1-0 Villa. Holman, 40.
Judging by the first half hour of tonight's game, Everton look a very strong side. Take the draw and some steady progress by us, 2-2They look very good going forward.
1-0 Villa. Holman, 40.
Optimistic after his last weekend's performance.
Listen you miserable sods. We're winning this 3-1. Everton rarely win at our place and they're not starting this week in our first home game.
Bent, Holman and Clark and Baines penno for them.
Everton have run themselves into the ground tonight, we'll do them next weekend.
Everton have run themselves into the ground tonight, we'll do them next weekend.
Got 2 days rest on them ;)
Everton have run themselves into the ground tonight, we'll do them next weekend.
Got 2 days rest on them ;)
Everton have run themselves into the ground tonight, we'll do them next weekend.
Got 2 days rest on them ;)
To be precise, we have been resting since about 3.25pm Saturday....
2-0 Bent 17, Ireland 68Good prediction Ewan !
In front of a boisterous & happy Villa Park!
Everton have run themselves into the ground tonight, we'll do them next weekend.Or they would have better higher level of match fitness than us?
I didn't realise manyoo had Valencia and Carrick at the back! Wtf!
Everton looked very impressive last night, but I am reminded of the way we played in similar fashion against West Ham two seasons ago and swept all before us - then the following week got slaughtered 6-0 on Tyneside. Yes I know there's a difference between West Ham and Man U (West Ham went down) but you can never tell how a team is going to perform the week after they have performed well (or vice versa as in our case). Am I clutching at straws here?
Yes, 1-3 defeat
Everton are due a win at VP - they will be cock a hoop after last night - Fellaini to outmuscle us all over the field.
Everton to win 2-0 - both headed goals.
Concrete Ron 1 for Aston Villa after heading both the ball and Fellani into the goal to win 1-0 :)
I didn't realise manyoo had Valencia and Carrick at the back! Wtf!
They looked a very well organised, well balanced side and physically strong, think they'll have a bit too much for us and I'll be very surprised if we get anything out of the game.Ok smartarses.
Seems I'm not the only one who wasn't terribly impressed with Holman.
1-1.
I thought he was decent in pre-season. He just looked a bit rusty and a bit unfit, probably down to the injury. I'd still play him over N'Zogbia right now.Seems I'm not the only one who wasn't terribly impressed with Holman.
1-1.
Ran around a lot but didn't actually do anything; plus his passing was terrible.
I thought he was decent in pre-season. He just looked a bit rusty and a bit unfit, probably down to the injury. I'd still play him over N'Zogbia right now.Seems I'm not the only one who wasn't terribly impressed with Holman.
1-1.
Ran around a lot but didn't actually do anything; plus his passing was terrible.
Could someone tell me what CN'Z has done to warrent peoples constant inclusion in their teams?
The guy has done pretty much f**k all since he's been here.
Could someone tell me what CN'Z has done to warrent peoples constant inclusion in their teams?
The guy has done pretty much f**k all since he's been here.
Could someone tell me what CN'Z has done to warrent peoples constant inclusion in their teams?because they are daft.
The guy has done pretty much f**k all since he's been here.
A rocking Villa park 110% behind the lads and a 2-1 Villa victory. Maybe 3-1 Villa.
A rocking Villa park 110% behind the lads and a 2-1 Villa victory. Maybe 3-1 Villa.
Can't remember the last time I went to Villa Park and it was rocking. Maybe the cup game when Phil Neville scored that o.g. to put us 2-0 against Man U, and we still lost haha. Come on the Vilains, a first home win of the season would mean so much.
A rocking Villa park 110% behind the lads and a 2-1 Villa victory. Maybe 3-1 Villa.
Can't remember the last time I went to Villa Park and it was rocking. Maybe the cup game when Phil Neville scored that o.g. to put us 2-0 against Man U, and we still lost haha. Come on the Vilains, a first home win of the season would mean so much.
Hearing the atmosphere at Goodison the other night made me realise that we really do lack confidence as fans let alone players!
A rocking Villa park 110% behind the lads and a 2-1 Villa victory. Maybe 3-1 Villa.
Can't remember the last time I went to Villa Park and it was rocking. Maybe the cup game when Phil Neville scored that o.g. to put us 2-0 against Man U, and we still lost haha. Come on the Vilains, a first home win of the season would mean so much.
Hearing the atmosphere at Goodison the other night made me realise that we really do lack confidence as fans let alone players!
That's a very good point.
A rocking Villa park 110% behind the lads and a 2-1 Villa victory. Maybe 3-1 Villa.
Can't remember the last time I went to Villa Park and it was rocking. Maybe the cup game when Phil Neville scored that o.g. to put us 2-0 against Man U, and we still lost haha. Come on the Vilains, a first home win of the season would mean so much.
Hearing the atmosphere at Goodison the other night made me realise that we really do lack confidence as fans let alone players!
That's a very good point.
In some ways it worries me more.
We (I include myself) seldom have the enthusiasm these days to raise the team - we just watch the comedy unfold...
A rocking Villa park 110% behind the lads and a 2-1 Villa victory. Maybe 3-1 Villa.
Can't remember the last time I went to Villa Park and it was rocking. Maybe the cup game when Phil Neville scored that o.g. to put us 2-0 against Man U, and we still lost haha. Come on the Vilains, a first home win of the season would mean so much.
Hearing the atmosphere at Goodison the other night made me realise that we really do lack confidence as fans let alone players!
That's a very good point.
In some ways it worries me more.
We (I include myself) seldom have the enthusiasm these days to raise the team - we just watch the comedy unfold...
A rocking Villa park 110% behind the lads and a 2-1 Villa victory. Maybe 3-1 Villa.
Can't remember the last time I went to Villa Park and it was rocking. Maybe the cup game when Phil Neville scored that o.g. to put us 2-0 against Man U, and we still lost haha. Come on the Vilains, a first home win of the season would mean so much.
Hearing the atmosphere at Goodison the other night made me realise that we really do lack confidence as fans let alone players!
I hope Bannan starts ahead of Delph. I know they're different players really but I think Bannan offers so much more.
I hope Bannan starts ahead of Delph. I know they're different players really but I think Bannan offers so much more.
I'd keep Delph and drop N'Zogbia for Bannan personally
I hope Bannan starts ahead of Delph. I know they're different players really but I think Bannan offers so much more.
I'd keep Delph and drop N'Zogbia for Bannan personally
It's PL's job to get the players up for this, as a loss and no points from the first two games could start to set the tone if they're not careful.
Totally agree with yoiu on that. Everton look class and Newcastle are great at home. I would like to think we can get something at home though.It's PL's job to get the players up for this, as a loss and no points from the first two games could start to set the tone if they're not careful.
With Newcastle away coming up it might well be no points from 3 games!
If Nzog puts his head down and runs into trouble anymore we may get a bid from St Helens rugby league side for him. He has done exactly F'all since he came to Villa,nothing. If looking clueless and giving the ball away 90% of the time constitutes a good signing for us then i give up.Could someone tell me what CN'Z has done to warrent peoples constant inclusion in their teams?
The guy has done pretty much f**k all since he's been here.
I think it's just that he's looked bright on a few occasions and I know the player he can be when he can be bothered so I'm still keeping the faith that he's going to start performing soon. :/
If Nzog puts his head down and runs into trouble anymore we may get a bid from St Helens rugby league side for him. He has done exactly F'all since he came to Villa,nothing. If looking clueless and giving the ball away 90% of the time constitutes a good signing for us then i give up.Could someone tell me what CN'Z has done to warrent peoples constant inclusion in their teams?
The guy has done pretty much f**k all since he's been here.
I think it's just that he's looked bright on a few occasions and I know the player he can be when he can be bothered so I'm still keeping the faith that he's going to start performing soon. :/
I hope you are right and this Saturday would be a good time to start for him.If Nzog puts his head down and runs into trouble anymore we may get a bid from St Helens rugby league side for him. He has done exactly F'all since he came to Villa,nothing. If looking clueless and giving the ball away 90% of the time constitutes a good signing for us then i give up.Could someone tell me what CN'Z has done to warrent peoples constant inclusion in their teams?
The guy has done pretty much f**k all since he's been here.
I think it's just that he's looked bright on a few occasions and I know the player he can be when he can be bothered so I'm still keeping the faith that he's going to start performing soon. :/
Thing is if he is one-on-one in the final third then this is an asset - at Wigan he was a success cause he received the ball high up the pitch and had license to run at players + create chances/shoot himself.
Since he's been at Villa he has played a different role and not adapted to it - fine he deserves criticism for that to an extent, but if we played more to his strengths and create more space for him/pass the ball better we'd see a much more dangerous player.
If we play the same formation I would start Bannan - but I think we'll start with the diamond, and maybe Stevens/Lichaj at left-back.I like the sound of that midfield.
El Ahmadi at the base of the diamond, Ireland at the top, Delph left and Gardner right - Bannan to come on for Ireland/Delph.
Weimann playing off Bent and hopefully we'll be able to have some meaningful possession - in the final third.
For anyone interested, I went past Rococo yesterday and they had boards outside advertising that they were showing the game.I think there's a place in Aston showing it too, some Park or other!
For anyone interested, I went past Rococo yesterday and they had boards outside advertising that they were showing the game.I think there's a place in Aston showing it too, some Park or other!
For anyone interested, I went past Rococo yesterday and they had boards outside advertising that they were showing the game.I think there's a place in Aston showing it too, some Park or other!
There are some folks who can't afford match tickets.
Twenty quid if you're skint.
Twenty quid if you're skint.
If you're that skint you wouldn't go to Broad Street.
Realistically, how many people will walk to the city centre and make a drink last two hours?
Realistically, how many people will walk to the city centre and make a drink last two hours?
LOOK IN A MIRROR, SCROOGE!
They show all our games. I went their last Saturday to watch west ham match. It was RAMMED! Although I did only get their 10 minutes before kick off. The beer is cheap in there though. Had 4 pints throughout the match and it only cost about £12 which ain't too badTwenty quid if you're skint.
If you're that skint you wouldn't go to Broad Street.
Walk to Rococo, watch the game and pay for 1 pint and make it lst. A lot cheaper than paying £23+ for a ticket and getting to VP. Unless you've been skint and still wanted to watch a match you won't know how appealing a choice it is.
Some people just can't be arsed and would rather just moan than visit VP. How much does a daysaver cost these days? Added to £23 would not break anyone's bank if that same person can visit Broad St and pay £3.50+ for a pint, plus travel and probably some food and then in all reality continue on to somewhere else after. No one is going to sit with one pint for an afternoon!
Lawro's verdict.
Everton were extremely impressive in their win against Manchester United on Monday.
Marouane Fellaini took most of the headlines but all of their outfield players were very, very good and ensured goalkeeper Tim Howard did not actually have that much to do.
But I don't see them being able to impose themselves on this game in the same way. For a start, they have only won once at Villa Park in 25 years.
So, I'm going to go for a draw. If you had said to Toffees boss David Moyes a week ago that he would have four points from his first two games after playing United at home and Villa away, then he would have taken it.
As for Villa, well it is going to take time for Paul Lambert to turn things around there.
The key to them having a decent season is Darren Bent staying fit and scoring goals.
You could argue Villa need to add to their squad before the transfer window shuts next Friday but I am not sure they are a club that does much business anymore - the purse strings are very tight.
Prediction: 1-1
Got my ticket today, plus tickets for Swansea and Norwich are ordered so i'm happy. Fuck 'em, it's only Everton and they never win at VP. 3 points in the bag.
Don't touch any Haribo. Don't think about gulping down bottles of Red Bull. You won't need any kind of sugar-rush to get high on Saturday!
Football is back at Villa Park. That's enough to give anyone of claret and blue persuasion an almighty wave of adrenaline.
The shirt will be hung on the wardrobe door and the season ticket will be stashed on the sideboard, ready for that marvellous moment when the alarm clock rings, the eyes pop open and matchday is finally here.
Now, speaking to the players in the run-up to the Toffees test - especially the newboys - it's fairly obvious that their excitement levels are peaking too.
Chatting to Brett Holman, Karim El Ahmadi, Matt Lowton and Ron Vlaar, the prospect of donning the famous top and walking out of the tunnel to tumultuous applause is clearly an appetising one.
Vlaar, in particular, spoke at length about his eagerness to sample the delights of life in B6 - and the importance of connecting with the fans at home.
"I can't wait for the first game when Villa Park is filled with our great supporters," said Vlaar.
"We have to give them reasons to shout. We have to play very good!
"We have to fight together as a team and get a good spirit. But we have to get a good spirit with the crowd too. If that works, I believe we will be a hard team to beat, especially at home!
"We have to give them signals on the pitch and they can shout and go crazy for us. Then we will be hard to beat.
"I play with a lot of passion. I just want to win every game, no matter what. I hope to bring that over to the other players and the crowd and then we can be very strong together.
"We have to do it on the pitch and they have to support us in the stands. We have to do that together.
"I have obviously been in the stadium already and I have seen all the pictures from the past. That's great. I believe we can bring that happiness back.
"I really like the stadium. It's unbelievable. I want to see it loud and full of supporters."
That was also one of two vociferous messages coming out of manager Paul Lambert's pre-match press conference ahead of the Toffees encounter.
First, he wants to see the crowd respond to the efforts of his players. Second, he's aware the team must have a cutting-edge to get those very fans off their seats.
He believes the combination of fans and players could be explosive for Villa going-forward.
"The need to create chances was there for all to see at West Ham," said the gaffer.
"We had a lot of the ball in certain points during the game but at the end of the day you've got to score, which we never did. We will try and rectify that.
"There's no point saying we need the crowd and we're not giving them something.
"We are at home and we have to get on that front foot. There's too many people come to watch. We have to force the game.
"But I need the crowd. I have always said it that the most important people at any club are the fans and the players. It doesn't matter who the manager is, the most important are the fans and the players.
"If I can get them bouncing off each other, it will take off. The fans will raise the roof with the noise. The noise the football stadium can generate is really, really great. It's a powerful thing!"
There's no question attacking impetus and a drive to score are two basic requirements needed to lift the B6 audience, traits Lambert admits were missing at Upton Park.
And you can be sure he'll do everything in his power to hammer home that message to his players as they get ready to leave the dressing room at 2.55pm.
But one element that seemingly escaped everyone's attention in the aftermath of the 1-0 loss in the capital was the dogged and determined way in which the back four defended.
You need two to tango, so the saying goes.
You obviously need to create chances and score goals to win matches. But you also need a strong and resolute backline, who will do everything they can to protect their goalkeeper and fend off the attacking instincts of their opponents.
Yes, they conceded a soft goal. But overall Ron Vlaar, Matt Lowton, Ciaran Clark and Nathan Baker all looked the part and produced an excellent defensive display.
Lambert made sure he mentioned their admirable performances in his media briefing on the eve of the game.
"Ron Vlaar has been excellent for us since he's come. He's a strong lad with a great attitude," said the boss.
"He's got great enthusiasm for the game. He had a physical battle last weekend and it will be a bit different for him - Dutch football to the Premier League - but he's been excellent for me, very good.
"I think Ciaran is going to be a really top player. He's only a young kid but I think that guy is going to have a really big future. I think he will be one hell of a centre-half.
"I thought Nathan did really well, considering he's predominantly a centre-back. I was happy with him.
"He never gave it up and had a brilliant last-ditch clearance towards the end of the match.
"I never thought Matty looked out of place. We were strong against a physical team.
"When you look at it, the back four is pretty young. Shay takes the average age up to about 84!"
With youth comes a willingness to learn, a willingness to listen. With Lambert being an excellent man-motivator, there's no question the players will be up for it on Saturday - at both ends of the pitch.
We must win. I am fed up losing in the last 5 mins. How many matches did we throw away in recent seasons in the last few minutes? Doesn't bear thinking about.Yes. No more being outplayed for long periods. We take the game to them.
Positive mind-set. We Win from now on..the whole 90mins win win win..C'mon the Villa!
Get it into yer heads..WIN!
I'm not feeling very confident I must say. Having said that, Everton can't seem to beat us even when they're much the better side. But they do look strong right throughout the side.
I imagine we'll play the same back side given Lambert's comments. I wondered whether Lichaj would come in for Baker.
I really hope we don't play Ireland behind Bent, I don't think it works. It leaves Bent isolated. I'd quite like to see Karim, Delph and Bannan all in the same side. But that either means Bannan wider, with say Ireland on the other side; or it means a diamond.
I think I'd go:
Given - Lowton, Vlaar, Clark, Baker - Ireland, Karim, Delph, Bannan - Bent, N'Zogbia
subs: Guzan, Lichaj, Herd, Johnson, Holman, Delfouneso, Weimann
I'd actually play Baker with Vlaar as CB, I think he's a better, stronger CB than Clark. Baker was my mom at west ham last week, looks a great prospect.
I'd actually play Baker with Vlaar as CB, I think he's a better, stronger CB than Clark. Baker was my mom at west ham last week, looks a great prospect.
Will also depend on what the weather is like. He doesn't pay us enough to get soaked while guarding him from disaster.
I'd actually play Baker with Vlaar as CB, I think he's a better, stronger CB than Clark. Baker was my mom at west ham last week, looks a great prospect.
I certainly agree with the first part. I dont think Clark will ever cut it as a centre half much in the same way as Barry didnt. Might be utilised in midfield in the long term though if his game goes up a level. Baker looks stronger at centre half but not sure he will be top level at the moment but he does have time on his side.
Will also depend on what the weather is like. He doesn't pay us enough to get soaked while guarding him from disaster.
Just looked at the forecast - wet and windy .
Hopefully we will be "singing in the rain" at 5pm rather than it be "raining in my heart" :)
Will also depend on what the weather is like. He doesn't pay us enough to get soaked while guarding him from disaster.
Just looked at the forecast - wet and windy .
Hopefully we will be "singing in the rain" at 5pm rather than it be "raining in my heart" :)
(http://25.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_m8eavohFli1rwptp2o1_500.gif)
Will also depend on what the weather is like. He doesn't pay us enough to get soaked while guarding him from disaster.
Just looked at the forecast - wet and windy .
Hopefully we will be "singing in the rain" at 5pm rather than it be "raining in my heart" :)
(http://25.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_m8eavohFli1rwptp2o1_500.gif)
££££ing wet my Lord, ££££ing wet
I'd actually play Baker with Vlaar as CB, I think he's a better, stronger CB than Clark. Baker was my mom at west ham last week, looks a great prospect.
Titter, titter. Very good!I'd actually play Baker with Vlaar as CB, I think he's a better, stronger CB than Clark. Baker was my mom at west ham last week, looks a great prospect.
Baker was your mom last week? Odd fetish
I'd actually play Baker with Vlaar as CB, I think he's a better, stronger CB than Clark. Baker was my mom at west ham last week, looks a great prospect.
Baker was your mom last week? Odd fetish
So we didnt win last week and may not this week but i'd still rather watch a team going forward and lose than what we've had to endure.
Best game I saw last season was when we lost to Arsenal, kinda sums it up.
Still, draw for me from my new shiny seat in the Holte :)
Looks like it might be close to a sell out then.Its the feelgood factor :)
Please shut up. We haven't even played a home game yet for christs sake!So we didnt win last week and may not this week but i'd still rather watch a team going forward and lose than what we've had to endure.
Best game I saw last season was when we lost to Arsenal, kinda sums it up.
Still, draw for me from my new shiny seat in the Holte :)
And how many chances for Bent did this new 'going forward' strategy yield? Sorry, but we were rubbish last week apart from 15 minutes in the first half.
Looks like it might be close to a sell out then.
Looks like it might be close to a sell out then.
When the OS says there is excellent availability in the upper tiers, I don't think it's going to be a sell out.
Looks like it might be close to a sell out then.
When the OS says there is excellent availability in the upper tiers, I don't think it's going to be a sell out.
Had a quick check of the select-a-seat thing this morning and I can't see it being lower than 40,000.