Heroes & Villains, the Aston Villa fanzine

Heroes & Villains => Match Threads & Player Ratings => Topic started by: Legion on January 09, 2013, 06:41:54 AM

Title: Aston Villa v Southampton Pre-Match Thread
Post by: Legion on January 09, 2013, 06:41:54 AM
Saturday 12.1.13 KO 3pm

2-0 home win

Benteke 42
Weimann 51

Truthfully, I'm a tad worried about this.
Title: Re: Aston Villa v Southampton Pre-Match Thread
Post by: Villafirst on January 09, 2013, 06:44:16 AM
1-4 defeat. We are rubbish!
Title: Re: Aston Villa v Southampton Pre-Match Thread
Post by: russon on January 09, 2013, 06:48:34 AM
Please don't tell me we've got to sit through another 90 minutes. Send Lerner out to the centre spot at 2.55pm to wave a white flag instead.
Title: Re: Aston Villa v Southampton Pre-Match Thread
Post by: OzVilla on January 09, 2013, 06:53:13 AM
I'm not sure I could back this side to beat any professional football team in England right now - would be ver happy with a point and pray for reinforements in January.

Can easily see us getting absolutely walloped again though.
Title: Re: Aston Villa v Southampton Pre-Match Thread
Post by: David_Nab on January 09, 2013, 06:53:23 AM
3-0 down with 45 mins Lambert p45 after 90
Title: Re: Aston Villa v Southampton Pre-Match Thread
Post by: saunders_heroes on January 09, 2013, 06:54:34 AM
Until we sort the defence out with some proper defenders we'll continue to concede shit loads of goals. Saturday will be no different. Let's hope for some kind of miracle.
Title: Re: Aston Villa v Southampton Pre-Match Thread
Post by: Steve kirk on January 09, 2013, 06:54:59 AM
Should have waited a while before predicting but what's the Pont, 2-0 stroll for the Saints, were shot to pieces.
Title: Re: Aston Villa v Southampton Pre-Match Thread
Post by: VinnieChase84 on January 09, 2013, 06:55:54 AM
1-4 defeat. We are rubbish!
Think to try and stave off utter depression in going to be putting a bet on Villa to concede over 3 goals. May as well make some money out of this shite (ps u won't be able to bring myself to do it)
Title: Re: Aston Villa v Southampton Pre-Match Thread
Post by: Karlos96 on January 09, 2013, 07:01:32 AM
A game we have to win but we won't we are dreadful can see Southampton winning 3-1.
If we lose this will be the game where the crowd starts to turn so I can see this getting
ugly on Saturday.
Title: Re: Aston Villa v Southampton Pre-Match Thread
Post by: neo_Villan on January 09, 2013, 07:05:23 AM
Regardless of last nights debacle, I haven't had a good feeling about this game. Soton will dominate midfield and tear our defence a new ringpiece. Our team have no bottle either and have looked a bag of nerves in our other must-win games. Yes, we beat Reading but we looked really nervous throughout that game and were just lucky they are so utterly shit. I think this will be 3-1 to Soton. If this does transpire I for one will be calling for PL's head and I'm sure many will join me.
Title: Re: Aston Villa v Southampton Pre-Match Thread
Post by: VillaAlways on January 09, 2013, 07:14:07 AM
0-3
Title: Re: Aston Villa v Southampton Pre-Match Thread
Post by: ozzjim on January 09, 2013, 07:14:18 AM
2-0 at half time. 4-1 at full. Another soul destroying afternoon. After which we will need a people carrier to arrive on Monday with players who can defend.
Title: Re: Aston Villa v Southampton Pre-Match Thread
Post by: neo_Villan on January 09, 2013, 07:21:58 AM
Just remembered that we will probably have to stick with Delph/Bannan in centre mid FFS! Unless Westwood is fit which is possible I think. If he isn't, I would mind Clark being moved to DMC with Lowton going to CB. Herd or Lichaj can play at RB. 
Title: Re: Aston Villa v Southampton Pre-Match Thread
Post by: VillaAlways on January 09, 2013, 07:22:05 AM
2-0 at half time. 4-1 at full. Another soul destroying afternoon. After which we will need a people carrier to arrive on Monday with players who can defend.
And a manager that can organise a defence
Title: Re: Aston Villa v Southampton Pre-Match Thread
Post by: Stu on January 09, 2013, 07:41:25 AM
If it's another heavy defeat, then he should probably go.

Fuck knows what the result will be.
Title: Re: Aston Villa v Southampton Pre-Match Thread
Post by: silhillvilla on January 09, 2013, 07:42:31 AM
Another nail in the coffin , 0-4
Title: Re: Aston Villa v Southampton Pre-Match Thread
Post by: Can Gana Be Bettered!?!? on January 09, 2013, 07:50:03 AM
We need to score 3 or 4 to win/avoid defeat.
Title: Re: Aston Villa v Southampton Pre-Match Thread
Post by: eastie on January 09, 2013, 07:57:13 AM
0-3 away win - I see nothing to be optimistic about at all here.
Title: Re: Aston Villa v Southampton Pre-Match Thread
Post by: VinnieChase84 on January 09, 2013, 08:00:32 AM
0-3 away win - I see nothing to be optimistic about at all here.
Have we ever been so bad where we are all pretty much in agreement that we have to score at least two goals to even think about drawing a match!?
I agree, I can see 3 goals at least for Southampton
Title: Re: Aston Villa v Southampton Pre-Match Thread
Post by: Matt Collins on January 09, 2013, 08:04:06 AM
The thought of lallana Ramirez and lambert up against our defence is worrying. You could have driven a jumbo jet between baker and Clark at times in recent games
Title: Re: Aston Villa v Southampton Pre-Match Thread
Post by: Nii Lamptey on January 09, 2013, 08:38:37 AM
Bogey side at best for us. They'll tear us a new one! :(

Villa 1-3 Southampton
Title: Re: Aston Villa v Southampton Pre-Match Thread
Post by: DerHammer on January 09, 2013, 08:42:15 AM
We'll lose, not sure by how many goals, but we'll lose.
Title: Re: Aston Villa v Southampton Pre-Match Thread
Post by: picicata on January 09, 2013, 08:47:30 AM
Villa 1 - 4 Saints

Easy win for them.

This will be the weekend we will plunge into the bottom 3 and stay there.
Title: Re: Aston Villa v Southampton Pre-Match Thread
Post by: Ads on January 09, 2013, 08:48:29 AM
We cannot defend set pieces and we cannot defend as a cohesive unit. The midfield is the flimsiest in league football and offers no protection or creativity.

Our only hope is that we hoof enough balls into Benteke to outscore them, however, I feel we will need to score three just to get a point.

This is a very sad indictment considering Southampton are an awful side who shipped 5 at home on the weekend.

But then were are abysmal at the back and up the spine of the side. The players have no leadership and no organisation.

We will be managerless come next Monday.
Title: Re: Aston Villa v Southampton Pre-Match Thread
Post by: Jon Crofts on January 09, 2013, 08:56:24 AM
We will be managerless come next Monday.

Managerless Aston Villa, I like it, it has a certain ring to it.
Title: Re: Aston Villa v Southampton Pre-Match Thread
Post by: berneboy on January 09, 2013, 09:04:52 AM
Something has to change. Our defence needs at least one calm, experienced head. Our midfield needs Westwood back and a dominant Scott Parker type. Our defence is torn to shreds partly because our midfield is so open.

As we have no hint of buying it'll be men against boys and we'll lose.

Maybe an early two goals could give us hope!
Title: Re: Aston Villa v Southampton Pre-Match Thread
Post by: N'ZMAV on January 09, 2013, 09:11:21 AM
We cannot defend set pieces and we cannot defend as a cohesive unit. The midfield is the flimsiest in league football and offers no protection or creativity.

Our only hope is that we hoof enough balls into Benteke to outscore them, however, I feel we will need to score three just to get a point.

This is a very sad indictment considering Southampton are an awful side who shipped 5 at home on the weekend.

But then were are abysmal at the back and up the spine of the side. The players have no leadership and no organisation.

We will be managerless come next Monday.
I'd rather have a couple of cloggers like Shaun Derry and Karl Henry than Bannan and Delph. FFS. At least that type of player get's stuck in and gives the back 4 some protection.
Title: Re: Aston Villa v Southampton Pre-Match Thread
Post by: N'ZMAV on January 09, 2013, 09:13:08 AM
I can't see Clark & Baker handling Rickie Lambert.
We'll lose 3-0 and Lambert will get sacked.
Title: Re: Aston Villa v Southampton Pre-Match Thread
Post by: CJ on January 09, 2013, 09:15:36 AM
Before the game at their place, having lost their first four matches and getting tonked 6-1 by Arsenal, Adkins said 'the season starts against Villa next week'. How we laughed. Then they spanked us. Adkins will be telling them this is a route out of relegation for them, and sadly he's probably not wrong. With the state of our defence and our powder puff midfield, I really can't see where our next win let alone clean sheet is coming from. I just want this season to end
Title: Re: Aston Villa v Southampton Pre-Match Thread
Post by: Legion on January 09, 2013, 09:21:41 AM
I'd quite like for us to get started.
Title: Re: Aston Villa v Southampton Pre-Match Thread
Post by: Jon Crofts on January 09, 2013, 09:23:29 AM
Funny really as we were all kind of expecting (some of you were hoping) this level of implosion would happen with the other TSM.
Title: Re: Aston Villa v Southampton Pre-Match Thread
Post by: N'ZMAV on January 09, 2013, 09:23:44 AM
Would be nice, yes.
Title: Re: Aston Villa v Southampton Pre-Match Thread
Post by: levico on January 09, 2013, 09:24:17 AM
We will be managerless come next Monday.

Managerless Aston Villa, I like it, it has a certain ring to it.


I don't think we'll notice the difference.
Title: Re: Aston Villa v Southampton Pre-Match Thread
Post by: andyh on January 09, 2013, 09:24:20 AM
I really want to positive. I am sick of my own bloody moaning about everything that is wrong at the club and in the team, its getting me down.

But, i just do not see how this team is capable of lifting itself after such a horrible result last night.
Southampton must be chomping at the bit to to get at us.

I think the best we can hope for is 1-1   
Title: Re: Aston Villa v Southampton Pre-Match Thread
Post by: Jimbo on January 09, 2013, 09:28:45 AM
The usual.
Title: Re: Aston Villa v Southampton Pre-Match Thread
Post by: Le Lapin on January 09, 2013, 09:31:54 AM
The team is mentally brittle. Last night has shown how far the confidence had dropped. Kinda fear for us on Saturday. We need a calming influence at centreback and one of our midfielders to discover their inner leader. It seems like we don't have a leader on the pitch driving us on. Everyone is waiting for someone else to do something.
Southhampton to beat us by two goals.
Title: Re: Aston Villa v Southampton Pre-Match Thread
Post by: cdbearsfan on January 09, 2013, 09:32:31 AM
Luckily for us Le Tissier is unavailable so I reckon we might get away with a 4-1 defeat.
Title: Re: Aston Villa v Southampton Pre-Match Thread
Post by: Risso on January 09, 2013, 09:33:58 AM
Can't see anything other than another morale sapping, limp defeat.
Title: Re: Aston Villa v Southampton Pre-Match Thread
Post by: Monty on January 09, 2013, 09:36:21 AM
We need to win this. If we lose we might well go down. If we draw we might still well go down. We need to win. And I don't think we will.
Title: Re: Aston Villa v Southampton Pre-Match Thread
Post by: mattjpa on January 09, 2013, 09:40:38 AM
The game where lambert loses the fans I'm afraid. We will sign nobody between now and then, the kids will take a tonking and boos will ring out at half time and full time. 0-3 for me. And on the basis that eck got shafted for less than this I expect us to be without a manager come the end of January. Very depressing
Title: Re: Aston Villa v Southampton Pre-Match Thread
Post by: avfcpg on January 09, 2013, 09:40:53 AM
Really have no idea...could scrape a win, could get twatted..really don't know where we are these days. All very depressing...
Play with Bannan and Delph in midfield again and we won't win many games all season, lightweight and not good enough IMO, not a great combination...
Title: Re: Aston Villa v Southampton Pre-Match Thread
Post by: PaulWinch again on January 09, 2013, 09:41:37 AM
I'm going to Villa Park for the first time in a long time, and was looking forward to this. Not so much anymore! The £100 for ticket and travel, seems like it might be expensively painful.
Title: Re: Aston Villa v Southampton Pre-Match Thread
Post by: damon loves JT on January 09, 2013, 09:45:13 AM
The best man-manager in the world would struggle to motivate our team after last night. And I don't think Paul lambert is even close to being that.

At this stage, I would take an eleven-men-behind-the-ball 0-0 draw.
Title: Re: Aston Villa v Southampton Pre-Match Thread
Post by: eastie on January 09, 2013, 09:49:30 AM
Saints will come here fired up, motivated and with a plan , I think it will be another Wigan like game - the lack of fight and heart in this team is scary.
Title: Re: Aston Villa v Southampton Pre-Match Thread
Post by: David_Nab on January 09, 2013, 10:03:18 AM
I expect us to be torn to pieces again we couldn't get near Lambert or Ramierz in the away game
Title: Re: Aston Villa v Southampton Pre-Match Thread
Post by: fredm on January 09, 2013, 10:08:12 AM
A very poor team who cannot defend nor hardly score many goals - nil

A poorish team who cannot defend but can score goals - Three (and easing up)
Title: Re: Aston Villa v Southampton Pre-Match Thread
Post by: Pete3206 on January 09, 2013, 10:09:58 AM
1-0 win
Title: Re: Aston Villa v Southampton Pre-Match Thread
Post by: Rudy Can't Fail on January 09, 2013, 10:10:17 AM
A game we have to win but we won't we are dreadful can see Southampton winning 3-1.
If we lose this will be the game where the crowd starts to turn so I can see this getting
ugly on Saturday.

This. My only doubt is whether or not we'll score a goal. If we do, it'll be in the last few minutes of the game.
Title: Re: Aston Villa v Southampton Pre-Match Thread
Post by: Greg N'Ash on January 09, 2013, 10:21:40 AM
Lose this and he's on his bike. 2-2.
Title: Re: Aston Villa v Southampton Pre-Match Thread
Post by: N'ZMAV on January 09, 2013, 10:25:41 AM
They'll be well up for this game. I'm worried.
Title: Re: Aston Villa v Southampton Pre-Match Thread
Post by: N'ZMAV on January 09, 2013, 10:26:59 AM
Saturday 12.1.13 KO 3pm

2-0 home win

Benteke 42
Weimann 51

Truthfully, I'm a tad worried about this.

Truthfully, I'm shitting my pants about this.
Title: Re: Aston Villa v Southampton Pre-Match Thread
Post by: Apyadg on January 09, 2013, 10:30:47 AM
I reckon we'll lose this one 3 or 4 nil.
Title: Re: Aston Villa v Southampton Pre-Match Thread
Post by: achilles on January 09, 2013, 10:30:52 AM
The best man-manager in the world would struggle to motivate our team after last night. And I don't think Paul lambert is even close to being that.

At this stage, I would take an eleven-men-behind-the-ball 0-0 draw.

What has the Villa come too when I would gladly accept this but unfortunately it won't happen and we will concede yet more goals in another abysmal defeat!
Title: Re: Aston Villa v Southampton Pre-Match Thread
Post by: rob_bridge on January 09, 2013, 10:31:05 AM
They score goals - we don't. Another hammering.
Title: Re: Aston Villa v Southampton Pre-Match Thread
Post by: N'ZMAV on January 09, 2013, 10:33:53 AM
I think it will be 3-0 Southampton.
Title: Re: Aston Villa v Southampton Pre-Match Thread
Post by: Concrete John on January 09, 2013, 10:47:34 AM
I know most of you will disagree with me, but man for man we have better players, so they need to put the last month out of their minds and get back to that side that played so well and won at Anfield.  Easier said than done, I know!

I'd play Herd as a holding midfielder as we simply HAVE to shore things up.  After that, we do carry a goal threat ourselves, but it's hard to see that when we're so busy letting goals in that nobody has any confidence in the team.

1-1 draw.       
Title: Re: Aston Villa v Southampton Pre-Match Thread
Post by: SW9-VILLA on January 09, 2013, 11:00:24 AM
Must-fucking-win game. Let's hope they don't bottle it.
Title: Re: Aston Villa v Southampton Pre-Match Thread
Post by: placeforparks on January 09, 2013, 11:02:27 AM
saints have a spine and a bit of battling spirit about them. we don't.

3-1 saints.
Title: Re: Aston Villa v Southampton Pre-Match Thread
Post by: supertom on January 09, 2013, 11:40:14 AM
Absolute must win. Arguably our biggest game of the season thus far. Sadly, I can't see us winning it.

0-0
Title: Re: Aston Villa v Southampton Pre-Match Thread
Post by: Villafirst on January 09, 2013, 11:51:09 AM
Must-fucking-win game. Let's hope they don't bottle it.

Like the Wigan match?
Title: Re: Aston Villa v Southampton Pre-Match Thread
Post by: PaulWinch again on January 09, 2013, 12:01:08 PM
He's right though, we really must win this game.
Title: Re: Aston Villa v Southampton Pre-Match Thread
Post by: Small Rodent on January 09, 2013, 12:12:19 PM
0-3 loss. Lambert will get sacked, and DiMatteo will join on the Friday.
Title: Re: Aston Villa v Southampton Pre-Match Thread
Post by: onje_villa on January 09, 2013, 12:25:10 PM
Brave fan who predicts a Villa win here.
So many times this season I've gone along thinking, we'll turn it around here, we can't get tonked again - and we do.

I fear a defeat and I think any sort of comfortable loss will see the end of Lambert. I really didn't see this coming, I've been pretty much behind Lambert til now.

He needs a result on Saturday or I think he'll go the way of Solbakken.
Title: Re: Aston Villa v Southampton Pre-Match Thread
Post by: SW9-VILLA on January 09, 2013, 01:03:04 PM
Must-fucking-win game. Let's hope they don't bottle it.

Like the Wigan match?

Well like every match really. However we're even more mired in the shite than we were at that point. I think in this case however we tip from a team in crisis (as we did after the Wigan game) into potentially terminal decline.
Title: Re: Aston Villa v Southampton Pre-Match Thread
Post by: eamonn on January 09, 2013, 01:48:18 PM
Are the Brigada boys planning anything for this?
A flat atmosphere on a pissy, dark Sat afternoon in the midlands as we get tonked is a suicide alley.
Title: Re: Aston Villa v Southampton Pre-Match Thread
Post by: PeterWithesShin on January 09, 2013, 01:54:17 PM
Please McGrath, let us win this one. Please, please, please.
Title: Re: Aston Villa v Southampton Pre-Match Thread
Post by: Concrete John on January 09, 2013, 02:05:03 PM
Guzan
Lowton - Fuck knows - Fuck knows' Partner - Stephens
Herd - Westwood
Weiman - N'Zogbia - Holman
Benteke

If playing well, that should be enough to beat Southampton.
Title: Re: Aston Villa v Southampton Pre-Match Thread
Post by: richard moore on January 09, 2013, 02:33:21 PM
3-1 to Southampton
Title: Re: Aston Villa v Southampton Pre-Match Thread
Post by: TonyD on January 09, 2013, 02:39:28 PM
Shit or bust. 

The last scene of the Wild Bunch.
Title: Re: Aston Villa v Southampton Pre-Match Thread
Post by: NeilH on January 09, 2013, 02:41:07 PM
Stick ten men behind the ball to avoid a defeat at all costs. I don’t give a monkey’s if it makes TSM’s blend of football seem like 1973 vintage Ajax, just make sure we don’t lose. Right now a 0-0 draw will seem like a minor victory, in view of events.
If we achieve this, we can regroup, get in reinforcements and address the shopping list of problems we have.
Title: Re: Aston Villa v Southampton Pre-Match Thread
Post by: damon loves JT on January 09, 2013, 03:35:29 PM
Stick ten men behind the ball to avoid a defeat at all costs. I don’t give a monkey’s if it makes TSM’s blend of football seem like 1973 vintage Ajax, just make sure we don’t lose. Right now a 0-0 draw will seem like a minor victory, in view of events.
If we achieve this, we can regroup, get in reinforcements and address the shopping list of problems we have.

quite
Title: Re: Aston Villa v Southampton Pre-Match Thread
Post by: Lambert and Payne on January 09, 2013, 03:42:29 PM
0-2, we have no confidence, belief or organisation. Expect a quiet home crowd which turns to anger and turning on our own players
Get off your arse and sign someone Lambo
Title: Re: Aston Villa v Southampton Pre-Match Thread
Post by: Brend'Watkins on January 09, 2013, 03:45:56 PM
Stick ten men behind the ball to avoid a defeat at all costs. I don’t give a monkey’s if it makes TSM’s blend of football seem like 1973 vintage Ajax, just make sure we don’t lose. Right now a 0-0 draw will seem like a minor victory, in view of events.
If we achieve this, we can regroup, get in reinforcements and address the shopping list of problems we have.

quite

Ten men behind the ball means lots of set pieces.  I doubt we could defend a set piece with any amount of men behind the ball.
Title: Re: Aston Villa v Southampton Pre-Match Thread
Post by: not3bad on January 09, 2013, 03:51:07 PM
We need to win this. If we lose we might well go down.

If the performance is as limp as many predict and Lambert is sacked then we will go down, I think, regardless of who comes in, unless anyone is deluded enough to still think we can get the likes of Mourinho.
Title: Re: Aston Villa v Southampton Pre-Match Thread
Post by: Des Little on January 09, 2013, 03:53:27 PM
Another dreadful defeat.  We got beaten by Bradford last night so Southampton will be all over us like a cheap suit.  Can't wait!
Title: Re: Aston Villa v Southampton Pre-Match Thread
Post by: exiled on the wirral! on January 09, 2013, 04:17:22 PM
I will be at Dublin airport at 3pm on saturday, so i will be totally oblivious to whats going on at villa park for the first time in years, hopefully that will bring a change of luck for us, so i go for a 2-0 win for us.

I just hope when i get back to england i have a nice scoreline to return too..heres hoping anyway!
Title: Re: Aston Villa v Southampton Pre-Match Thread
Post by: mr-villa on January 09, 2013, 04:30:11 PM
We need to win this. If we lose we might well go down.

If the performance is as limp as many predict and Lambert is sacked then we will go down, I think, regardless of who comes in, unless anyone is deluded enough to still think we can get the likes of Mourinho.

Well Pep has come out this week and said he is ready to resume his coaching career!!
Title: Re: Aston Villa v Southampton Pre-Match Thread
Post by: neo_Villan on January 09, 2013, 04:47:20 PM
Well having slept on it, I am confident Lambert will come up trumps on Saturday..........Rickie Lambert that is!
Title: Re: Aston Villa v Southampton Pre-Match Thread
Post by: Shrek on January 09, 2013, 04:48:45 PM
-----------Guzan

Lowton-Clark-Baker-Warnock

----Delph-Ireland-Bannan

--Weimann-Benteke-Gabby


N'Zogbia is selfish and shit,

Clark,Baker and Bannan are not good enough, but have to play, as there is no one else.

Warnock is the best defender at the club that is fit, he is ready and willing to play, but is training with the kids without an explanation.

Even though I'm depressed as fuck with Villa, there is still that light at the back of my mind that is optimistic we will win, 2-1 Villa.
Title: Re: Aston Villa v Southampton Pre-Match Thread
Post by: The Left Side on January 09, 2013, 04:49:08 PM
0-0 bored draw
Title: Re: Aston Villa v Southampton Pre-Match Thread
Post by: Lambert and Payne on January 09, 2013, 04:52:18 PM
-----------Guzan

Lowton-Clark-Baker-Warnock

----Delph-Ireland-Bannan

--Weimann-Benteke-Gabby


N'Zogbia is selfish and shit,

Clark,Baker and Bannan are not good enough, but have to play, as there is no one else.

Warnock is the best defender at the club that is fit, he is ready and willing to play, but is training with the kids without an explanation.

Even though I'm depressed as fuck with Villa, there is still that light at the back of my mind that is optimistic we will win, 2-1 Villa.

Hmmm. He blew hot and cold last night but our best chances, particularly in the 1st half came from him. Would like to see what he's like with corners
Title: Re: Aston Villa v Southampton Pre-Match Thread
Post by: neo_Villan on January 09, 2013, 05:23:14 PM
N'Zogbia is one of the few that looked up for it. At least he tried to make things happen.
Title: Re: Aston Villa v Southampton Pre-Match Thread
Post by: ciggiesnbeer on January 09, 2013, 05:27:56 PM
The team has finally driven out any enthusiasm I have. I just cant take another humiliating loss to a crap team. At some point the score will show up and I will see it, but I cant watch the match, this last month has beat the hope out of me.

 :'(
Title: Re: Aston Villa v Southampton Pre-Match Thread
Post by: The Man With A Stick on January 09, 2013, 05:31:13 PM
At this stage, I would take an eleven-men-behind-the-ball 0-0 draw.

A clean sheet?  Us?

Good god, yes please.
Title: Re: Aston Villa v Southampton Pre-Match Thread
Post by: Summers on January 09, 2013, 05:31:29 PM
Win or new manager sadly.
Title: Re: Aston Villa v Southampton Pre-Match Thread
Post by: Monty on January 09, 2013, 05:32:04 PM
At this stage, I would take an eleven-men-behind-the-ball 0-0 draw.

A clean sheet?  Us?

Good god, yes please.

I wouldn't take that, because the situation is so desperate that we really need to win this. A draw is still inadequate.
Title: Re: Aston Villa v Southampton Pre-Match Thread
Post by: damon loves JT on January 09, 2013, 05:48:06 PM
It's possibly the Villa masochist in me, but I am actually looking forward to this game now.
Title: Re: Aston Villa v Southampton Pre-Match Thread
Post by: cheltenhamlion on January 09, 2013, 06:04:32 PM
If anyone fancies The Bartons on Saturday then I am going to the match inebriated.
Title: Re: Aston Villa v Southampton Pre-Match Thread
Post by: Hoppo on January 09, 2013, 06:25:19 PM
Some of the comments on here are shocking I hope most of you stay on here getting all excited by the match thread and leave B6 to 30000 who give a shit.. Up the Villa.
Title: Re: Aston Villa v Southampton Pre-Match Thread
Post by: l_mckay on January 09, 2013, 06:25:55 PM
3-0 defeat. Need to start buying players now!!!!
Title: Re: Aston Villa v Southampton Pre-Match Thread
Post by: atomicjam on January 09, 2013, 06:27:08 PM
2-1 Villa win.
Title: Re: Aston Villa v Southampton Pre-Match Thread
Post by: Apyadg on January 09, 2013, 06:27:45 PM
Some of the comments on here are shocking I hope most of you stay on here getting all excited by the match thread and leave B6 to 30000 who give a shit.. Up the Villa.

Thinking our team are this season's whipping boys doesn't involve not giving a shit.
Title: Re: Aston Villa v Southampton Pre-Match Thread
Post by: cheltenhamlion on January 09, 2013, 06:30:48 PM
And nor does having a scoop or seven before the match!
Title: Re: Aston Villa v Southampton Pre-Match Thread
Post by: PaulTheVillan on January 09, 2013, 06:33:46 PM
Villa 1-3 Southampton.

I bet he plays the same team.
Title: Re: Aston Villa v Southampton Pre-Match Thread
Post by: Mortimer's Bear on January 09, 2013, 06:34:10 PM
A horrible, edgy, nervous, tense 2-1 home win.

Benteke and Weimann
Title: Re: Aston Villa v Southampton Pre-Match Thread
Post by: cheltenhamlion on January 09, 2013, 06:40:05 PM
I don't have a chuffing clue what will happen at the weekend. I couldn't make a decent guess at the formation, the personnel on the field or what will happen.

Fuck it, 8-6 to Villa.
Title: Re: Aston Villa v Southampton Pre-Match Thread
Post by: neo_Villan on January 09, 2013, 06:42:08 PM
Villa 1-3 Southampton.

I bet he plays the same team.

Sadly with the amount of players out, he probably won't have much choice in some areas. Who else can come in for either Clark or Baker? Or in for Bannan or Delph? He'll have to play players out of position if he wants to drop any of them. I do hope that Weimann isn't sacrificed out wide anymore though. He is our best player currently and should be playing in his natural position IMO.
Title: Re: Aston Villa v Southampton Pre-Match Thread
Post by: silhillvilla on January 09, 2013, 07:16:20 PM
Is Westwood. Back ?
Title: Re: Aston Villa v Southampton Pre-Match Thread
Post by: Dave Cooper please on January 09, 2013, 09:01:22 PM
Well let's hope the players haven't thrown in the towel like most of you lot have eh?

3-1 Villa.
Title: Re: Aston Villa v Southampton Pre-Match Thread
Post by: Lobsterboy on January 09, 2013, 09:06:55 PM
My opinion might change if Westwood, Vlaar or heaven forbid a new signing were to appear but if we are picking from the same shower that played last night then 1-2; N'Zogbia for us Lambert with a brace for the Saints
Title: Re: Aston Villa v Southampton Pre-Match Thread
Post by: Duncan Shaw on January 09, 2013, 09:11:07 PM
Lambert must've been rubbing his hands in glee watching that last night, bet he can't wait to get amongst them!
Title: Re: Aston Villa v Southampton Pre-Match Thread
Post by: Rudy Can't Fail on January 09, 2013, 09:23:27 PM
N'Zogbia is one of the few that looked up for it. At least he tried to make things happen for himself.

Fixed.
Title: Re: Aston Villa v Southampton Pre-Match Thread
Post by: Witton Warrior on January 09, 2013, 09:58:21 PM
After the last half-a-dozen matches I now admit I have absolutely no idea what the result might be...
I only hope we win!
Title: Re: Aston Villa v Southampton Pre-Match Thread
Post by: Quiet Lion on January 09, 2013, 10:00:12 PM
0-2 to them
Title: Re: Aston Villa v Southampton Pre-Match Thread
Post by: SoccerHQ on January 09, 2013, 10:30:48 PM
We really need to win this.

3-2 to us which could easily be 8-8.
Title: Re: Aston Villa v Southampton Pre-Match Thread
Post by: tomd2103 on January 09, 2013, 10:49:15 PM
Are Herd and Holman injured? 

Title: Re: Aston Villa v Southampton Pre-Match Thread
Post by: TheSandman on January 10, 2013, 03:23:58 AM
5-0 win.
Title: Re: Aston Villa v Southampton Pre-Match Thread
Post by: TonyD on January 10, 2013, 10:33:13 AM
There will be goals. 
Title: Re: Aston Villa v Southampton Pre-Match Thread
Post by: WALTERS WARRIORS on January 10, 2013, 10:43:01 AM
There will be goals. 

Or there will be blood. Possibly Lamberts !!
Title: Re: Aston Villa v Southampton Pre-Match Thread
Post by: Risso on January 10, 2013, 10:53:45 AM
Well let's hope the players haven't thrown in the towel like most of you lot have eh?

3-1 Villa.

Yes, the players have demonstrated time and time again what an amazing fighting spirit and strength of character they have. 
Title: Re: Aston Villa v Southampton Pre-Match Thread
Post by: not3bad on January 10, 2013, 12:13:12 PM
Saturday's result will be important because, regardless of what's happening in the cup competitions, we need to build on the Swansea result when "the rot was stopped".  Lose on Saturday and we're in freefall.
Title: Re: Aston Villa v Southampton Pre-Match Thread
Post by: not3bad on January 10, 2013, 12:15:01 PM
I bet he plays the same team.

Why?
Title: Re: Aston Villa v Southampton Pre-Match Thread
Post by: PaulTheVillan on January 10, 2013, 12:34:02 PM
I bet he plays the same team.

Why?

Just got a feeling he will. ;D
Title: Re: Aston Villa v Southampton Pre-Match Thread
Post by: Clampy on January 10, 2013, 12:37:18 PM
Saturday's result will be important because, regardless of what's happening in the cup competitions, we need to build on the Swansea result when "the rot was stopped".

That's been the main problem. Just as we think we're getting somewhere with a good result (like Norwich and Liverpool away) a crap result comes along (like Cheslea, Wigan etc). It's very much like Houiller's season. One step forward, a bit of optimisim then 2 steps back and back to square one.
Title: Re: Aston Villa v Southampton Pre-Match Thread
Post by: richard moore on January 10, 2013, 12:46:55 PM
Some of the comments on here are shocking I hope most of you stay on here getting all excited by the match thread and leave B6 to 30000 who give a shit.. Up the Villa.

If you think being a Villa fan means we automatically  have to predict we will win every week, this thread doesn't really have much point does it? We can just change it 'predicted number of goals by which we will win the game'? Or alternatively I can join a site full of pre-pubescent schoolkids who think their team automatically wins every week (mind you, considering most of them support Man Utd or Chelsea, I guess that's a given anyway)
Title: Re: Aston Villa v Southampton Pre-Match Thread
Post by: Boz on January 10, 2013, 01:12:00 PM
Villa 1-3 Southampton.

I bet he plays the same team.

Sadly with the amount of players out, he probably won't have much choice in some areas. Who else can come in for either Clark or Baker? Or in for Bannan or Delph? He'll have to play players out of position if he wants to drop any of them. I do hope that Weimann isn't sacrificed out wide anymore though. He is our best player currently and should be playing in his natural position IMO.

I think a draw is the most likely, 1-1, as we can't score often enough to be confident about more than one, but I agree Weimann should not be playing wide, he should be on the end of crosses and knock downs from Benteke.
Title: Re: Aston Villa v Southampton Pre-Match Thread
Post by: Chrisupnorth on January 10, 2013, 01:36:14 PM
5-0 win.

Don't see us keeping a clean sheet at the moment even if we played Guzan and Given at the same time!
Title: Re: Aston Villa v Southampton Pre-Match Thread
Post by: achilles on January 10, 2013, 01:43:40 PM
5-0 win.

Don't see us keeping a clean sheet at the moment even if we played Guzan and Given at the same time!

.... and score 5 goals as well, bet he believes in fairies as well!
Title: Re: Aston Villa v Southampton Pre-Match Thread
Post by: eastie on January 10, 2013, 02:11:52 PM
By James Nursey | 10/01/13 

When Paul Lambert join Aston Villa, the team was rebranded by the club as 'Lambert's Lions'.

But perhaps, with hindsight, 'Lambert's Lambs' might have been more appropriate.

For as encouraging as the FA Cup win over Ipswich was, when Villa showed character to come from behind, the defeat at Bradford was extremely worrying.

It is not yet a catastrophe as there's still the second leg to come.

But a two-legged semi-final defeat to miss out on Wembley to a League Two side would be agony for Villa.

I was at Valley Parade for the Mirror on Tuesday on what was a superb, noisy cup tie for us neutrals.

Villa actually started extremely impressively and I thought the 4-2-3-1 formation was well suited to finally bring the best out Villa's exciting attacking talent.

Having Christian Benteke playing ahead of an advanced three of Gabriel Agbonlahor on the left, Charles N'Zogbia in a free central role and the tireless Andreas Weimann on the right seems very dangerous to me.

But to pull off the formation successfully, you really need a decent defence and holding midfielder to provide solidity at the back.

Villa's new-look attacking line-up terrorised Bradford for the first 19 minutes... until the Bantams scored against the run of play.



Then all the confidence, belief and momentum in the Villa side seemed to evaporate immediately.

It was most alarming and this is what worried me most as someone who wants to see Lambert and Villa - like all Midland clubs - prosper.

The current Villa team clearly has to have more backbone and strength of character which Lambert must address this month.

After opening the scoring, Bradford might have then scored again quickly but for a goal-line clearance by Fabian Delph.

The second half followed a similar pattern with Lambert clearly restoring some belief in the break.

Villa started well after the re-start only to fall behind further and then go to pieces again.

Bradford could have gone 3-0 up when they hit the bar.

This all shows, in my opinion, that Villa's young side is clearly mentally fragile and vulnerable.

It is no doubt a reflection of the young make-up of Villa's team.

Bar Shay Given, N'Zogbia and Agbonlahor, the rest of the starters at Bradford were all 23 or under.

So if Villa are to avoid plunging further down the table after their Christmas thrashings by Chelsea, Spurs and Wigan, then more experience is clearly needed ASAP.

The side desperately require a leader which hopefully Ron Vlaar's return will provide and could be supplemented by perhaps another defender like Joleon Lescott or Michael Dawson.



I doubt there will be a new face in the starting line-up before Saturday's crunch game with Southampton.

I suspect Villa will have to go with what they have got for the vital clash against fellow strugglers Saints.

In the meantime, Lambert needs to use all his motivational and man-management skills to get Villa's players believing again.

Their morale must have taken a big blow at Bradford.

But with the second leg to come and 17 League games remaining, Villa's season can still be salvaged.

The team must man up now though and start proving to Lambert and the fans they can hack it otherwise it will be a horror show - perhaps entitled 'Silence of the Lambert Lambs'!
Title: Re: Aston Villa v Southampton Pre-Match Thread
Post by: David_Nab on January 10, 2013, 02:30:55 PM
Good piece that.Everyone can see our issues ..can the board.

As for the game Soton have lost a CB and GK is dodgy.So we do have a slim chance of getting something.

I would put Herd in MF give the CB some more cover.Weimann and Benteke upfront with N'zog supporting.Hopefully Westwood is fit would help us immensely 
Title: Re: Aston Villa v Southampton Pre-Match Thread
Post by: Villain1874 on January 10, 2013, 02:35:24 PM
http://www.skysports.com/opinion/story/0,,11677_8388698,00.html

Jeff Stelling take on this weekends game and Villa current situation...
Title: Re: Aston Villa v Southampton Pre-Match Thread
Post by: Surrey Villain on January 10, 2013, 02:39:12 PM
Good piece that.Everyone can see our issues ..can the board.

As for the game Soton have lost a CB and GK is dodgy.So we do have a slim chance of getting something.

I would put Herd in MF give the CB some more cover.Weimann and Benteke upfront with N'zog supporting.Hopefully Westwood is fit would help us immensely 

Unfortunately the board and Lambert don't seem to see the problems as we see them. A simple one that bugs me is when we take free kicks or corners into the area there is never anybody wide and the ball frequently goes out for a throw-in on the far side. Complete waste.
Title: Re: Aston Villa v Southampton Pre-Match Thread
Post by: eamonn on January 10, 2013, 02:47:15 PM
Quote

 But buying proven Premier League players is not easy at this time of year, which makes me wonder why experienced pros like Stephen Warnock and Alan Hutton are out on loan?

I don't buy the explanation that Villa are struggling because they have a whole raft of players on the treatment table - I don't think they are any worse off with injuries than any other Premier League side.


Not sure Jeff is right on this - Physioroom showed us as joint-top with number of injuries over Xmas and crucially, it was almost all our senior players who were crocked.
And he clearly doesn't have a clue about Warnock's lack of professionalism and Hutton's general ineptitude.
Title: Re: Aston Villa v Southampton Pre-Match Thread
Post by: eastie on January 10, 2013, 03:03:09 PM
Good piece that.Everyone can see our issues ..can the board.

As for the game Soton have lost a CB and GK is dodgy.So we do have a slim chance of getting something.

I would put Herd in MF give the CB some more cover.Weimann and Benteke upfront with N'zog supporting.Hopefully Westwood is fit would help us immensely 

Unfortunately the board and Lambert don't seem to see the problems as we see them. A simple one that bugs me is when we take free kicks or corners into the area there is never anybody wide and the ball frequently goes out for a throw-in on the far side. Complete waste.

Probably down to the poor delivery of set pieces as much as anything, bannan is woefully poor mostly.
Title: Re: Aston Villa v Southampton Pre-Match Thread
Post by: Simon Ward on January 10, 2013, 04:12:47 PM
0-0 goal fest!
Title: Re: Aston Villa v Southampton Pre-Match Thread
Post by: Clampy on January 10, 2013, 04:17:35 PM
I think Bannan's crosses into the box are fine, he set up a few chances on Tuesday night, but he can't seem to do it on dead ball situations.
Title: Re: Aston Villa v Southampton Pre-Match Thread
Post by: Jarpie on January 10, 2013, 04:49:33 PM
Apparently Lallana and Fonte are out due injury.
Title: Re: Aston Villa v Southampton Pre-Match Thread
Post by: David_Nab on January 10, 2013, 04:56:30 PM
Thats great news ..now if Ramierz and Lambert could hurt themselves too we have a chance !!
Title: Re: Aston Villa v Southampton Pre-Match Thread
Post by: Chipsticks on January 10, 2013, 04:58:05 PM
I think Bannan's crosses into the box are fine, he set up a few chances on Tuesday night, but he can't seem to do it on dead ball situations.

His corners are normally very good, it's just the people on the other end that are the problem! He put two straight on Benteke's head the other night which should have resulted in two goals.
Title: Re: Aston Villa v Southampton Pre-Match Thread
Post by: Dr_Fegg on January 10, 2013, 05:40:05 PM
Cant see us winning this one or any of the next 4 unless we get some experienced players in (or back in).

I've never been a fan of hutton or warnock but surely if we keep doing the same thing then the results will be the same. Its not ideal but we have to try something different, even if it only puts questions marks in the minds of the opposition.

Think we'll score but not enough, 1-3 loss.
Title: Re: Aston Villa v Southampton Pre-Match Thread
Post by: onje_villa on January 10, 2013, 05:44:03 PM
On that Jeff Stelling article, this stood out for me:

"Villa have won only three of their last 23 home Premier League games"

Jesus!
Title: Re: Aston Villa v Southampton Pre-Match Thread
Post by: Surrey Villain on January 10, 2013, 05:55:31 PM
Good piece that.Everyone can see our issues ..can the board.

As for the game Soton have lost a CB and GK is dodgy.So we do have a slim chance of getting something.

I would put Herd in MF give the CB some more cover.Weimann and Benteke upfront with N'zog supporting.Hopefully Westwood is fit would help us immensely 

Unfortunately the board and Lambert don't seem to see the problems as we see them. A simple one that bugs me is when we take free kicks or corners into the area there is never anybody wide and the ball frequently goes out for a throw-in on the far side. Complete waste.

Probably down to the poor delivery of set pieces as much as anything, bannan is woefully poor mostly.

Have to disagree.  I think Bannan's corners are fine but our strikers are as bad (well almost) at attacking a ball coming in as our defenders.
If the ball is headed away to the far side we never have anybody there, likewise we are poor at getting to the second ball before defenders so the ball is always heading back towards our half. 
Title: Re: Aston Villa v Southampton Pre-Match Thread
Post by: Can Gana Be Bettered!?!? on January 10, 2013, 06:02:58 PM
http://www.skysports.com/opinion/story/0,,11677_8388698,00.html

Jeff Stelling take on this weekends game and Villa current situation...

And this is interesting because? He's about as much knowledge as Alan Green.
Title: Re: Aston Villa v Southampton Pre-Match Thread
Post by: ozzjim on January 10, 2013, 06:22:52 PM
I would go back to 3 at the back tomorrow.

I know we got smashed with it, BUT first half against Spurs we were solid until Baker went off. 

I would also take Bennett out of the firing line. I would bring Warnock and Hutton in at wing back, moving Lowton in alongside the chuckle brothers. Those 2 cannot funtion as a pair quite clearly, so go back to 3-5-2. Warnock and Hutton as wing backs would give us some experience and fresh legs at least. They might, just might shore it all up a little.

Middle of the park is a really bloody hard one, as all we have is Bannan, Delph and Ireland fit. All 3 are fucking useless. Sooo... Bannan and Delph sitting in, Nzogbia in the middle in the Ireland role. Benteke and Weimann up front.
Title: Re: Aston Villa v Southampton Pre-Match Thread
Post by: Apyadg on January 10, 2013, 06:25:02 PM
Tomorrow?!
Title: Re: Aston Villa v Southampton Pre-Match Thread
Post by: johnc on January 10, 2013, 06:28:49 PM
Tomorrow?!

It makes sense. Play thegame before Southampton get there. I could see us snatching a draw
Title: Re: Aston Villa v Southampton Pre-Match Thread
Post by: CJ on January 10, 2013, 06:32:44 PM
Maybe their coach will get delayed by snow. They don't turn up in time for kick-off and we take 3 points by default.
Title: Re: Aston Villa v Southampton Pre-Match Thread
Post by: ozzjim on January 10, 2013, 06:32:56 PM
You know when I mean...

I am praying to the snow gods!
Title: Re: Aston Villa v Southampton Pre-Match Thread
Post by: McGraths Dry Cleaning on January 10, 2013, 06:48:28 PM
Southampton have conceded at least 1 goal in all of their away matches. They have won 72% of all their points at home. Optimists will feel they arn't very good away and we have a chance, pessimists will feel that when any team wants to buck a trend then Villa are the team to do it against. I'm trying to piece togather the chain of events that has led to this being one of our most crucial games in recent history.
Title: Re: Aston Villa v Southampton Pre-Match Thread
Post by: neo_Villan on January 10, 2013, 07:36:03 PM
Thinking about it, I would consider putting Herd back as CB. At least he can deal with set-pieces.
Title: Re: Aston Villa v Southampton Pre-Match Thread
Post by: Villain1874 on January 10, 2013, 07:55:47 PM
http://www.skysports.com/opinion/story/0,,11677_8388698,00.html

Jeff Stelling take on this weekends game and Villa current situation...

And this is interesting because? He's about as much knowledge as Alan Green.

Nowhere in my post did I say it's interesting, but he is talking about our game on Saturday and our situation in general and this being a Villa forum I thought it would be a good place to link it, I was going to link it in QVC forums but they only talk about buying and selling and that made me sad because Villa should be buying and selling...
Title: Re: Aston Villa v Southampton Pre-Match Thread
Post by: SoccerHQ on January 10, 2013, 10:10:58 PM
Thinking about it, I would consider putting Herd back as CB. At least he can deal with set-pieces.

Think I'd put him as holding midfield unless Westwood would be fit. Probably play Holman aswell, he was poor against Wigan but I really don't want to see Delph-Bannan combo again!

Worry with Herd is he's the sort who'll give a few free kicks away on the edge of box through rash challenges which we don't really need with Lambert and Ramierz in opposition.

Lallana is injured I believe for them which helps as he's an excellent player imo.
Title: Re: Aston Villa v Southampton Pre-Match Thread
Post by: villadelph on January 10, 2013, 11:21:25 PM
Expect the worse, hope for the best.

Can't see us getting anything out of this given our current debacle. 3-2 Soton.
Title: Re: Aston Villa v Southampton Pre-Match Thread
Post by: hawkeye on January 10, 2013, 11:54:00 PM
Really staggered that over 50% believe we will lose, Fuck are we in trouble.

I also think we will lose but I hope for the best.

The biggest game of the season, lose and we are down.
Title: Re: Aston Villa v Southampton Pre-Match Thread
Post by: richtheholtender on January 10, 2013, 11:55:51 PM
Really staggered that over 50% believe we will lose, Fuck are we in trouble.

I also think we will lose but I hope for the best.

The biggest game of the season, lose and we are down.

Enough to make you cry isnt it
Title: Re: Aston Villa v Southampton Pre-Match Thread
Post by: hawkeye on January 10, 2013, 11:57:14 PM
Thinking about it, I would consider putting Herd back as CB. At least he can deal with set-pieces.

Think I'd put him as holding midfield unless Westwood would be fit. Probably play Holman aswell, he was poor against Wigan but I really don't want to see Delph-Bannan combo again!

Worry with Herd is he's the sort who'll give a few free kicks away on the edge of box through rash challenges which we don't really need with Lambert and Ramierz in opposition.

Lallana is injured I believe for them which helps as he's an excellent player imo.
which ever way you look at it, its impossible to come up with a defence/midfield formation that you could have any confidence in. This is because our players are not good enough, it is that simple.
Title: Re: Aston Villa v Southampton Pre-Match Thread
Post by: hawkeye on January 10, 2013, 11:58:30 PM
Really staggered that over 50% believe we will lose, Fuck are we in trouble.

I also think we will lose but I hope for the best.

The biggest game of the season, lose and we are down.

Enough to make you cry isnt it
it is very sad indeed and so fukin unavoidable
Title: Re: Aston Villa v Southampton Pre-Match Thread
Post by: olaftab on January 11, 2013, 12:18:31 AM
Benteke lost his man against Wigan and Bradford City. He is no Heskey when it comes to defending set pieces so against Sputhampyon we need a better plan otherwise we are going the same way.
Title: Re: Aston Villa v Southampton Pre-Match Thread
Post by: olaftab on January 11, 2013, 12:21:04 AM
The biggest game of the season, lose and we are down.
Not the biggest game of the season by a long way and we won't be down if we lose.
Title: Re: Aston Villa v Southampton Pre-Match Thread
Post by: hawkeye on January 11, 2013, 01:13:41 AM
The biggest game of the season, lose and we are down.
Not the biggest game of the season by a long way and we won't be down if we lose.
i do not believe under the circumstances we could recover from getting beaten by Southampton, and you may come to learn  this but i hope not. That is why it is the biggest game of the season no idea why you say not by a long way, name a more pivotal sitution? you cant
Title: Re: Aston Villa v Southampton Pre-Match Thread
Post by: tomd2103 on January 11, 2013, 02:01:33 AM
Thinking about it, I would consider putting Herd back as CB. At least he can deal with set-pieces.

Think I'd put him as holding midfield unless Westwood would be fit. Probably play Holman aswell, he was poor against Wigan but I really don't want to see Delph-Bannan combo again!

Worry with Herd is he's the sort who'll give a few free kicks away on the edge of box through rash challenges which we don't really need with Lambert and Ramierz in opposition.

Lallana is injured I believe for them which helps as he's an excellent player imo.
which ever way you look at it, its impossible to come up with a defence/midfield formation that you could have any confidence in. This is because our players are not good enough, it is that simple.

Yep.  The phrase "rearranging deck chairs on The Titanic" springs to mind. 
Title: Re: Aston Villa v Southampton Pre-Match Thread
Post by: Dave Cooper please on January 11, 2013, 03:12:27 AM
lose and we are down.

No we're not.
Title: Re: Aston Villa v Southampton Pre-Match Thread
Post by: JUAN PABLO on January 11, 2013, 03:57:48 AM
1-3   Channon hatrick
Title: Re: Aston Villa v Southampton Pre-Match Thread
Post by: neo_Villan on January 11, 2013, 05:08:03 AM
Thinking about it, I would consider putting Herd back as CB. At least he can deal with set-pieces.

Think I'd put him as holding midfield unless Westwood would be fit. Probably play Holman aswell, he was poor against Wigan but I really don't want to see Delph-Bannan combo again!
Have to agree. It is just that I don't want to see a Clark/Baker combo either! I wouldn't actually mind seeing an Aussie Herd/Holman combo in centre midfield though. I think Holman was effective in that deeper role earlier in the season against Newcastle and Swansea. They would definately both offer  the defence much more protection, even if both aren't very good on the ball (not that it matters since we play hoofball most of the time anyway).
Title: Re: Aston Villa v Southampton Pre-Match Thread
Post by: neo_Villan on January 11, 2013, 05:14:51 AM
Good grief! Just read Lawro's predictions and he thinks we'll win 2-1!! That's it then, the small hope we will get something from the game is now officially gone.
Title: Re: Aston Villa v Southampton Pre-Match Thread
Post by: ciggiesnbeer on January 11, 2013, 05:17:39 AM
Good grief! Just read Lawro's predictions and he thinks we'll win 2-1!! That's it then, the small hope we will get something from the game is now officially gone.

Final nail in the coffin, the first was when Savage changed his mind and said we would stay up. I swear the sky darkened when I read that.
Title: Re: Aston Villa v Southampton Pre-Match Thread
Post by: brontebilly on January 11, 2013, 07:13:36 AM
Hard to know what team to pick. Westwood and Vlaar certainly back in if fit. I think Lowton badly needs to be taken out of the side for a couple of games. I'd consider bringing a fired up Alan Hutton in. He played half decent for Forest against Leeds over Xmas. Left back its a bit of a house of horrors. Stevens maybe ahead of the rest. Looks like we only have Clark and Baker for centre half and their confidence looks shot to pieces.

Midfield such a shower of nothing players really. Nzogbia behind Bent (if fit) and Weimann. Benteke in reserve. Bannan, Herd and Delph as midfield trio if Westwood isn't there. Probably need 2 of them not to stray more than 10 yards from the centre halves at any one time.
Title: Re: Aston Villa v Southampton Pre-Match Thread
Post by: Matt Collins on January 11, 2013, 07:27:17 AM
I think lallana and fonte the centre half are out, which is helpful. I hope Hooiveld plays, he's terrible.

It's almost a case that our defence and midfield are so bad that we should go for it, but that sort of tactic seems to be the case anyway and leaves us repeatedly exposed.

I would be about five times more confident if Westwood and Vlaar were back, but I assume neither are?
Title: Re: Aston Villa v Southampton Pre-Match Thread
Post by: eastie on January 11, 2013, 08:28:58 AM
I think lallana and fonte the centre half are out, which is helpful. I hope Hooiveld plays, he's terrible.

It's almost a case that our defence and midfield are so bad that we should go for it, but that sort of tactic seems to be the case anyway and leaves us repeatedly exposed.

I would be about five times more confident if Westwood and Vlaar were back, but I assume neither are?

Not sure about Westwood but I think Vlaar will definitely be out , although I wouldn't be that confident with him in as he played in the 4-1 beating at st Mary's - I think I've rarely looked forward to as game less than this one , hard to find much to be positive about right now and I expect Saints to come here looking for a win and getting just that.
Title: Re: Aston Villa v Southampton Pre-Match Thread
Post by: Richard E on January 11, 2013, 08:32:31 AM
WM this morning were suggesting Westwood would be back after being cup tied in mid-week.
Title: Re: Aston Villa v Southampton Pre-Match Thread
Post by: eastie on January 11, 2013, 08:36:50 AM
WM this morning were suggesting Westwood would be back after being cup tied in mid-week.

A bit of good news then , with Westwood 1-3 without Westwood 0-3.
Title: Re: Aston Villa v Southampton Pre-Match Thread
Post by: Ads on January 11, 2013, 08:52:47 AM
We will probably win this one now, two nil, in the most non-descript and uneventful game of the season.
Title: Re: Aston Villa v Southampton Pre-Match Thread
Post by: UK Redsox on January 11, 2013, 09:05:21 AM
We will probably win this one now, two nil, in the most non-descript and uneventful game of the season.

How can any win be "non-descript" at the moment ?

A victory tomorrow could be grounds for a tickertape parade.
Title: Re: Aston Villa v Southampton Pre-Match Thread
Post by: PaulWinch again on January 11, 2013, 09:07:10 AM
I really hope Westwood is back, our only genuinely assured and good midfielder.
Title: Re: Aston Villa v Southampton Pre-Match Thread
Post by: N'ZMAV on January 11, 2013, 09:44:29 AM
We will probably win this one now, two nil, in the most non-descript and uneventful game of the season.
that'll do me.
Title: Re: Aston Villa v Southampton Pre-Match Thread
Post by: Merv on January 11, 2013, 09:50:26 AM
Westwood's become key for us - midfield is so currently weak. Herd is out, as are Bent and Albrighton, so I'd go with:

Guzan
Lowton Clark Baker Stevens

Holman Westwood Bannan

Weimann Benteke N'Zogbia

Bench: Given, Lichaj, Bennett, Delph, Carruthers, Ireland, Agbonlahor.

Title: Re: Aston Villa v Southampton Pre-Match Thread
Post by: David_Nab on January 11, 2013, 09:57:28 AM
Herd's foot in special boot , can see why he been absent last 2 games now
Title: Re: Aston Villa v Southampton Pre-Match Thread
Post by: eastie on January 11, 2013, 10:38:39 AM
@MatKendrick: Vlaar possibly back, Westwood back, Bent out, Herd out, Albrighton out, Dunne out, Given out, Gardner out #avfc #haveimissedanyoneout
Title: Re: Aston Villa v Southampton Pre-Match Thread
Post by: Matt Collins on January 11, 2013, 10:39:11 AM
Westwood's become key for us - midfield is so currently weak. Herd is out, as are Bent and Albrighton, so I'd go with:

Guzan
Lowton Clark Baker Stevens

Holman Westwood Bannan

Weimann Benteke N'Zogbia

Bench: Given, Lichaj, Bennett, Delph, Carruthers, Ireland, Agbonlahor.



Looks about right to me though not sure we've ever played 433 under lambert. I guess Holman plays the more advanced role. Vlaar is in the squad so hopefully he's good for at least a place on the bench. Would be fantastic if he could start.

Sounds encouraging that saints seem to have injury worries at the back

But glad I'm not going to be following this one. I'll be checking the scores through gritted teeth later on
Title: Re: Aston Villa v Southampton Pre-Match Thread
Post by: PeterWithesShin on January 11, 2013, 10:39:14 AM
@MatKendrick: Vlaar possibly back, Westwood back, Bent out, Herd out, Albrighton out, Dunne out, Given out, Gardner out #avfc #haveimissedanyoneout

Ellis out!
Title: Re: Aston Villa v Southampton Pre-Match Thread
Post by: eastie on January 11, 2013, 10:41:15 AM
I wonder what given is out with, seems to never ending list of injuries this season , bent has medial ligament problem apparently.
Title: Re: Aston Villa v Southampton Pre-Match Thread
Post by: PaulWinch again on January 11, 2013, 10:41:18 AM
If we could have Vlaar and Westwood back in that'd be a massive boost.
Title: Re: Aston Villa v Southampton Pre-Match Thread
Post by: Matt Collins on January 11, 2013, 10:45:27 AM
Although we need signings, Vlaar dunne and Westwood would improve the side that played Tuesday massively
Title: Re: Aston Villa v Southampton Pre-Match Thread
Post by: onje_villa on January 11, 2013, 10:46:05 AM
I wonder if he'll consider playing 442?

I'm a fan of our formation going forward and the flexibility it offers but you surely need very strong full backs as you have no wingers to double up.

When we used to have Young and Milner, our full backs could count on a certain amount of support.

At the moment it seems our young full-backs are very much there for the taking.
Title: Re: Aston Villa v Southampton Pre-Match Thread
Post by: eastie on January 11, 2013, 10:50:52 AM
Might got with a back three if Vlaar plays as he won't be match fit but can organise the defence, might be exposed a bit if if played in a central 2 , Westwood back is excellent news .
Title: Re: Aston Villa v Southampton Pre-Match Thread
Post by: Merv on January 11, 2013, 10:53:03 AM
Westwood's become key for us - midfield is so currently weak. Herd is out, as are Bent and Albrighton, so I'd go with:

Guzan
Lowton Clark Baker Stevens

Holman Westwood Bannan

Weimann Benteke N'Zogbia

Bench: Given, Lichaj, Bennett, Delph, Carruthers, Ireland, Agbonlahor.



Looks about right to me though not sure we've ever played 433 under lambert. I guess Holman plays the more advanced role. Vlaar is in the squad so hopefully he's good for at least a place on the bench. Would be fantastic if he could start.

Sounds encouraging that saints seem to have injury worries at the back

But glad I'm not going to be following this one. I'll be checking the scores through gritted teeth later on

Yeah - Westwood and Bannan in a two, Holman just in front. Also gives us the flexibility to pull Holman back and into a more conventional RM role, with CNZ on the left, if we find Saints pressing out on the flanks.

Not many options, has to be said. I suppose it's a toss of the coin between Bannan and Delph as to who starts, neither in good form. Not sure Vlaar will be ready just yet.
Title: Re: Aston Villa v Southampton Pre-Match Thread
Post by: N'ZMAV on January 11, 2013, 10:54:06 AM
I think, I'd try this...

Guzan

Lowton
Vlaar
Baker
Stevens

Westwood
Clark

Agbonlahor (RW)
Weimann (support striker)
N'Zogbia (LW)

Benteke

Title: Re: Aston Villa v Southampton Pre-Match Thread
Post by: eastie on January 11, 2013, 10:56:37 AM
I think, I'd try this...

Guzan

Lowton
Vlaar
Baker
Stevens

Westwood
Clark

Agbonlahor (RW)
Weimann (support striker)
N'Zogbia (LW)

Benteke



Must admit I quite like that line up.
Title: Re: Aston Villa v Southampton Pre-Match Thread
Post by: Jarpie on January 11, 2013, 10:58:50 AM
I think, I'd try this...

Guzan

Lowton
Vlaar
Baker
Stevens

Westwood
Clark

Agbonlahor (RW)
Weimann (support striker)
N'Zogbia (LW)

Benteke

I would try Holman in deeper role instead of Clark, didn't he play quite well in that slot against Newcastle?
Title: Re: Aston Villa v Southampton Pre-Match Thread
Post by: danlanza on January 11, 2013, 11:03:34 AM
Villa 2-1 win with a massive effort put in by every player on the pitch.
Optimistic i know, i just don't want us to be looking for another bloody manager, again.
Title: Re: Aston Villa v Southampton Pre-Match Thread
Post by: Surrey Villain on January 11, 2013, 11:03:52 AM
I wonder if he'll consider playing 442?

I'm a fan of our formation going forward and the flexibility it offers but you surely need very strong full backs as you have no wingers to double up.

When we used to have Young and Milner, our full backs could count on a certain amount of support.

At the moment it seems our young full-backs are very much there for the taking.

Nail on head in my opinion.  Lambert doesn't play with wingers so the full backs have been wing backs and been caught forward too often so Baker and Clark have been trying to cover and left gaping holes. The third Bradford goal is an example when Baker moved out to cover the left wing and Lowton was nowhere in sight. There is also a fatigue problem expecting players to play wing back.
Title: Re: Aston Villa v Southampton Pre-Match Thread
Post by: saunders_heroes on January 11, 2013, 11:05:40 AM
Vlaar in the squad for tomorrow.
Title: Re: Aston Villa v Southampton Pre-Match Thread
Post by: PaulWinch again on January 11, 2013, 11:06:56 AM
That's great news.
Title: Re: Aston Villa v Southampton Pre-Match Thread
Post by: PaulWinch again on January 11, 2013, 11:07:14 AM
Vlaar in the squad for tomorrow.

I take it Westwood is as well.
Title: Re: Aston Villa v Southampton Pre-Match Thread
Post by: eastie on January 11, 2013, 11:20:10 AM
Vlaar in the squad for tomorrow.

I take it Westwood is as well.

Yes and Holman .

Bent , given, herd, albrighton, dunne  all out.
Title: Re: Aston Villa v Southampton Pre-Match Thread
Post by: PeterWithesShin on January 11, 2013, 11:22:37 AM
Much as we need him back, after so long out I wouldn't want to risk bringing Vlaar back too soon.
Title: Re: Aston Villa v Southampton Pre-Match Thread
Post by: Concrete John on January 11, 2013, 11:23:15 AM
Vlaar in the squad for tomorrow.

I take it Westwood is as well.

Yes and Holman .

Bent , given, herd, albrighton, dunne  all out.

Personally, I wouldn't have played any of them anyway, with the possible exception of Dunne due to the defensive crisis we're going through!
Title: Re: Aston Villa v Southampton Pre-Match Thread
Post by: PaulWinch again on January 11, 2013, 11:24:00 AM
Much as we need him back, after so long out I wouldn't want to risk bringing Vlaar back too soon.

Well yes, but hopefully they've considered that.
Title: Re: Aston Villa v Southampton Pre-Match Thread
Post by: danlanza on January 11, 2013, 11:29:09 AM
I just hope he will steady the defense, a lot !
Title: Re: Aston Villa v Southampton Pre-Match Thread
Post by: LeeB on January 11, 2013, 11:31:25 AM
4-1 Villa.
Title: Re: Aston Villa v Southampton Pre-Match Thread
Post by: silhillvilla on January 11, 2013, 11:35:08 AM
Trying to decide whether to attend stone cold sober, completely trolleyed or somewhere in between .
Title: Re: Aston Villa v Southampton Pre-Match Thread
Post by: danlanza on January 11, 2013, 11:39:01 AM
Trying to decide whether to attend stone cold sober, completely trolleyed or somewhere in between .
Stone cold sober, then when we win you can go out on the lash ;D
Title: Re: Aston Villa v Southampton Pre-Match Thread
Post by: Nev on January 11, 2013, 11:40:26 AM
Given recent evidence I just can't see anything other than a defeat. And bearing in mind Tuesday, if we do look like getting a bad result will the manager sit and watch the team collapse to the backing track of 25 thousand dissenting voices?

I sincerely hope not and of course, I still have hope, I always will. It was confidence in the manager that took a battering (as well as the team) on Tuesday.
Title: Re: Aston Villa v Southampton Pre-Match Thread
Post by: Chipsticks on January 11, 2013, 11:41:43 AM
For tomorrow I'd go:

                 Guzan
Lowton  Baker  Clark   Bennett
              Westwood
          Bannan  Holman
Gabby                        Weimann
                Benteke
Title: Re: Aston Villa v Southampton Pre-Match Thread
Post by: PaulWinch again on January 11, 2013, 11:43:36 AM
For tomorrow I'd go:

                 Guzan
Lowton  Baker  Clark   Bennett
              Westwood
          Bannan  Holman
Gabby                        Weimann
                Benteke


If Vlaar is fit and available he should play. I'm not sure I trust Holman as a centre mid.
Title: Re: Aston Villa v Southampton Pre-Match Thread
Post by: PeterWithesShin on January 11, 2013, 11:44:56 AM
I'd have Zog in, he may be a bit headless at times but the last couple of games he's looked more dangerous than anyone else.
Title: Re: Aston Villa v Southampton Pre-Match Thread
Post by: Concrete John on January 11, 2013, 11:46:42 AM
For tomorrow I'd go:

                 Guzan
Lowton  Baker  Clark   Bennett
              Westwood
          Bannan  Holman
Gabby                        Weimann
                Benteke


If Vlaar is fit and available he should play. I'm not sure I trust Holman as a centre mid.

Holman would be pushing forward ahead of Westwood and Bannan, which I'd be OK with.  Vlaar depends on fitness, but best case scenario is we get an hour out of him before the lack of match fitness shows.  I'd also take Bennet out of the firing line and play Lichaj or Stephens at LB.
Title: Re: Aston Villa v Southampton Pre-Match Thread
Post by: eastie on January 11, 2013, 11:49:04 AM
@thegoalzone: Asked Villa boss Paul Lambert if he had been tempted to bring back Warnock or Hutton and he said no
Title: Re: Aston Villa v Southampton Pre-Match Thread
Post by: Toronto Villa on January 11, 2013, 11:49:11 AM
Much as we need him back, after so long out I wouldn't want to risk bringing Vlaar back too soon.

Agree. We don't want any Martin Laursen like coming back too soon situations where he ends up doing more harm than good. That said, if he truly is ready it is a big boost. Apparently Dunne isn't far off too.
Title: Re: Aston Villa v Southampton Pre-Match Thread
Post by: Clampy on January 11, 2013, 11:50:13 AM
For tomorrow I'd go:

                 Guzan
Lowton  Baker  Clark   Bennett
              Westwood
          Bannan  Holman
Gabby                        Weimann
                Benteke


Not a bad looking line up although i'd leave Bennett out personally. He's probably still shell shocked from the other night.
Title: Re: Aston Villa v Southampton Pre-Match Thread
Post by: eastie on January 11, 2013, 11:50:37 AM
@MatKendrick: Marc Albrighton could be out for up to two months after scans showed the #avfc winger broke a bone in his foot #metatarsal misery
Title: Re: Aston Villa v Southampton Pre-Match Thread
Post by: eastie on January 11, 2013, 11:51:45 AM
                Guzan

Lowton.    Vlaar.   Baker.    Stevens

             Westwood.    Clark

     Bannan.    Weimann.     Nzogbia

                  Benteke
Title: Re: Aston Villa v Southampton Pre-Match Thread
Post by: PeterWithesShin on January 11, 2013, 11:54:29 AM
Quote
Ron Vlaar, Ashley Westwood and Brett Holman have handed Villa a triple boost ahead of the clash against Southampton.

But Darren Bent, Marc Albrighton and Chris Herd are definitely ruled out of Saturday's game.

Goalkeeper Shay Given is also a doubt with a hamstring injury.

Vlaar has resumed training from a long-standing calf problem, although the Saints encounter may come too soon for the Dutch defender.

Westwood is back in contention after hurting his ankle ligaments at Swansea on New Year's Day, while Holman has recovered from the virus which kept him out of the cup ties against Ipswich and Bradford.

The knee injury Bent sustained in a collision with Bradford keeper Matt Duke is not as bad as first feared but the striker is expected to be out for around 10 days.

Albrighton has a metatarsal injury while Herd also has a foot problem.

There is positive news, though, on Richard Dunne who could resume training next week.

"Darren isn't as bad as first feared but he is going to be out for Saturday," said manager Paul Lambert.

"It is his knee from the collision with the goalkeeper. It is not as severe - maybe 10 days. It's his medial ligament.

"Shay is struggling with a hamstring as well.

"Ron trained a little bit yesterday so hopefully he will have no adverse reaction and he might join in this morning. That is a plus.

"I don't know if he'll be in from the beginning as he hasn't done enough until yesterday but he is round about.

"Chris Herd is going to be out for a few weeks with his foot and Marc Albrighton is out so there are one or two injuries still there.

"Richard might training in the middle of next week - we'll see how he does."
Title: Re: Aston Villa v Southampton Pre-Match Thread
Post by: PaulWinch again on January 11, 2013, 12:01:27 PM
@MatKendrick: Marc Albrighton could be out for up to two months after scans showed the #avfc winger broke a bone in his foot #metatarsal misery

Whilst I don't wish injury on anyone, and hope he recovers soon. He's no great loss.
Title: Re: Aston Villa v Southampton Pre-Match Thread
Post by: stanadon on January 11, 2013, 12:07:59 PM
great to see vlaar back, should start him and we might get a scorign draw
Title: Re: Aston Villa v Southampton Pre-Match Thread
Post by: Boz on January 11, 2013, 12:16:01 PM
4-1 Villa.

I'd like to think we'll score four but I doubt it.
Title: Re: Aston Villa v Southampton Pre-Match Thread
Post by: Brend'Watkins on January 11, 2013, 12:19:17 PM
Hearing Vlaar and Westwood are available has cleared the knott in my stomach.
Title: Re: Aston Villa v Southampton Pre-Match Thread
Post by: UK Redsox on January 11, 2013, 12:21:50 PM
Hearing Vlaar and Westwood are available has cleared the knott in my stomach.

Serves you right for eating a wicket-keeper
Title: Re: Aston Villa v Southampton Pre-Match Thread
Post by: Jarpie on January 11, 2013, 12:22:48 PM
Anyone else thinking that Lambo is downplaying Vlaar's avaibility to surprise Southampton?
Title: Re: Aston Villa v Southampton Pre-Match Thread
Post by: MoetVillan on January 11, 2013, 12:23:56 PM
Is Herd available?  get him back in the midfield alongside Westwood, and lets get some points
Title: Re: Aston Villa v Southampton Pre-Match Thread
Post by: Legion on January 11, 2013, 12:24:53 PM
@eastie #giveitarestplease
Title: Re: Aston Villa v Southampton Pre-Match Thread
Post by: eastie on January 11, 2013, 12:25:12 PM
Is Herd available?  get him back in the midfield alongside Westwood, and lets get some points

Out for several weeks!
Title: Re: Aston Villa v Southampton Pre-Match Thread
Post by: Small Rodent on January 11, 2013, 12:41:13 PM
Hearing Vlaar and Westwood are available has cleared the knott in my stomach.

Serves you right for eating a wicket-keeper

Ha ha!
Title: Re: Aston Villa v Southampton Pre-Match Thread
Post by: pooligan on January 11, 2013, 12:43:31 PM
I'll go for a hard earned and nervy 1-1 ,but being honest i fear another Wigan. We can't defend and we can't score ,so until we bring some new faces in ,it's hard to see anything changing.
Title: Re: Aston Villa v Southampton Pre-Match Thread
Post by: JUAN PABLO on January 11, 2013, 12:45:07 PM
I'd have Zog in, he may be a bit headless at times but the last couple of games he's looked more dangerous than anyone else.

this
Title: Re: Aston Villa v Southampton Pre-Match Thread
Post by: eastie on January 11, 2013, 12:46:09 PM
I'd have Zog in, he may be a bit headless at times but the last couple of games he's looked more dangerous than anyone else.

this

Best player by far on Tuesday, reminded me of his Wigan days.
Title: Re: Aston Villa v Southampton Pre-Match Thread
Post by: JUAN PABLO on January 11, 2013, 12:47:19 PM
I was suprised how much stick zog got on Tuesday . Yes everything didnt come off but he was our best player by miles and looked our only threat .
Title: Re: Aston Villa v Southampton Pre-Match Thread
Post by: Clampy on January 11, 2013, 12:50:37 PM
N'Zog's looked a lot sharper since he's been back but he needs to look up a bit more often and play the ball when there's someone available rather than try and take on two players and lose the ball. He needs to stay out wide a bit more often as well. He kept drifting into the middle on Tuesday in the first half, unless he was instructed to.
Title: Re: Aston Villa v Southampton Pre-Match Thread
Post by: Brend'Watkins on January 11, 2013, 12:52:22 PM
I was suprised how much stick zog got on Tuesday . Yes everything didnt come off but he was our best player by miles and looked our only threat .

He will be crucial in the return leg against Bradford.  Don't recall him getting to much stick though.

I hope he's getting a bit of form because we need that right now.



Title: Re: Aston Villa v Southampton Pre-Match Thread
Post by: PaulWinch again on January 11, 2013, 12:55:46 PM
I'd have Zog in, he may be a bit headless at times but the last couple of games he's looked more dangerous than anyone else.

this

I'd have Zog in as well.
Title: Re: Aston Villa v Southampton Pre-Match Thread
Post by: Ron Manager on January 11, 2013, 01:21:06 PM
I'd have Zog in, he may be a bit headless at times but the last couple of games he's looked more dangerous than anyone else.

this

Best player by far on Tuesday, reminded me of his Wigan days.
Yes I thought that as well. Quite encouraging in fact.
and as we have not heard anything about Darren Bents injury I assume it was not serious and he will be playing tommorrow
Title: Re: Aston Villa v Southampton Pre-Match Thread
Post by: PeterWithesShin on January 11, 2013, 01:21:51 PM
Bent expected to be out for 10 days apparently.
Title: Re: Aston Villa v Southampton Pre-Match Thread
Post by: Ron Manager on January 11, 2013, 01:24:08 PM
Bent expected to be out for 10 days apparently.

Sorry I hadnt noticed that. More bloody injuries!
Title: Re: Aston Villa v Southampton Pre-Match Thread
Post by: Chipsticks on January 11, 2013, 01:29:44 PM
I'd have Zog in, he may be a bit headless at times but the last couple of games he's looked more dangerous than anyone else.

Completely forgot about Zog... back to the ol' drawing board.
Title: Re: Aston Villa v Southampton Pre-Match Thread
Post by: Ads on January 11, 2013, 01:37:10 PM
 I’d go with a more traditional 4-4-2 to try and offer Stevens (my choice) and Lowton a bit more cover, with N’Zogbia wide on the left and Holman wide on the right. I’d give them licence to drift central and keep some fluidity to the attacks. Holman also having an obligation to press.

The Big Dog would replace Bannan in the middle, with Andi and Benteke up top.

Vlaar would be straight back into the line up for me at the expense of Clarke, who I think has dipped a great deal. He’s far too loose when it comes to marking.
Title: Re: Aston Villa v Southampton Pre-Match Thread
Post by: PaulWinch again on January 11, 2013, 01:38:27 PM
The problem with Holman is for all his running around, he is very very lazy defensively.
Title: Re: Aston Villa v Southampton Pre-Match Thread
Post by: LeeB on January 11, 2013, 01:47:13 PM
I’d go with a more traditional 4-4-2 to try and offer Stevens (my choice) and Lowton a bit more cover, with N’Zogbia wide on the left and Holman wide on the right. I’d give them licence to drift central and keep some fluidity to the attacks. Holman also having an obligation to press.

The Big Dog would replace Bannan in the middle, with Andi and Benteke up top.

Vlaar would be straight back into the line up for me at the expense of Clarke, who I think has dipped a great deal. He’s far too loose when it comes to marking.


I've been thinking along the same lines, we need to give our full backs a bit of cover.

Clark reminds of myself playing centre half, in that I'd exude and air of confidence and ability until I fucked up again. And again.

And my biggest problem, like Clark's, is that I've got no pace on the turn.
Title: Re: Aston Villa v Southampton Pre-Match Thread
Post by: brontebilly on January 11, 2013, 02:03:28 PM
The problem with Holman is for all his running around, he is very very lazy defensively.

Our biggest passenger without the ball imo. Tactically braindead and a complete shirker of anything physical.
Title: Re: Aston Villa v Southampton Pre-Match Thread
Post by: damon loves JT on January 11, 2013, 02:34:52 PM
Big game, loads at stake. Bring it
Title: Re: Aston Villa v Southampton Pre-Match Thread
Post by: eastie on January 11, 2013, 02:42:42 PM
I’d go with a more traditional 4-4-2 to try and offer Stevens (my choice) and Lowton a bit more cover, with N’Zogbia wide on the left and Holman wide on the right. I’d give them licence to drift central and keep some fluidity to the attacks. Holman also having an obligation to press.

The Big Dog would replace Bannan in the middle, with Andi and Benteke up top.

Vlaar would be straight back into the line up for me at the expense of Clarke, who I think has dipped a great deal. He’s far too loose when it comes to marking.


Who is the big dog?
Title: Re: Aston Villa v Southampton Pre-Match Thread
Post by: johnc on January 11, 2013, 02:44:19 PM
I’d go with a more traditional 4-4-2 to try and offer Stevens (my choice) and Lowton a bit more cover, with N’Zogbia wide on the left and Holman wide on the right. I’d give them licence to drift central and keep some fluidity to the attacks. Holman also having an obligation to press.

The Big Dog would replace Bannan in the middle, with Andi and Benteke up top.

Vlaar would be straight back into the line up for me at the expense of Clarke, who I think has dipped a great deal. He’s far too loose when it comes to marking.


Who is the big dog?

Digby...Who else
Title: Re: Aston Villa v Southampton Pre-Match Thread
Post by: Chris Jameson on January 11, 2013, 02:45:59 PM
Big game, loads at stake. Bring it

Damon, is that really you?
Title: Re: Aston Villa v Southampton Pre-Match Thread
Post by: Clampy on January 11, 2013, 02:46:37 PM
I’d go with a more traditional 4-4-2 to try and offer Stevens (my choice) and Lowton a bit more cover, with N’Zogbia wide on the left and Holman wide on the right. I’d give them licence to drift central and keep some fluidity to the attacks. Holman also having an obligation to press.

The Big Dog would replace Bannan in the middle, with Andi and Benteke up top.

Vlaar would be straight back into the line up for me at the expense of Clarke, who I think has dipped a great deal. He’s far too loose when it comes to marking.


Who is the big dog?

Digby...Who else

I was going to say Cujo.
Title: Re: Aston Villa v Southampton Pre-Match Thread
Post by: eastie on January 11, 2013, 02:49:48 PM
I’d go with a more traditional 4-4-2 to try and offer Stevens (my choice) and Lowton a bit more cover, with N’Zogbia wide on the left and Holman wide on the right. I’d give them licence to drift central and keep some fluidity to the attacks. Holman also having an obligation to press.

The Big Dog would replace Bannan in the middle, with Andi and Benteke up top.

Vlaar would be straight back into the line up for me at the expense of Clarke, who I think has dipped a great deal. He’s far too loose when it comes to marking.


Who is the big dog?

Digby...Who else

Phew I was worried we had signed Karren Brady there for a minute!
Title: Re: Aston Villa v Southampton Pre-Match Thread
Post by: Clampy on January 11, 2013, 02:52:44 PM
Big game, loads at stake. Bring it

'Deflate the Saints' would have been better.
Title: Re: Aston Villa v Southampton Pre-Match Thread
Post by: damon loves JT on January 11, 2013, 03:04:14 PM
I'm bored of being pessimistic, that's all. One way or another, let's get this over with
Title: Re: Aston Villa v Southampton Pre-Match Thread
Post by: Chris Jameson on January 11, 2013, 03:04:27 PM
I’d go with a more traditional 4-4-2 to try and offer Stevens (my choice) and Lowton a bit more cover, with N’Zogbia wide on the left and Holman wide on the right. I’d give them licence to drift central and keep some fluidity to the attacks. Holman also having an obligation to press.

The Big Dog would replace Bannan in the middle, with Andi and Benteke up top.

Vlaar would be straight back into the line up for me at the expense of Clarke, who I think has dipped a great deal. He’s far too loose when it comes to marking.


Who is the big dog?

Digby...Who else

Clifford? He's a really big red dog.
Title: Re: Aston Villa v Southampton Pre-Match Thread
Post by: eastie on January 11, 2013, 03:09:56 PM
I’d go with a more traditional 4-4-2 to try and offer Stevens (my choice) and Lowton a bit more cover, with N’Zogbia wide on the left and Holman wide on the right. I’d give them licence to drift central and keep some fluidity to the attacks. Holman also having an obligation to press.

The Big Dog would replace Bannan in the middle, with Andi and Benteke up top.

Vlaar would be straight back into the line up for me at the expense of Clarke, who I think has dipped a great deal. He’s far too loose when it comes to marking.


Who is the big dog?

Digby...Who else

Clifford? He's a really big red dog.

As long as we stick a bone inside the ball that's it then - we have a plan b .
Title: Re: Aston Villa v Southampton Pre-Match Thread
Post by: glasses on January 11, 2013, 03:11:40 PM
I’d go with a more traditional 4-4-2 to try and offer Stevens (my choice) and Lowton a bit more cover, with N’Zogbia wide on the left and Holman wide on the right. I’d give them licence to drift central and keep some fluidity to the attacks. Holman also having an obligation to press.

The Big Dog would replace Bannan in the middle, with Andi and Benteke up top.

Vlaar would be straight back into the line up for me at the expense of Clarke, who I think has dipped a great deal. He’s far too loose when it comes to marking.


Who is the big dog?
Westwood
Title: Re: Aston Villa v Southampton Pre-Match Thread
Post by: Fernando Partridge on January 11, 2013, 03:12:41 PM
Have my ticket for this one and be cheering on! Dont want to be leaving earlier like wigan match !
 
Guzan lowton vlaar baker bennet holman bannan delph gabby weiman and beneteke to grind out a 1-0 win.
Gabby with the goal.
Title: Re: Aston Villa v Southampton Pre-Match Thread
Post by: UK Redsox on January 11, 2013, 03:19:57 PM
I’d go with a more traditional 4-4-2 to try and offer Stevens (my choice) and Lowton a bit more cover, with N’Zogbia wide on the left and Holman wide on the right. I’d give them licence to drift central and keep some fluidity to the attacks. Holman also having an obligation to press.

The Big Dog would replace Bannan in the middle, with Andi and Benteke up top.

Vlaar would be straight back into the line up for me at the expense of Clarke, who I think has dipped a great deal. He’s far too loose when it comes to marking.


Who is the big dog?

Digby...Who else

I was going to say Cujo.

The way things are going for Villa at the moment, its more likely to be Benji
Title: Re: Aston Villa v Southampton Pre-Match Thread
Post by: The Left Side on January 11, 2013, 03:57:55 PM
I had a dream last night we were winning this 2-1 with 6 minutes of injury time to go (Bannan scored for us) but soton equalised and H&V went into meltdown... mark my words!
Title: Re: Aston Villa v Southampton Pre-Match Thread
Post by: garyshawsknee on January 11, 2013, 03:59:22 PM
I had a dream last night we were winning this 2-1 with 6 minutes of injury time to go (Bannan scored for us) but soton equalised and H&V went into meltdown... mark my words!

Sad thing is,id take a 2-2 right now.
Title: Re: Aston Villa v Southampton Pre-Match Thread
Post by: Oscar Arce on January 11, 2013, 04:32:27 PM
There is no other option, we have to win or we are virtually finished this season.
I fear 2-1 to them, and I fear it will be the day finally people start calling for Lambert's head.
Title: Re: Aston Villa v Southampton Pre-Match Thread
Post by: onje_villa on January 11, 2013, 04:35:45 PM
Got my ticket booked for tomorrow. C'mon Villa I haven't seen a live home win in about a century, can we start tomorrow?
Followed by a couple of sturdy midfielders and a bit of Brazilian flair...
Title: Re: Aston Villa v Southampton Pre-Match Thread
Post by: Ads on January 11, 2013, 04:53:59 PM
Who is the big dog?

Westwood.
Title: Re: Aston Villa v Southampton Pre-Match Thread
Post by: Oscar Arce on January 11, 2013, 05:24:44 PM
Where the hell is El Hamadi ?
Title: Re: Aston Villa v Southampton Pre-Match Thread
Post by: tom jennings III on January 11, 2013, 05:25:40 PM
Who is the big dog?

Westwood.

Haha. And it's Friday yes it's Friday.

First of a run of 4 games for me on Saturday (Saints, Bradford, Millwall hopefully, Newcastle) all very winnable so Im going in with a positive attitude and the hope that there's not too much moaning at the first misplaced pass!
Title: Re: Aston Villa v Southampton Pre-Match Thread
Post by: Surrey Villain on January 11, 2013, 05:30:53 PM
Where the hell is El Hamadi ?

Africa somewhere.
Title: Re: Aston Villa v Southampton Pre-Match Thread
Post by: Drummond on January 11, 2013, 05:35:13 PM
Got my ticket booked for tomorrow. C'mon Villa I haven't seen a live home win in about a century, can we start tomorrow?
Followed by a couple of sturdy midfielders and a bit of Brazilian flair...

Are you Britain's oldest man?!
Title: Re: Aston Villa v Southampton Pre-Match Thread
Post by: onje_villa on January 11, 2013, 05:37:02 PM
Where the hell is El Hamadi ?

Could be a variant on the "Wally" books.

Other's could include:

Where's Vlaar?
Where's J2M?
Where's Richard Dunne?
Where's our ambition gone? (Do you see what I did there?!)
Title: Re: Aston Villa v Southampton Pre-Match Thread
Post by: TonyD on January 11, 2013, 05:40:31 PM
Is Makoun still on the payrole?   He was neat and tidy if you wanted to make a quick 8 yard pass in the middle of the park.    Who bought him?  TSM or TOFart?
Title: Re: Aston Villa v Southampton Pre-Match Thread
Post by: Chipsticks on January 11, 2013, 05:41:42 PM
Is Makoun still on the payrole?   He was neat and tidy if you wanted to make a quick 8 yard pass in the middle of the park.    Who bought him?  TSM or TOFart?

Houllier bought him; he's on loan at Rennes because we had issues with his work permit.
Title: Re: Aston Villa v Southampton Pre-Match Thread
Post by: villasjf on January 11, 2013, 05:46:51 PM
We couldn't get a work permit for J11 Mc because he couldnt speak English (new rules since he first came) KEM is in Africa with his Countrymen preparing for the cup I heard.
Title: Re: Aston Villa v Southampton Pre-Match Thread
Post by: TonyD on January 11, 2013, 05:52:42 PM
Is Makoun still on the payrole?   He was neat and tidy if you wanted to make a quick 8 yard pass in the middle of the park.    Who bought him?  TSM or TOFart?

Houllier bought him; he's on loan at Rennes because we had issues with his work permit.
Surely we have "experts" at the club who are paid to look into importnat things like work permits etc.
Title: Re: Aston Villa v Southampton Pre-Match Thread
Post by: Chipsticks on January 11, 2013, 05:54:47 PM
Is Makoun still on the payrole?   He was neat and tidy if you wanted to make a quick 8 yard pass in the middle of the park.    Who bought him?  TSM or TOFart?

Houllier bought him; he's on loan at Rennes because we had issues with his work permit.
Surely we have "experts" at the club who are paid to look into importnat things like work permits etc.

Well he's played for us before, so it's a bit confusing why he suddenly can't. It must be something completely out of the club's hands.
Title: Re: Aston Villa v Southampton Pre-Match Thread
Post by: neo_Villan on January 11, 2013, 05:59:55 PM
Where the hell is El Ahmadi ?
Fixed.
Title: Re: Aston Villa v Southampton Pre-Match Thread
Post by: JUAN PABLO on January 11, 2013, 06:01:21 PM
We couldn't get a work permit for J11 Mc because he couldnt speak English (new rules since he first came) KEM is in Africa with his Countrymen preparing for the cup I heard.

how does Tevez get away with him
Title: Re: Aston Villa v Southampton Pre-Match Thread
Post by: eastie on January 11, 2013, 06:05:20 PM
Is Makoun still on the payrole?   He was neat and tidy if you wanted to make a quick 8 yard pass in the middle of the park.    Who bought him?  TSM or TOFart?

Houllier bought him; he's on loan at Rennes because we had issues with his work permit.
Surely we have "experts" at the club who are paid to look into importnat things like work permits etc.

Well he's played for us before, so it's a bit confusing why he suddenly can't. It must be something completely out of the club's hands.

Weren't there reports about him failing an English test last summer, you would think the club would sort things like learning the language out but it was reported he gave up on the classes .
Title: Re: Aston Villa v Southampton Pre-Match Thread
Post by: preston28 on January 11, 2013, 06:58:37 PM
Going to this one with my son. I think a 2-1 win. Benteke and Weimann for us. Lambert for them................
Title: Re: Aston Villa v Southampton Pre-Match Thread
Post by: Rigadon on January 11, 2013, 07:18:30 PM
Must win.  Get an early goal and we'll win convincingly.  Lose an early goal and it'll be boos and Lamert out en masse.  I think the former if Vlaar is back.
Title: Re: Aston Villa v Southampton Pre-Match Thread
Post by: Rancid custard on January 11, 2013, 07:26:34 PM
I'll go for a shaky 2 -1 win for us.
Title: Re: Aston Villa v Southampton Pre-Match Thread
Post by: Chipsticks on January 11, 2013, 07:31:49 PM
Is Makoun still on the payrole?   He was neat and tidy if you wanted to make a quick 8 yard pass in the middle of the park.    Who bought him?  TSM or TOFart?

Houllier bought him; he's on loan at Rennes because we had issues with his work permit.
Surely we have "experts" at the club who are paid to look into importnat things like work permits etc.

Well he's played for us before, so it's a bit confusing why he suddenly can't. It must be something completely out of the club's hands.

Weren't there reports about him failing an English test last summer, you would think the club would sort things like learning the language out but it was reported he gave up on the classes .

You can hardly blame the club for that though.
Title: Re: Aston Villa v Southampton Pre-Match Thread
Post by: silhillvilla on January 11, 2013, 07:43:58 PM
Got my ticket booked for tomorrow. C'mon Villa I haven't seen a live home win in about a century, can we start tomorrow?
Followed by a couple of sturdy midfielders and a bit of Brazilian flair...
Can't help with the other stuff but you can try The Rocket Club on Broad St for the Brazilian Flair
Title: Re: Aston Villa v Southampton Pre-Match Thread
Post by: pauliewalnuts on January 11, 2013, 07:45:18 PM
Lose this, and we are slipping into very big trouble indeed.

I think the best we'll get is a draw. We just never look like winning matches these days.
Title: Re: Aston Villa v Southampton Pre-Match Thread
Post by: Tom_Mc9? on January 11, 2013, 08:13:29 PM
4-0.
Title: Re: Aston Villa v Southampton Pre-Match Thread
Post by: N'ZMAV on January 11, 2013, 08:14:40 PM
4-0.
lollolololololololololllllllzzzzzzzzzzzzz
Title: Re: Aston Villa v Southampton Pre-Match Thread
Post by: Tom_Mc9? on January 11, 2013, 08:17:40 PM
The only part that makes me doubt it is the -0. So I'll go for something between 4-0 and 4-2.
Title: Re: Aston Villa v Southampton Pre-Match Thread
Post by: garyshawsknee on January 11, 2013, 08:18:56 PM
Going to this one with my son. I think a 2-1 win. Benteke and Weimann for us. Lambert for them................

Fcuk,i forgot about Lambert,he won't believe his luck tomorrow when it comes to set pieces and corners.
Title: Re: Aston Villa v Southampton Pre-Match Thread
Post by: SoccerHQ on January 11, 2013, 08:29:06 PM
Don't think we'll see Bennett tommorrow. Either Baker or Stevens at left back I reckon. Vlaar would've probably been given another week but for the horror show at Bradford, needs must he starts I think.

Surprised people are putting Gabby ahead of CNZ. N'zogbia for all his many faults at least looks lively these last two games so I'd push him right upfront alongside Weimann and Benteke.

Southampton let shed loads in aswell let's not forget.
Title: Re: Aston Villa v Southampton Pre-Match Thread
Post by: Fin Feds Dad on January 11, 2013, 08:32:56 PM
1 - 1.

Wiemann.

It'll be shit.
Title: Re: Aston Villa v Southampton Pre-Match Thread
Post by: Louzie0 on January 11, 2013, 08:35:07 PM
Villa win. Easy. 3-0. or more...
Southampton, right?
Title: Re: Aston Villa v Southampton Pre-Match Thread
Post by: Witton Warrior on January 11, 2013, 08:38:27 PM
My lad said he can't wait for tomorrow's match - "we have to get behind them and we must win - we can help"

Every time over the last two and a bit seasons he has said this I haven't been able to bring myself to tell him that it may not matter how much we care and it affects us but we may still lose - where did my blind faith go?
Title: Re: Aston Villa v Southampton Pre-Match Thread
Post by: Ads on January 11, 2013, 08:42:22 PM
I've taken my missus to eight games and she has seen us win 8 times, including Prague.

I will have to dig her out for some of these games. Maybe even make her dye her hair ginger so she can be the living personification of the Orange Dot.
Title: Re: Aston Villa v Southampton Pre-Match Thread
Post by: LeeB on January 11, 2013, 08:56:46 PM
I've taken my missus to eight games and she has seen us win 8 times, including Prague.

I will have to dig her out for some of these games. Maybe even make her dye her hair ginger so she can be the living personification of the Orange Dot.

Make sure you do the carpet too.
Title: Re: Aston Villa v Southampton Pre-Match Thread
Post by: Ads on January 11, 2013, 08:59:16 PM
Do the collars need to match the cuffs?

Besides, I had enough ginger fanny to last me a life time after last season.
Title: Re: Aston Villa v Southampton Pre-Match Thread
Post by: danlanza on January 11, 2013, 09:06:49 PM
Don't think we'll see Bennett tommorrow. Either Baker or Stevens at left back I reckon. Vlaar would've probably been given another week but for the horror show at Bradford, needs must he starts I think.

Surprised people are putting Gabby ahead of CNZ. N'zogbia for all his many faults at least looks lively these last two games so I'd push him right upfront alongside Weimann and Benteke.

Southampton let shed loads in aswell let's not forget.
On that note i will go for a 7-6 win for us and to hell with the depression. C'mon Villa FFS. UTV.
Title: Re: Aston Villa v Southampton Pre-Match Thread
Post by: Five Villa Tattoos on January 11, 2013, 09:11:22 PM
2-1 to us. Lambert for them , Benteke and Gabby for us.
Title: Re: Aston Villa v Southampton Pre-Match Thread
Post by: Matt C on January 11, 2013, 09:24:58 PM
I keep telling myself it can't get any worse and our glorious comeback is only just around the corner. It has to happen eventually.

2-1 Villa.
Title: Re: Aston Villa v Southampton Pre-Match Thread
Post by: danlanza on January 11, 2013, 09:44:03 PM
Bloody hell. I do believe this thread is getting a bit more positive.
Title: Re: Aston Villa v Southampton Pre-Match Thread
Post by: N'ZMAV on January 11, 2013, 09:44:32 PM
I've taken my missus to eight games and she has seen us win 8 times, including Prague.

I will have to dig her out for some of these games. Maybe even make her dye her hair ginger so she can be the living personification of the Orange Dot.

Make sure you do the carpet too.
No carpet.
Title: Re: Aston Villa v Southampton Pre-Match Thread
Post by: gervilla on January 11, 2013, 09:50:33 PM
Is Makoun still on the payrole?   He was neat and tidy if you wanted to make a quick 8 yard pass in the middle of the park.    Who bought him?  TSM or TOFart?

Houllier bought him; he's on loan at Rennes because we had issues with his work permit.
Surely we have "experts" at the club who are paid to look into importnat things like work permits etc.

Of course. Just like we have experts at the club that teach the players how to defend.
Title: Re: Aston Villa v Southampton Pre-Match Thread
Post by: Goldie.7 on January 11, 2013, 09:58:17 PM
1-3 them.
Title: Re: Aston Villa v Southampton Pre-Match Thread
Post by: silhillvilla on January 11, 2013, 10:13:50 PM
Bloody hell. I do believe this thread is getting a bit more positive.
I blame the supermarkets and cheap alcohol.
Title: Re: Aston Villa v Southampton Pre-Match Thread
Post by: onje_villa on January 11, 2013, 10:15:03 PM
Got my ticket booked for tomorrow. C'mon Villa I haven't seen a live home win in about a century, can we start tomorrow?
Followed by a couple of sturdy midfielders and a bit of Brazilian flair...
Can't help with the other stuff but you can try The Rocket Club on Broad St for the Brazilian Flair
:)
Title: Re: Aston Villa v Southampton Pre-Match Thread
Post by: onje_villa on January 11, 2013, 10:16:36 PM
I've taken my missus to eight games and she has seen us win 8 times, including Prague.

I will have to dig her out for some of these games. Maybe even make her dye her hair ginger so she can be the living personification of the Orange Dot.
Shit, she must be about 108!
I haven't seen us win live in about 5 years!
Title: Re: Aston Villa v Southampton Pre-Match Thread
Post by: danlanza on January 11, 2013, 10:37:03 PM
Bloody hell. I do believe this thread is getting a bit more positive.
I blame the supermarkets and cheap alcohol.
That may have something to do with it ;D
Title: Re: Aston Villa v Southampton Pre-Match Thread
Post by: Phil from the upper holte on January 11, 2013, 10:38:58 PM
Don't want to be negative for sake of it, however I really think they'll exploit our weakness on the left and I think Lambert will have a field day, fear for a bit of a hostile atmosphere
Title: Re: Aston Villa v Southampton Pre-Match Thread
Post by: Phil from the upper holte on January 11, 2013, 10:43:39 PM
Must win.  Get an early goal and we'll win convincingly.  Lose an early goal and it'll be boos and Lamert out en masse.  I think the former if Vlaar is back.

That's it for me, if we score first I think we'll win, just when we concede first you can see the confidence just drain from the team
Title: Re: Aston Villa v Southampton Pre-Match Thread
Post by: neo_Villan on January 12, 2013, 12:34:03 AM
Must win.  Get an early goal and we'll win convincingly.  Lose an early goal and it'll be boos and Lamert out en masse.  I think the former if Vlaar is back.

That's it for me, if we score first I think we'll win, just when we concede first you can see the confidence just drain from the team
I think it has been the same for every match this season. We have only gained 2 points from losing positions so far. (Against WBA and Swansea)
Title: Re: Aston Villa v Southampton Pre-Match Thread
Post by: timeoutbigbar on January 12, 2013, 12:43:04 AM
Spur of the moment decided to go, better win now!  2-0 Villa.
Title: Re: Aston Villa v Southampton Pre-Match Thread
Post by: Proposition Joe on January 12, 2013, 12:49:49 AM
We're going to have to 100% on it from the start because they will be set up to absolutely tear into us from the kick off.

At least they would be if I were their manager.

So start with a flat back 10 and take it from there :-)
Title: Re: Aston Villa v Southampton Pre-Match Thread
Post by: brontebilly on January 12, 2013, 12:57:19 AM
we need the first goal. They are utter shite too which shouldnt be forgotten. 3-2 Villa.
Title: Re: Aston Villa v Southampton Pre-Match Thread
Post by: villan from luton on January 12, 2013, 01:12:32 AM
If Vlaar is back, why not push Clark into defensive midfield role with a fit Westwood and let the forward players do the business?
Title: Re: Aston Villa v Southampton Pre-Match Thread
Post by: russon on January 12, 2013, 07:04:40 AM
If we go behind by a couple of goals the Holte will reveal what armageddon looks like. I've seen little in recent weeks to suggest anything other than yet another defeat. 1-3.
Title: Re: Aston Villa v Southampton Pre-Match Thread
Post by: ACVilla on January 12, 2013, 07:08:25 AM
Wouldn't you just give anything for a routine 2-0 win.

So that's what I'll say 2-0.
Title: Re: Aston Villa v Southampton Pre-Match Thread
Post by: Ian. on January 12, 2013, 07:33:21 AM
A routine win would be fantastic. However I can not see how our team are going to pick themselves up for this one. If they do, fair play to them and Lambert but I can't see it.

2 - 0 but the other way round.
Title: Re: Aston Villa v Southampton Pre-Match Thread
Post by: ozzjim on January 12, 2013, 07:44:54 AM
If Vlaar is back, why not push Clark into defensive midfield role with a fit Westwood and let the forward players do the business?


If Vlaar is fit, I would be tempted to go 4-4-2 with Gabby and Holman out wide and asked to help their full backs out, Vlaar and Baker in the middle, Clark left back, Westwood and Delph in the middle and Benteke and Weimann up top.
Title: Re: Aston Villa v Southampton Pre-Match Thread
Post by: damon loves JT on January 12, 2013, 08:32:45 AM
Uh-oh. Lawro has predicted a Villa win.
Title: Re: Aston Villa v Southampton Pre-Match Thread
Post by: Nastylee on January 12, 2013, 08:46:26 AM
I just hope people aren't pinning too much on the return of Vlaar. Let's face it, we were hardly pulling up trees when he was fit. Would love to see Dunne back despite what people say. Also, we need to stop conceding first, especially in the first 20 mins, it just kills us.
Title: Re: Aston Villa v Southampton Pre-Match Thread
Post by: TopDeck113 on January 12, 2013, 09:02:53 AM
We'll almost certainly concede. We might score. Draw.
Title: Re: Aston Villa v Southampton Pre-Match Thread
Post by: Fergal on January 12, 2013, 09:03:35 AM
Uh-oh. Lawro has predicted a Villa win.
We really are fucked then...
Title: Re: Aston Villa v Southampton Pre-Match Thread
Post by: Clampy on January 12, 2013, 09:36:34 AM
If Vlaar is back, why not push Clark into defensive midfield role with a fit Westwood and let the forward players do the business?


If Vlaar is fit, I would be tempted to go 4-4-2 with Gabby and Holman out wide and asked to help their full backs out, Vlaar and Baker in the middle, Clark left back, Westwood and Delph in the middle and Benteke and Weimann up top.

Sorry Ozz mate but Clark is not a left back. I can't say i'm totally convinced by him at centre half either but less so at full back.
Title: Re: Aston Villa v Southampton Pre-Match Thread
Post by: TheTimVilla on January 12, 2013, 09:41:25 AM
Well we need a solution at left back. I'd even stick Delph there. But not Stevens, Bennett or Lichaj.

I expect us to beat Southampton at home, but then I also expected us to beat Wigan at home and Bradford away.

To stay up, we have to rely on there being three worse teams than us, so Southampton doing the double over us will be a kick in the nuts.
Title: Re: Aston Villa v Southampton Pre-Match Thread
Post by: PaulWinch again on January 12, 2013, 10:05:33 AM
Off to Villa Park in a bit, it's a 6 hour round trip from Winchester so come on Villa please please win.
Title: Re: Aston Villa v Southampton Pre-Match Thread
Post by: danlanza on January 12, 2013, 10:42:53 AM
Well we need a solution at left back. I'd even stick Delph there. But not Stevens, Bennett or Lichaj.

I expect us to beat Southampton at home, but then I also expected us to beat Wigan at home and Bradford away.

To stay up, we have to rely on there being three worse teams than us, so Southampton doing the double over us will be a kick in the nuts.
Can't we just go to the localB&Q, buy a load of breeze blocks and just block our goalmouth up for this game ? Doesn't look like we will sign anybody at the moment and Lerner would be happy with the expense of a few bricks >:(
Title: Re: Aston Villa v Southampton Pre-Match Thread
Post by: supertom on January 12, 2013, 10:43:39 AM
Well we need a solution at left back. I'd even stick Delph there. But not Stevens, Bennett or Lichaj.

I expect us to beat Southampton at home, but then I also expected us to beat Wigan at home and Bradford away.

To stay up, we have to rely on there being thre
Title: Re: Aston Villa v Southampton Pre-Match Thread
Post by: JJ-AV on January 12, 2013, 10:56:30 AM
Loss.
Title: Re: Aston Villa v Southampton Pre-Match Thread
Post by: silhillvilla on January 12, 2013, 10:56:50 AM
Please villa 3 points today
Title: Re: Aston Villa v Southampton Pre-Match Thread
Post by: Clampy on January 12, 2013, 11:02:33 AM
Ok, today i'd go with.......

Guzan

Lowton    Vlaar (if fit)  Baker    Lichaj

Bannan  Westwood  Delph  Holman

      Weimann      Benteke

Subs: Given (if fit) Clark Gabby Ireland N'Zogbia Bennett Carruthers
Title: Re: Aston Villa v Southampton Pre-Match Thread
Post by: manic-road on January 12, 2013, 11:04:57 AM
2-2 Draw, but desperate for the three points
Title: Re: Aston Villa v Southampton Pre-Match Thread
Post by: eastie on January 12, 2013, 11:05:08 AM
If Vlaar is back, why not push Clark into defensive midfield role with a fit Westwood and let the forward players do the business?


If Vlaar is fit, I would be tempted to go 4-4-2 with Gabby and Holman out wide and asked to help their full backs out, Vlaar and Baker in the middle, Clark left back, Westwood and Delph in the middle and Benteke and Weimann up top.

Sorry Ozz mate but Clark is not a left back. I can't say i'm totally convinced by him at centre half either but less so at full back.


Agree with you clamps, I see him as a defensive midfielder personally.
Title: Re: Aston Villa v Southampton Pre-Match Thread
Post by: eastie on January 12, 2013, 11:07:22 AM
Ok, today i'd go with.......

Guzan

Lowton    Vlaar (if fit)  Baker    Lichaj

Bannan  Westwood  Delph  Holman

      Weimann      Benteke

Subs: Given (if fit) Clark Gabby Ireland N'Zogbia Bennett Carruthers

Nzogbia for Holman and Clark for Delph , left back Stevens rather than lichaj .
Title: Re: Aston Villa v Southampton Pre-Match Thread
Post by: Can Gana Be Bettered!?!? on January 12, 2013, 11:08:31 AM
So long a Delph is nowhere near the team, I'd be happy.

If (!!!) Vlaar is back, then he comes in and Clark goes into midfield and replaces the useless cretin that is Delph.

If he's not, then I'd prefer PL played instead of Delph. I even think Doug could do a better job than Delph.

We will not keep a clean sheet.
Title: Re: Aston Villa v Southampton Pre-Match Thread
Post by: Mazrim on January 12, 2013, 11:08:44 AM
Strangely enough, I feel pretty confident of a win.
2-1.
Title: Re: Aston Villa v Southampton Pre-Match Thread
Post by: onje_villa on January 12, 2013, 11:09:01 AM
Well we need a solution at left back. I'd even stick Delph there. But not Stevens, Bennett or Lichaj.

I expect us to beat Southampton at home, but then I also expected us to beat Wigan at home and Bradford away.

To stay up, we have to rely on there being three worse teams than us, so Southampton doing the double over us will be a kick in the nuts.
I think Stevens actually looked pretty solid when he played earlier in the season.

It made sense to bring Bennett in when we were looking to push on as he's dangerous going forward but if you're looking for solid, think you have to go with Stevens.
Title: Re: Aston Villa v Southampton Pre-Match Thread
Post by: eastie on January 12, 2013, 11:13:26 AM
I still think Bennett will come good but his confidence is a bit shot and he needs taking out today, Stevens being a left back offers more than lichaj .
Title: Re: Aston Villa v Southampton Pre-Match Thread
Post by: Clampy on January 12, 2013, 11:14:16 AM
I only left out N'Zogbia because with our defence being in the fragile state it is, i just think an extra midfielder in there will help keep it a bit tighter and protect the back 4 a bit better. I know we're at home but Wigan found it easy enough to score past us.
Title: Re: Aston Villa v Southampton Pre-Match Thread
Post by: eastie on January 12, 2013, 11:14:59 AM
 This Villa team need you 2day more than ever..Use your voice to encourage-your hands to applaud & your heart to love
Title: Re: Aston Villa v Southampton Pre-Match Thread
Post by: cheltenhamlion on January 12, 2013, 11:16:41 AM
I have woken up with every confidence of a victory. The first goal is the key mind. And if we are to fall behind then let's not do it early.
Title: Re: Aston Villa v Southampton Pre-Match Thread
Post by: eastie on January 12, 2013, 11:17:12 AM
I only left out N'Zogbia because with our defence being in the fragile state it is, i just think an extra midfielder in there will help keep it a bit tighter and protect the back 4 a bit better. I know we're at home but Wigan found it easy enough to score past us.

I see your thinking , but think Clark and Westwood as defensive midfielders would provide some protection , Stevens would hold position more at left back and Vlaar would organise the defence so hope things would be more solid- if Vlaar fails his fitness test it will be a big blow.
Title: Re: Aston Villa v Southampton Pre-Match Thread
Post by: eastie on January 12, 2013, 11:18:46 AM
I have woken up with every confidence of a victory. The first goal is the key mind. And if we are to fall behind then let's not do it early.

I hope you are right , agree about going behind not too early but I'd rather go behind early than in the last minute!
Title: Re: Aston Villa v Southampton Pre-Match Thread
Post by: PeterWithesShin on January 12, 2013, 11:21:10 AM
Confident we'll win.

And don't forget to pick up your H&V today, ideally from me!  ;D
Title: Re: Aston Villa v Southampton Pre-Match Thread
Post by: damon loves JT on January 12, 2013, 11:25:40 AM
If we concede, we have to hit back straight away. I have a feeling it was Holman's quick equaliser at Norwich that gave us the confidence to win that game. And Benteke scoring when we were under the cosh at Anfield
Title: Re: Aston Villa v Southampton Pre-Match Thread
Post by: Clampy on January 12, 2013, 11:26:51 AM
Confident we'll win.

And don't forget to pick up your H&V today, ideally from me!  ;D

Did you say you sell opposite Dave? Were you there last week wearing a hat?
Title: Re: Aston Villa v Southampton Pre-Match Thread
Post by: cheltenhamlion on January 12, 2013, 11:27:18 AM
I just have a feeling that we might give their defence the runaround today.
Title: Re: Aston Villa v Southampton Pre-Match Thread
Post by: eastie on January 12, 2013, 11:28:30 AM
Confident we'll win.

And don't forget to pick up your H&V today, ideally from me!  ;D



Did you say you sell opposite Dave? Were you there last week wearing a hat?

He is the one who looks like a Ukrainian boxer.
Title: Re: Aston Villa v Southampton Pre-Match Thread
Post by: PeterWithesShin on January 12, 2013, 11:29:52 AM
Confident we'll win.

And don't forget to pick up your H&V today, ideally from me!  ;D

Did you say you sell opposite Dave? Were you there last week wearing a hat?

Nope, I wasn't selling v Ipswich. As far as I know I will be opposite Dave W today, outside the North Stand gates.
Title: Re: Aston Villa v Southampton Pre-Match Thread
Post by: PeterWithesShin on January 12, 2013, 11:30:34 AM
Confident we'll win.

And don't forget to pick up your H&V today, ideally from me!  ;D



Did you say you sell opposite Dave? Were you there last week wearing a hat?

He is the one who looks like a Ukrainian boxer.

And Brad Pitt's better looking brother. *cough*
Title: Re: Aston Villa v Southampton Pre-Match Thread
Post by: Clampy on January 12, 2013, 11:32:03 AM
Confident we'll win.

And don't forget to pick up your H&V today, ideally from me!  ;D

Did you say you sell opposite Dave? Were you there last week wearing a hat?

Nope, I wasn't selling v Ipswich. As far as I know I will be opposite Dave W today, outside the North Stand gates.

I'll pop past and buy one if i get time.
Title: Re: Aston Villa v Southampton Pre-Match Thread
Post by: PeterWithesShin on January 12, 2013, 11:32:49 AM
Right, time to head off otherwise Dave won't give us our pre-match gruel. If you pass by stop and say hello, always nice to put faces to names. Enjoy the game. UTV!
Title: Re: Aston Villa v Southampton Pre-Match Thread
Post by: saunders_heroes on January 12, 2013, 11:54:09 AM
Right, we're going to win today.

COME ON!!!
Title: Re: Aston Villa v Southampton Pre-Match Thread
Post by: citizenDJ on January 12, 2013, 12:00:08 PM
God, I hope we get a win today. Sadly, I just don't think we'll get one. I just hope the team show some sort of fight, or belief, or spirit, or whatever you want to call it.

Depressing, I know. I'm starting to forget what it feels like to enjoy watching football, I'm approaching each Villa game with a growing sense of dread.

Ah well, maybe I'll be cheered up by a rousing win today.
Title: Re: Aston Villa v Southampton Pre-Match Thread
Post by: eastie on January 12, 2013, 12:03:11 PM
Never know what to expect these days with villa- it's like a rollercoaster .
Lets hope today is a high .
Title: Re: Aston Villa v Southampton Pre-Match Thread
Post by: jimmygreen on January 12, 2013, 12:09:25 PM
Looks like Auntie can smell blood. Mark Chapman is at VP. Are we gonna have to listen to Alan cocking Green again telling us how abominable we are?
Title: Re: Aston Villa v Southampton Pre-Match Thread
Post by: VillaAlways on January 12, 2013, 12:11:22 PM
Never know what to expect these days with villa- it's like a rollercoaster .
Lets hope today is a high .
I'd describe us more as a Big Dipper than a rollercoaster
Title: Re: Aston Villa v Southampton Pre-Match Thread
Post by: adrenachrome on January 12, 2013, 12:42:44 PM
Looks like Auntie can smell blood. Mark Chapman is at VP. Are we gonna have to listen to Alan cocking Green again telling us how abominable we are?
Talk shite are broadcasting from VP as well.
Title: Re: Aston Villa v Southampton Pre-Match Thread
Post by: danlanza on January 12, 2013, 12:43:25 PM
Just hope we do not get a right tonking because then i think the bullet will land right in Lamberts head.
If he is sacked after todays game, because of another heavy home defeat, then we can pretty much say we are nailed on for relegation ,.or a constant battle to avoid it. Cmon Villa, give us something to be positive about, please, please, please.
Title: Re: Aston Villa v Southampton Pre-Match Thread
Post by: VillaAlways on January 12, 2013, 12:46:24 PM
Looks like Auntie can smell blood. Mark Chapman is at VP. Are we gonna have to listen to Alan cocking Green again telling us how abominable we are?
Talk shite are broadcasting from VP as well.

With Blue Nose Ian Danter
Title: Re: Aston Villa v Southampton Pre-Match Thread
Post by: danlanza on January 12, 2013, 01:09:41 PM
We need to win this to shut those fuckers up.
Title: Re: Aston Villa v Southampton Pre-Match Thread
Post by: tomd2103 on January 12, 2013, 01:18:51 PM
Ok, today i'd go with.......

Guzan

Lowton    Vlaar (if fit)  Baker    Lichaj

Bannan  Westwood  Delph  Holman

      Weimann      Benteke

Subs: Given (if fit) Clark Gabby Ireland N'Zogbia Bennett Carruthers

Nzogbia for Holman and Clark for Delph , left back Stevens rather than lichaj .

Agree with those two changes, but would go with N'Zogbia and Holman as the wide options.  The news about Vlaar and Westwood possibly being back has lifted my spirits and I am quite looking forward to going to this one.
Title: Re: Aston Villa v Southampton Pre-Match Thread
Post by: damon loves JT on January 12, 2013, 01:20:21 PM
Ideal outcome would be to disappoint all of them, and give them nothing to say.
Title: Re: Aston Villa v Southampton Pre-Match Thread
Post by: VillaAlways on January 12, 2013, 01:22:16 PM
Ideal outcome would be to disappoint all of them, and give them nothing to say.
Absolutely.Everybody is absolutely gagging for us to lose today
Title: Re: Aston Villa v Southampton Pre-Match Thread
Post by: myf on January 12, 2013, 01:23:29 PM
Never know what to expect these days with villa- it's like a rollercoaster .
Lets hope today is a high .

a broken rollercoaster which can't move?
Title: Re: Aston Villa v Southampton Pre-Match Thread
Post by: VillaAlways on January 12, 2013, 01:25:45 PM
Never know what to expect these days with villa- it's like a rollercoaster .
Lets hope today is a high .

a broken rollercoaster which can't move?
or completely off the rails?This isn't a rollercoaster ,it's just shit
Title: Re: Aston Villa v Southampton Pre-Match Thread
Post by: Chipsticks on January 12, 2013, 01:28:18 PM
I'm feeling a lot more confident than I did a few days ago. C'mon the Villa, just bladdy do them.
Title: Re: Aston Villa v Southampton Pre-Match Thread
Post by: Gaztonniller on January 12, 2013, 01:43:44 PM
  If Benteke on his game today then  3-2 Villa.
Title: Re: Aston Villa v Southampton Pre-Match Thread
Post by: N'ZMAV on January 12, 2013, 01:52:45 PM
Warnock starts.
Title: Re: Aston Villa v Southampton Pre-Match Thread
Post by: cheltenhamlion on January 12, 2013, 01:54:04 PM
The Bartons is full of very over confident Southampton fans. The more I slurp and talk, the more I fancy us.
Title: Re: Aston Villa v Southampton Pre-Match Thread
Post by: Chris Jameson on January 12, 2013, 01:55:44 PM
The more I slurp and talk, the more I fancy us.

Beer goggles, careful, bet you think you're all great dancers too!
Title: Re: Aston Villa v Southampton Pre-Match Thread
Post by: VillaAlways on January 12, 2013, 01:56:25 PM
Warnock starts.
really?
Title: Re: Aston Villa v Southampton Pre-Match Thread
Post by: N'ZMAV on January 12, 2013, 01:56:47 PM
Warnock starts.
really?
was a joke.
Title: Re: Aston Villa v Southampton Pre-Match Thread
Post by: VILLA MOLE on January 12, 2013, 01:57:30 PM
The more I slurp and talk, the more I fancy us.

Beer goggles, careful, bet you think you're all great dancers too!

and that barmaid fancies you
Title: Re: Aston Villa v Southampton Pre-Match Thread
Post by: Risso on January 12, 2013, 01:59:28 PM
Warnock starts.
really?
was a joke.

Wouldn't be a bad idea.  Bennett was woeful against Bradford.
Title: Re: Aston Villa v Southampton Pre-Match Thread
Post by: VillaAlways on January 12, 2013, 01:59:39 PM
Warnock starts.
really?
was a joke.
Why? I'd welcome him
Title: Re: Aston Villa v Southampton Pre-Match Thread
Post by: cheltenhamlion on January 12, 2013, 02:04:28 PM
The barmaid really does like me! To quote the kids however, there isn't much clunge in here.

I have seen away teams get the Bartons wrong before and turn in Burberry caps. There are a few in here from the South Coast with tweed caps!
Title: Re: Aston Villa v Southampton Pre-Match Thread
Post by: Chris Jameson on January 12, 2013, 02:06:43 PM
There are a few in here from the South Coast with tweed caps!

So some ladies have made the journey then.
Title: Re: Aston Villa v Southampton Pre-Match Thread
Post by: berneboy on January 12, 2013, 02:07:11 PM
stevens back. westwood and holman back

Vlaar is a sub with Gabby
Title: Re: Aston Villa v Southampton Pre-Match Thread
Post by: cheltenhamlion on January 12, 2013, 02:08:25 PM
I didn't know you could colour code your cap, Chris. If only I had thought of it.
Title: Re: Aston Villa v Southampton Pre-Match Thread
Post by: Chris Jameson on January 12, 2013, 02:10:53 PM
I didn't know you could colour code your cap, Chris. If only I had thought of it.

First thing we get taught up here in Yorkshire, although it might be different with tweed. I've only been taught flat cap etiquette.
Title: Re: Aston Villa v Southampton Pre-Match Thread
Post by: Boz on January 12, 2013, 02:20:16 PM
stevens back. westwood and holman back

Vlaar is a sub with Gabby

Vlaar as sub, if he has to come on, will it be because we've already conceded, if so could be too late.
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