Heroes & Villains, the Aston Villa fanzine
Heroes & Villains => Match Threads & Player Ratings => Topic started by: Legion on September 09, 2012, 05:17:35 PM
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Emphatic 3-0 home win.
Bent 24
Holman 38
Agbonlahor 78
Saturday 15.9.12 3pm KO
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We'll take them to the cleaners.
Villa 5 (Bent, Clark, Bent, Benteke, Bent) Swansea 2 (Moore, Routledge)
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Think we'll win albeit not emphatically.
Unless we score early on I think it will be a nervy victory.
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8-2.
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First win hopefully, 2-1.
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First win hopefully, 2-1.
Beat me to it Rissbert!
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I still think we're on a journey.
I'm going to say 1-1
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3 - 0 home win
Holman (just to silence the doubters on here)
Bent
Agbonlahor
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2-1
Dyer 8
Bent 29
Bent 90+8
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My first game this season.
3-1 win.
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I think they'll beat us. Simply a better side than us at the minute.
Still, they've a couple out at the back so maybe we can get to them like that.
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A very good side, who have a similar game plan to us - but do it far better.
2-2 Draw.
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3-6. They're one of the best teams in the league.
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I'm missing this one as I am involved in a charity walking marathon.
So it will no doubt be the match of the season.
4-0 win.
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0-2
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If Gabby's fit he could be our matchwinner in this one, laying on goals for Bent, Benteke and grabbing one himself. :-D
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Looking Forward to this one. The Swansea match was a low point last season , I'll take a 1-0 this year. Hoping we can improve again on the Newcastle match as others have said we are still a work in progress so won't be disappointed with a draw against an in-form Swansea.
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A draw would be a decent result, but I fancy us to win this one pretty well. Possibly over optimism on the back of the newcastle game, but I think they might be a bit ropey at the back, and Lambert's Norwich did well against Swansea last year. Any kind of win would be a great result, but I fancy us to get a handsome victory: 3-0 or maybe more goals.
Interesting to see who plays. I wonder if Bennett and gabby will be deemed ready to start? And I wonder if Holman will be fresh enough after travelling all over the world this week?
Can see us going with the same xi as v newcastle. But the subs making a big difference: gabby, CNZ, benteke.
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new signing to make his debut 10-0
Ten-teke!
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I'm not making a prediction as it usually jinxes us.
Instead I will say that I would be very happy with a draw.
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I don't know if it's relevant but I had a dream we beat Fulham 10-6 last night.
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I'm going for a narrow win, 1-0 or 2-1.
Bent and Bannan if we score two
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I don't know if it's relevant but I had a dream we beat Fulham 10-6 last night.
What cheese were you eating?
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I dreamed before the Everton game that we won 4-1. My subconscious is shit
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I know it is becoming a bit of a cliche when talking about Swansea, but I thought this lot were by far the most impressive team I saw at our place last season. They looked like visitors from the Planet Football, dancing around our lot at will.
It'd be nice to have closed the gap a little bit since then, but Laudrup has got them flying, so I suspect it is going to be very hard going for us.
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A bastard 2-1 win for us.
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I dreamt that I got SSN up on my computer at work at lunch time and the yellow bar was saying how we'd brought McLiesh back.
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Strange predeictions on here considering we've won at home once in 10 bloody long months!
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Strange predeictions on here considering we've won at home once in 10 bloody long months!
Well, we've got to break that sometime, and I fancy us to do well against the better footballing sides.
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Head says draw, heart always says Villa win
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3-2
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4-3
Bent
Ireland
Agbonlahor
Benteke
Moore (3)
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Swansea are better than they first appear.
Line up? Guzan, Lowton, Bennett, Vlaar, Clark, KEA, Holman, Ireland, Gabby, Benteke, Bent.
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3 strikers? Seeeeems unlikely
I reckon it's gonna be pretty hard to predict lambert lineups
But I think the side may be reasonably close to the Newcastle game. Perhaps bennett for lichaj; perhaps cnz for one of the midfielders to play behind the strikers; and perhaps gabby for Weimann
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http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/blog/2012/feb/13/paul-lambert-norwich-swansea
Interesting read. Could be a guide to how we set up given that Swansea play the same formation still, albeit seeimingly at a brisker pace.
I reckon bent and gabby up top, pressing and blocking the ball to the full backs. Then a midfield 4 pressing intensely too. I reckon probably the same 4 as v Newcastle. Ireland in the hole again. The wide midfielders would have key roles in supporting the full backs against their wingers and in supporting KEA against michu. Could be a case for delph ahead of bannan to better support the full back, especially if Bennett plays. But I'd probably retain lichaj and keep bannan in again. Bennett to be phased in.
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I'd like to see the same XI that started against Newcastle, injuries permitting. They deserve it.
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Strange predeictions on here considering we've won at home once in 10 bloody long months!
Well, we've got to break that sometime, and I fancy us to do well against the better footballing sides.
I hope so i'm getting fed up of walking towards Aston station in a grump after the game.
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I think we'll sneak it.
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3-2 AVFC :)
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I have voted draw but really hope for the win but think it will be a close one
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2-1 Villa win.
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Just a Villa win thats all we want
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Heart says 1-0 win...head says 1-1 draw.
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tough game.
A hard earned first home win of the season.
2-1
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It was very hard to watch Swansea totally outplay us last year at Villa Park. We're already a better side and signs against Newcastle were good so I'm optimistic.
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Depends on which Villa turn up. Hope its the Toon one.
Depends which Swansea turn up. Hope it ain't the Brazil one - like last year.
I think we are still on a journey. 1-1
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1-1 draw. We should give them a good game though.
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3-0 win. Gabby, Bent and Delph.
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I'd pick this team (if possible)
Guzan
Lowton
Clark
Vlaar
Bennett
Holman
KEA
Ireland
Bannan
Bent
Agbonlahor
Subs
-------
Benteke
Given
Weimann
N'Zogbia
Delph
Herd
Baker
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A comfortable 2-0 win for us and some bloody good football being played.
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Why do I get the feeling Hutton will make an appearance.
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I'm hoping that PL will continue to outwit Swansea tactically.
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2-1. Bent 17, El Ahmadi 59. Graham pen 75.
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Taking my missus and nephew to their first Villa games,so hopefully it'll be entertaining. 2-2.
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Taking my missus and nephew to their first Villa games,so hopefully it'll be entertaining. 2-2.
You hope it will be a draw? Why don't you hope Villa win, do you have a foot in both camps? I'd settle for a draw for sure, but I can't say I'm hoping for one?
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Same team as Newcastle for me. Maybe Gabby and Bennett in.
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Why do I get the feeling Hutton will make an appearance.
because you have a fever ;)
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The beauty with PL is that he will change his teams around to suit the game plan / opposition - that i like. Under MON you could of (barring major injuries) pick the team 6 months in advance!
Guzan - because he deserves it
Lichaj (RB) - I think he attacks better than any other in that position
Clark
Vlaar
Bennett - i like specialised players in their correct positions
KEH
Holman
Herd
Ireland
Gabby
Bent
Bench:
Given
Bentake
Bannan
Weinmann
Baker
Lowton
Westwood
Not picked:
N'Zogbia
Dunne
Albrighton
Delph
Already the squad although inexperienced is starting to look a lot healthier
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http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/blog/2012/feb/13/paul-lambert-norwich-swansea
Interesting read. Could be a guide to how we set up given that Swansea play the same formation still, albeit seeimingly at a brisker pace.
I reckon bent and gabby up top, pressing and blocking the ball to the full backs. Then a midfield 4 pressing intensely too. I reckon probably the same 4 as v Newcastle. Ireland in the hole again. The wide midfielders would have key roles in supporting the full backs against their wingers and in supporting KEA against michu. Could be a case for delph ahead of bannan to better support the full back, especially if Bennett plays. But I'd probably retain lichaj and keep bannan in again. Bennett to be phased in.
Good post, As has been said I like the way PL adapts and it looks like pressing Swansea high up the pitch is the best defence against them something McClesh would never entertain
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0-1. A Warnock og from 30 yards, followed by a Robbie Keane-style cartwheel in front of the away section and him disappearing down the North Stand tunnel onto a waiting motorbike taking him to Sunderland on a free transfer.
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The beauty with PL is that he will change his teams around to suit the game plan / opposition - that i like. Under MON you could of (barring major injuries) pick the team 6 months in advance!
Guzan - because he deserves it
Lichaj (RB) - I think he attacks better than any other in that position
Clark
Vlaar
Bennett - i like specialised players in their correct positions
KEH
Holman
Herd
Ireland
Gabby
Bent
Bench:
Given
Bentake
Bannan
Weinmann
Baker
Lowton
Westwood
Not picked:
N'Zogbia
Dunne
Albrighton
Delph
Already the squad although inexperienced is starting to look a lot healthier
That would be exactly the team I would pick except for N'Zogbia instead of Westwood on the bench. If we can handle Michu we will win. He must be the steal of the summer. Top scoring midfielder in La Liga with a struggling team for that money.
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It shows how far we have slipped and how much our opponents have improved when we are happy with a draw against the mighty Swansea
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The beauty with PL is that he will change his teams around to suit the game plan / opposition - that i like. Under MON you could of (barring major injuries) pick the team 6 months in advance!
Guzan - because he deserves it
Lichaj (RB) - I think he attacks better than any other in that position
Clark
Vlaar
Bennett - i like specialised players in their correct positions
KEH
Holman
Herd
Ireland
Gabby
Bent
Bench:
Given
Bentake
Bannan
Weinmann
Baker
Lowton
Westwood
Not picked:
N'Zogbia
Dunne
Albrighton
Delph
Already the squad although inexperienced is starting to look a lot healthier
Not sure I agree with the selection of Lichaj and Herd in your line up to be honest. Lowton has done OK so far this season and I really can't see what Herd would bring to the midfield at the moment. In terms of changes from the line up against Newcastle, I would think about bringing Bennett in ( could be a tough debut against Nathan Dyer) and would definitely start Gabby alongside Bent.
I find it a real positive that there is now competition for places and that the bench will look a lot stronger than it has for a long time.
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Would love to see an open, attacking game of football between two sides bringing a breath of fresh air to the premiership and think we might.......
...but i'll happily take a scrappy 1-0 win to banish the lingering memories of TSM
Heart = 4-1
Head 1-0
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Taking my missus and nephew to their first Villa games,so hopefully it'll be entertaining. 2-2.
You hope it will be a draw? Why don't you hope Villa win, do you have a foot in both camps? I'd settle for a draw for sure, but I can't say I'm hoping for one?
Sorry,that was bad punctuation,I hope we win,but I think it'll be 2-2.
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Swansea have a few worries at the back, with injuries and suspensions ruling out their first choice left back and centre half. I've never heard of any I the players who might come in.
This reinforces my view that we should be playing a high intensity pressing game and really disrupting their passing into midfield from the back.
Feeling pretty confident bout this one. I reckon we're gonna get 3 goals or potentially more. And I'm not one of yer ever optimistic types.
Benteke and n'zogbia to come on for the last half hour to cap it off
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Think Nzogbia will be given a supply role when used to feed Benteke. Do not think he has shown enough passing ability for Lambert to use him to feed Bent alone but putting the ball in with pace is one thing he can be very good at. Michu is my main concern and it will be interesting to see how Lambert deals with his threat ...........
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Got a sneaky feeling for a win here. Going 2-1 villa win!
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For once we play a team with injury problems and best defenders out. Swansea playing well tho and may well score. 3-1 Villa.
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The beauty with PL is that he will change his teams around to suit the game plan / opposition - that i like. Under MON you could of (barring major injuries) pick the team 6 months in advance!
Guzan - because he deserves it
Lichaj (RB) - I think he attacks better than any other in that position
Clark
Vlaar
Bennett - i like specialised players in their correct positions
KEH
Holman
Herd
Ireland
Gabby
Bent
Bench:
Given
Bentake
Bannan
Weinmann
Baker
Lowton
Westwood
Not picked:
N'Zogbia
Dunne
Albrighton
Delph
Already the squad although inexperienced is starting to look a lot healthier
Not sure I agree with the selection of Lichaj and Herd in your line up to be honest. Lowton has done OK so far this season and I really can't see what Herd would bring to the midfield at the moment. In terms of changes from the line up against Newcastle, I would think about bringing Bennett in ( could be a tough debut against Nathan Dyer) and would definitely start Gabby alongside Bent.
I find it a real positive that there is now competition for places and that the bench will look a lot stronger than it has for a long time.
Lichaj - naturally right sided full back so is he plays thats where he should be (My comment about specialist players being in their natural postions ref Bennett) He can defend, has good energy, can tackle and gets forward well, in fact he has an assist and a goal to his name last year vs Chelsea - my thoughts are he is the best RB at the club
Herd - not technically gifted but is a very good grafter and with him and Holman PL has the energy to play the high pressing game and allowing then the ball players (Ireland / KEH) to do their thing in linking up back to front
My only concern would be how / where Gabby would play as i don think a basic 442 will work against a possession team like Swansea - in fact i might even be tempted to go with another in MF and have Gabby off the bench if needed
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It shows how far we have slipped and how much our opponents have improved when we are happy with a draw against the mighty Swansea
We are where we are so lets look forward and stop regretting the last three years...
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Had an extremely vivid dream about this game last night and we won 2-0, with the second goal coming after Gabby rounded the keeper and hit the post, followed by Albrighton hitting the other post and Holman scoring a screamer on the rebound. When I woke up I realised there were 4 things wrong in my dream - Albrighton's injured, I was in the team, the match was played on my old school's sports field, and other than their keeper there were no other Swansea players on the pitch. These are minor details and we will win 2-0.
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It shows how far we have slipped and how much our opponents have improved when we are happy with a draw against the mighty Swansea
We are where we are so lets look forward and stop regretting the last three years...
Yes agree. We have done enough looking back it certainly is time to look forward. Think Benteke will be used for last half hour, either to hold up the ball and protect a lead or search for a badly needed goal. He look tired second half of last nights game and will only have a couple of days rest/training. He certainly can have an impact, particularly from corners .......
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-----------Guzan
Lowton-Vlaar-Clark-Bennett
-------Westwood-Kea
---Bannan-Ireland-Gabby
-----------Bent
We need to be able to keep the ball and this team is in my opinion our strongest passing side.
Maybe Holman instead of Westwood.
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3-1 win. Think we will do well, and work as hard as we did at Newcastle, but put away the chance. Bennet in for Lichaj for me but that would be my only change.
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Think we'll win this 2-1.
Swansea missing a few players in defence, obviously Neil Taylor so they'll probably play Tate at LB and their centre half Chico got sent off last game so think we'll create chances in this one. Reckon Bent will get off the mark, maybe with two goals.
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2-0
Bent and Holman
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A draw. We're very much a work in progress, hopefully towards somewhere like Swansea currently are. First goal crucial.
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We are capable of scoring at least two goals in this match. Swansea have good forward players, our defence is a work in progress, alas they are capable of scoring two goals in this match.
2-2
8)
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I'm at a fucking wedding but I'm backing us to get first home win, They a good team but we'll just have too much after Newcastle confidence will be up
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what have pogrebnyak, michael ricketts and adrian mutu have in common with Michu, swanseas star man?
they all scored in their first 3 premier league games. my prediction for michu, average la liga player for last 5 years? he will get sussed out just like the above 3 and end up rather cack and sitting on the bench!
villa 2-0 ireland bent
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I'm taking my son on Saturday, in the previous four times i've taken him to a match we're unbeaten, two draws and the last two were wins.
I'm going for a 2-1 win, goals by Bent and Ireland
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I'm taking my son on Saturday, in the previous four times i've taken him to a match we're unbeaten, two draws and the last two were wins.
I'm going for a 2-1 win, goals by Bent and Ireland
You need to go more often ;)
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I wouldn't tweak too much following the Newcastle game. I liked our shape and control of the game. Changing full-backs is an option - I'd give Bennett his debut but would consider Lichaj stepping in at RB for Lowton.
I'd start with this:
Guzan
Lichaj Vlaar Clark Bennett
El-Ahmadi
Holman Bannan
Ireland
Bent Gabby
Subs:
Given
Baker
Lowton
Westwood
Benteke
N'Zogbia
Delph
Gabby's first start, so I'd expect him to run out steam. I'd be looking to bring Westwood and Benteke on in the second half.
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Villa win. Lambert knows how to beat Swansea. We will harass them, they will lose the ball and we will go home with a comfortable 3-0 win.
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With Gabby still coming back to full fitness I'd be tempted to keep him as an impact sub. There was space on the pitch when he came on against Newcastle and their defenders shat themselves at the sight of him, so a repeat of that plan might be a good idea.
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what have pogrebnyak, michael ricketts and adrian mutu have in common with Michu, swanseas star man?
they all scored in their first 3 premier league games. my prediction for michu, average la liga player for last 5 years? he will get sussed out just like the above 3 and end up rather cack and sitting on the bench!
villa 2-0 ireland bent
One thing Michu is not, is average. He was the highest scoring midfielder in LaLiga last season, which is very impressive in a league with Madrid and Barca.
It's like calling Dempsey average.
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I dont know why anybody would drop Lowton, he was excellent against Newcastle.
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I dont know why anybody would drop Lowton, he was excellent against Newcastle.
He was.
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I dont know why anybody would drop Lowton, he was excellent against Newcastle.
I can't quite understand that one either Ads and can't quite understand the calls to replace him with Lichaj. For me, Lichaj is a willing grafter who isn't too great in possession and doesn't get forward that well.
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With Gabby still coming back to full fitness I'd be tempted to keep him as an impact sub. There was space on the pitch when he came on against Newcastle and their defenders shat themselves at the sight of him, so a repeat of that plan might be a good idea.
Can understand that logic Monty, but I would rather start Gabby and then replace him with Benteke when he starts to tire. I think Swansea's defence is a little on the slow side, so Gabby could cause them real problems.
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what have pogrebnyak, michael ricketts and adrian mutu have in common with Michu, swanseas star man?
they all scored in their first 3 premier league games. my prediction for michu, average la liga player for last 5 years? he will get sussed out just like the above 3 and end up rather cack and sitting on the bench!
villa 2-0 ireland bent
One thing Michu is not, is average. He was the highest scoring midfielder in LaLiga last season, which is very impressive in a league with Madrid and Barca.
It's like calling Dempsey average.
Sorry, don't mean to be argumentative but if he's that great why is he at Swansea? They had a good team last year with tidy players all pulling together. But they has no super stars.
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With Gabby still coming back to full fitness I'd be tempted to keep him as an impact sub. There was space on the pitch when he came on against Newcastle and their defenders shat themselves at the sight of him, so a repeat of that plan might be a good idea.
Can understand that logic Monty, but I would rather start Gabby and then replace him with Benteke when he starts to tire. I think Swansea's defence is a little on the slow side, so Gabby could cause them real problems.
That lack of pace is why I'd be tempted to spare him for use as an impact sub, when there's more space on the pitch. Having said that, Benteke is no slouch, and it might be good to bring him off the bench for his debut.
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2-1 Villa. Ireland is due a goal.
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With Gabby still coming back to full fitness I'd be tempted to keep him as an impact sub. There was space on the pitch when he came on against Newcastle and their defenders shat themselves at the sight of him, so a repeat of that plan might be a good idea.
Can understand that logic Monty, but I would rather start Gabby and then replace him with Benteke when he starts to tire. I think Swansea's defence is a little on the slow side, so Gabby could cause them real problems.
That lack of pace is why I'd be tempted to spare him for use as an impact sub, when there's more space on the pitch. Having said that, Benteke is no slouch, and it might be good to bring him off the bench for his debut.
After the past two seasons, I have to say that it is great to even be having a debate on who should start up front!!
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I dont know why anybody would drop Lowton, he was excellent against Newcastle.
I can't quite understand that one either Ads and can't quite understand the calls to replace him with Lichaj. For me, Lichaj is a willing grafter who isn't too great in possession and doesn't get forward that well.
Definitely. I don't get why people would put lichaj or herd ahead of other options.
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I dont know why anybody would drop Lowton, he was excellent against Newcastle.
Agreed
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Not sure I'd throw Bennett in just yet.
Nathan Dyer ripped Warnock to shreds last season (o.k it's only Warnock) so think I'd keep Lichaj in for this as he seems to cope quite well with pacy wingers.
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Bennett is very quick though reportedly. I would go with you on it purely on the basis of fitness though thinking about it. Bennett has not played for a long old time, and Dyer is on fyer.
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Lichaj is playing out of position at left-full, might be time for a specialist to come in.
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Not sure I'd throw Bennett in just yet.
Nathan Dyer ripped Warnock to shreds last season (o.k it's only Warnock) so think I'd keep Lichaj in for this as he seems to cope quite well with pacy wingers.
Been thinking the exact same thing the last few days and you have to wonder if it is the kind of thing that goes through a manager's mind. Bennett might be better making his debut away at Southampton the following week, where there will be a bit less pressure on him.
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The problem with Lichaj is when wingers go on the outside against him. He's not great when he's attacked on his weaker side, and Dyer or Hernandez even (perhaps even more scarily) would be able to exploit this. It's up to the manager's fitness assessments, but all things being equal I'd go for Bennett.
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Have absolutely no idea what to expect tomorrow. I don't know who'll play, where they'll play or what the formation will be.
What I hope is that we continue the great work started at Newcastle, that we get our first win of the season.
2-0 Villa.
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I dont know why anybody would drop Lowton, he was excellent against Newcastle.
I can't quite understand that one either Ads and can't quite understand the calls to replace him with Lichaj. For me, Lichaj is a willing grafter who isn't too great in possession and doesn't get forward that well.
Definitely. I don't get why people would put lichaj or herd ahead of other options.
I think Lichaj is better than that, but I agree Lowton should play: he is getting better as he adapts to the EPL and should be allowed to continue his induction.
FWIW, I actually think Lichaj may well end up as a CB: he's strong and physical and seems to read the game well.
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Lowton is a far more intelligent player than Lichaj.
Eric is a good backup, but that's about it.
Useful to have in and around the squad.
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I fancy us for this one. The Newcastle performance will have given everyone in the camp a boost, by law of averages we are due a home win and I don't think Swansea are half as good as they are being made out to be - it's not Barcelona or Brazil coming to Villa Park tomorrow.
2-1 Villa, Bent and Holman.
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I was just thinking about the law of averages in a different context. I'm afraid that the law of averages doesn't suggest we should win the next game. It suggests we should win a few of our nex 10 games
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2-2. Taking a friend to his first Villa match tomorrow. He only moved to Brum last year and he's a Scot who is fascinated by our Scottish connections.
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2-2. Taking a friend to his first Villa match tomorrow. He only moved to Brum last year and he's a Scot who is fascinated by our Scottish connections.
what ? signing Hutton
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2-2. Taking a friend to his first Villa match tomorrow. He only moved to Brum last year and he's a Scot who is fascinated by our Scottish connections.
what ? signing Hutton
I guess it's a bit older than that...
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I've changed my mind, I think we're going to batter them. A comfortable 3-0.
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3-1 victory for me, with Bent getting at least 1
I think Bennett will start but Westwood and Benteke will be on the bench.
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It's nice to have a manager willing to make changes, change formation and use his subs well- interesting to see the team selection , far different from o Neil's days.
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interesting to see what team Lambert will pick tomorrow.
Bennett is likely to come in at left back. Hard to know which of Lowton or Lichaj will the nod at right back. I think it is a tight call but expect Lambert to stay with Lowton. My preference on the evidence thus far would be Lichaj to be honest.
With Gabby and Benteke available, one of them is sure to start with Bent. Gabby probably after a good display at Newcastle.
Ireland is certain to play in midfield in an advanced role. We need him to start delivering assists and goals. Always looks the part on the ball but needs to do it in areas that hurt other teams.
Kea is a certainty too. So its between Herd, Westwood, Bannan, Delph and Holman for those two slots. Nzogbia will be on the bench and rightly so.
Id have Chris Herd as one of those two players and would be good to get a look at Westwood.
Swansea are very strong out wide but will be weakened at left back after Taylor's injury. We must target that position probably with Gabby's pace.
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I fancy us for this one. The Newcastle performance will have given everyone in the camp a boost, by law of averages we are due a home win and I don't think Swansea are half as good as they are being made out to be - it's not Barcelona or Brazil coming to Villa Park tomorrow.
2-1 Villa, Bent and Holman.
Agree to a point, but they did have the fourth highest completed passes stat in Europe last year behind Real Madrid, Barca,and a German side.
We gave thenm far too much respect last year and never pressed on them once whilst they knocked it about
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I've changed my mind, I think we're going to batter them. A comfortable 3-0.
Say yes to drugs kids
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A nervy 2-1 win with Bent getting them both .
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2-2. Taking a friend to his first Villa match tomorrow. He only moved to Brum last year and he's a Scot who is fascinated by our Scottish connections.
what ? signing Hutton
I guess it's a bit older than that...
Only a bit older. We tell him about William McGregor et al and about the fact that we used to play regular games against the club he supports......Queens Park. Not that I was at those games mind. ;)
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I think he'll go:
Guzan
Lowton Concrete Ron Clark Bennett
Bannan KEA Holman
Ireland
Bent Agbonlahor
Westwood and Benteke to come on for Holman and Gabby sometime second half.
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I think he'll go:
Guzan
Lowton Concrete Ron Clark Bennett
Bannan KEA Holman
Ireland
Bent Agbonlahor
Westwood and Benteke to come on for Holman and Gabby sometime second half.
tend to agree with that. I don't he'll make wholesale changes but Gabby is the senior member of the strikeforce outside of Bent and if healthy should always get first dibs on first team action. Bennett naturally comes in because he is a recognised LB. Lichaj has the versatility to fill in both sides so should make way. No reason at all to change the midfield that did very well vs Newcastle. The encouraging thing is that the bench looks a lot more solid and having Weimann and Benteke there gives us options to change the attack in a number of ways.
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Must admit reading the press conference 'highlights' on the Os that I really like the way PL handles himself. No fuss or bullshit, just tells it like it is.
Tough one tomorrow, gut feeling is a draw but hope we might just pip them to the 3 points. Have a feeling Westwwod will start.
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Must say that the promising previous game versus Newcastle, coupled with the two week break, gives me the feeling that tomorrow the season starts properly!
Hope I'm right...
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I think he'll go:
Guzan
Lowton Concrete Ron Clark Bennett
Bannan KEA Holman
Ireland
Bent Agbonlahor
Westwood and Benteke to come on for Holman and Gabby sometime second half.
That looks about right Risso.
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Hoping for a win. State the bleeding obvious time but if we can score first then that will be a huge boost
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If Luke Moore plays, I'll clap him on politely. what will you do for an ok-ish player we moved on but is back on an oppo shirt?
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It depresses me that this is our last home 3pm Saturday game for 7 weeks.
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It depresses me that this is our last home 3pm Saturday game for 7 weeks.
Depresses me more that this'll be the second game I miss this season (holiday first game, wedding tomorrow). Seems like the seasons been going forever and I haven't used my ST yet!
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I think he'll go:
Guzan
Lowton Concrete Ron Clark Bennett
Bannan KEA Holman
Ireland
Bent Agbonlahor
Westwood and Benteke to come on for Holman and Gabby sometime second half.
That looks about right Risso.
I agree. Think you've got it spot on.
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It depresses me that this is our last home 3pm Saturday game for 7 weeks.
Depresses me more that this'll be the second game I miss this season (holiday first game, wedding tomorrow). Seems like the seasons been going forever and I haven't used my ST yet!
Depresses me even more that unless I find cheap tickets this is my last game until Norwich.
And hopefully it will have been worth the wait when you finally get there!
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My worry is that this game may be a month or two early for us. Swansea , and this current squad, have had a couple of years together and play some good football. On top of that they seem to have bought well. They are settled and confident. We need to start well and keep the tempo high. I think we'll lose but its how we do it that's important. Prefer to win though...
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We need 3 points otherwise we can say goodbye to 4th place.
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8) Villa win. Absolutely.
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Villa must win this.
To hear Lawro on the radio tonight made me sick. "Swansea will go to Villa Park thinking they can get a win"
Let's give them a 4 - 0 thumping.
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Here is something to consider : Lambert benching bent, he did same with holt. Both captains and both main goalscorers but Lambert showed at norwich he was picking his 'right' players for each individual game. Really who ever are up front I hope they have the supply!
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My worry is that this game may be a month or two early for us. Swansea , and this current squad, have had a couple of years together and play some good football. On top of that they seem to have bought well. They are settled and confident. We need to start well and keep the tempo high. I think we'll lose but its how we do it that's important. Prefer to win though...
I think they've lost 2 of their most important players from last season, Sinclair and Allen, so although they've signed a fair few I don't think it's right to say they're settled. Be a tough game no doubt but I think the last 2 games and the new signings have given us a bit of momentum and think we have a good chance of winning this.
Just hoping I can get Villa Streams working here so I can see it and chat about it afterwards.
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Seen it all before.
Swansea coming to Villa Park on the crest of a wave, near the top of the league and full of themselves. Well, we stuffed em 2 nil - should've been more from what I recall (this was around 1983 I think) and I think we'll do the same tomorrow. I certainly don't see anything other than a Villa win.
Mind you, I said the same about Everton.
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Should be an entertaining game with lots of nice passes and attacking end to end. I really can't predict a result, I'm just confident I'll watch some nice football from both teams. it will be worth staying up for I think. I'm not sure if Benteke will make the bench, he hasn't trained enough with the squad yet to know his role, Bowery might actually be put on ahead of him just because he's had a couple of weeks. Also think Gabby will start on the bench with Weimann beside Bent.
Think Zog will start ahead of Holman too. Gabby and Holman to come on when Swansea are tired to stretch them with pace and pressure the shout out of them in the last 30mins.
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Us 2 - 1 Them
Bent & Gabby, Pikachu for them.
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I have woken up feeling immensely positive. Three one to the Villa.
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I think he'll go:
Guzan
Lowton Concrete Ron Clark Bennett
Bannan KEA Holman
Ireland
Bent Agbonlahor
Westwood and Benteke to come on for Holman and Gabby sometime second half.
I agree, and that's pretty much what I'd do too.
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First League win today! Dont normally predict score before, but I am another who has woken up very positive this morning.
2-0
Concrete Ron '37
Benteke '87
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Us 2 - 1 Them
Bent & Gabby, Pikachu for them.
The drummer from Acid Mothers Temple plays for Swansea ? :o
(http://profile.ak.fbcdn.net/hprofile-ak-snc4/276494_247609455282408_889416639_n.jpg)
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what have pogrebnyak, michael ricketts and adrian mutu have in common with Michu, swanseas star man?
they all scored in their first 3 premier league games. my prediction for michu, average la liga player for last 5 years? he will get sussed out just like the above 3 and end up rather cack and sitting on the bench!
villa 2-0 ireland bent
One thing Michu is not, is average. He was the highest scoring midfielder in LaLiga last season, which is very impressive in a league with Madrid and Barca.
It's like calling Dempsey average.
i will go with average. he has scored in la liga for one season only. the rest of his career was bumming round in div 2. he like the other players mentionedall had explosive starts to their careers, but he is 26. if he were so good why has he only just shown some potential?
comparing him to dempsey who has scored goals in the top flight for 5-6 years is apples and oranges.
i predict michu will now be more tightly marked and plans will be drawn up how to nulify his ability.
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If it's the Villa who played at Newcastle we'll win 2-0.
If it's the Villa that played at home to Everton we'll lose 2-0.
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I have to say, it's been a fair while since i've woken up looking forward to going to the game as much as this morning.
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I think Warwickshire will thump Hampshire in the final. I'll be watching that today but keeping an eye on the Villa score hoping for a win 2-1 Villa.
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On the 7 en route to The Bartons. Let's hope for a top day.
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Give my regards to Summer Lane, and especially Bridge Street West. Man, I feel all nostalgic and melancholy now.
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Oh, and gervilla is sat in the seat in front of me but hasn't noticed!
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Tell him I said hello. I'm sure he bought a fanzine from me once.
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He is off to do some shopping at Villa Village but coming up The Bartons for a pint afterwards. I will pass on your regards.
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Time to go into town for a bit before heading to VP. Come on you Villa boys!
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Give my regards to Summer Lane, and especially Bridge Street West. Man, I feel all nostalgic and melancholy now.
That's my families old stomping ground. I feel you're nostalgia, brother.
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Just fecking win
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Just fecking win
This
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Lambert i am sure has studied Swansea long and hard and will will surely pressure there back four so they do not get any momentum.. After 60 mins throw on Gabby and Benteke and we will out power them. 2-0 Benteke Concrete Ron both corners ............
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First League win today! Dont normally predict score before, but I am another who has woken up very positive this morning.
2-0
Concrete Ron '37
Benteke '87
Claiming that! My best prediction ever!