Heroes & Villains, the Aston Villa fanzine
Heroes & Villains => Match Threads & Player Ratings => Topic started by: Legion on April 01, 2013, 04:43:46 PM
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Saturday 6.4.13 3pm
0-3 away win
Benteke 4
Weimann 8
Agbonlahor 66
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Villa win.
Please.
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I am pessimistic about this one. I think we will lose 2-0. They will bully our fragile defence into submission.
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Minimum of a draw required meaning we'll need to beat Fulham the week after.
If we take all 3pts at Stoke then the table should be looking more favourable with Chelsea beating Sunderland and hopefully QPR taking points off Wigan (potentially 2pts ahead of both Sunderland and Wigan).
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Just. Win.
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We need Concrete Ron to be at his concretest, Baker to stand firm, Benteke to do what he's done all season, Guzan to continue to boss his box. We also need non-idiotic yellow cards that become reds later so wise up Delph.
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1-1. Stoke have only been beaten at home twice this season so a draw will have to do.
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0-3
Agbonlahor, Benteke, Bannan
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The key will be to score 1st in this game - stoke are not great going forward and are there to be beaten 0-2 villa win!
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About bloody time we got a win up there.
1-2 (Benteke, Gabby)
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Don't think we'll lose this. 1-1.
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I think we'll lose this they'll batter our fragile defence into submission 2-0.
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We could obviously lose to a set piece goal. But I really fancy us to win this one. I think we'll be a real threat on the break
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0 0
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2-1 Villa.
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The key will be to score 1st in this game - stoke are not great going forward and are there to be beaten 0-2 villa win!
we always score first, its the second half we give it away
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Remember also that Stoke are usually home and dry by this time of the year. Thus they always finish the season poorly. This is the first time I can remember that there is a lot of pressure on them in the run-in. We are better away and the pressure is more on them IMO. Plus they are lowest scorers in the league aren't they? A result is there for the taking as far as I'm concerned.
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Them 1 Us 2
My first away league game for donkeys years so we are guaranteed to win.
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Long ball, clearance, long throw in, clearance, corner, clearance. Repeat for 90 odd minutes.
0-0
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Them 1 Us 2
My first away league game for donkeys years so we are guaranteed to win.
A defeat and you might be walking back
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A glittering feast of fluid fooball no doubt. 8)
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Very few our players have the physique for the sort of crypto-sumo wrestling which is required for all dead ball situations against Pulis's Sterk. Expect a new record for the time is in the air or out of play.
Dig tunnels deep, hide grain everywhere and do not try to establish hegemony.
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This will either be 0-0 or a last minute Stoke win judging by our previous 4 games up there, it won't be pretty that's for sure. Tempted to give CNZ a start if Weimann dosen't recover, it's a tight pitch so we need some pace in the centre of midfield to run at their back 4.
I'd take a point tbh as I think we can beat Fulham. 8 points from Stoke, Sunderland, Fulham and Norwich is what we need in the run in.
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Should be a thriller...with two teams who play the BARCELONA way, 6-5 to Villa with Lionel Bannan scoring 4 in the last 10 mins.
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I think we need cylla and baker at left back, to cope with their only threat. We can do this I am sure
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1-1 Stoke seem to have gone back a lot since Rory Delap threw in the towel (and the ball)and moved to Barnsley.
Nathan Baker should be able to deal with Jerome or Jones who are pretty basic and Crouchy hasnt scored for ages.
Midfield of Westwood/Delph/Sylla with Carruthers and after this weekend Robinson on the bench.
Benteke will need to be at his strongarm best. I cant see him getting much help up front.
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I'll go 1-1; Jones for them and Agbonlahor for us
I know they're on the slide but tough to beat at home so would be happy with a hard earned point
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I nervy 1-0 win for us. Benteke to score
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Their take on things:
http://oatcakefanzine.proboards.com/thread/211300/why-stoke-beat-villa
Has Chris Jameson bumped off all the stoke fans who used to post on here?
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Need to win.
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2.3
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Only beat Reading in last 10 games so hardly most confident going into the game against us.We coped with them well at Villa Park would have won with better finishing so fancy us on the break but as always the set pieces could be a worry.Baker should keep place even at LB as he is the strongest at defensive headers.
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1-1, although this lot are there for the taking and we owe them one.
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Avoiding defeat is the minimum requirement. Not quite a must win, but almost.
You could argue that if we can't beat teams like Stoke then we deserve to go down.
I've gone for a win, more out of blind faith than any other reason.
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Very few our players have the physique for the sort of crypto-sumo wrestling which is required for all dead ball situations against Pulis's Sterk. Expect a new record for the time is in the air or out of play.
We dealt quite comfortably with their set pieces at Villa Park earlier in the season. Although their pitch is narrow, I don't think they are particularly good in the full-back areas and we can get some joy there.
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we cant defend so they will score but so will we
2-2
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Their take on things:
http://oatcakefanzine.proboards.com/thread/211300/why-stoke-beat-villa
Interesting read...they seem to be shitting it as much as we are! From what the Stoke fans are saying, if we get an early goal then the crowd will turn and they dont think they will score unless one of our "defenders" is feeling charitable again. Common sense suggests that if we do get an early goal, then we stand a good chance of doubling our lead on the counter the longer the game goes on without them scoring.
A nice quote from that thread worthing noting...
Here's an interesting stat.
Villa have only kept one clean sheet this season...
... that was against us.
...time for another clean sheet please!
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In the league we had clean sheets against Swansea, Arsenal, Reading and Sunderland as well.
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We've kept more than one clean sheet. 2-0 v Swansea off the top of my head.
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What that poster probably meant was that the last clean sheet we kept was against them. To be honest, if we are to break our 20 games without a clean-sheet duck, then it will be against these lot. Lowest league scorers last season (Yes, even lower than us under TSM!!) and lowest so far this season. On the flipside, they have the perfect defence to face if they want to put that right.
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We definitely need Weimann back for this.
Not a game for Bannan, so I would go with a midfield of Westwood, Sylla and Delph, which should give us an extra man in there as Pullis is fairly rigid in his four across the midfield at home.
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I am pessimistic about this one. I think we will lose 2-0. They will bully our fragile defence into submission.
I can see where you're coming from, but, they tried that at Villa Park and failed.
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I'd love to go for a Villa win but our frailties are still very obvious. A draw for me, probably 2-2.
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We've done pretty well at defending set pieces lately (kiss of death) but I can't see us keeping their lumps up to their lampposts out for 90 minutes. 2-2, with Tiny Penis bemoaning the fact that his breathtaking brand of high tempo, entertaining football didn't deliver them 3 points
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We definitely need Weimann back for this.
Not a game for Bannan, so I would go with a midfield of Westwood, Sylla and Delph, which should give us an extra man in there as Pullis is fairly rigid in his four across the midfield at home.
I'd agree with this, or maybe Clark in the middle in place of Sylla which would give us a bit more height in the box defending corners?
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We definitely need Weimann back for this.
Not a game for Bannan, so I would go with a midfield of Westwood, Sylla and Delph, which should give us an extra man in there as Pullis is fairly rigid in his four across the midfield at home.
I'd agree with this, or maybe Clark in the middle in place of Sylla which would give us a bit more height in the box defending corners?
Should have been westwood, Delph and sylla from the start against Liverpool too, most people can see bannan offers nothing to this team.
Regarding Clark for sylla - no , I'm not even sure Clark is taller than sylla but sylla offers more than Clark in any case - let stoke worry about us !
This game is there to be won against a team woefully out of sorts - we play better away and I see nothing here but a villa win.
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The second half on Sunday reminded me just how shit we can be. I hope that was a blip, and that Lambert realises, that Bannan and KEA should be kept as far away from the first team as possible.
If we start with same 11 as on Sunday - with Delph in for Bannan, I think we can nick a draw. Bloody hell, I hope we can win, but I think I'd settle for just not losing.
1-1
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I think it's got draw written all over it.
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Stoke City 1-2 Aston Villa.
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1-1 Benteke
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2-1 stoke. late winner for them, usual 'shit-the-bed' job.
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This has become a massively massive game,
I would go as far as to say if we win it we will definitely stay up,
Stoke are the horribleist football team in the prem, even worse than the spammers, and I can't see us winning there,
So I'm going for a 1-1 Crouchy and one of the main 2 for us
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Stoke , Norwich and sunderland have all won about one of their last dozen games - all are there to be beaten , along with Fulham there should be at least 9 points for the taking in these games and that will be enough.
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The second half on Sunday reminded me just how shit we can be. I hope that was a blip, and that Lambert realises, that Bannan and KEA should be kept as far away from the first team as possible.
If we start with same 11 as on Sunday - with Delph in for Bannan, I think we can nick a draw. Bloody hell, I hope we can win, but I think I'd settle for just not losing.
1-1
Spot on Andy!
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15 mins - Stoke 0 Villa 1
65 mins - Stoke 1 Villa 1
94 mins - Stoke 2 Villa 1
I've already seen the video a hundred times
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It just feels like a 0-0 to me, but I can't see us keeping a clean sheet. I'll go with 1-1.
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Stoke City 2 Aston Villa 5
Jerome (1)
Jerome (3)
Benteke (7)
Benteke (54)
Delph (73)
Baker (89)
Agbonlahor (91)
8)
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I can't see anything other than a draw, most likely with us conceding a last minute equaliser. It wouldn't be the worst result in the world. Stoke have only lost twice at home this season and it will edge us a point closer to safety. We still have Fulham, Sunderland and Norwich, which I feel are a lot more winnable. And Wigan on the last day of course....
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I still think we could beat Chelski , If Rafa rests 7 players like he did against soton ( wanker )
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Delph must replace Bannan.Sylla /Westwood and Bannan good on ball but not enough drive ,Delph has that.
KEA should be no where near the team currently offer's less than Ireland.Looked woefully off the pace against Liverpool.
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I am pessimistic about this one. I think we will lose 2-0. They will bully our fragile defence into submission.
I can see where you're coming from, but, they tried that at Villa Park and failed.
Difference is that they came to VP with the intention of parking the bus for the draw. They'll be after the win this time. Crowd behind them too. I usually don't like us scoring early (gives the opposition more time to inevitably equalise) but an early goal here might just be perfect for this game.
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I am pessimistic about this one. I think we will lose 2-0. They will bully our fragile defence into submission.
I can see where you're coming from, but, they tried that at Villa Park and failed.
Difference is that they came to VP with the intention of parking the bus for the draw. They'll be after the win this time. Crowd behind them too. I usually don't like us scoring early (gives the opposition more time to inevitably equalise) but an early goal here might just be perfect for this game.
I think the natives are getting restless , if we score first then pulis will come under pressure from the crowd - i see it going like the game at Albion but without stoke coming back .
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We simply have to start the game on the front foot a la Albion...if we try and contain them we'll struggle. I too believe that if we get two goals up (which we will need), they won't catch us. Attack! attack! attack!
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We just cannot sit back and defend, we physically cannot do it. Our strength is attacking and we should focus on that.
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I think the natives are getting restless , if we score first then pulis will come under pressure from the crowd - i see it going like the game at Albion but without stoke coming back .
Agreed. As I said before, they are usually safe by this time of the season and not used to this kind of pressure. We've been under pressure all season, so strangely enough we have a bit of an advantage mentally over some of our rivals for the run-in.
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Go for their throats from the start - we will beat them !
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We just cannot sit back and defend, we physically cannot do it. Our strength is attacking and we should focus on that.
You'd have thought that the QPR game would have shown Lambert that our only hope is to outscore the opposition. It's not like this mentality is new to him either, given that is how Norwich approached most games too.
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We just cannot sit back and defend, we physically cannot do it. Our strength is attacking and we should focus on that.
Yes thats true Paul. But we will still have to pay attention to their winger Matthews. Hes a tricky Bugger!
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We just cannot sit back and defend, we physically cannot do it. Our strength is attacking and we should focus on that.
Yes thats true Paul. But we will still have to pay attention to their winger Matthews. Hes a tricky Bugger!
That banks in goal aint bad either ;)
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@MatKendrick: Mark Clattenburg will referee Villa's game at Stoke on Saturday #avfc
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i think if we can score first we will hang on for the win
but only if we score in the 3rd minute of extra time with 3 minutes showing on the flashing number board
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We will win and we will stay up. Believe!
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Bring it on - bunny we are coming to give your boys a good thrashing !
Where is bunny ? He is usually here a week before the game giving the stoke angle .
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We will win and we will stay up. Believe!
Do you believe in the Villa? Ohhhhhhhhhh yeahhhhhhhhhhhhhh!
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I have no idea why, but I fancy us to win big.
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Bring it on - bunny we are coming to give your boys a good thrashing !
Where is bunny ? He is usually here a week before the game giving the stoke angle .
Think Chris Jameson was nasty to him and scared him off.
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We are going to win this game by two clear goals. I feel it in my water.
Though it could be thrush...
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Head draw
heart win ,win, win!
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Stoke City 2 Aston Villa 5
Jerome (1)
Jerome (3)
Benteke (7)
Benteke (54)
Delph (73)
Baker (89)
Agbonlahor (91)
8)
I like your style.
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I have no idea why, but I fancy us to win big.
:o
I hope we'll win but it's definitely going to be a difficult game.
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Is their midfield 'maestro' Charlie Adam playing?. Remember - the one who was too good to go to a half-arsed club that used to be famous' - now he's just at a half-arsed club
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The thing with Stoke is that there are no surprises. You know exactly what you're going to get; how they will set up and how they will labour to break you down.
There is no two ways about it, we need to win this game, we’re more than capable of winning this game and I strongly believe that we will win this game.
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We were surprisingly comfirtable against Stoke at home, and that was right in the middle of our 'can't head a corner for love nor money' stage. If we can be strong in the air then we will be fine. I think Baker and Vlaar are more suited to playing against strikers like Jones and/or Jerome as opposed to a Defoe or Suarez type. We can, and we will win.
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We WILL win!
Fact.
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We are going to win this game by two clear goals. I feel it in my water.
Though it could be thrush...
Totally agree, never felt so confident about a game this season .
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We just cannot sit back and defend, we physically cannot do it. Our strength is attacking and we should focus on that.
Like it or not, that's all Lambert knows.
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we'll be lucky to score, and cant keep a clean sheet....1-1.
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Tiny Penis will have them doing hundreds of throw ins and corners this week. 3-1 Stoke with Benteke to score again and add another 500k to his price tag.
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Tiny Penis will have them doing hundreds of throw ins and corners this week. 3-1 Stoke with Benteke to score again and add another 500k to his price tag.
Since Rory delap they don't have the same threat from throw ins as they used to have , it's still a tactic they use but nowhere near as potent.
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Gotta win this..QPR have a home shoo-in with Wigan. We've got to get away from the 'zone'.
Benteke has the ability and can do it for us!
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it's a tight pitch so we need some pace in the centre of midfield to run at their back 4.
All pitches in the Premier League are the same size this season!!
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it's a tight pitch so we need some pace in the centre of midfield to run at their back 4.
All pitches in the Premier League are the same size this season!!
Is that true? I would be very surprised if so.
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Gotta win this..QPR have a home shoo-in with Wigan. We've got to get away from the 'zone'.
Benteke has the ability and can do it for us!
I'd more have this one down as a draw Brian- which would be good for us especially if we can beat stoke
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I think we might manage to keep a clean sheet, unfortunately i think they will as well.
0-0
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it's a tight pitch so we need some pace in the centre of midfield to run at their back 4.
All pitches in the Premier League are the same size this season!!
Is that true? I would be very surprised if so.
That surprised me too, but I had noticed that the 10-yard marker from the corner flag didn't look as close to the goal area as it used to when watching Stoke on MOTD. So being a bit of a sad bastard with time on my hands I did a bit of googling and found Rule 21 on page 140 of the Premier League Handbook (http://www.premierleague.com/content/dam/premierleague/site-content/News/publications/handbooks/premier-league-handbook-2012-2013.pdf) which states that "Unless otherwise permitted by the Board, in League Matches the length of the pitch shall be 105 metres and its breadth 68 metres". No wonder Delap pissed off to Barnsley.
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We were surprisingly comfirtable against Stoke at home, and that was right in the middle of our 'can't head a corner for love nor money' stage.
It was Dec 8th, a few weeks before cornalties became more fashionable down the Villa than flares when Mr Woodhall was a young lad.
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I think we might manage to keep a clean sheet, unfortunately i think they will as well.
0-0
Wouldn't be too bad a result. Best to get a clean-sheet sooner rather than later.
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it's a tight pitch so we need some pace in the centre of midfield to run at their back 4.
All pitches in the Premier League are the same size this season!!
Is that true? I would be very surprised if so.
That surprised me too, but I had noticed that the 10-yard marker from the corner flag didn't look as close to the goal area as it used to when watching Stoke on MOTD. So being a bit of a sad bastard with time on my hands I did a bit of googling and found Rule 21 on page 140 of the Premier League Handbook (http://www.premierleague.com/content/dam/premierleague/site-content/News/publications/handbooks/premier-league-handbook-2012-2013.pdf) which states that "Unless otherwise permitted by the Board, in League Matches the length of the pitch shall be 105 metres and its breadth 68 metres". No wonder Delap pissed off to Barnsley.
Yep new rule for 2012 in line with UEFA...all pitches to be the same size....
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Time to go for it
Guzan
Lowton. Clark. V.aar. Bennett
Delph. Westwood
Nzogbia. Gabby
Bent. Benteke
4 2 2 2
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I think this is a nailed on 1-0.
Not sure who to though 8)
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Time to go for it
Guzan
Lowton. Clark. V.aar. Bennett
Delph. Westwood
Nzogbia. Gabby
Bent. Benteke
4 2 2 2
Baker made a school boy error last week but is still our best defender. I agree with giving Bent a run in the last half hour as he will not be match fit .....
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Gotta win this..QPR have a home shoo-in with Wigan. We've got to get away from the 'zone'.
Benteke has the ability and can do it for us!
Wigan seem to have a knack for winning quite comfortably away at their fellow strugglers this season. They've beaten us and Reading 3-0 away from home, and Southampton 2-0.
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0-2 villa win
Guzan
Lowton. Vlaar. Baker. Bennett
Westwood. Delph. Sylla
Weimann. Benteke. Gabby
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I think we might manage to keep a clean sheet
Section him
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Brad Guzan insists the players will all "fight for the shirt" as they get set for the huge clash with Stoke on Saturday.
Guzan says the "competitive spirit" in the side will stand them in good stead for the Potteries encounter at the Britannia Stadium.
He's backed Villa's brave lions to stand up to the physical threat posed by Tony Pulis's men - and cause their own problems.
Villa are looking to bounce back from the defeat to Liverpool and begin a positive set of results in the final seven games of the campaign.
He said: "Every game is physical. The more that we can get into team's faces and make it difficult for them to play, the better it is for us.
"It's high tempo. It's high energy. We want to make it difficult for them.
"Stoke are a big team. We'll have to go there, be confident and make sure we win those battles.
"It won't be easy but we'll definitely be ready for it.
"It's a man's game and you have to be a man about it, win balls in the air, whatever it may be.
"We have to be ready to compete, that's what the Premier League is all about.
"It's about fighting and showing that competitive spirit.
"There's a competitive spirit we have in the dressing room where we fight for each other. And fight for the shirt."
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Live commentary on Stoke v Villa on BBC Radio 5 Live, in case you had not noticed that yet.
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0-2 villa win
Guzan
Lowton. Vlaar. Baker. Bennett
Westwood. Delph. Sylla
Weimann. Benteke. Gabby
Exactly the team I'd play.
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0-2 villa win
Guzan
Lowton. Vlaar. Baker. Bennett
Westwood. Delph. Sylla
Weimann. Benteke. Gabby
Exactly the team I'd play.
Agreed the only variation I can see is maybe Baker at LB to give us more height but at the loss of attacking threat
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Not a bad shout if Clark is fit.
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0-2 villa win
Guzan
Lowton. Vlaar. Baker. Bennett
Westwood. Delph. Sylla
Weimann. Benteke. Gabby
Exactly the team I'd play.
Agreed the only variation I can see is maybe Baker at LB to give us more height but at the loss of attacking threat
Exactly. Baker HAS to play LB if Clark is fit. Stoke will murder Bennett if he plays.
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If Cameron Jerome's comments, basically saying they can afford to lose to us and still be ok, are an indication of their team's mentality then that could be very good news for us.
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If Cameron Jerome's comments, basically saying they can afford to lose to us and still be ok, are an indication of their team's mentality then that could be very good news for us.
Blimey I would not want my player saying that . Odd
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Cameron Jerome knows fuck all. He is very lucky to be in the Premier League because he is fucking shit.
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If Cameron Jerome's comments, basically saying they can afford to lose to us and still be ok, are an indication of their team's mentality then that could be very good news for us.
Blimey I would not want my player saying that . Odd
Not at all: he is taking the pressure of them.
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I realise he's trying to take the pressure off them, but it comes across as a player who lacks faith in his team's ability to win. It's very negative.
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I realise he's trying to take the pressure off them, but it comes across as a player who lacks faith in his team's ability to win. It's very negative.
Pressure is a good thing. Man United's players are under the most pressure week in week out. You need pressure to perform, otherwise losing becomes acceptable.
I cannot believe that he has come out and said this, that a professional is even countenancing defeat.
It’s a very good thing for us.
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Stick his quotes up around the dressing room wall then ram them down his throat on the pitch.
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@JamesNursey: #AVFC Lambert bright & breezy still insisting team will survive. No major injury news, Clark officially "doubtful" but I've heard may play
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Think I'd leave Bannan in the team. No coincidence that he has started six out of our seven wins. Stoke is the sort of game that we should be dominating in terms of possession too. Why there is a sudden spunkfest over Delph is beyond me. He looked shite when he came on against Pool and did he usual best to get booked.
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I have been disappointed with Bannan this season, but maybe he is playing to far back? He is not the most effective of tacklers and this has been costly when missing tackles in front of the back four. Also his passing is wasted as often he has to pass sideways because he is so deep, or try his Hollywood pass (nuff said)
Play Westwood and Sylla/Delph in front of the back four with Bannan in front of them, Andi and Gabby on the flanks attacking on the outside and inside.
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I have been disappointed with Bannan this season, but maybe he is playing to far back? He is not the most effective of tacklers and this has been costly when missing tackles in front of the back four. Also his passing is wasted as often he has to pass sideways because he is so deep, or try his Hollywood pass (nuff said)
Play Westwood and Sylla/Delph in front of the back four with Bannan in front of them, Andi and Gabby on the flanks attacking on the outside and inside.
Bannan would be nowhere near a starting place for me - we can't carry passengers.
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I'm not sure if when Bannan plays well, we play well or vice-versa. But during the Liverpool game we had a spell in the first half where we totally dominated possession and Bannan was at the heart of it constantly demanding the ball and switching play, finding Benteke with long passes etc... At the start of the 2nd where we really struggled he was totally anonymous.
Such a frustrating player.
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Injury news.
Brett Holman and Darren Bent are both in contention for Stoke on Saturday.
Holman missed the Liverpool game with a hamstring problem while the Reds clash came just too soon for Bent, who had been struggling with an ankle injury and a virus.
But both are firmly in the frame for the Britannia Stadium encounter.
Andreas Weimann, who limped off against Liverpool, has returned to training and looks set to be involved in the Potters game.
However, Ciaran Clark is a serious doubt after struggling to recover from a shoulder issue.
The centre-half picked up the injury in the international clash with Austria when he was away with Republic of Ireland.
He missed the match with the Reds and could also be absent for this latest game.
Lambert said: "Ciaran has still got a little bit of a problem. We'll see how he is the rest of the week.
"But he's still got a problem with his shoulder.
"Darren has trained every day. He will be in the squad.
"Darren had that month or so off when he couldn't do anything with his ankle.
"But he is back fit now and trained again this morning and is in the squad.
"Brett hasn't been getting in because Charles has been playing extremely well.
"He wasn't fit for Liverpool. He is fit now. He has trained this week so he is back in the fray."
Lambert also revealed that there is still no light at the end of the tunnel for Richard Dunne, who has thus far missed the entire campaign.
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Baker should probably play instead of CC anyway, for his aerial strength.
Could do with Herd as an option in MF, really; but it ain't going to happen.
Perhaps this is the weekend where both Bent and Holman make subb apearances and have inspired, matching-winning performances.
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Has anyone mentioned it is a must win game?
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Baker should probably play instead of CC anyway, for his aerial strength.
Could do with Herd as an option in MF, really; but it ain't going to happen.
Perhaps this is the weekend where both Bent and Holman make subb apearances and have inspired, matching-winning performances.
If fit I would go Clark at CB and Baker LB.
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He is not the most effective of tacklers and this has been costly when missing tackles in front of the back four. Also his passing is wasted as often he has to pass sideways because he is so deep, or try his Hollywood pass (nuff said)
He seems to have cut out the wasteful 'Hollywood' balls in the last few games though. He has also made more attacking passes then Westwood in those games too. I'm not a big fan of him anymore, but I don't think he should be dropped for the likes of Delph.
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Delph was our best midfielder prior to his suspension, so I think he should be back in.
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He is not the most effective of tacklers and this has been costly when missing tackles in front of the back four. Also his passing is wasted as often he has to pass sideways because he is so deep, or try his Hollywood pass (nuff said)
He seems to have cut out the wasteful 'Hollywood' balls in the last few games though. He has also made more attacking passes then Westwood in those games too. I'm not a big fan of him anymore, but I don't think he should be dropped for the likes of Delph.
You did see his awful long miscued ball that put Suarez through?
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Yes it's called a mistake. Something that the majority of the team have been guilty of at one point or another.
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I'm not sure if when Bannan plays well, we play well or vice-versa. But during the Liverpool game we had a spell in the first half where we totally dominated possession and Bannan was at the heart of it constantly demanding the ball and switching play, finding Benteke with long passes etc... At the start of the 2nd where we really struggled he was totally anonymous.
Such a frustrating player.
I agree totally as someone said we've won 1 game that he hasn't played in so, whilst he is frustrating and can be wasteful and prone to the odd error, he is one of the players that makes us tick. When we're playing with a high tempo him and Westwood work really well as a pair. Sylla or Delph a bit deeper than either of them were against liverpool with Westwood also deep and Bannan in front (but still in midfield) is our best midfield for me. Workrate is going to be important in the next 7 matches given that we're a much better side when we get the tempo up, and I think that group offers the most in that regard, with Bannan being the one who most often moves the ball around quickly.
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Saturday will be a game of attrition, especially in the middle. We need to win our battles there - Sylla and Delph can do this - and give the ball to Westwood to create and distribute. Bannan would be an option off the bench for the last 15/20 when legs are tiring and gaps appear.
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Has anyone mentioned it is a must win game?
I know what you mean, but disagree. It's definately on the list of "winnable" games so a draw would be slightly frustrating but not the end of the world. We could still win 3 games after this one.
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Yes it's called a mistake. Something that the majority of the team have been guilty of at one point or another.
Not many as regularly as bannan- he often gives the ball away leaving us out of position.
Sylla Delph and Westwood look a much better balance to me .
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Bannan seems to go to ground for every tackle too...which often means that the ball runs loose (or to an opponent) when he's on his arse. Or am I being unduly harsh on the little chap?
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Stephen Ireland was training with the first team today. Is he back in contention ?
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Yes it's called a mistake. Something that the majority of the team have been guilty of at one point or another.
Not many as regularly as bannan- he often gives the ball away leaving us out of position.
Sylla Delph and Westwood look a much better balance to me .
I just don't see what Delph contributes to justify him ahead of Bannan. Yes he has a little more bite, but the flipside of that is he looks on the verge of a red card most of the time. If Bannan is to be dropped, I'd rather Sylla is played next to Westwood with Zog the advanced midfielder.
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Yes it's called a mistake. Something that the majority of the team have been guilty of at one point or another.
Not many as regularly as bannan- he often gives the ball away leaving us out of position.
Sylla Delph and Westwood look a much better balance to me .
I just don't see what Delph contributes to justify him ahead of Bannan. Yes he has a little more bite, but the flipside of that is he looks on the verge of a red card most of the time. If Bannan is to be dropped, I'd rather Sylla is played next to Westwood with Zog the advanced midfielder.
I think over his 4 or 5 games Delph has shown a big improvement , with sylla alongside Westwood it gives Delph the chance to get forward a bit more - i agree his tackling and bookings are something he needs to watch .
Nzogbia is an option from the bench if things are going against us , I feel he was a bit unlucky to lose his place as he also has shown an improvement recently.
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Delph brings a better and more competitve balance to the midfield.
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Stephen Ireland was training with the first team today. Is he back in contention ?
Bloody hope not. Worst type of player to have in a relegation scrap.
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If Bent is fit I'd think about starting him with Gabby and Benteke up front. There are goals in that front 3.
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If Bent is fit I'd think about starting him with Gabby and Benteke up front. There are goals in that front 3.
Weimanns movement will cause stoke more problem , bent will be a useful option off the bench.
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I think over his 4 or 5 games Delph has shown a big improvement , with sylla alongside Westwood it gives Delph the chance to get forward a bit more - i agree his tackling and bookings are something he needs to watch .
Nzogbia is an option from the bench if things are going against us , I feel he was a bit unlucky to lose his place as he also has shown an improvement recently.
Fair enough. Obviously Delph/Sylla/Westwood hasn't been tried yet so it would be unfair to write it off. I just feel that Stoke is the sort of game where we should be dominating possession and Bannan usually helps in that regard.
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If Bent is fit I'd think about starting him with Gabby and Benteke up front. There are goals in that front 3.
Wouldn't work. He can't play wide and obviously it would be madness to sacrifice Benteke as the central striker to accomidate him.
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All good points but I just fancy seeing Bent feeding off scraps created by Benteke's hold up play and Gabbys pace and power. Weimann is injured isn't he?
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1-1
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All good points but I just fancy seeing Bent feeding off scraps created by Benteke's hold up play and Gabbys pace and power. Weimann is injured isn't he?
Apparently he's training fully so was just a niggle.
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Has anyone mentioned it is a must win game?
Fulham is the must win game. I would be happy with a point from this.
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This is the team I have been told is going to play:
Guzan
Lowton Vlaar Baker Bennet
Westwood Delph
Bowery Weimann Gabby
Benteke
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If Bent is fit I'd think about starting him with Gabby and Benteke up front. There are goals in that front 3.
Who play in the two wide positions? Can't see it. Weimann is as much of a goal threat as Bent I think in that sort of position and adds more in terms of assists and general play.
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This is the team I have been told is going to play:
Guzan
Lowton Vlaar Baker Bennet
Westwood Delph
Bowery Weimann Gabby
Benteke
Surely not?! I can't see that one
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Delph brings a better and more competitve balance to the midfield.
His performances recently have been generally very good indeed. I was surprised he didn't play last weekend. I'd definitely start him in this one.
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This is the team I have been told is going to play:
Guzan
Lowton Vlaar Baker Bennet
Westwood Delph
Bowery Weimann Gabby
Benteke
Looks about right to me. Not a fan of Bowery, but he does add some height and help during defensive set pieces.
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Stephen Ireland was training with the first team today. Is he back in contention ?
Good, he's neither use nor ornament training with the impressionable youth team. We could yet need him if a game is tight and we need someone to provide some magik. Being involved again might give him that one last kick up the arse.
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Stephen Ireland was training with the first team today. Is he back in contention ?
Good, he's neither use nor ornament training with the impressionable youth team. We could yet need him if a game is tight and we need someone to provide some magik. Being involved again might give him that one last kick up the arse.
I agree with him being nowhere near the youth lads, that said I wouldn't have him anywhere near the first team either. Fucking waste of oxygen that guy is.
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Looks about right to me. Not a fan of Bowery, but he does add some height and help during defensive set pieces.
I think he let himself down against West Ham. Looked sluggish and perhaps overwhelmed by the occasion. Against Ipswich he looked pretty pacy and worked for the team. Could do a job against Stoke.
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I think we should let them worry about us and play to our strengths rather than change our team because we are worried about their height- its what we do on the ball that will win this game and win it we will.
Stoke are not as potent in the air without delap and we should attack and go for their throats.
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We wouldn't pick Bowery ahead of nzogbia for his attacking prowess it would be his defending. On which case why not just pick 6 foot tall Sylla instead? I also can't see Weimann playing in the hole.
I wondered whether he might revert to 352 but I don't think he will, especially if Clark is out.
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They've scored 3 in 7, 2 of those coming against Reading.
They've kept 1 clean sheet in the league since Christmas.
Get at 'em, get an early one, fan any anti-Pulis fire, get them feeling the tension. Being away from home will help us after the rather flat second-half against the 'The Mighty Reds YNWA', I feel. Even with our fragility at the back, we must surely score more than they ever can, given the comparative potency of each attack.
3-1 us, Benteke (2) and Weimann, Sturk well and truly dragged into it.
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I think we will need to send a small force to the forest moon of Endor to disable their shield generator.
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Brad Guzan has warned Stoke that Aston Villa will continue to "fight", as the Premier League's dirtiest sides prepare to face off this weekend.
The Potters prop up the top-flight disciplinary table with the worst record of 61 yellow cards and three reds.
And Paul Lambert's Villans are just one place above them, with 65 cautions and two dismissals.
The two clubs meet at the Britannia Stadium on Saturday in a huge relegation battle and Villa keeper Guzan has issued a war cry.
Guzan said: "It's about fighting and showing that competitive spirit. That's the competitive nature.
"You never want to see guys get booked. I'm sure there are some reckless ones in there, but that's not going to change the way we play.
"There's a competitive spirit we have in the dressing room where we fight for each other - and fight for the shirt."
Villa boss Lambert feels his side have been treated unfairly by referees, who target his young players.
And he wants Saturday's whistler, Mark Clattenburg, to be fair in what he predicts will be a "hard, physical game".
The Scot moaned: "I think some of our bookings are because we are young and an easy target.
"We have deserved some bookings but some we haven't, that's for sure.
"I hope we are not treated unequally. But I think some of our bookings have been unjustified. It is up to the referee who is officiating. We never send anyone out to hurt anybody - we don't have the players for that.
"We try to compete the best we can - we haven't got a nasty team."
Villa's record could be worse - Ashley Westwood was lucky to avoid a red card in Sunday's loss to Liverpool for a studs-up challenge on Jordan Henderson.
Lambert added: "He has got the ball [before making contact with Henderson]. You cannot tell me Ashley Westwood is a dirty player.
"He doesn't need to be dirty, because he doesn't give the ball away."
* PAUL LAMBERT has confirmed Aston Villa are in negotiations to make flop Jean Makoun's loan move to Rennes permanent.
Gerard Houllier paid Lyon £6milllion for midfield schemer Makoun in January 2011.
But the Cameroon international has only made seven Premier League starts for Villa.
Makoun was bombed out on loan to Olympiacos last season by then-boss Alex McLeish, and Lambert sent him back to France after arriving from Norwich in the summer.
Now Lambert has confirmed Villa are in discussions to sell the 29-year-old to Rennes.
Lambert said: "It looks like that. It is just about done."
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Don't worry everyone!! Lawro's got us down to lose 2-0 so the points are in the bag!! :)
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I'm convinced we'll win tomorrow.
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I'm convinced we'll win tomorrow.
Me too, most confident ive felt all season before a game .
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We're a much better side away from home and there's no reason why we can't get 3 points off them. I've just got a sneaky feeling they'll hold us to a draw though.
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Lawro has predicted our customary 2-0 defeat, so all is alright in the world.
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Lawro has predicted our customary 2-0 defeat, so all is alright in the world.
Lawro is a dick.
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I've got the feeling that we'll either get thumped or win convincingly. No half measures.
That said, we'll probably draw 0-0.
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Stoke City chief scout Lindsay Parsons says he advised manager Tony Pulis to sign Cheick Tiote, Hatem Ben Arfa and Demba Ba, and suggests that he disagrees with the club's long-ball style.
"We have loads of disagreements because I don't like the way they play and I will never change on that," he is quoted as saying in the Daily Mail.
All is clearly not well at Stoke, seems like there's lots of in fighting.
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Pulis for the sack if they lose this one?
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Pulis for the sack if they lose this one?
No -maybe if they go down but not at this stage of the season.
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I'd have Ireland on the bench ahead of KEA ..Infact pretty much anyone over 16 who can play CM at the club I would have ahead of him.
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I looked at the match report I wrote for the Villa Park fixture earlier in the season, and the frustration was that when we played our game, we looked fantastic. But when Stoke dragged us down to the long-ball rough and tumble, we lost impetus. There's no need to keep lumping the ball to Benteke; Stoke are clodhoppers who will try to stop the game with free-kicks and set-pieces so we should be looking to tease the life out of their defence. If we're going to have constant stoppages, at least make sure they're in our favour more often than not.
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-----------Guzan
Lowton-Vlaar-Baker-Bennett
------Westwood-Delph
----Weimann-Sylla-Gabby
-----------Benteke
2-0 Villa
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Same team as Shrek and if we can keep them at bay for first 20 minutes, we can win this game and am going for 3-1
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We can win this one. They are running on empty and at least we still create chances.
Let's have it lads
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Anybody else have that feeling that Stoke will do their best to injure Benteke? If he gets a serious injury, our season is as good as over.
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Anybody else have that feeling that Stoke will do their best to injure Benteke? If he gets a serious injury, our season is as good as over.
they won't get near him. He's far too good for an underperforming Huth and Shawcross.
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draw isnt much use to us. we arent capable of playing a cautious, tactically aware game anyway so no point in us playing a defensive line up.
Stoke will be nervous as they are getting dragged into a relegation battle that they shouldnt be near and I expect Pulis hasnt long left at the club in any case. They have only won once in the league since Xmas and that was a home win v Reading. Their goals have dried up since then too.
We will need a minimum of 2 goals to win and as in recent games I can see us creating plenty of chances. I fancy us scoring twice to be honest provided the team is picked correctly and we play with the right attitude.
Decisions - left back? Bennett has actually done well in the last couple of games. Wont be any use defending the rugby they play but he isnt as likely to give away stupid freekicks out wide like Clark and Baker would. Id go with him and see how he gets on against Walters.
Centre half - Baker or Clark? Clark is the better footballer but in this case will give Baker a hesitant shout ahead of him. Better in the air which could well be crucial.
Midfield - Delph is a certainty to come back in. Less certain is if Sylla will retain his place. He is doing alright but nothing too hectic so far. But what options are there to replace him? Kea and Holman are muck. Nzogbia would mean we are playing we have 4 players doing nothing when we dont have the ball. Bringing Ireland back from the cold is the same risk but worth bringing him back on the bench imo. I think Lambert will give Bannan a shot further forward. Might not be a bad call with Sylla to come on in the second half maybe.
Bent back on the bench is a big boost. Particularly if we need a goal in the second half, the option to go 442 is there. Clark, Ireland, Nzogbia, Sylla options on the bench too.
We have been playing well away from home for a while now. Our key player I believe is Delph. We cant afford the likes of Nzonzi to bully our midfield and Delph's discipline will be key. He cant afford to get involved in running battles and giving away ridiculous free kicks like his push on Suarez last weekend. The lack of presence and/or pace Bannan and Westwood possess has seen us get overrun badly at times all season. Delph in there at his best can improve us hugely here.
I'm strangely confident of us winning. If Id to pick a game for us this weekend, it would be Stoke away. I fancy us to win. 2-1. Gabby and Benteke.
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I'm convinced we'll win tomorrow.
Me too, most confident ive felt all season before a game .
I am too.
I think its the way Stoke have been talking "we can afford to lose this game" and "its not defining".
They're their to be beat.
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Stoke are bottom of the form table. If we don't expect to win here we may as well start planning for rainy days in Ipswich.
We absolutely must win this. If we want to stay up then the games which look winnable on paper, are games we have to win. Are we gonna pick up points against Chelsea or Utd? Very unlikely indeed.
Stoke, Sunderland, Norwich, Fulham all have to be targeted. 3 wins from those games isn't unrealistic, or shouldn't be. We'd get a point or two elsewhere and that's job done.
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Stoke are bottom of the form table. If we don't expect to win here we may as well start planning for rainy days in Ipswich.
We absolutely must win this. If we want to stay up then the games which look winnable on paper, are games we have to win. Are we gonna pick up points against Chelsea or Utd? Very unlikely indeed.
Stoke, Sunderland, Norwich, Fulham all have to be targeted. 3 wins from those games isn't unrealistic, or shouldn't be. We'd get a point or two elsewhere and that's job done.
Agreed. Should be looking to win this game.
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Anybody else have that feeling that Stoke will do their best to injure Benteke? If he gets a serious injury, our season is as good as over.
You've spent a bit too long in that Daily Mail thread! The sun's trying to poke his head out, it's a Friday, and Aston Villa are gonna win tomorrow.
And if they do try, I know where I'd put my money!
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Stoke City chief scout Lindsay Parsons says he advised manager Tony Pulis to sign Cheick Tiote, Hatem Ben Arfa and Demba Ba, and suggests that he disagrees with the club's long-ball style.
"We have loads of disagreements because I don't like the way they play and I will never change on that," he is quoted as saying in the Daily Mail.
All is clearly not well at Stoke, seems like there's lots of in fighting.
I read in one of their forums that Pulis also turned down the chance to sign Pastore...Doh!
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I also feel bullish. It could go wrong - this villa side could concede against a team of traffic cones.
But stoke are in awful form. They've got one goal and one point in 5 games. And that from a penalty. Crouch has one goal in 25 games.
We've got three wins in six games. We've scored at least two goals in every league away game since Xmas, barring arsenal (when we should have scored at least two).
I really do fancy us for this one.
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I Do have some nerves that one of our players will be sent or stretchered off.
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Pulis is bad for the Premier League, he is ten times worse than McLeish. The sooner the Premier League are rid of Stoke, or Pulis the better.
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Wet Spam won at Stoke and they are fucking useless. And they kept a clean sheet. Come on Villa, its time to step up.
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Stoke fans seem to want Jones to start but feel Pulis will play Crouch. I would rather Crouch TBH. I fear Jones is the type who would bully our defence.
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Agreed. Crouch 1 goal in 25. Benteke 9 in 10 is it?
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Stoke fans seem to want Jones to start but feel Pulis will play Crouch. I would rather Crouch TBH. I fear Jones is the type who would bully our defence.
I think Jones is awful personally. He's tended to start on his own up front when they come to Villa Park. I don't think that'll be the case tomorrow.
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Agreed. Crouch 1 goal in 25. Benteke 9 in 10 is it?
I believe so. Has anyone scored more then Benteke since the turn of the year?
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Stoke fans seem to want Jones to start but feel Pulis will play Crouch. I would rather Crouch TBH. I fear Jones is the type who would bully our defence.
I think Jones is awful personally. He's tended to start on his own up front when they come to Villa Park. I don't think that'll be the case tomorrow.
Agree. They won't be playing for the draw tomorrow. I'm curious to see where Walters plays. Does he usually play wide (as he did at VP)?
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Don't suppose anyone has a spare ticket for my mate have they? His prior arrangement has been cancelled meaning he can make the game
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Stoke fans seem to want Jones to start but feel Pulis will play Crouch. I would rather Crouch TBH. I fear Jones is the type who would bully our defence.
I think Jones is awful personally. He's tended to start on his own up front when they come to Villa Park. I don't think that'll be the case tomorrow.
Agree. They won't be playing for the draw tomorrow. I'm curious to see where Walters plays. Does he usually play wide (as he did at VP)?
I'm not sure. I always thought he floated just behind the main striker but i might be wrong.
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As an aside I reckon Pulis will be gone from Stoke this summer and they'll be relegated within a couple of years thereafter.
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I think it would depend on who Stoke appoint should he go. They are clearly regressing under Pulis. Yet they have decent resources and a reletively wealthy owner, so a new manager wouldn't be resigned to failiure. Although he would have a job on his hands to undo the Pulis philosophy.
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As an aside I reckon Pulis will be gone from Stoke this summer and they'll be relegated within a couple of years thereafter.
Good, I can't stand anything about them.
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Stoke fans seem to want Jones to start but feel Pulis will play Crouch. I would rather Crouch TBH. I fear Jones is the type who would bully our defence.
Either for me. Crouch isn't exactly in a rich vein. Jones used to scare me, but at VP he looked not so much muscular, more just plain fat. Four months down the line, hopefully he's even fatter and yet more immobile
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Agreed. Crouch 1 goal in 25. Benteke 9 in 10 is it?
i dont care,
no matter if we win,lose or draw tomorow if there is one thing set in stone its that Crouch will score
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Stoke fans seem to want Jones to start but feel Pulis will play Crouch. I would rather Crouch TBH. I fear Jones is the type who would bully our defence.
Either for me. Crouch isn't exactly in a rich vein. Jones used to scare me, but at VP he looked not so much muscular, more just plain fat. Four months down the line, hopefully he's even fatter and yet more immobile
Seems to be having a little revival this season. Stoke fans believe that most of their best performances have come when he has played and their bad form started when he was dropped for the Beanpole.
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As an aside I reckon Pulis will be gone from Stoke this summer and they'll be relegated within a couple of years thereafter.
Good, I can't stand anything about them.
+1.
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Can't wait. I'm childishly excite and hyper. Have you set off yet Mr Sox? Are we nearly there?
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I hope you don't throw up in Mr Sox's executive limousine PWS. And don't forget he does not like chanting or getting pissed up pre-match.
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I'm wondering how to persuade him to let me hang a scarf out the window.
I probably shouldn't have eaten all that curry with chili and garlic tonight either.
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0-2 Villa 16/1 put a tenner on. I am having that feeling ..........
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Match previewer just on Towk Shite reckons we will win, and that Sterk are on excrescence of Mephistopheles and a pox on the body sporting.
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I'm wondering how to persuade him to let me hang a scarf out the window.
I probably shouldn't have eaten all that curry with chili and garlic tonight either.
Perfect foil pws, break wind galore and he will be desperate for the windows open , slip the scarf out and job done:)
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I'm wondering how to persuade him to let me hang a scarf out the window.
I probably shouldn't have eaten all that curry with chili and garlic tonight either.
He will probably make you listen to Tangerine Dream for the duration of the trip PWS. Va ya con dios.
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I've already stuck some Motley Crue and Girls Aloud cd's in my bag.
And i'm getting OCD over my ticket, must have checked half a dozen times that it's in my wallet.
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Did I say Girls Aloud? I meant Slayer. Yeah heavy metal.
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If fit, I'd bring Clark in for Bennett and shift Baker to left back again to give us a little extra height and bring Delph in for Bannan. Otherwise, as you were.
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Don't fancy this one at all. 2-0 stoke
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Don't fancy this one at all. 2-0 stoke
Hope not gnasher or the post match thread will be in meltdown:(
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If fit, I'd bring Clark in for Bennett and shift Baker to left back again to give us a little extra height and bring Delph in for Bannan. Otherwise, as you were.
That's probably what I would do actually.
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Seems Clark is doubtful, of the 2 I'd prefer baker at centre half, Bennett has looked ok recently and I'd keep him in the side at Stoke, his crossing is an asset.
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Don't fancy this one at all. 2-0 stoke
Hope not gnasher or the post match thread will be in meltdown:(
Well my predictions are hardly ever right, so i wouldn't worry too much. Just feel with the criticism Pullis is attracting recently from their fans and the fact they are nearly able to fall over the survival line will mean they will be up for this and be a bit too strong for us
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Don't fancy this one at all. 2-0 stoke
Hope not gnasher or the post match thread will be in meltdown:(
It has been all bloody season eastie.
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0-0
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Looking forward to this. I've not seen us win away since Heskey's winner at Wolves in 2010/11, a run of matches which has seen me witness 11 games, 7 of which were draws. We've also thrown away 2 goal leads on 3 separate occasions. The law of averages means we'll definitely, definitely win so everybody can stop worrying.
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We owe this horrible shower of rugby players a good seeing too.
There would be no better time to do it than tomorrow.
I'm not too sure we will do it though.
1-1
Benteke for us.
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See I'm not sure trying to get 'big' players into the team and adapting to Stoke's style is the way to play, we need to impose our game on them. They're a poor side and we should try and attack them not try and compromise our style.
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I think many people are thinking that Stoke are the team they were two years ago. They really aren't, and we need to forget about their previous reputation. If we were playing, say Reading, who'd only won once since Xmas we would all be expecting a win. So why aren't we? They're shit and there for the taking so play the team, not the myth.
Stoke 0 Villa 2.
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0-2 Villa 16/1 put a tenner on. I am having that feeling ..........
I think we are due a win against them too but can't predict us not conceding. Fancy a 1-3
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We never win when the H&V match thread is cautiously optimistic.
Just saying.
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8-0 Stoke.
Fixed.
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8-0 Stoke.
Fixed.
Will they get 8 throw ins?
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0-2 Villa 16/1 put a tenner on. I am having that feeling ..........
I think we are due a win against them too but can't predict us not conceding. Fancy a 1-3
1-3 is 25/1 go for it !!! This Stoke team is not what it used to be. One win in eleven !! we are playing quite well and have scored two in most away games. Its the old defence issue. But we look more solid with Baker and Bennet had his best game last week so we are due this win .........
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I think it would depend on who Stoke appoint should he go. They are clearly regressing under Pulis. Yet they have decent resources and a reletively wealthy owner, so a new manager wouldn't be resigned to failiure. Although he would have a job on his hands to undo the Pulis philosophy.
Hmm, a couple of big men up front, a fairly direct style of play, decent on set pieces. Sounds right up a recently sacked manager's street!!
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I've had a bet with my mate that Fat Sam will be their manager next season.
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If we can somehow win I can see Pulis getting his P45
Which would be nice
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If we can somehow win I can see Pulis getting his P45
Which would be nice
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We will lose.
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you sound confident ozzjim
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I think many people are thinking that Stoke are the team they were two years ago. They really aren't, and we need to forget about their previous reputation. If we were playing, say Reading, who'd only won once since Xmas we would all be expecting a win. So why aren't we? They're shit and there for the taking so play the team, not the myth.
Stoke 0 Villa 2.
I like this Des. I like this a lot. :)
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Routine win for Villa.
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We're due a win against them and it will be a routine 3-1 one.
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The only routine I've seen us slip into this season is suicidal defending and ultra nervous finishes to games. Sorry, but until we learn to defend I can't see us winning games like this without a very big slice of luck. Hope I'm proved wrong.
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The only routine I've seen us slip into this season is suicidal defending and ultra nervous finishes to games. Sorry, but until we learn to defend I can't see us winning games like this without a very big slice of luck. Hope I'm proved wrong.
Bit like the games against Reading and QPR Jimbo, oh we won those
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-----------Guzan
Lowton-Vlaar-Baker-Bennett
------Westwood-Delph
----Weimann-Sylla-Gabby
-----------Benteke
2-0 Villa
That would be my starting lineup too.
Not sure about that score though mate!
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Bannan seems to go to ground for every tackle too...which often means that the ball runs loose (or to an opponent) when he's on his arse. Or am I being unduly harsh on the little chap?
seemed to happen before liverpool got the pen
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The only routine I've seen us slip into this season is suicidal defending and ultra nervous finishes to games. Sorry, but until we learn to defend I can't see us winning games like this without a very big slice of luck. Hope I'm proved wrong.
Bit like the games against Reading and QPR Jimbo, oh we won those
Bu bu but Arry told us we were lucky to win against QPR! You saying the geezer lied???
Jimbo. The facts back you up of course but I just think our young defenders are actually improving game to game. I also think Stoke struggle to score at the best of times, (amazingly for a Villa team), we dont have that problem this season, we are always likely to score.
Honestly I have no concerns about the Stoke game, I am very confident. Of course I could look like a fool tomorrow but that comes hand in hand with being a Villa fan 8)
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We never win when the H&V match thread is cautiously optimistic.
Just saying.
You're right.
3-1 to them then.
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The only routine I've seen us slip into this season is suicidal defending and ultra nervous finishes to games. Sorry, but until we learn to defend I can't see us winning games like this without a very big slice of luck. Hope I'm proved wrong.
Bit like the games against Reading and QPR Jimbo, oh we won those
Bu bu but Arry told us we were lucky to win against QPR! You saying the geezer lied???
Jimbo. The facts back you up of course but I just think our young defenders are actually improving game to game. I also think Stoke struggle to score at the best of times, (amazingly for a Villa team), we dont have that problem this season, we are always likely to score.
Honestly I have no concerns about the Stoke game, I am very confident. Of course I could look like a fool tomorrow but that comes hand in hand with being a Villa fan 8)
We were able to beat the worst two teams in the division, and that's great. Imagine if we hadn't? Neither were 'routine wins', however. I really hope you're right, but when the same things keep happening over and over again, you can't help but worry whether we're actually learning anything.
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I just hope Lambert puts out a physically strong side. I'd like to see a Westwood, Delph, Sylla triangle with Gabby out on the right.. and maybe even Holman to get stuck in. We have to score, our focus has to be on getting goals. We can beat stoke. WE CAN BEAT STOKE.
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I just hope Lambert puts out a physically strong side. I'd like to see a Westwood, Delph, Sylla triangle with Gabby out on the right.. and maybe even Holman to get stuck in. We have to score, our focus has to be on getting goals. We can beat stoke. WE CAN BEAT STOKE.
Hahahahahahahahahahaha
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-----------Guzan
Lowton-Vlaar-Baker-Bennett
------Westwood-Delph
----Weimann-Sylla-Gabby
-----------Benteke
2-0 Villa
I'd be very surprised if that's not our starting XI. Shape-wise, switch Delph and Sylla round.
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Think Delph for Bannan is the way we'll go, we'll need the extra bite in midfield for these lot.
F'kin hate Stuuuurk and everything about them, shite direct football, Delilah bullshit, but above all else in 2010 for our honeymoon I convinced my Canadian wife we should tour England (she'd never been before) we ended up almost brawling with some sturk lads in a boozer in Newquay when we lost 2-1 at the Britannia they scored in the last min if I remember right, she's called me a Hooligan ever since!!
Anyway them 1 us 3 Benteke, Gabby, N'zogbia
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Think Delph for Bannan is the way we'll go, we'll need the extra bite in midfield for these lot.
F'kin hate Stuuuurk and everything about them, shite direct football, Delilah bullshit, but above all else in 2010 for our honeymoon I convinced my Canadian wife we should tour England (she'd never been before) we ended up almost brawling with some sturk lads in a boozer in Newquay when we lost 2-1 at the Britannia they scored in the last min if I remember right, she's called me a Hooligan ever since!!
Anyway them 1 us 3 Benteke, Gabby, N'zogbia
Villa fan from Canada in rumble with Stoke fans in Cornwall. I know you're now tarred for life, but....marvellous!!!
Assuming nobody got actually punched, of course.
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We'll have to score more than one to win as I can't see us keeping a clean sheet. They'll probably score from a set piece or a last minute Owen goal.
I reckon 1-1.
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Lets fucking drill these anti-football wankers.
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See I'm not sure trying to get 'big' players into the team and adapting to Stoke's style is the way to play, we need to impose our game on them. They're a poor side and we should try and attack them not try and compromise our style.
Totally agree pwa.
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When was the last time we won at Stoke ?
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When was the last time we won at Stoke ?
1984/1985 in the league by my reckoning. Which could well be wrong. Although I think we've only played 6 league games there since then.
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When was the last time we won at Stoke ?
1984. I only know this as Matt Kendrick tweeted it. Careless Whisper was No. 1 in case you were wondering.
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Even in 1981 we failed to win there.
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See I'm not sure trying to get 'big' players into the team and adapting to Stoke's style is the way to play, we need to impose our game on them. They're a poor side and we should try and attack them not try and compromise our style.
Totally agree pwa.
I agree with the sentiment. But we need to cope with set pieces in particular. I think that probably requires 4 people who can defend corners and free kicks well.
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April decides our fate I think. We need a minimum of 7 points from
Stoke a
Fulham h
Utd a
Sunderland h
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April decides our fate I think. We need a minimum of 7 points from
Stoke a
Fulham h
Utd a
Sunderland h
I agree we need at least least 7 from those games but it will still be may which seals our fate as we will need more than 37 - I hope we can secure safety at Norwich but if not then against Chelsea.
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I'm going to be on the m25 during the match, which will undoubtedly be me driving without due care and attention. I hope I don't have a heart attack
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Got a good feeling about this one - we seem to be playing with a bit more fight so I'm going 2-1 Villa win.
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but above all else in 2010 for our honeymoon I convinced my Canadian wife we should tour England (she'd never been before) we ended up almost brawling with some sturk lads in a boozer in Newquay when we lost 2-1 at the Britannia they scored in the last min if I remember right
Still can't believe we didn't win that game 5-0, we were that dominant for 80 minutes.
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we're going to football ourselves to victory today. 3-1 and smiles all round for everyone on here at 5
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Waiting for Mr Sox to arrive. Can't wait. Come on you Villa boys.
UTV
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we're going to football ourselves to victory today. 3-1 and smiles all round for everyone on here at 5
Like it Toronto. Positiveness breads. We can do this. 0-2 Wemann-Benteke. early goal and play them off the park whilst there crowd boo Pulis and our fans join in ........
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Knowing what our lot are like, I hope we get our 'bad' half out of the way in the first 45 and get to the break without being behind.
That way , I think we have a real chance.
I have to say however, the optimism coming over in this thread surprises me a little. I hope you're all right.
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Getting quite nervous about this match. Never go to Stoke with too much expectation but so much is riding on this. Wish I shared others optimism over a positive result. Not convinced that our players or manager really get what's at stake. Not convinced that the players have the ability to get us out of this mess.
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I have decided to play golf this afternoon and escape the exasperation, anxiety and extremes of agony and delight. I hope I will be watching motd tonight however the years of being a Villa fan tell me we are playing a team bereft of confidence, can't win, can't buy a goal and that will lead to a home win.
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Match previewer just on Towk Shite reckons we will win, and that Sterk are on excrescence of Mephistopheles and a pox on the body sporting.
I think that was Radio 4 you were listening to.
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I am at a stag party today so won't be able to follow things.
Think we will get a draw. A win would ease the pressure.
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I'm not going to predict a scoreline, but will say this:
We are still a team in development, our young cubs are getting a very public harsh lesson in growing up and becoming a decent side. We will probably get relegated but that is the time where we all must not panic and not call for Lambert's head. That Daily Mail article on Dortmund's youth coach highlights what we need to be - at the beginning of being a sustainable, home-grown football side with a focus on developing young talent that can then perform to their potential and grow here before they are sold on for bucks.
Stoke, on the other hand have definitely peaked. The past few years have been very fortunate to Tiny Penis' men, and are now beginning to start their long descent. Do they stick with what they have or do they put Penis on the chopping block? Rafa Benitez is up for a challenge, I hear....
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I am at a stag party today so won't be able to follow things.
Think we will get a draw. A win would ease the pressure.
Even a win won't cure your forthcoming hangover Irish. Enjoy. 3-1 Villa.
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I'm not going to predict a scoreline, but will say this:
We are still a team in development, our young cubs are getting a very public harsh lesson in growing up and becoming a decent side. We will probably get relegated but that is the time where we all must not panic and not call for Lambert's head. That Daily Mail article on Dortmund's youth coach highlights what we need to be - at the beginning of being a sustainable, home-grown football side with a focus on developing young talent that can then perform to their potential and grow here before they are sold on for bucks.
Stoke, on the other hand have definitely peaked. The past few years have been very fortunate to Tiny Penis' men, and are now beginning to start their long descent. Do they stick with what they have or do they put Penis on the chopping block? Rafa Benitez is up for a challenge, I hear....
A very well made point. I shall try to remember your sanguine comments if and when we have lost 3-0 today! I shall be in the garden doing jobs and listening to it on my headphones as it is the only way I can suffer the suspense of listening to or watching the Villa these days. Having your mind focused on something else seems to make the suffering more bearable
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Despite my positive feeling about the game, I accept there will be the usual defensive clanger that either should or will result in a goal for them. So who do people think the culprit will be today? My guess is Vlaar.
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Despite my positive feeling about the game, I accept there will be the usual defensive clanger that either should or will result in a goal for them. So who do people think the culprit will be today? My guess is Vlaar.
Well, we've had one apiece from Clark and Baker in the last month so it is his turn....
I've given up trying to guess scorelines this season because we've been so inconsistent, but I'll give it one last try and say 2-1 to Villa, Benteke and Gabby.
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C`mon Villa, right a terrible wrong and actually play well and destroy these beasts for a fucking change.
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No Match thread?
@AVFCOfficial: #AVFC: Guzan, Lowton, Vlaar [c], Baker, Bennett, Westwood, Delph, Agbonlahor, Weimann, Bowery, Benteke. #AVFCLIVE
Gulp !!
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No Match thread?
@AVFCOfficial: #AVFC: Guzan, Lowton, Vlaar [c], Baker, Bennett, Westwood, Delph, Agbonlahor, Weimann, Bowery, Benteke. #AVFCLIVE
Gulp !!
I was just thinking the same. No post match thread either. Are you ok Legion ?
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@AVFCOfficial: #AVFC subs: Given, N’Zogbia, Holman, Sylla, El Ahmadi, Bent, Lichaj. #AVFCLIVE
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@AVFCOfficial: #AVFC: Guzan, Lowton, Vlaar [c], Baker, Bennett, Westwood, Delph, Agbonlahor, Weimann, Bowery, Benteke. #AVFCLIVE
That's the same team somebody ITK posted on here yesterday.
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Bowery for Sylla?! Delph for Bannan.
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Bowery in and no sylla - once again lambert surprises me with his selection- let's hope it works.
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Looks like reading are down and saints virtually safe 0-2 , we need a win today rather than a draw.
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I'm going to be attempting to follow this using the dreadful wifi on the ferry across the Irish Sea this afternoon, combined with the only radio station I can find on the TV that works.......TalkSport. *shudders*
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One or two taller people in the box. Seems fair enough.
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One or two taller people in the box. Seems fair enough.
Bowery is one inch taller than Sylla and about a tenth the footballer.
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My predictions for today:
We'll play really well for 50% of the game, then Lambert will give his half time team talk, and we'll play terribly for 50% of the game
Delph will slide in and tackle a player 5 minutes after the player has passed the ball, picking up a yellow card for his troubles
Brad Guzan will pull off a couple of amazing and gravity defying saves
We'll score a couple of brilliantly worked goals which will highlight the potential of our young dynamic attack
Our left and right flanks will be dangerously exposed time and time again as one of either Lowton or Bennett (or both) is caught pushing forward when we lose the ball
One of our central defenders will try and play offside whilst there is another defender at least 10 yards behind him, giving a Stoke player a 1 on 1 goal scoring opportunity
We'll give away a needless freekick just outside the area in a very dangerous position
We'll concede a couple of stupidly given away goals through one of the above mentioned errors which will highlight the complete fragility of our young and dynamic defence
One of Gabby/Weimann will miss an absolute sitter in front of goal
Nzogbia, coming on a sub, with acres of space in front of him and in on goal, will instead run straight into a tightly packed group of 4 Stoke players and lose the ball
The last 10 minutes will be heart in the mouth stuff
Villa win 3-2.
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I`ve decided i`m not gonna listen to it, avoid television, burn my season ticket, and go into total denial about all this, it just isn`t entertainment anymore it`s Pergatory or whatever the flashy word is for an absolute fuckin` nightmare.
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We are going to win this game by two clear goals. I feel it in my water.
Though it could be thrush...
You'll all be pleased to know it wasn't thrush!