 Villa
Manchester City 3 - 0 Villa

Law of averages.. We can't lose..

I'm telling the gaffer of that pub you're a massive nonce.
I'm sorry but there's no way we can allow you to enter that pub.

The last time I watched a match in there (the night after playing Rock City) we beat Blues 3-1 (Cahilldinho with "that" goal)
Title: Re: Tottenham Hotspur v Aston Villa Pre-Match Thread
Post by: The Left Side on November 15, 2011, 01:50:08 AM
3-1 to the spuds, booooo
Title: Re: Tottenham Hotspur v Aston Villa Pre-Match Thread
Post by: timeoutbigbar on November 15, 2011, 02:11:58 AM
2-0 to Spurs, that Van der Vaart seems to love playing us.
Title: Re: Tottenham Hotspur v Aston Villa Pre-Match Thread
Post by: taylorsworkrate on November 15, 2011, 05:51:50 AM
3-0 loss.

Spurs are playing well and have a no of players who can hurt us.

Can't say the same about us.
Title: Re: Tottenham Hotspur v Aston Villa Pre-Match Thread
Post by: Rigadon on November 15, 2011, 07:04:50 AM
3-0 loss.

Spurs are playing well and have a no of players who can hurt us.

Can't say the same about us.

Oh I don't know, we have plenty of players who can hurt us (Warnock, Hutton, etc....)

I fancy us to get a point as long as both Gabby and Bent are playing as we will need to score a goal.
Title: Re: Tottenham Hotspur v Aston Villa Pre-Match Thread
Post by: KRS on November 15, 2011, 07:22:50 AM
This could be painful.
Title: Re: Tottenham Hotspur v Aston Villa Pre-Match Thread
Post by: LeeB on November 15, 2011, 08:06:45 AM
We're playing Spurs, not fucking Real Madrid.

2-0 Villa.
Title: Re: Tottenham Hotspur v Aston Villa Pre-Match Thread
Post by: cheltenhamlion on November 15, 2011, 08:15:56 AM
Can't see past a defeat in this one I am afraid.
Title: Re: Tottenham Hotspur v Aston Villa Pre-Match Thread
Post by: Greg N'Ash on November 15, 2011, 08:34:40 AM
3-1 to them. Hopefully the whole Redknapp situation will disrupt them but thats clutching at straws really.
Title: Re: Tottenham Hotspur v Aston Villa Pre-Match Thread
Post by: SteveN on November 15, 2011, 08:35:37 AM
Dreading this, much as it hurts me to say Spurs are a decent team with plenty of pace from back to front and a dutchman who sees us as his pet rabbits.  3-0 to them -- bastards
Title: Re: Tottenham Hotspur v Aston Villa Pre-Match Thread
Post by: john e on November 15, 2011, 08:40:18 AM
Can't see us winning this one, but if we do I will start to believe
Title: Re: Tottenham Hotspur v Aston Villa Pre-Match Thread
Post by: N'ZMAV on November 15, 2011, 08:59:46 AM
Can see them beating us.

There front 6 will look something like this.

Bale Modric Parker Lennon

VDV Adebayor

We just won't be able to cope with that.

Spurs 3-0.
Title: Re: Tottenham Hotspur v Aston Villa Pre-Match Thread
Post by: UsualSuspect on November 15, 2011, 09:03:33 AM
A draw would be nice

A big big test for our new look midfield
Title: Re: Tottenham Hotspur v Aston Villa Pre-Match Thread
Post by: N'ZMAV on November 15, 2011, 09:15:06 AM
If everyone is fully fit I think we'll go

Given

Hutton
Collins
Dunne
Warnock

N'Zogbia
Herd
Petrov
Agbonlahor
Heskey

Bent

I haven't a clue what formation McLeish will pick. I don't think he totally understands it himself.

I'd go with this team.

Given

Hutton
Collins
Dunne
Warnock

Albrighton
Herd
Petrov
Bannan

Agbonlahor
Bent

Bannan left wing, and Albrighton right wing. With Gabby tucking back to help out the midfield.

If McLeish does play Heskey then he needs to just play him up front with Bent, and push Gabby out side a bit.

With Bale and Lennon bombing on, I don't think this is the right game for N'Zogbia.
Title: Re: Tottenham Hotspur v Aston Villa Pre-Match Thread
Post by: Broughty-Villian on November 15, 2011, 09:30:33 AM
2-0 Gabby n Benty (If he's fit). Please tho NO Heskey.!!!!!!!!

I don't think any game is right for Emily
Title: Re: Tottenham Hotspur v Aston Villa Pre-Match Thread
Post by: Newquay_AVFC on November 15, 2011, 09:41:49 AM
Can't wait for Monday, the end of a long row of night shifts, daughters footy training followed by watching the Villa win 2-1. Bent with the first, Bale for them, then Gabby 5 mins from time. Cue more beer and a bloody hot curry.
Title: Re: Tottenham Hotspur v Aston Villa Pre-Match Thread
Post by: N'ZMAV on November 15, 2011, 09:46:53 AM
Curry sounds nice. :)
Title: Re: Tottenham Hotspur v Aston Villa Pre-Match Thread
Post by: Meanwood Villa on November 15, 2011, 10:13:08 AM
This is the first match this season I've not predicted a draw. Can't see us getting anything although I am heartened to hear bastard Van Der Vaart is doubtful.
Title: Re: Tottenham Hotspur v Aston Villa Pre-Match Thread
Post by: N'ZMAV on November 15, 2011, 10:35:39 AM
If VDV doesn't play they'll probably start Pienaar, Defoe, Pavlyuchenko or Kranjcar. Not bad really, considering we're playing Emile in a similar role.
Title: Re: Tottenham Hotspur v Aston Villa Pre-Match Thread
Post by: Andy_Lochhead_in_the_air on November 15, 2011, 10:59:21 AM
1-0
Late Bent Winner
Title: Re: Tottenham Hotspur v Aston Villa Pre-Match Thread
Post by: Billy Walker on November 15, 2011, 02:29:26 PM
I have a nice, positive feeling about this one.  Come on you Villa boys!
Title: Re: Tottenham Hotspur v Aston Villa Pre-Match Thread
Post by: N'ZMAV on November 15, 2011, 03:23:48 PM
I'm scared about this one.
Title: Re: Tottenham Hotspur v Aston Villa Pre-Match Thread
Post by: itbrvilla on November 15, 2011, 04:09:23 PM
Feel this is going to be a spanking.
Title: Re: Tottenham Hotspur v Aston Villa Pre-Match Thread
Post by: timeoutbigbar on November 15, 2011, 05:46:24 PM
I think this is one of those that Emile could do a job in, but he'd have to be further up the pitch.  I don't rate the Spurs centre halves at all, and I don't think having Gabby out wide left to track Walker would be a bad idea.
Title: Re: Tottenham Hotspur v Aston Villa Pre-Match Thread
Post by: Jimbo on November 15, 2011, 06:09:01 PM
We'll be beaten.
Title: Re: Tottenham Hotspur v Aston Villa Pre-Match Thread
Post by: PaulTheVillan on November 15, 2011, 06:39:46 PM
0-0
Title: Re: Tottenham Hotspur v Aston Villa Pre-Match Thread
Post by: VancouverLion on November 15, 2011, 09:57:26 PM
2-2 Gabby 51, Bent 68(Pen) Modric & Bale for spuds
Title: Re: Tottenham Hotspur v Aston Villa Pre-Match Thread
Post by: SoccerHQ on November 15, 2011, 10:37:53 PM
A point would be a very good result, easily our best draw of the season.

3-1 Spurs.
Title: Re: Tottenham Hotspur v Aston Villa Pre-Match Thread
Post by: Barca 2011 on November 15, 2011, 11:40:14 PM
Nowt here I'm sorry to say
3 - 0 SPUDS??
Title: Re: Tottenham Hotspur v Aston Villa Pre-Match Thread
Post by: N'ZMAV on November 16, 2011, 09:32:51 AM
I can't see us keeping a clean sheet.
Title: Re: Tottenham Hotspur v Aston Villa Pre-Match Thread
Post by: CJ on November 16, 2011, 10:21:31 AM
Bale will tear Hutton a new one in this.
Title: Re: Tottenham Hotspur v Aston Villa Pre-Match Thread
Post by: N'ZMAV on November 16, 2011, 01:26:22 PM
Hutton will be well up for this one. Not that it'll make any difference.
Title: Re: Tottenham Hotspur v Aston Villa Pre-Match Thread
Post by: TheSandman on November 16, 2011, 02:24:04 PM
He'll probably get sent off.

2-1 Spurs. VDV and Walker. Bent for us.
Title: Re: Tottenham Hotspur v Aston Villa Pre-Match Thread
Post by: Concrete John on November 16, 2011, 03:19:16 PM
With N'Zogbia seemingly getting his form together, and presuming Gabby is fit, I can see us giving them some trouble on the break.  But then our defence has been shit lately and they have a good front line - anyone fancy Hutton agianst Bale?  No, me neither.

However, I'm gonna be optomistic and say 2-2.
Title: Re: Tottenham Hotspur v Aston Villa Pre-Match Thread
Post by: gervilla on November 16, 2011, 03:25:55 PM
What's the latest on Gabbys injury ? We're gonna need him.
Title: Re: Tottenham Hotspur v Aston Villa Pre-Match Thread
Post by: Pete3206 on November 16, 2011, 05:02:20 PM
The pre-match on TV will be an hour long Harry Redknapp tribute (lovable rogue, wheeler dealer, next England manager, etc, etc) followed by a 2-0 defeat, where we'll get robbed by at least one controversial, game changing decision.
Title: Re: Tottenham Hotspur v Aston Villa Pre-Match Thread
Post by: gervilla on November 16, 2011, 05:09:58 PM
The pre-match on TV will be an hour long Harry Redknapp tribute (lovable rogue, wheeler dealer, next England manager, etc, etc) followed by a 2-0 defeat, where we'll get robbed by at least one controversial, game changing decision.

He sure doesn't like being called that .
Title: Re: Tottenham Hotspur v Aston Villa Pre-Match Thread
Post by: LeeB on November 16, 2011, 06:08:49 PM
The pre-match on TV will be an hour long Harry Redknapp tribute (lovable rogue, wheeler dealer, next England manager, etc, etc) followed by a 2-0 defeat, where we'll get robbed by at least one controversial, game changing decision.

He sure doesn't like being called that .


Should have just stuck with 'Wanker'.

Fucking pompus prick.
Title: Re: Tottenham Hotspur v Aston Villa Pre-Match Thread
Post by: brontebilly on November 17, 2011, 11:17:07 AM
dunne might not be in the best of condition for this.
Title: Re: Tottenham Hotspur v Aston Villa Pre-Match Thread
Post by: usav on November 17, 2011, 06:34:09 PM
Why?
Title: Re: Tottenham Hotspur v Aston Villa Pre-Match Thread
Post by: Kingthing on November 17, 2011, 09:17:00 PM
Why?

Hung over.
Title: Re: Tottenham Hotspur v Aston Villa Pre-Match Thread
Post by: maidstonevillain on November 18, 2011, 09:41:28 AM
I think this is one of those that Emile could do a job in, but he'd have to be further up the pitch. 
I would like to see him further to the side....About 5 yards behind the dugout.
Title: Re: Tottenham Hotspur v Aston Villa Pre-Match Thread
Post by: Vanilla on November 18, 2011, 12:01:29 PM
Hutton will be well up for this one. Not that it'll make any difference.

Can anyone remember a Villa player that has played a belter against their previous club?

I remember Collymore against Liverpool in Gregory's first game in charge.

Problem is, every time I think of this situation, I just think of the Man City game this season.
Title: Re: Tottenham Hotspur v Aston Villa Pre-Match Thread
Post by: Marlon From Bearwood on November 18, 2011, 12:07:57 PM
Hutton will be well up for this one. Not that it'll make any difference.

Can anyone remember a Villa player that has played a belter against their previous club?

I remember Collymore against Liverpool in Gregory's first game in charge.

 


Deano
Title: Re: Tottenham Hotspur v Aston Villa Pre-Match Thread
Post by: manic-road on November 18, 2011, 04:29:16 PM
1-1 Bent to scramble one home.

Spuds havn't played that well since Arry has had a dicky ticker.
Title: Re: Tottenham Hotspur v Aston Villa Pre-Match Thread
Post by: Smoke on November 18, 2011, 05:22:42 PM
Hutton will be well up for this one. Not that it'll make any difference.

Can anyone remember a Villa player that has played a belter against their previous club?

I remember Collymore against Liverpool in Gregory's first game in charge.

Problem is, every time I think of this situation, I just think of the Man City game this season.

I think Curtis 50p head Davies scored againt the albion at VP also pretty sure Dunne scored vs Man City at VP too?
Title: Re: Tottenham Hotspur v Aston Villa Pre-Match Thread
Post by: markus209 on November 18, 2011, 06:38:19 PM
2-1 to Villa.

Bent to score 1st, Walker to equalise for them in the 88th minute before a last minute winner from Agbonlahor
Title: Re: Tottenham Hotspur v Aston Villa Pre-Match Thread
Post by: Hillbilly on November 18, 2011, 10:35:25 PM
The pre-match on TV will be an hour long Harry Redknapp tribute (lovable rogue, wheeler dealer, next England manager, etc, etc) followed by a 2-0 defeat, where we'll get robbed by at least one controversial, game changing decision.

He sure doesn't like being called that .


We can legitimately add "the accused" and "the defendant" now. How funny would it be if the all the Villa fans wore convict garb or judges wigs to the match...
Title: Re: Tottenham Hotspur v Aston Villa Pre-Match Thread
Post by: eamonn on November 18, 2011, 10:59:25 PM
Why?

Hung over.

Haha, you might not be far wrong.

I was at the Ireland game in Dublin on Tuesday night. The next morning I had a job interview first thing.
On my way back passing the Shelbourne Hotel who did I see in the enclosed, smoking area at the front but Dicky Dunne, bleary-eyed in jeans and a hoodie, puffing on a cigarette. Was caught between congratulating him and ticking him off so I just left him to it.
Title: Re: Tottenham Hotspur v Aston Villa Pre-Match Thread
Post by: Des Little on November 18, 2011, 11:30:26 PM
Routine Spurz win. 2-1.  Hope I'm wrong, seeing as I'm going!
Title: Re: Tottenham Hotspur v Aston Villa Pre-Match Thread
Post by: VillaAlways on November 19, 2011, 10:28:40 AM
I think I will have switched over to Young Apprentice by 9 pm 0-3 to them
Title: Re: Tottenham Hotspur v Aston Villa Pre-Match Thread
Post by: eamonn on November 19, 2011, 01:50:23 PM
Ugh...Young Apprentice...the score could never possibly be that bad.
Title: Re: Tottenham Hotspur v Aston Villa Pre-Match Thread
Post by: Compass on November 19, 2011, 05:32:30 PM
Not only a draw would be extremely difficult to get, but a win would be impossible. Come on now, use your head. We have a non-existent midfield, a collapsible defence and a tactically clueless manager. Gabby won't have the ability to one man our team to a draw against a top 6 on form side away from home, nevermind a victory.
Title: Re: Tottenham Hotspur v Aston Villa Pre-Match Thread
Post by: Rigadon on November 19, 2011, 05:36:24 PM
Not only a draw would be extremely difficult to get, but a win would be impossible. Come on now, use your head. We have a non-existent midfield, a collapsible defence and a tactically clueless manager. Gabby won't have the ability to one man our team to a draw against a top 6 on form side away from home, nevermind a victory.

Why do you bother?  Seriously, what possible enjoyment do you get from it?
Title: Re: Tottenham Hotspur v Aston Villa Pre-Match Thread
Post by: Compass on November 19, 2011, 06:20:40 PM
I don't enjoy it. All the optimism I've had about Villa has been stripped away this summer. But this club is too addictive regardless if I'm enjoying it less.

All we can hope for with this match is a minimal loss with Gabby who's the best thing what's happening at the moment, but he can't do everything by himself against a better opposition. I mean look how good he was against Norwich and even then, the rest of the team (including McLeish who brought in Ireland 3-1 up, wtf) still nearly cost us a win.
Title: Re: Tottenham Hotspur v Aston Villa Pre-Match Thread
Post by: Rigadon on November 19, 2011, 06:32:37 PM
This might seem a bit condescending but, it might serve you to lighten up a bit mate.  It aint perfect at the moment, but it's far from the black pit of depression you seem to see judging by your posts on here.  AM isn't Satan.  Just a solid manager who is playing the cards he's got in his hand.  I think he's doing OK so far and is genuinely happy to be here and has large balls to have made the transition.  We still have good players. We are no more/less likely to win something than when MON was here.  Finishing 6th is the same as 8th.

Genuinely, you will enjoy it a bit more if you focus on the positives every now and again.   Continuously moaning about EVERYTHING doesn't endear you to anybody and gives the impression you're on the wind-up.  You might not care about this or my opinion, but I just thought I'd share. 
Title: Re: Tottenham Hotspur v Aston Villa Pre-Match Thread
Post by: adrenachrome on November 20, 2011, 02:32:35 AM
Grauniad (http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2011/nov/19/kevin-bond-away-form-tottenham?newsfeed=true)

dubya dubya dubya what the fuck dot com

Shurely shome mishtake!



Quote

Saturday 19 November 2011 22.29 GMT

Aston Villa v Tottenham Hotspur, 8pm Monday 21 November

Kevin Bond claims Tottenham are now a sterner prospect away from home


Kevin Bond admits that Tottenham Hotspur have been "turned over" away from home in previous seasons but the Spurs assistant manager believes they are now a sterner prospect away from White Hart Lane.

Bond, Harry Redknapp's assistant manager, said: "As a staff you're aware of where your strengths are and maybe where your deficiencies are slightly. Maybe we got turned over too easily at times last season and we've thought about that and hopefully we're not quite the same this season. It's about a mental toughness of the players and also your team selection – we're full of flair players who are probably, you might argue, better with the ball than without on occasion so they need to be aware of their defensive duties."

Tottenham, who visit Aston Villa on Monday evening, have lost only once away from home so far, and Bond picked out their last match, the 3-1 win at Fulham, as an indicator of their new resolve.

"We've shown a little more resilience away from home. The Fulham game: we weren't great in the second half, but we did show plenty of battling qualities and maybe in previous seasons we wouldn't have got anything from that game," he said of a win that was only confirmed when Jermain Defoe scored in the 90th minute, after Younes Kaboul's second-half own goal.

Bond added that Scott Parker's acquisition in the summer has provided further steel in the midfield for tough away trips. "He looks to me like he thoroughly enjoys a tackle – Wilson Palacios gave it when Harry first came here, then Sandro last season was fantastic at that. So we've now got Sandro and Scott Parker," he said.

Starting with Villa, Spurs do not have what appears the hardest sequence of league fixtures until they host Chelsea on 22 December. Yet despite also playing West Brom, Bolton, Stoke and Sunderland before then, Bond denied it would be easy. "I wouldn't underestimate anybody – it would be disrespectful to look at them and say: 'We can beat them.' The team at the bottom is capable of beating the team at the top," he added.
Title: Re: Tottenham Hotspur v Aston Villa Pre-Match Thread
Post by: mrfuse on November 20, 2011, 09:47:55 AM
Spuds 2-0 Bale will tear Hutton apart and Van Der Vaart if fit

If not take your pick out of any of these to run the show Modric/Parker/Lennon/Adebayor/defoe!

Sadly Currently only Given Gabby and possibly Bent would make it into the Spurs Team/Bench
Title: Re: Tottenham Hotspur v Aston Villa Pre-Match Thread
Post by: PeterWithe on November 20, 2011, 11:42:14 AM
Why?

Hung over.

Haha, you might not be far wrong.

I was at the Ireland game in Dublin on Tuesday night. The next morning I had a job interview first thing.
On my way back passing the Shelbourne Hotel who did I see in the enclosed, smoking area at the front but Dicky Dunne, bleary-eyed in jeans and a hoodie, puffing on a cigarette. Was caught between congratulating him and ticking him off so I just left him to it.

From The Sun

STEVE BRUCE insists Sunderland will not be left punch-drunk by an Irish hangover — but reckons some of their Premier League rivals will not be so lucky.

John O'Shea and Keiren Westwood return to face Fulham after helping Giovanni Trapattoni's Republic of Ireland reach next summer's European Championships.

The Guinness flowed in Dublin after the 5-1 aggregate play-off win over Estonia. But Bruce reckons his partying pair will be OK after failing to push the boat out as far as some of their team-mates.

The Sunderland boss smiled: "John's head was fine, and Keiren didn't touch a drop, but I'd back Villa to get beaten at the weekend from what I heard. The Wolves lads also had a right crack at it, too."
Title: Re: Tottenham Hotspur v Aston Villa Pre-Match Thread
Post by: Clampy on November 20, 2011, 11:47:55 AM
I see the ref tomorrow is Mark Halsey. Just thought i'd warn you all in advance.
Title: Re: Tottenham Hotspur v Aston Villa Pre-Match Thread
Post by: eamonn on November 20, 2011, 03:21:57 PM
Why?

Hung over.

Haha, you might not be far wrong.

I was at the Ireland game in Dublin on Tuesday night. The next morning I had a job interview first thing.
On my way back passing the Shelbourne Hotel who did I see in the enclosed, smoking area at the front but Dicky Dunne, bleary-eyed in jeans and a hoodie, puffing on a cigarette. Was caught between congratulating him and ticking him off so I just left him to it.

From The Sun

STEVE BRUCE insists Sunderland will not be left punch-drunk by an Irish hangover — but reckons some of their Premier League rivals will not be so lucky.

John O'Shea and Keiren Westwood return to face Fulham after helping Giovanni Trapattoni's Republic of Ireland reach next summer's European Championships.

The Guinness flowed in Dublin after the 5-1 aggregate play-off win over Estonia. But Bruce reckons his partying pair will be OK after failing to push the boat out as far as some of their team-mates.

The Sunderland boss smiled: "John's head was fine, and Keiren didn't touch a drop, but I'd back Villa to get beaten at the weekend from what I heard. The Wolves lads also had a right crack at it, too."

Just as well we have had the extra couple of days to wait for this game for Dunne and Given to sweat that stout out of their systems.
Title: Re: Tottenham Hotspur v Aston Villa Pre-Match Thread
Post by: Legion on November 20, 2011, 04:24:28 PM
Unless we lose by 10 clear goals, we'll still be 8th tomorrow regardless of the result.
Title: Re: Tottenham Hotspur v Aston Villa Pre-Match Thread
Post by: SoccerHQ on November 20, 2011, 05:32:28 PM
The league below 7th this season is awful so we've got every chance of finishing 8th or 9th again this season.
Title: Re: Tottenham Hotspur v Aston Villa Pre-Match Thread
Post by: Villanation on November 20, 2011, 08:56:53 PM
Lets hope Gabby is in there and fit, he's played a crucial role in pretty much every game so far, if not scoring then making, he's our Lion.

Not sure about this, head say's Spurs at a stroll, heart says Villa and Gabby get into the groove and who knows what might happen.
Title: Re: Tottenham Hotspur v Aston Villa Pre-Match Thread
Post by: eamonn on November 21, 2011, 12:23:47 AM
The league below 7th this season is awful so we've got every chance of finishing 8th or 9th again this season.

In a sentence you've summed-up how shit football has become.

Oh well...just win the fucking FA Cup and the rest won't matter a jot. (Except for relegation obviously)
Title: Re: Tottenham Hotspur v Aston Villa Pre-Match Thread
Post by: N'ZMAV on November 21, 2011, 09:50:02 AM
If Spurs turn it on tonight we won't be able to handle them. On the other hand, if we turn it on, does anyone think we can take the points? I'm not confident at all. Head says 3-0 Spurs, although, we might nick something according to the old ticker.
Title: Re: Tottenham Hotspur v Aston Villa Pre-Match Thread
Post by: VillaAlways on November 21, 2011, 10:06:14 AM
VDV fit for tonight.'Arry back on the bench.I think I might go out tonight. :-\
Title: Re: Tottenham Hotspur v Aston Villa Pre-Match Thread
Post by: dicedlam on November 21, 2011, 10:24:04 AM
I dont like Monday's.

3-1 spuds.
Title: Re: Tottenham Hotspur v Aston Villa Pre-Match Thread
Post by: Phil from the upper holte on November 21, 2011, 10:44:17 AM
2-1 spuds, I fucking hate spuds but they always have the beating of us, especially if old fist face is there
Title: Re: Tottenham Hotspur v Aston Villa Pre-Match Thread
Post by: Rudy Can't Fail on November 21, 2011, 10:53:22 AM
0-0 and no doubt they'll be some that will moan.
Title: Re: Tottenham Hotspur v Aston Villa Pre-Match Thread
Post by: Surrey Villain on November 21, 2011, 11:02:10 AM
I dont like Monday's.

3-1 spuds.

Monday's what?  Do you mean Mondays?
Title: Re: Tottenham Hotspur v Aston Villa Pre-Match Thread
Post by: andyh on November 21, 2011, 11:06:24 AM
I fear a bit of a drubbing.

4-1 Spuds
Title: Re: Tottenham Hotspur v Aston Villa Pre-Match Thread
Post by: dicedlam on November 21, 2011, 11:18:05 AM
I dont like Monday's.

3-1 spuds.

Monday's what?  Do you mean Mondays?


Correct.

Apprentice bloody grammar police..
Title: Re: Tottenham Hotspur v Aston Villa Pre-Match Thread
Post by: VillaAlways on November 21, 2011, 11:19:54 AM
Win,lose or draw We stay 8th.Unless we lose 10-0.Spurs could go 3rd with a win
Title: Re: Tottenham Hotspur v Aston Villa Pre-Match Thread
Post by: PaulTheVillan on November 21, 2011, 11:37:46 AM
Gary Gardner to start?
Title: Re: Tottenham Hotspur v Aston Villa Pre-Match Thread
Post by: garyshawsknee on November 21, 2011, 11:49:40 AM
The idea of Walker vs Warnock and Bale against Hutton seems pretty grim. 3-0 Spurs.
Title: Re: Tottenham Hotspur v Aston Villa Pre-Match Thread
Post by: Surrey Villain on November 21, 2011, 11:56:10 AM
Gary Gardner to start?

Unlikely.  He will be needed tomorrow night.  They missed him badly last week and it would be a shame to miss out on the NextGen now.  It will be a tough test against Ajax even with him.
Title: Re: Tottenham Hotspur v Aston Villa Pre-Match Thread
Post by: Shrek on November 21, 2011, 12:02:17 PM
The idea of Walker vs Warnock and Bale against Hutton seems pretty grim. 3-0 Spurs.

And Lennon
Title: Re: Tottenham Hotspur v Aston Villa Pre-Match Thread
Post by: Concrete John on November 21, 2011, 12:10:31 PM
We're pretty potent upfront ourselves, so lets not forget that.  I think it's the midfield battle where we'll win or lose this.  Don't think it's a game for Heskey, so maybe Delph, Petrov and Herd to combat Parker, Modric and VDV?
Title: Re: Tottenham Hotspur v Aston Villa Pre-Match Thread
Post by: brontebilly on November 21, 2011, 12:21:49 PM
Def not a game for Heskey. I'd bring in Delph or Clark in midfield.

I'd also consider giving Gardner his debut on the right if Gabby is out. Let's give him a feel for it.
Title: Re: Tottenham Hotspur v Aston Villa Pre-Match Thread
Post by: Hookeysmith on November 21, 2011, 12:22:14 PM
On paper they look pretty impressive but as they say the game is not won on paper

We will need to start well and not give them any stupid goal start we need to get the midfield right as with heskey (although i thought he did very well against Norwich) the game will pass him buy as Spurs have the ability to pass around us. The way to nulify Walker going forward is to attack him every chance we get so Charlie boy needs to be on top of his game. Anyone who saw him last year know that Walker is always a threat but more often than not leaves huge holes in the space he vacates - Gabby should exploit this every chance he gets. I would also get as many crosses in as possible as Brad is awful coming off his line.
We have to accept that we are not going to go there and play them off the park so it will be a tough
battle and hope to catch them on the break

i can actually see us nicking something  2-1
Title: Re: Tottenham Hotspur v Aston Villa Pre-Match Thread
Post by: PaulWinch again on November 21, 2011, 12:40:15 PM
I'm cautiously optimistic at the moment, I don't know why.
Title: Re: Tottenham Hotspur v Aston Villa Pre-Match Thread
Post by: MarkM on November 21, 2011, 12:56:20 PM
2-0 home win I'm afraid
Title: Re: Tottenham Hotspur v Aston Villa Pre-Match Thread
Post by: German James on November 21, 2011, 01:00:34 PM
I'm cautiously optimistic at the moment, I don't know why.

Me too... We're less likely to get away with silly defensive mistakes, and the midfield will have to be more sure of themselves too, but I think we should draw at least. We'd better: I'm making a night of it because German Sky's showing it, so I can go out to watch it!
Title: Re: Tottenham Hotspur v Aston Villa Pre-Match Thread
Post by: Simon Ward on November 21, 2011, 01:08:40 PM
A scrappy draw will do me.
Title: Re: Tottenham Hotspur v Aston Villa Pre-Match Thread
Post by: N'ZMAV on November 21, 2011, 01:17:51 PM
The idea of Walker vs Warnock and Bale against Hutton seems pretty grim. 3-0 Spurs.
Don't worry, N'Zogbia will help out by doing lots of tracking back...
Title: Re: Tottenham Hotspur v Aston Villa Pre-Match Thread
Post by: villajk on November 21, 2011, 01:19:21 PM
I see the ref tomorrow is Mark Halsey. Just thought i'd warn you all in advance.

Wasn't looking to this at all and this has cheered me up no end....... NOT.

Weather's dreary, can't see how we can win and to top it all I  can't even have a drink to warm/cheer me up.
Title: Re: Tottenham Hotspur v Aston Villa Pre-Match Thread
Post by: Reuben on November 21, 2011, 01:34:55 PM
The idea of Walker vs Warnock and Bale against Hutton seems pretty grim. 3-0 Spurs.

I thought Lichaj did a good job on Bale last season.  Perhaps we can bring him in like we only used to bring Bryan Small to play against Giggs (was it?)
Title: Re: Tottenham Hotspur v Aston Villa Pre-Match Thread
Post by: Concrete John on November 21, 2011, 01:44:05 PM
The idea of Walker vs Warnock and Bale against Hutton seems pretty grim. 3-0 Spurs.

I thought Lichaj did a good job on Bale last season.  Perhaps we can bring him in like we only used to bring Bryan Small to play against Giggs (was it?)

And that went well with all those victories we had over Man Utd around that time!
Title: Re: Tottenham Hotspur v Aston Villa Pre-Match Thread
Post by: N'ZMAV on November 21, 2011, 02:30:56 PM
The idea of Walker vs Warnock and Bale against Hutton seems pretty grim. 3-0 Spurs.

I thought Lichaj did a good job on Bale last season.  Perhaps we can bring him in like we only used to bring Bryan Small to play against Giggs (was it?)
It was VDV that did the damage against us last season. World Class on his day. I fear him.
Title: Re: Tottenham Hotspur v Aston Villa Pre-Match Thread
Post by: VillaAlways on November 21, 2011, 02:39:46 PM
I've got a horrid feeling Gabby will be out
Title: Re: Tottenham Hotspur v Aston Villa Pre-Match Thread
Post by: Mazrim on November 21, 2011, 02:40:26 PM
I fucking hate Spurs (I may have said) but I'm not expecting much tonight.

They're quite beatable though and we're not that bad. Expecting to lose but you never know.
It would stick in the craw of the media who are running with the "Spurs go third with a win" like it's the most straightfoward formality.
Come on Villa, cheer me right up by putting these peacocks down.

Lets see if Bent can shove that Dodgy bastards words right back down his throat.
Title: Re: Tottenham Hotspur v Aston Villa Pre-Match Thread
Post by: N'ZMAV on November 21, 2011, 02:56:13 PM
I've got a horrid feeling Gabby will be out
That'd be the biggest blow to our chances of getting something.
Title: Re: Tottenham Hotspur v Aston Villa Pre-Match Thread
Post by: McCanns Patch on November 21, 2011, 02:58:15 PM
Not going to hide the fact that I've acquired a real dislike for Spurs more than any other team outside the midlands and I'm not quite sure why.  Always feel like they get pleasure out of beating us too.  Never a fan of monday night football away from Villa Park but that said would love a 2-0 win!!
Title: Re: Tottenham Hotspur v Aston Villa Pre-Match Thread
Post by: D.boy on November 21, 2011, 03:24:23 PM
A spurs supporting work colleague approached me Saturday evening and said "How did your lot get on today?"
I replied "We are playing your lot Monday night!"
Title: Re: Tottenham Hotspur v Aston Villa Pre-Match Thread
Post by: philthebar on November 21, 2011, 03:42:34 PM
Hard fought lucky draw. 

Can't get there, so watching in a pub in Reading, no doubt I will be the only Villa supporter around.
Title: Re: Tottenham Hotspur v Aston Villa Pre-Match Thread
Post by: TimTheVillain on November 21, 2011, 03:48:05 PM
Seems Gabby will be OK.

http://www.birminghammail.net/birmingham-sport/aston-villa-fc/aston-villa-news/2011/11/21/tottenham-v-aston-villa-villa-given-big-boost-with-latest-injury-update-97319-29810700/

Still going for a 2 goal defeat.

3-1 Spurs.
Title: Re: Tottenham Hotspur v Aston Villa Pre-Match Thread
Post by: N'ZMAV on November 21, 2011, 03:50:10 PM
Gabby & Bent, can cause any defence problems. I jsut hope they're both on their A game tonight. With the lack of supply from the midfield, we're going to need them to come up with something special.

Got a feeling Herd's going to head one in tonight.
Title: Re: Tottenham Hotspur v Aston Villa Pre-Match Thread
Post by: cdward on November 21, 2011, 04:14:31 PM
No VDV?
The press are writing us off already with their "Spurs will go third "headlines.
Unfortunately, I think they are right. 2-1 loss, but the eternal optimist in me says a bit of controversy to get old twitchy going will give us something to cheer about.
Title: Re: Tottenham Hotspur v Aston Villa Pre-Match Thread
Post by: TonyD on November 21, 2011, 04:17:27 PM
4.4 i reckon.
Title: Re: Tottenham Hotspur v Aston Villa Pre-Match Thread
Post by: BedsVillain on November 21, 2011, 04:18:33 PM
Don't hold out much hope  for tonight really. Hate to be pessimistic, but just think there will be wave after wave of attack, even if VDV is injured. To get anything out of this we're going to have to pull out a real defensive masterclass. I'd go:

                    Given

Carlos   Collins   Dunne   Warnock

              Herd    Petrov

N'Zogbia      Bannan    Gabby

                    Bent

But I imagine Heskey will be starting as usual. 3-0 loss
Title: Re: Tottenham Hotspur v Aston Villa Pre-Match Thread
Post by: VillaAlways on November 21, 2011, 04:27:49 PM
No VDV?


Declared himself fit I'm afraid
Title: Re: Tottenham Hotspur v Aston Villa Pre-Match Thread
Post by: Toronto Villa on November 21, 2011, 04:32:34 PM
the way Spurs can knock the ball around and attack down the flanks scares the shit out of me. What scares me even more is the thought of Hutton vs Bale. I'm not expecting much, but I still want to see grit, determination and an attitude of we are going there to win. I don't want to see any white flags raised by the team after 5 minutes. It's something that does my head in. If we go down, then we go down giving it everything.
Title: Re: Tottenham Hotspur v Aston Villa Pre-Match Thread
Post by: Hookeysmith on November 21, 2011, 04:44:40 PM
I am actually looking forward to the game now - feels like ages since i saw them last (Norwich at home)

Come on you villa boys

Show them mincing cockney wankers what real grit and determination is all about


2-1 villa
Title: Re: Tottenham Hotspur v Aston Villa Pre-Match Thread
Post by: hipkiss92 on November 21, 2011, 04:45:02 PM
In an ideal world Hutton will do what he did to Shane Long 5 mins in, and we can stop worrying about Bale v Hutton for the rest of the evening.
Title: Re: Tottenham Hotspur v Aston Villa Pre-Match Thread
Post by: usav on November 21, 2011, 04:45:26 PM
No VDV?


Declared himself fit I'm afraid

He'll be limping off after 20 minutes.
Title: Re: Tottenham Hotspur v Aston Villa Pre-Match Thread
Post by: rutski on November 21, 2011, 04:51:53 PM
are villa playing tonight??? the way sky sports and talksport have had it i thought just spuds were at home having a kickabout between themselves? Strange old me misunderstanding the situation?
Title: Re: Tottenham Hotspur v Aston Villa Pre-Match Thread
Post by: exiled on the wirral! on November 21, 2011, 04:56:26 PM
Has anyone backed the villa tonight? Cant make my mind up whether to put a tenner on the villa or whether i will just be wasting money. 6/1 with sky bet is very tempting!
Title: Re: Tottenham Hotspur v Aston Villa Pre-Match Thread
Post by: Deano's Mullet on November 21, 2011, 05:12:37 PM
14/1 William Hill  Villa to win 2-1 but cant see it happening to be honest
Title: Re: Tottenham Hotspur v Aston Villa Pre-Match Thread
Post by: Mark H on November 21, 2011, 05:22:33 PM
Cannot see us getting anything out of this game - and Spurs are right up there with teams I really really want to beat
Title: Re: Tottenham Hotspur v Aston Villa Pre-Match Thread
Post by: pauliewalnuts on November 21, 2011, 05:29:15 PM
Has anyone backed the villa tonight? Cant make my mind up whether to put a tenner on the villa or whether i will just be wasting money. 6/1 with sky bet is very tempting!

No, but I tell you what I have had.

Kyle Walker to score for one (it'd be sods law), and am just about to take Hutton to get sent off, at 25/1 with Paddy Power.
Title: Re: Tottenham Hotspur v Aston Villa Pre-Match Thread
Post by: exiled on the wirral! on November 21, 2011, 05:34:42 PM
Has anyone backed the villa tonight? Cant make my mind up whether to put a tenner on the villa or whether i will just be wasting money. 6/1 with sky bet is very tempting!

No, but I tell you what I have had.

Kyle Walker to score for one (it'd be sods law), and am just about to take Hutton to get sent off, at 25/1 with Paddy Power.
 
A bad night in prospect then... I will buy a curry instead then!
Title: Re: Tottenham Hotspur v Aston Villa Pre-Match Thread
Post by: PeterWithesShin on November 21, 2011, 05:40:13 PM
Really hope i'm wrong but got a feeling we might be in for a fair old runaround tonight.
So, do I just check in on here and pretty much ignore the game, or go to the Strathallan and watch it and have a side order of alcohol to go with my misery?
Title: Re: Tottenham Hotspur v Aston Villa Pre-Match Thread
Post by: Toronto Villa on November 21, 2011, 05:48:12 PM
In an ideal world Hutton will do what he did to Shane Long 5 mins in, and we can stop worrying about Bale v Hutton for the rest of the evening.

thing is we'll be down to 10 men and they'll just bring on Modric or someone of equal ability to replace the injured Bale. We need Hutton to stay on his feet and play the game for once.
Title: Re: Tottenham Hotspur v Aston Villa Pre-Match Thread
Post by: Chipsticks on November 21, 2011, 05:49:10 PM
Spurs 0-1 Villa
Gabby 81'.


Fuck 'em, we're Aston Villa.
Title: Re: Tottenham Hotspur v Aston Villa Pre-Match Thread
Post by: PeterWithesShin on November 21, 2011, 05:52:39 PM
Spurs 0-1 Villa
Gabby 81'.


Fuck 'em, we're Aston Villa.

I tried that trick for the Man City game and it didn't work too well. So now i'm switching to reverse psychology!
Title: Re: Tottenham Hotspur v Aston Villa Pre-Match Thread
Post by: Rigadon on November 21, 2011, 05:56:04 PM
I fucking hate Spurs (I may have said) but I'm not expecting much tonight.

They're quite beatable though and we're not that bad. Expecting to lose but you never know.
It would stick in the craw of the media who are running with the "Spurs go third with a win" like it's the most straightfoward formality.
Come on Villa, cheer me right up by putting these peacocks down.

Lets see if Bent can shove that Dodgy bastards words right back down his throat.

Well said Mazrim.  I too loathe Spurs and it'd be ace for Bent to get one.  They are average at the back so I hope we show some ambition going forward without leaving massive holes for their usual array of ball playing (the spurs way of course) poseurs. 

Joe Jordan was in the Guardian today saying how he thought Defoe was a better bet for England and that Bent needed to prove himself between now and the end of the season.  Might've been poetic license form the journalist but it came across as a little sneering.  So, add him to the disappointed Spurs bench when he gets the winner.

Would add that I almost expect Hutton to get sent off. 
Title: Re: Tottenham Hotspur v Aston Villa Pre-Match Thread
Post by: Rigadon on November 21, 2011, 06:00:31 PM
Nice to get back to talking about football and looking forward to watching a game of it*




* Disclaimer - I reserve the right to change my mind at 9.50pm this evening.
Title: Re: Tottenham Hotspur v Aston Villa Pre-Match Thread
Post by: Legion on November 21, 2011, 06:05:19 PM
From Auntie:

Quote
TEAM NEWS

Tottenham are hopeful that Rafael van der Vaart will recover from a hamstring injury in time to face Aston Villa.

Vedran Corluka is expected to overcome an ankle problem but Tom Huddlestone and Michael Dawson are still out.

Villa forward Gabriel Agbonlahor is back in training after the hamstring problem he suffered on England duty.

Captain Stiliyan Petrov is fit after a similar injury but on-loan midfielder Jermaine Jenas is ineligible to face his parent club.

MATCH PREVIEW

Regardless of Harry Redknapp's anticipated return to the dugout on Monday, his Tottenham team will take to the pitch in good heart.

An unbeaten run that has yielded 22 points from 24 has propelled Spurs to the cusp of the top four and the Champions League qualification they crave.

They continued their resurgence with a fortuitous victory at Fulham before the international break in a fraught match which will have done little to aid Redknapp's convalescence after minor surgery to unblock his arteries.

The visit of Villa could be more medicinal. They have only won at White Hart Lane once in a decade, and Redknapp is unbeaten in his last 10 Premier League matches against them.

With Villa sitting eighth in the table prior to the weekend, Alex McLeish would appear to have made a decent start to his managerial reign at the club. However, he and the club's supporters are acutely aware that the fixture computer gave Villa a relatively gentle start to the campaign.

Not so between now and the end of the year, when they will face Manchester United, Arsenal, Liverpool and Chelsea and visit Stoke. They will do well to still look in rude health after that punishing sequence.
MATCH FACTS

Head-to-head

    Tottenham are unbeaten in their last five league matches against Aston Villa. Spurs recorded 2-1 victories home and away last season, with Rafael van der Vaart scoring twice on both occasions and Marc Albrighton netting Villa's goal each time.
    Villa's only win in their last 11 league visits to Tottenham was by 2-1 in September 2008 when Nigel Reo-Coker and Ashley Young scored for Villa. Current Villa forward Darren Bent scored for Tottenham.
    Harry Redknapp is unbeaten in his last 10 Premier League matches against Aston Villa since Portsmouth's 1-0 defeat at Villa Park in March 2006.

Tottenham

    Tottenham have made their best start to a season since 1990, when they also had 22 points from 10 matches.
    They are unbeaten in their last eight league matches, winning seven.
    Spurs have scored at least twice in each of those eight matches.
    Jermain Defoe has scored three goals in his last four home league matches against Villa.
    Brad Friedel made 114 consecutive league appearances for Aston Villa from 2008 to 2011, keeping 35 clean sheets.

Aston Villa

    Villa are winless in their last five Premier League away matches since a 2-1 triumph at Arsenal in May.
    They have dropped a league-high nine points from winning positions this season.
    The Villans are unbeaten in all six league matches against London clubs in 2011. Tottenham were the last London club to beat them, winning 2-1 at Villa Park on Boxing Day 2010.
    Darren Bent scored 18 goals in 60 league matches for Tottenham from 2007 to 2009. He has scored four goals in six league matches against them.
    Stephen Ireland could make his 200th club career appearance.
Title: Re: Tottenham Hotspur v Aston Villa Pre-Match Thread
Post by: Shrek on November 21, 2011, 06:15:36 PM
Spurs are not all that, yes they are quality but they are no Man City and we are not as bad as it seemed we were a few weeks ago.

I'm going 0-1 with Gabby setting up a Bent sitter. We then defend for 70 mins with Dunne clearing off the line in the 93rd minute.

COME ON VILLA!
Title: Re: Tottenham Hotspur v Aston Villa Pre-Match Thread
Post by: l_mckay on November 21, 2011, 06:41:02 PM
not looking forward to this,lets hope we can put a good performance in and hold on for a draw!!
SimplePortal 2.3.6 © 2008-2014, SimplePortal