"One more game to show you from the Barclays Premier League and that's at the Stadium Of Light where Martin O'Neils Sunderland faced struggling Aston Villa, in the north east for us, Simon Brotherton"
The way the two teams are playing, it's not going to be a classic is it? Still, at least we're coming in off a win.I'm not sure whether that's a good or bad thing looking at our record so far this season
The build-up to include every broadsheet doing a feature on Villa post-O'Neill, the BBC live feed to be full of Twitter posts about how we shouldn't have sacked him, OptaJoe to say 'Villa finished sixth three times under O'Neill, but haven't since. Backwards', and Steven Fletcher to score a header on the hour with their worst chance. Media world to have collective orgasm, O'Neill to say they were terrific, Bent to be captured sulking on the bench and Lambert to say 'we go again'.Sadly, this, 1000%
For some reason I think we're going to win this one.Kea is suspended.
Clark and Baker are due back for Saturday according to Physioroom.com, I guess we'll find out soon enough.Guzan
Lichaj Lowton Vlaar Bennett
KEA
Holman Delph
Ireland
Gabby Benteke
The build-up to include every broadsheet doing a feature on Villa post-O'Neill, the BBC live feed to be full of Twitter posts about how we shouldn't have sacked him, OptaJoe to say 'Villa finished sixth three times under O'Neill, but haven't since. Backwards', and Steven Fletcher to score a header on the hour with their worst chance. Media world to have collective orgasm, O'Neill to say they were terrific, Bent to be captured sulking on the bench and Lambert to say 'we go again'.
Sunderland haven't scored for 6 hours of play, that is truly dreadful.
let's see. two wins in 20 plus games for them and two wins in around a year for us. this game is not going to be A-MAY-ZING darling!
Will Holman, Delph and Albrighton walk back into the team after last night or will he stick with Bannan, Ireland and Weimann I wonder. I'd consider Holman for Weimann but otherwise stay as is. Dont think Bent is likely to get in with the other pair both scoring last night. Bennett for Lichaj i imagine at the back and Guzan back in. Think we will lose 4 nil.
Interesting on talk shite this morning they had a guy in from the press and he was really having a go at MON - saying that he has been a golden boy of the press but now they are seeing just how limited he can be. He then went on to claim that a huge part of our current 3 year spiral was the fact that after being the leagues highest spenders for 2 seasons MON wasted Lerners cash and we have still not recovered. He then said that he was one dimentional in his tactics and play and his teams can be seen as being boring.
Basically a lot of what we already know but it was the first time i have heard someone in the press actually lay into him
Really hope we get a win
Interesting on talk shite this morning they had a guy in from the press and he was really having a go at MON - saying that he has been a golden boy of the press but now they are seeing just how limited he can be. He then went on to claim that a huge part of our current 3 year spiral was the fact that after being the leagues highest spenders for 2 seasons MON wasted Lerners cash and we have still not recovered. He then said that he was one dimentional in his tactics and play and his teams can be seen as being boring.I heard this too and the idiot Alan Brazil said something like I bet Villa fans wish they were where they were under O'Nei l and the guy basically said O'Neil was the main reason we we're in the mess we are in today as Lerner was forced to apply the brakes on spending.He said he had squandered a great opportunity for Villa to achieve Top 4.
Basically a lot of what we already know but it was the first time i have heard someone in the press actually lay into him
Really hope we get a win
I might send a Christmas card to John Cross.
Will Holman, Delph and Albrighton walk back into the team after last night or will he stick with Bannan, Ireland and Weimann I wonder. I'd consider Holman for Weimann but otherwise stay as is. Dont think Bent is likely to get in with the other pair both scoring last night. Bennett for Lichaj i imagine at the back and Guzan back in. Think we will lose 4 nil.Sunderland to score 4 goals in one game ? Now i enjoy a drink, but i think you may have a problem pedro25. ;)
Wouldnt be at all surprised to see Benteke dropped to the bench the way Lambert works. Could be Bent and Weimann with Barry Bannan and Ireland supplying them.
With O'Neill's preference for playing down the wing I'd have thought 5-4-1/4-3-3 would be the way to go, especially if as is likely, Bennett plays.
Pretty much standard practice against an O'Neill sides. Clog the flanks up and watch him go purple as his beloved striker of choice looks on in splendid isolation.
A central midfield three that included either Ireland or Bannan ought to have a good time in the vacuum that O'Neill's tactics leave in the middle of the park.
With O'Neill's preference for playing down the wing I'd have thought 5-4-1/4-3-3 would be the way to go, especially if as is likely, Bennett plays.
Pretty much standard practice against an O'Neill sides. Clog the flanks up and watch him go purple as his beloved striker of choice looks on in splendid isolation.
A central midfield three that included either Ireland or Bannan ought to have a good time in the vacuum that O'Neill's tactics leave in the middle of the park.
With O'Neill's preference for playing down the wing I'd have thought 5-4-1/4-3-3 would be the way to go, especially if as is likely, Bennett plays.
Pretty much standard practice against an O'Neill sides. Clog the flanks up and watch him go purple as his beloved striker of choice looks on in splendid isolation.
A central midfield three that included either Ireland or Bannan ought to have a good time in the vacuum that O'Neill's tactics leave in the middle of the park.
That is just about spot on from what i see. Our Midfield is like a gorganzola cheese at times!
I'd play Bent and Benteke and put Gabby wide.spot on that imv. Would drive Pubehead mad. Will Lambert play Bent and Benteke together though,big question.
I am going for a win. PL, please leave Delph on the bench.
I am going for a win. PL, please leave Delph on the bench.
I am going for a win. PL, please leave Delph on the bench.
He had a great game against Albion, I'd still be prepared to give him a go.
Pungent? Mouldy? Italian? Enjoying Protected Designation of Origin status?With O'Neill's preference for playing down the wing I'd have thought 5-4-1/4-3-3 would be the way to go, especially if as is likely, Bennett plays.
Pretty much standard practice against an O'Neill sides. Clog the flanks up and watch him go purple as his beloved striker of choice looks on in splendid isolation.
A central midfield three that included either Ireland or Bannan ought to have a good time in the vacuum that O'Neill's tactics leave in the middle of the park.
That is just about spot on from what i see. Our Midfield is like a gorganzola cheese at times!
I'd love to see Bent and Benteke upfront together if we're playing two up top, they showed promise against Swansea.
If we score first, we win.Well, Delph doesn't have to start if we go with your front three of Bent, Benteke and Ireland. Behind them, we could have KEA, Herd and Holman; which is reasonably solid. All depends who's fit and whether PL wises up and sees Herd as a holding MF.
I would start Bent with Benteke and Ireland in the hole. I thought he played well last night. He is never going to fly into tackles, but he is easily the most accomplished attacking midfielder we have.
I hope Baker is back.
Midfield is a worry. Unfortunately Delph has to start. I think Holman will too. If Clark is fit I would play him central.
Saying that, I wouldn't be averse to a 433 with Gabby wide to give Johnson something to think about.
The build-up to include every broadsheet doing a feature on Villa post-O'Neill, the BBC live feed to be full of Twitter posts about how we shouldn't have sacked him, OptaJoe to say 'Villa finished sixth three times under O'Neill, but haven't since. Backwards', and Steven Fletcher to score a header on the hour with their worst chance. Media world to have collective orgasm, O'Neill to say they were terrific, Bent to be captured sulking on the bench and Lambert to say 'we go again'.
Davy, out of interest, what's happened to Sessegnon? Is MON playing him out of position or changed his game at all? I can't remeber the last time he scored, he normally weighs in with a few, which i noticed he did just after MON first got there. He'll score on Saturday now i've asked you this.
As for your season, i was surprised that you went out last night, MON's normally got a good record in the League Cup. Overall i think you'll be fine.
Kea is suspended and herd an injury doubt so I really can't see delph not startingAh; good point, Mr Collins.
I'm guessing with the latest injuries were looking at -
--------- Guzan ----------
Lichaj. Lowton Vlaar Stevens
Holman. Delph Ireland. Gabby
------ Bent ------ Benteke ------
I really want Stevens to make it!Think a spell out on loan in the championship would be good for him. Get some experience and games under his belt. Throwing him into PL games is unfair on him.
Davy, out of interest, what's happened to Sessegnon? Is MON playing him out of position or changed his game at all? I can't remeber the last time he scored, he normally weighs in with a few, which i noticed he did just after MON first got there. He'll score on Saturday now i've asked you this.
As for your season, i was surprised that you went out last night, MON's normally got a good record in the League Cup. Overall i think you'll be fine.
Seeings as our defence is looking in a bit of a fragile state, i wonder if playing a 5 man midfield might be the way to go on Saturday. Maybe something like this........
Guzan
Lichaj Vlaar Lowton Bennett
Holman Ireland Delph Bannan Gabby
Benteke
We might have to see the return of Hutton on the bench for this one.
Try a bit harder next time please silhill.
Seeings as our defence is looking in a bit of a fragile state, i wonder if playing a 5 man midfield might be the way to go on Saturday. Maybe something like this........
Guzan
Lichaj Vlaar Lowton Bennett
Holman Ireland Delph Bannan Gabby
Benteke
We might have to see the return of Hutton on the bench for this one.
Davy, out of interest, what's happened to Sessegnon? Is MON playing him out of position or changed his game at all? I can't remeber the last time he scored, he normally weighs in with a few, which i noticed he did just after MON first got there. He'll score on Saturday now i've asked you this.
As for your season, i was surprised that you went out last night, MON's normally got a good record in the League Cup. Overall i think you'll be fine.
Hi Clampy, must apologise, i missed this post yesterday!
Sess is just out of form. Right out of it. He came back late in pre-season, and just hasn't hit the form he was in last year. He, when on his game, can turn players inside out, and open a defence up in fine style. At the moment he couldn't open a packet of crisps. For all his silky dribbling skills, his shooting can be at times, woefull. He isn't being played out of position, nor do I think MON has tried to change his game. Personally, i think MON has tried to give him the benefit of the doubt to be fair, by sticking with him up until the last few games where he started as sub. He's just not back to his best as yet, it happens. I believe that he will get there! Yeah, it was sad to go out but i predicted to my mates it would happen. The form was telling! Had some stick over it from both Boro and Newcastle mates, i can tell you! lol
Yeah i agree, i think we'll be ok too. Just got to get through this rough patch. Still don't think it's as bad as some of our lot are making out, though i cannot argue against the fact that it is poor to watch at the moment.
Seeings as our defence is looking in a bit of a fragile state, i wonder if playing a 5 man midfield might be the way to go on Saturday. Maybe something like this........
Guzan
Lichaj Vlaar Lowton Bennett
Holman Ireland Delph Bannan Gabby
Benteke
We might have to see the return of Hutton on the bench for this one.
Interesting line up clampy, wouldn't be against giving it a go, I'm surprised to see you in here when there's such a lively mon thread on the go, my old friend.
Seeings as our defence is looking in a bit of a fragile state, i wonder if playing a 5 man midfield might be the way to go on Saturday. Maybe something like this........
Guzan
Lichaj Vlaar Lowton Bennett
Holman Ireland Delph Bannan Gabby
Benteke
We might have to see the return of Hutton on the bench for this one.
Interesting line up clampy, wouldn't be against giving it a go, I'm surprised to see you in here when there's such a lively mon thread on the go, my old friend.
I've not even sat and read the MON thread, i'm not interested, it's been done to death.
Seeings as our defence is looking in a bit of a fragile state, i wonder if playing a 5 man midfield might be the way to go on Saturday. Maybe something like this........
Guzan
Lichaj Vlaar Lowton Bennett
Holman Ireland Delph Bannan Gabby
Benteke
We might have to see the return of Hutton on the bench for this one.
Interesting line up clampy, wouldn't be against giving it a go, I'm surprised to see you in here when there's such a lively mon thread on the go, my old friend.
I've not even sat and read the MON thread, i'm not interested, it's been done to death.
Thrilling news clamps- at last you are over him - well done mate!
I think we'll win this one. Sunderland are a poor side. I know O Neill will want to win this one. But I do think that we'll want to get one up on the fucker more. Norwich came here last week looking hungrier than we did and wanting to stick a couple of fingers to Lambert. Hopefully we'll do the same to Pubehead.
Benteke's in good form. I also fancy Bent to get a start. The ex-factor could prove useful. I'd fancy him to net if he plays.
Also from the cup game we need to see Ireland bring that kind of form and contribution into the league. I hope he starts and he's up for it.
0-2
Benteke
Bent.
Seeings as our defence is looking in a bit of a fragile state, i wonder if playing a 5 man midfield might be the way to go on Saturday. Maybe something like this........
Guzan
Lichaj Vlaar Lowton Bennett
Holman Ireland Delph Bannan Gabby
Benteke
I like this, KEA for Delph though please.
We might have to see the return of Hutton on the bench for this one.
I'd go KEA for Delph otherwise the same.
I'd go KEA for Delph otherwise the same.
He's suspended.
I'd go KEA for Delph otherwise the same.
He's suspended.
Our central defence and central midfield could look very weak on Saturday.
Seeings as our defence is looking in a bit of a fragile state, i wonder if playing a 5 man midfield might be the way to go on Saturday. Maybe something like this........
Guzan
Lichaj Vlaar Lowton Bennett
Holman Ireland Delph Bannan Gabby
Benteke
Delph??? No....Not much choice with KEA suspended
Should Lambert stick to the diamond formation (I personally wouldn't) and taking into account that Baker, Clark and Herd are all missing, I can see something along the lines of:
Guzan
Lichaj Vlaar Lowton Bennett
Delph
Homan Bannan
Ireland
Benteke Gabby
Edit: Looking at that team again, I've got a bad feeling that Sunderland could well buck their trend of struggling to score and inflict a fairly heavy defeat on us.
2-0 to them, MON will do anything to win this one.
2-0 to them, MON will do anything to win this one.
Anything...Anything at all?
Like what ?
2-0 to them, MON will do anything to win this one.
I see they've moved the away fans to the top tier at the opposite end of the ground. MON got the away fans moved at VP and it look like he's done it again. Shame really, it was a good view behind that goal.
2-0 to them, MON will do anything to win this one.
Anything...Anything at all?
Like what ?
Play players in their proper positions?
Lawro says: 2-0 to Sunderland.I agree.
Lawro says: 2-0 to Sunderland.
Now Clark is back, it look like one decision for Lambert to make is whether to play Bennett or Lichaj. Bennett will get some stick being a Boro lad so whether he'll be able to handle that will be one thing to consider.
Now Clark is back, it look like one decision for Lambert to make is whether to play Bennett or Lichaj. Bennett will get some stick being a Boro lad so whether he'll be able to handle that will be one thing to consider.
Being as Lichaj's 'in form' after a good game against Swindon, surely he should go for him?
Now Clark is back, it look like one decision for Lambert to make is whether to play Bennett or Lichaj. Bennett will get some stick being a Boro lad so whether he'll be able to handle that will be one thing to consider.
Being as Lichaj's 'in form' after a good game against Swindon, surely he should go for him?
Two poor sides who struggle to score,looks a sure 1-1 draw to me. With Clattermole and Delph up against each other in midfield ,there must be every chance of a red card
Clark and Baker to have late fitness tests according to physioroom.com, really need one of those two back alongside Vlar, everything points to a draw but fuck it I am going for a 2-1 Villa win.
Clark and Baker to have late fitness tests according to physioroom.com, really need one of those two back alongside Vlar, everything points to a draw but fuck it I am going for a 2-1 Villa win.
According to lambert today baker and herd both out , Clark fit.
Thanks for the feedback and I feel a bit more confident knowing Clark will be back alongside Vlar so fuck it I am now going for a 2-0 Villa win.Clark and Baker to have late fitness tests according to physioroom.com, really need one of those two back alongside Vlar, everything points to a draw but fuck it I am going for a 2-1 Villa win.
According to lambert today baker and herd both out , Clark fit.
Think I've selected what I'll be watching.
(http://i1069.photobucket.com/albums/u473/Yorkshire_Villa/untitled.png)
Think I've selected what I'll be watching.
(http://i1069.photobucket.com/albums/u473/Yorkshire_Villa/untitled.png)
Barcelona not got a game then?
Guzan
Lowton Vlaar Clark Bennett
Holman delph
N'Zogbia Ireland Agbonlahor
Benteke
0-1 Benteke (74)
It was an obvious angle for journalists as they questioned Paul Lambert in his press conference ahead of the Sunderland game.
Martin O'Neill is not only a former Villa boss. He's also one of Lambert's managerial mentors, alongside Ottmar Hitzfeld.
Lambert was more than happy to wax lyrical about his gaffer at Celtic, speaking positively about O'Neill's man-management skills - the ability to get the very best out of his players.
But while acknowledging the news agenda and going along with it, he made a very telling point in his radio briefing.
"Knowing Martin and the way he is, he will want to win. But we are not playing! It's not him and me. It's Sunderland v Aston Villa."
That's the key. It's about players. It's about their quality, desire but also, vitally, their current confidence.
Sunderland will be smarting from their derby loss to Middlesbrough in the Capital One Cup, where they were booed off at full-time.
Villa, on the other hand, scored a last-minute goal to see off Swindon and reach the quarter-finals of the competition.
The Stadium of Light is an intimidating venue and O'Neill will be showing the chest-thumping skills he's so renowned for on the eve of the game to spark his stars.
But the buoyancy in the claret and blue camp could well work in Villa's favour, as Lambert readily acknowledges.
"Any win is vital no matter what level you are playing or who you are up against.
"Winning breeds confidence. At 2-0 we were really comfortable at Swindon. Then we became complacent and thought the game was over.
"Swindon are an honest group of lads and kept on going. But I was delighted with the response to come back and win."
It's a point that O'Neill accepts too.
"It was a great victory for them at Swindon to come back and score a last-minute winning goal. It puts them in the quarter-finals of the competition.
"In that sense it keeps their momentum going."
That word is so key - momentum.
Villa will be eager for a positive result against the Black Cats as they aim to start a push up the Barclays Premier League table during the festive period.
However, if you listened to the pundits you'd think our players may as well take a holiday in November and not bother fulfilling their fixtures.
It's certainly not a viewpoint Lambert shares as he looks to Sunderland, Manchester United, Arsenal and Reading.
"It's not something that scares us. If I really thought like that there's no point in turning up.
"Every game in the Premier League is really hard. The big ones are no different.
"It's something I am looking forward to, not shy away from."
It's that positive outlook and determined approach that should work in Villa's favour long-term too.
Lambert doesn't fear anyone. And he doesn't set up his teams to fear anyone.
Every press conference he talks of an approach laced with flair and fluency.
It's no different this weekend.
"All the teams managed by 'the gaffer' are right at you and this one will be no different.
"We're going to have to weather that as well but by the same token we have to get at them too.
"It's not a game where we will go up there and sit back and wait and wait.
"We have to be out of the blocks quick."
MATCH INFO
Match: Sunderland v Villa
Competition: Barclays Premier League
Venue: Stadium of Light
Date: Saturday November 3, 2012
Referee: Mick Jones
Swindon are an honest group of lads and kept on going
Swindon are an honest group of lads and kept on going
ffs, I hope he's not having an identity crisis.
Hopefully this will be one of the weekends Alan Hansen doesn't describe us as embarrassing
Small consolation but at least Alan Shearer should be talking up our performance this week regardlessHopefully this will be one of the weekends Alan Hansen doesn't describe us as embarrassing
After we smash them it will be all the more delicious to drink his bitter tears.
Tomorrow we wont be completely outplayed with backs to the wall defending for 90 mins.If we are, we are in big trouble
Agree, even under "the other guy" we were picking up dull points at places like Sunderland. As much as we all like Lambert by comparison / default, he has to start putting points on the board.
If it were any of us in a new job, we'd be looking iffy for getting through the 3/6 month probation period.
Tomorrow we wont be completely outplayed with backs to the wall defending for 90 mins.
What did O'Neill say in his pre-match presser about us?
GuzanI am so pleased you are not our manager. Did you not think about recalling Fonz to play at centre back?
Lichaj, Lowton, Vlaar, Bennett
Weimann, Ireland, Delph, Gabby
Bent, Benteke
Lichaj is a car crash full back but it really is Hobsons choice just now.Harsh.
Lichaj is a car crash full back but it really is Hobsons choice just now.Harsh.
Clark should be fit and there's talk of playing Westwood in MF.
Not sure whether Westwood is ready for it, but I guess we'll find out later today.
Lichaj is a car crash full back but it really is Hobsons choice just now.
Lichaj is a car crash full back but it really is Hobsons choice just now.
Quite happy with him
Lichaj is a car crash full back
GuzanI am so pleased you are not our manager. Did you not think about recalling Fonz to play at centre back?
Lichaj, Lowton, Vlaar, Bennett
Weimann, Ireland, Delph, Gabby
Bent, Benteke
Has draw written all over it. 1-1
Be interested what the attendance is: I've had three or four emails in the last few weeks from University of Sunderland's Alumini Office hearlding their partnership with SAFC and offering cut-price Family Stand tickets for this fixture. Not quite Kids-For-A-Quid, but going along that road - there was a slight air of desperately trying to shift them.
38,000 would be a fantastic attendance in the current climate.Has draw written all over it. 1-1
Be interested what the attendance is: I've had three or four emails in the last few weeks from University of Sunderland's Alumini Office hearlding their partnership with SAFC and offering cut-price Family Stand tickets for this fixture. Not quite Kids-For-A-Quid, but going along that road - there was a slight air of desperately trying to shift them.
I predict around 38,000. Money is tight up here at the minute, and is rightly affecting attendance numbers, though the current form is not helping either. Be my last live game in a long while, at least until i get another job with "decent" wages. SAFC are obviously looking at things in the right light imo, better to have 100% of a lesser ticket price, than zero% of a full price ticket. It's the way things are currently, though i agree up to a point, that current form is not helping matters.
Lichaj is a car crash full back but it really is Hobsons choice just now.Harsh.
Clark should be fit and there's talk of playing Westwood in MF.
Not sure whether Westwood is ready for it, but I guess we'll find out later today.
Lichaj is a car crash full back
Really?
Really hope Holman doesnt start. On the evidence thus far I think he is thoroughly useless.
I was thinking last night how did teams use to sit and frustrate us at VP under M'ON,push the full backs on to stop the wingers,and play through the midfield where eventually we were over run. So as M'ON hasn't changed,and as were under strength,id go for:
Guzan
Lowton Vlaar Clark Lichaj
Westwood Delph
Holman Ireland Gab
Benteke
Anybody got official team lineup yet ?
I was thinking last night how did teams use to sit and frustrate us at VP under M'ON,push the full backs on to stop the wingers,and play through the midfield where eventually we were over run. So as M'ON hasn't changed,and as were under strength,id go for:
Guzan
Lowton Vlaar Clark Lichaj
Westwood Delph
Holman Ireland Gab
Benteke
Delph and Westwood? Christ on a bike, O'Neill would be rubbing his hands.
Vlaar to score one todayWith a Laursen-esq run into the box and a bullet header in to the net, sending the travelling hordes of Villa faithfull into raptures. Which was nice.
Bent hasn't even travelled to Sunderland???
Bent hasn't even travelled to Sunderland???
Bent hasn't even travelled to Sunderland???
Bent hasn't even travelled to Sunderland???
Where was this said?
Bent hasn't even travelled to Sunderland???
Where was this said?
https://twitter.com/willperrybbc
Every single Villa player is now the subject of controversy over whether they are decent or shit.
@AVFCOfficial: #AVFC: Guzan, Lowton, Bennett, Vlaar, Clark, Westwood, Bannan, Ireland, Weimann, Agbonlahor, Benteke. #AVFCLIVE
Like the look of that side - big day for Westwood
@AVFCOfficial: #AVFC: Guzan, Lowton, Bennett, Vlaar, Clark, Westwood, Bannan, Ireland, Weimann, Agbonlahor, Benteke. #AVFCLIVE
Like the look of that side - big day for Westwood
no width at all though
@AVFCOfficial: #AVFC: Guzan, Lowton, Bennett, Vlaar, Clark, Westwood, Bannan, Ireland, Weimann, Agbonlahor, Benteke. #AVFCLIVE
Like the look of that side - big day for Westwood
no width at all though
Might line up in a 4-3-3 / 4-5-1 with Weimann and Gabby wide.