Heroes & Villains, the Aston Villa fanzine
Heroes & Villains => Match Threads & Player Ratings => Topic started by: Legion on December 01, 2013, 06:31:14 PM
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Wednesday 4.12.13 KO 7.45pm
0-0
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4-1 Southampton.
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Villa win 2-1. I don't care who scores, just win.
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1-3 routine Villa away win.
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4-1 Southampton.
You want to bet on that?
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0-2
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Southampton after a very good start played two games that they were expected to lose and they have duly obliged by losing both. I think they will find losing 3rd on the trot shocking but about time reality hit em.
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Southampton after a very good start played two games that they were expected to lose and they have duly obliged by losing both. I think they will find losing 3rd on the trot shocking but about time reality hit em.
They're a better side than us, but their legal position was misleading for a while as they'd played a succession of weak sides. We're now probably going to start to see them fall a fair bit.
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I wonder if they'll do a 'Hull'?
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3-1 them
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This is Villa we're talking about. we'll win because we rarely do what common sense says we should do. Them 1 Us 3
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3-0 saints win.
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2-0
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Feeling good about this one... 3-1 win.
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2-0 loss, think this is an away game too far for us and we're due a loss to a non-top 4 team away.
Southampton aren't a good match up for us I don't think....ironically a bit similar to Pompey who were a bogey team against us for a lot of MON's time in charge.
They have tricky clever players upfront which will trouble us, they have strength in midfield and in defence they have quick fullbacks so we'll struggle to get behind them.
A point from this would be a very good result. Fulham is the game to win.
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Really hard to call this one. A draw or narrow defeat seem the likeliest options. But we've not lost away from home against anyone but genuine champions league teams since February.
I can't see us putting in a good passing performance against their pressing game. I think he might go pretty direct again to try and counteract their game
Although the team didn't really work yday I think it may well be the same side to play on weds
Schneiderlin and boruc got injured today which could be good news. Schneiderlin has been excellent this season
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Guzan
Lowton Vlaar Clark Luma
Bacuna Westwood Delph Tonev
Kozak Gabby
Need to be solid and I question if those who were injured will be fit for 2 games in few days
I think we will lose
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After two tough matches Southampton will relish this match.
I think we may get slaughtered. Nothing less than we deserve, frankly.
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I think Southampton will win, they look a good side.
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After two tough matches Southampton will relish this match.
I think we may get slaughtered. Nothing less than we deserve, frankly.
How do we deserve to get slaughtered before the match even begins?
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Benteke has a lot to prove in this match. No doubt Lambert has had a few kind words in his ear. Think it will be a draw though 0-0 or 1-1
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I watched their game against Chelsea earlier and Demba Ba did them for pace at the back a few times and they didn't get a lot of joy in midfield either so i'd be tempted to play Gabby and Benteke up top, throw Bacuna in a 4 man midfield and put Lowton back in.
I'm going for us to win 2-1.
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After two tough matches Southampton will relish this match.
I think we may get slaughtered. Nothing less than we deserve, frankly.
How do we deserve to get slaughtered before the match even begins?
Because we've dared to go four matches unbeaten, and that's not in the script.
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Benteke has had enough games to get over his injury now, so assuming he's not carrying another injury he should be coming back to his physical best.
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Really hard to call this one. A draw or narrow defeat seem the likeliest options. But we've not lost away from home against anyone but genuine champions league teams since February.
I can't see us putting in a good passing performance against their pressing game. I think he might go pretty direct again to try and counteract their game
Although the team didn't really work yday I think it may well be the same side to play on weds
Schneiderlin and boruc got injured today which could be good news. Schneiderlin has been excellent this season
In fairness as much as our home record generally deserves condemnation our away record is worth of respect.
These are our last 19 away games so a full season right here back to last November:
Sunderland-won
Man. City- lost
QPR- drew
Liverpool won
Chelsea- can't remember....
Swansea- drew
WBA- drew
Everton- drew
Arsenal- lost
Reading- won
Stoke- won
Man. united- lost
Norwich- won
Wigan- drew
Arsenal- won
Chelsea- lost
Norwich- Won
Hull- drew
West Ham- drew
WBA- drew
O.k that's 20 games but anyway....
PL 20 W 7 D8 L5
The 5 defeats came against teams that finished or will finish in the top 4 if you count the one we had this season. Of the 8 draws there were a lot more we came closer to winning e.g. Swansea and Everton where we conceded late goals.
Still it's a lot better than our last 20 at home! Sod's law now I've done that we'll lose our next two away.
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This is the kind of game where we don't do what most expect and just bend over and take it. In fact it wouldn't surprise me at all to see some of our players rediscover their form against the odds. We lost 4-1 there last season. I think we'll put some of that right and win 2-1; Gabby and a Benteke winner.
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Boruc out for 6 weeks and their reserve goalie didn't look convincing (albeit against Chelsea). Shoot on sight (not a problem if Tonev plays) and on target (a problem if Tonev plays) and we'll get goals. 2-2
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two up front for this for me
soton looked poor today when chelsea went two up
goalie looked poor too
2-2
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Bookies offering 5/1 against us winning, which is astonishing when you consider the length of time each club has had to milk the PL teat, and the fact tat they have been in Administration and League 1.
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I have a feeling that we will win. We're Villa, we all know to expect the unexpected(both in a positive and negative sense). Villa surprise us when we least expect and do expect.
We need to be direct against Southampton, as Chelsea were in the second half against them. They have a strong midfield and decent defence. We're not yet good enough to pass around them as that would be playing into their hands-again, as Chelsea showed. We need pace and direct football-which we can do.
I'm going to predict a 2-1 win for Villa. Davis for them, as is the norm with ex players. Weimann and Clark for us.
BUT
If KEA plays.
0-0.
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Curious why you think KEA would be a negative? He has been either our best or second best midfielder this season.
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If Lambert gets the team set up right and Benteke gets any where near to playing to his ability and we could win this.
Anything less than the right system and approach and we could be in trouble.
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2-0 home win.
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southampton are after 2 defeats, granted against much better sides that us, but think its a good time to play them too.
We will get plenty of opportunity to play against them as they arent a park the bus outfit.
Not hopeful really but maybe dropping Benteke and unleashing him in the second half might prove dividends.
Id try Kozak and Gabby up top. Give Lowton a go and either Albrighton or Bennett on left of midfield.
---------------Guzan
Lowton, Vlaar, Clark, Luna
Bacuna, Westwood, Delph, Albrighton
---------Kozak, Gabby------------
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Curious why you think KEA would be a negative? He has been either our best or second best midfielder this season.
Not for me he hasn't Delph he been our best by a mile and I'd put Westwood ahead of kea - when they both play together at home we are too negative as they are both similar players and neither attacking enough in their game.
Away from home they tend to work better together so I wouldn't have any qualms about playing them.
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I fear a pasting though it can't be much worse than being there last season for the 4-1 - after we had taken the lead too
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SHOCK RESULT ALERT
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After two tough matches Southampton will relish this match.
I think we may get slaughtered. Nothing less than we deserve, frankly.
Words fail me.
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One player who impressed me for them yesterday was Osvaldo, he looked quite lively in the second half. There's no reason why we can't go there and win.
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One player who impressed me for them yesterday was Osvaldo, he looked quite lively in the second half. There's no reason why we can't go there and win.
Really? He's been a massive flop. £15m was always too much for him but I thought he'd do better than he has!
Besides, their manager usually rotates so I wouldn't be surprised if he's on the bench.
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Curious why you think KEA would be a negative? He has been either our best or second best midfielder this season.
Not for me he hasn't Delph he been our best by a mile and I'd put Westwood ahead of kea - when they both play together at home we are too negative as they are both similar players and neither attacking enough in their game.
Away from home they tend to work better together so I wouldn't have any qualms about playing them.
KEA has been dreadful this season. Negative, no pace, never does anything remotely interesting. Should be sold,
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They've been very, very good - particularly at home, but we seem to have a way of nicking 3 points away from home just when everyone thinks we're doing shit.
1-2, Rickie Lambert, Weimann, and Clark to score.
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One player who impressed me for them yesterday was Osvaldo, he looked quite lively in the second half. There's no reason why we can't go there and win.
Really? He's been a massive flop. £15m was always too much for him but I thought he'd do better than he has!
Besides, their manager usually rotates so I wouldn't be surprised if he's on the bench.
Did he really cost them that much? I didn't realise that. He looked ok yesterday so whether he's starting to get used to the game over here, I don't know.
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Draws almost relegated us the year McLeish was our manager...Ironically, it could be draws that push us top half this season (if that makes sense??).
1-1.
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Poor recent performances and a lack of goals from us.
Flying high and flavour of the month them.
Villa win all day long. Its how we have always been.
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As soon as Chelsea upped the tempo yesterday and went more direct they looked in trouble. They play a lot of neat, incisive football but had no answer to a more physical approach. Clearly, we're not Chelsea but it does suggest a weakness to be exploited.
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I think it'll be a narrow defeat but I really really hope we stuff them
I still haven't forgiven them about being robbed in the League Cup years ago down there, mid 80's?
It absolutely chucked down all night. We were herded off the train straight into the ground and they hadn't put any lights on, so we spent a good half hour getting soaked in the dark.
One of their players, standing in the back of the goal, headed the ball out and it wasn't given. The goal line had been washed away and the ref 'wasn't sure' if it had crossed the line, that wasn't there, even though the player had his back literally touching the back of the net. Surprisingly they repainted the line for the second half.
If I remember right three players were sent off. Mark Dennis and some other knob for them & Psycho Evans for us.
Then to round off a truly miserable evening we were 'escorted' back to the train station and left outside waiting for about forty minutes for our train to come in. I'd had to rush straight from work to get there and hadn't had anything to eat and some Policeman threatened to arrest me for wanting to walk a couple of hundred yards to a chippy to get a bag of chips.
Then to really rub salt in the wounds when we were finally allowed to enter the station I got to the snack bar, finally got to the front of the queue and ordered a pizza. There was about 20 seconds left on the timer and the train was about to leave. The woman behind the counter wouldn't give me the pizza til it was done so I had to leave it and just managed to get on the train literally as it started to move away and I'm bloody sure as I jumped through the train doors I heard that sodding microwave go 'bing'.
Cold, drenched, starving, robbed and some sod ended up with my pizza. I wouldn't be surprised if it was that Policeman.
Apart from that it was a good day.
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Think we'll struggle with this. Our lucks going to run out slightly. They'll want to bounce back too after a couple of losses, albeit against the top 2 sides.
I also expect our degree of fortune in the last few games to wear off.
2-1 Soton.
Gabby.
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think we'll get spanked. 3-0 saints.
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As I now have to work most weekends I will be going to this.
I am expecting a great night.
4-1 to us as the beast within Benteke breaks back out.
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After two tough matches Southampton will relish this match.
I think we may get slaughtered. Nothing less than we deserve, frankly.
Why and why? Why do you think we won't be a tough match for them? Why do you think we DESERVE to be slaughtered?
Hate to have you beside me in the trenches!
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After two tough matches Southampton will relish this match.
I think we may get slaughtered. Nothing less than we deserve, frankly.
Why and why? Why do you think we won't be a tough match for them? Why do you think we DESERVE to be slaughtered?
Hate to have you beside me in the trenches!
Deserve to be slaughtered....Why?
I picked this stat off a Saints forum...seems they rate us more than some of our own then...
"Teams Villa have lost away to in the league since October 2012: Man City, Man Utd, Chelsea and Arsenal
This won't be easy at all "
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Boruc out for them it seems....he's been decent for them this season.
Wonder if Lambert will give it the old Sunday Football shout of "hang one up there on the keeper" :-)
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According to the Sky studio at half time in yesterdays game, Saints have spent £180 million in two years, which is astonishing.
Draw for me.
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According to the Sky studio at half time in yesterdays game, Saints have spent £180 million in two years, which is astonishing.
Draw for me.
Bullshit, where have they come up with that figure from?
Jack Cork Chelsea Signed 11 Jul, 2011
Steve De Ridder De Graafschap Signed 22 Jul, 2011
Daniel Fox Burnley Signed 11 Aug, 2011
Jos Hooiveld Celtic Signed 31 Aug, 2011
Tadanari Lee Sanf Hiroshima Free 25 Jan, 2012
Billy Sharp Doncaster £1,800,000 30 Jan, 2012
Jay Rodriguez Burnley £6,000,000 10 Jun, 2012
Steve Davis Rangers Free 06 Jul, 2012
Nathaniel Clyne C Palace Signed 18 Jul, 2012
Paulo Gazzaniga Gillingham Signed 20 Jul, 2012
Emmanuel Mayuka Young Boys Signed 29 Aug, 2012
Maya Yoshida VVV Venlo Signed 30 Aug, 2012
Gaston Ramirez Bologna £12,000,000 31 Aug, 2012
Artur Boruc Fiorentina Free 22 Sep, 2012
Vegard Forren Molde Signed 18 Jan, 2013
Dejan Lovren Lyon £8,500,000 14 Jun, 2013
Victor Wanyama Celtic £12,500,000 11 Jul, 2013
Pablo Osvaldo Roma £15,000,000 18 Aug, 2013
Somehow they've spent less on agents fee's in the last 2 years than we have aswell.
3-1 Soton Gabby for us.
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Narrow defeat, 2-1, Benteke penalty.
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Southampton to beat us 3-1
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Gazzinga played against us last season and looked dodgy but they still stuffed us 4-1.
I imagine Lambert will come back in, he was a bogey player for us last season.
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Curious why you think KEA would be a negative? He has been either our best or second best midfielder this season.
Not for me he hasn't Delph he been our best by a mile and I'd put Westwood ahead of kea - when they both play together at home we are too negative as they are both similar players and neither attacking enough in their game.
Away from home they tend to work better together so I wouldn't have any qualms about playing them.
KEA has been dreadful this season. Negative, no pace, never does anything remotely interesting. Should be sold,
Well fair enough although I disagree. I think he was a flop last season but not this one. He and Vlaar are the most improved players season over season imho.
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KEA works better in away games than at villa park so I'd expect him to start again as he can be o.k pressing opponents and we'll need that against Southampton.
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I think we'll get a draw.
I also think KEA works better in away games, and *MON appears to have frozen **NRC out.
*Paul Lambert
** Matt Lowton.
Guzen
Bacuna
Vlaar
Clark
Luna
Westwood
Delph
KEA
Gabby
Weimann
Kozak
Benchteke.
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I think we'll get a draw.
I also think KEA works better in away games, and *MON appears to have frozen **NRC out.
*Paul Lambert
** Matt Lowton.
What makes you say that when he brought him on as sub against Cardiff and has named him on the bench for the last few games?
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I think we'll get a draw.
I also think KEA works better in away games, and *MON appears to have frozen **NRC out.
*Paul Lambert
** Matt Lowton.
What makes you say that when he brought him on as sub against Cardiff and has named him on the bench for the last few games?
I hope Lowton gets back in the side soon. We need some invention in the middle, makes sense to try Bacuna there and Lowton back at RB.
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I think we'll get a draw.
I also think KEA works better in away games, and *MON appears to have frozen **NRC out.
*Paul Lambert
** Matt Lowton.
What makes you say that when he brought him on as sub against Cardiff and has named him on the bench for the last few games?
I hope Lowton gets back in the side soon. We need some invention in the middle, makes sense to try Bacuna there and Lowton back at RB.
Indeed it does paul.
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Very much so.
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Missing Lowtons delivery on the run as well, and to a certain extent Bennett.
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Missing Lowtons delivery on the run as well, and to a certain extent Bennett.
I agree , its a shame Bennett has had so many injuries , he was starting to find form and confidence towards the end of the season - luna has been very hit and miss at times .
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Yes, he hits the ball and misses the intended target quite often.
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Missing Lowtons delivery on the run as well, and to a certain extent Bennett.
People were saying the same things about Bennett this time last season as what they're saying about Luna now, ie not good enough, poor etc.
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Curious why you think KEA would be a negative? He has been either our best or second best midfielder this season.
Not for me he hasn't Delph he been our best by a mile and I'd put Westwood ahead of kea - when they both play together at home we are too negative as they are both similar players and neither attacking enough in their game.
Away from home they tend to work better together so I wouldn't have any qualms about playing them.
KEA has been dreadful this season. Negative, no pace, never does anything remotely interesting. Should be sold,
Being the highest scoring midfielder and highest tackler in the team is not interesting enough?
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I think we'll get a draw.
I also think KEA works better in away games, and *MON appears to have frozen **NRC out.
*Paul Lambert
** Matt Lowton.
What makes you say that when he brought him on as sub against Cardiff and has named him on the bench for the last few games?
I hope Lowton gets back in the side soon. We need some invention in the middle, makes sense to try Bacuna there and Lowton back at RB.
I'd agree to be honest but to say Lowton's been frozen out is unfair really.
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Missing Lowtons delivery on the run as well, and to a certain extent Bennett.
People were saying the same things about Bennett this time last season as what they're saying about Luna now, ie not good enough, poor etc.
Neither have been particularly consistent or convincing but I think with both fit the competition for places would help the cause - i do see something in Bennett that makes me think he could be a useful player but he seems to be somewhat injury prone and lacks confidence at times - when he's on his game and playing with confidence he looks useful.
I don't know what to make of luna - he's looked decent in some games and dreadful in others - the jury is still out.
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I thought after the Bradford nightmare of last season, Bennett started to improve as our results did.
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I think we need to give Luna a bit longer than 10 games me thinks. He's also been out injured for the best part of a month. We're a bit hasty with players sometimes, especially ones who've not played over here before.
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It's Luna's time to be slagged off then. Gives the rest of them time off i suppose.
Give me bloody strength.
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I quite like Luna, he pushes forward a bit riskily but sometimes I just think sod it, get forward and make them think about what we're doing rather than the other way round. I thought both Bacuna and Luna got into pretty good advanced positions in space on Saturday but were unfortunately not picked out quickly by the mid-field which gave the oppo time to regroup and led to another round of dull sideways passing.
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It's Luna's time to be slagged off then. Gives the rest of them time off i suppose.
Give me bloody strength.
I'm not sure people are slagging him off , just commenting that as yet he hasnt found consistency , it will take time and certainly nobody has written him off that I've seen .
At times he has looked superb against Chelsea and arsenal - Ben Arfa and townsend gave him the run around at others - it's too soon to form a conclusive judgement on him .
He has potential and I think would benefit from the competition for the left back berth with Bennett pushing him.
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I quite like Luna, he pushes forward a bit riskily but sometimes I just think sod it, get forward and make them think about what we're doing rather than the other way round. I thought both Bacuna and Luna got into pretty good advanced positions in space on Saturday but were unfortunately not picked out quickly by the mid-field which gave the oppo time to regroup and led to another round of dull sideways passing.
This is a major fault with our midfield, we do not move the ball quickly enough. I don't think we ever pass it first time without taking a touch, and more often than not we take three or four touches before deciding to pass it. By this time the opposition have worked out what we are going to do with the ball and have moved to cover it/cut it out. This means if the full backs have pushed on they are left stranded up field with plenty of space left open for the opposition to attack.
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I just don't rate Bennett. I'd be hoping Luna is given a fair shot in that spot.
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It's Luna's time to be slagged off then. Gives the rest of them time off i suppose.
Give me bloody strength.
I'm not sure people are slagging him off , just commenting that as yet he hasnt found consistency , it will take time and certainly nobody has written him off that I've seen .
At times he has looked superb against Chelsea and arsenal - Ben Arfa and townsend gave him the run around at others - it's too soon to form a conclusive judgement on him .
He has potential and I think would benefit from the competition for the left back berth with Bennett pushing him.
That is what i was looking for matey. Constructive criticism. ;)
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It will be a good game. Is it on Sky ?
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It will be a good game. Is it on Sky ?
It is not on Sky. Mooch (Ex Rococco Lounge) on Broad Street are showing it as are Apres', Summer Row in the City Centre.
I dare say several other pubs around various suburbs have it too through an "alternative" source.
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According to the Sky studio at half time in yesterdays game, Saints have spent £180 million in two years, which is astonishing.
Draw for me.
Bullshit, where have they come up with that figure from?
May be not bullshit. The fees you have mentioned add up to about £60m. There are 9 players on your list where no fee is disclosed other than free transfers. So those 9 could be another £40m. When you add the cost of contracts £180m is not a fantasy.
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Benchteke.
Salute.
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Thinking about the way Southampton play, like others I'm wondering about playing two up.
Saints really press on and play with a very high intensity. I think our game's going to revolve around quick breakaways.
Could be a game for gabby alongside benteke. If we do that, i imagine we'd play a tight midfield. Reluctant to see the diamond again. But we could see bacuna and Weimann narrow of Westwood and Delph.
But it's all a bit untested. Our away form has been great playing 433 or 4231 for the whole of this year. It's just that benteke has been the spearhead and talisman for that period.
I don't think the 352 will work though, unless we're playing for another 0-0. Our wingbacks will just get pushed back.
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Some good news on the horizon-
@JoresOkore: My Knee looks great, feels great and doing great. Hopefully it will continue🙏 #OnlyGodKnows 🙏🙏🙏
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Some good news on the horizon-
@JoresOkore: My Knee looks great, feels great and doing great. Hopefully it will continue🙏 #OnlyGodKnows 🙏🙏🙏
On balance, if I had to bet, I'd say the surgeon probably has a marginally better idea than God, but that's just me.
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I quite like Luna, he pushes forward a bit riskily but sometimes I just think sod it, get forward and make them think about what we're doing rather than the other way round. I thought both Bacuna and Luna got into pretty good advanced positions in space on Saturday but were unfortunately not picked out quickly by the mid-field which gave the oppo time to regroup and led to another round of dull sideways passing.
This is a major fault with our midfield, we do not move the ball quickly enough. I don't think we ever pass it first time without taking a touch, and more often than not we take three or four touches before deciding to pass it. By this time the opposition have worked out what we are going to do with the ball and have moved to cover it/cut it out. This means if the full backs have pushed on they are left stranded up field with plenty of space left open for the opposition to attack.
I agree with this, we seem unable to create anything quickly, except on a few occasions, but when we do break and move the ball quickly we've proved we can be dangerous. Just don't do it often enough.
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I quite like Luna, he pushes forward a bit riskily but sometimes I just think sod it, get forward and make them think about what we're doing rather than the other way round. I thought both Bacuna and Luna got into pretty good advanced positions in space on Saturday but were unfortunately not picked out quickly by the mid-field which gave the oppo time to regroup and led to another round of dull sideways passing.
This is a major fault with our midfield, we do not move the ball quickly enough. I don't think we ever pass it first time without taking a touch, and more often than not we take three or four touches before deciding to pass it. By this time the opposition have worked out what we are going to do with the ball and have moved to cover it/cut it out. This means if the full backs have pushed on they are left stranded up field with plenty of space left open for the opposition to attack.
I agree with this, we seem unable to create anything quickly, except on a few occasions, but when we do break and move the ball quickly we've proved we can be dangerous. Just don't do it often enough.
This is the main reason I don't like KEA being in the side, he more than most seems to slow things down.
The thing is, we can play incisive 1 or 2 touch football, we've done it a few times this season and looked very good.
If we can get into the habit of playing that way more often we'll look a much better side but I think the focus of the team at the minute is to keep things tight and not concede many, which is probably a reaction to the long run without a clean sheet as much as anything, we know we can play going forward, we now know we can defend well as a unit, we need to find the right balance between those and we'll be fine.
I think we'll get something tomorrow night but I'm siding with 1 rather than all 3 of the points.
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tough, tough game....point would not be a bad thing...or 6 nil to the Villa :) will take either !
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I'll take a draw!
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Some good news on the horizon-
@JoresOkore: My Knee looks great, feels great and doing great. Hopefully it will continue🙏 #OnlyGodKnows 🙏🙏🙏
On balance, if I had to bet, I'd say the surgeon probably has a marginally better idea than God, but that's just me.
In this case Surgeon is GOD!
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Some good news on the horizon-
@JoresOkore: My Knee looks great, feels great and doing great. Hopefully it will continue🙏 #OnlyGodKnows 🙏🙏🙏
Annoyingly, tt's hard to get too excited as we're doing fine defensively at the moment. I'm more concerned with where the hell N'Zogbia is these days.
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1-2
Benteke, Tonev
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By Alex Richards | 03/12/13
Aston Villa manager Paul Lambert will check on the fitness of forward Andreas Weimann's fitness ahead of Aston Villa's trip to Southampton.
The Austrian international suffered a tight hamstring in Saturday's goalless draw with Sunderland but is hopeful of being fit enough to feature at St Mary's.
Christian Benteke, largely anonymous at the weekend, should continue up front, along with Gabby Agbonlahor, meaning Libor Kozak will have to settle for a place on the bench once again.
Aside from long-term absentees Charles N'Zogbia and Jores Okore, Lambert has no other injury problems.
Villa, currently sitting 11th in the league table despite just four wins from their opening 13 games, lost twice to the Saints last term.
Provisional squad: Guzan, Steer, Baker, Vlaar, Clark, Lowton, Luna, Bacuna, El Ahmadi, Delph, Westwood, Albrighton, Sylla, Tonev, Kozak, Helenius, Agbonlahor, Weimann, Benteke, Bowery.
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I'd play Delph, Sylla and Westy in the middle. We'll need the energy of Delph and Sylla to try and stifle their midfield.
I'd play either Tonev or Albrighton to provide some width, with Gabby playing the other side of the Beast.
As poorly as Benteke has played in recent weeks, in a game like this I think he needs to start. It just takes one moment of magic and he could look a different player. Harsh on Kozak who always works hard, but if it's not happening on 50 mins, then make the change.
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Can't see us getting much here the way they have been playing so far this season. 3-1 loss
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It will be a good game. Is it on Sky ?
It is not on Sky. Mooch (Ex Rococco Lounge) on Broad Street are showing it as are Apres', Summer Row in the City Centre.
I dare say several other pubs around various suburbs have it too through an "alternative" source.
Be careful with Apres on Summer Row. I went there last season to watch an away game that they were advertising as being shown. At about 3.05pm we enquired why it wasn't on yet and got the reply, "Oh we can't get it on". Cue a quick dash to Rococo.
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I'm tempted to avoid watching the game on my laptop and avoid match threads and radio and watch extended coverage on sky at 10pm - i doubt I will have the willpower though :(
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One thing I cannot understand about Southampton is where did they get fans from?
Back when they used to be in the top flight, they’d have thousands of empty seats in their new ground and would bring about 300 to Villa Park on a Saturday. Now they sell out allocations and get better numbers at home than the Pride of the Midlands.
Odd.
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One thing I cannot understand about Southampton is where did they get fans from?
Back when they used to be in the top flight, they’d have thousands of empty seats in their new ground and would bring about 300 to Villa Park on a Saturday. Now they sell out allocations and get better numbers at home than the Pride of the Midlands.
Odd.
Glory hunters.
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One small ray of sunshine is that Schneiderlin will not be fit, which considering his bright start to the season is something if a relief, also they will be featuring 3rd choice keeper Gazzaniga (sp?) so lots of speculative punts from Vlaar, Bacuna et al please.
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Hi
Hope ok to post this. Ive got 4 tickets for the Saints game in our end but unfortunately due to last ditch work commitments, we're not going to make it (and apparently too late to return to VP)
Shame to see them go to waste ideally would like to recoup something - say £60 for the 4
PM me if you are interested. I live Sutton Coldfield but can meet up tonight or tomorrow morning
ATB
Howla
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Hmm. We've not scored in five of our last seven games. Southampton have conceded two at home all season
3-0 to us then?
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Hmm. We've not scored in five of our last seven games. Southampton have conceded two at home all season
3-0 to us then?
Doc reckons 6 could be a possibility.
Which will be nice on the long journey home.
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One small ray of sunshine is that Schneiderlin will not be fit, which considering his bright start to the season is something if a relief, also they will be featuring 3rd choice keeper Gazzaniga (sp?) so lots of speculative punts from Vlaar, Bacuna et al please.
That's good news, Schnderlien is an excellent player. Shame Wanayma didn't get a yellow and suspended as they'd be serverly deleped into the engine room then. Would imagine Steven Davis will come in now....
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I think we'll get something down South.
Saints have been over-hyped for me, they are still a long way short of the quality of the top 5 or 6 teams in this league. Don't we have to go back over a year since we last lost to a team from outside the 'top 6'?
Entertaining 2-2.
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Will be keeping an eye on the score whilst inside the commerz bank arena Frankfurt. Over here on business and wanted to try out safe standing.
Think a draw would be a good result they have a superb home record.
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Will you be trying some safe German beer drinking ?
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Been doing that for the last week! I've nearly got the hang of it but practice some more tomorrow.
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Most important thing is that the coach gets us there in good time to slip away for a few pints.
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Where are the majority going before the game ? City centre or are there some pubs around the ground ?
And any ideas how many we've sold?
Utv
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Didn't realise southampton's home form had been quite so impressive. Five wins on the bounce and two goals conceded all season
It could be a bit like the opening half hour of the west brom game I think. We need to cut out the stupid mistakes.
I'd 100% be happy with a draw. Hopefully a good performance too.
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Merson has gone for 3-0 to Southampton !
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Very very nervous and excited about tonight, see you in Southampton!
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Most important thing is that the coach gets us there in good time to slip away for a few pints.
If you're going by official, good luck.
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Didn't realise southampton's home form had been quite so impressive. Five wins on the bounce and two goals conceded all season
It could be a bit like the opening half hour of the west brom game I think. We need to cut out the stupid mistakes.
I'd 100% be happy with a draw. Hopefully a good performance too.
I quite like stats like that. Five wins on the bounce means they are due a slip up. Five without a win would sound ominous to me.
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I'd go
Guzan
Lowton Vlaar Clark Luna
Bacuna Westwood Delph
Weimann Benteke Gabby
Subs Steer Baker El Ahmadi Helenius Kozak Tonev Sylla
2-1 Villa, Gabby and Benteke.
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I think i'd go.....
Guzan
Lowton Vlaar Clark Luna
Bacuna Westwood KEA Delph
Benteke Gabby
Subs: Steer Baker Sylla Kozak Tonev Albrighton Weimann
I am slightly contradicting myself there though because I don't think 4-4-2 works for us away from home.
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I think i'd go.....
Guzan
Lowton Vlaar Clark Luna
Bacuna Westwood KEA Delph
Benteke Gabby
Subs: Steer Baker Sylla Kozak Tonev Albrighton Weimann
I am slightly contradicting myself there though because I don't think 4-4-2 works for us away from home.
This would be my starting line up too - i doubt lambert will go that way though :(
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Mixed memories of what is one of my local matches. But hazy ones too (my age!) Le Tissier always seemed to score a last minute winner at the Dell though in reality it probably only happened once or twice. Then Dublin scoring within the first minute or so one season. Booing Benali. And Wolfie standing alongside me with his plastic bags in the old cage when they used to put away fans behind the goal at the Dell before we went down the side. And that funny staggered home end they used to have. Ugo having an absolute shocker there on either his debut or very early on in his Villa career. And that old pub outside the Dell. And down at St Mary's very early on when we won about 4-1 and Boateng scored a couple of belters on the break. The less said about the trip last season, the better
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Don't we have to go back over a year since we last lost to a team from outside the 'top 6'?
Entertaining 2-2.
We lost to Newcastle this season, unless you're including them for some reason.
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Where are the majority going before the game ? City centre or are there some pubs around the ground ?
And any ideas how many we've sold?
Utv
Last I heard a few days ago was that we'd sold over 2k but not quite all of the 2.2k allocation.
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Most Villa fans go to that pub on the corner of the crossroads - I think it's a Wetherspoon's - on the right on Above Bar which is the main drag down through the city. Opposite the park on the other side. It's pretty crap to be honest, but if you want to sing along and be with the masses, that's the place to go.
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Don't we have to go back over a year since we last lost to a team from outside the 'top 6'?
Entertaining 2-2.
We lost to Newcastle this season, unless you're including them for some reason.
I think he means away from home, apart from the top 4 i don't think we've lost away for over 12 months or something like that, has to change sometime though.
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Don't we have to go back over a year since we last lost to a team from outside the 'top 6'?
Entertaining 2-2.
We lost to Newcastle this season, unless you're including them for some reason.
I think he means away from home, apart from the top 4 i don't think we've lost away for over 12 months or something like that, has to change sometime though.
Sorry yes, meant to say lost away to a non top six team.
As in, someone other than Man U, Man City, Arsenal, Chelsea, Spurs, Liverpool.
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Have we played them yet under this new bloke? They seem to be a different proposition than they were under Adkins. In the 'how many points from the next 5 games' thread I had this down as a defeat so I'm not expecting much. But then I had us down for a win against Sunderland so let's hope we can get something. A point would be very welcome
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Chelsea used two up top very successfully to thwart Southampton in the second half on Sunday. Weimann has a hamstring strain. I'd go Guzan - Lowton, Vlaar, Clark, Luna - Bacuna, Westwood, Delph, Tonev - Gabby, Benteke.
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2-2.
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Last season at their place, it was Clyne and Shaw that ripped us apart. Fair to say optimism's not flowing with Luna and Bacuna having their turn against them.
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I think they'll be shattered after the work they put in against Chelsea and their confidence may be slightly dented after a couple of defeats on the bounce. A good away win here.
1-2, Benteke and Delph. Lambert for them.
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We need to separate ourselves from the pack below a little and close the gap above. That's why Saturday was so disappointing because a win against Sunderland we'd all be really happy with a point at Southampton tonight. Still a draw would be a good result, but as importantly a goal or two for the big man to get him going again. Even a penalty just so knows what it feels like. I'll be happy with a draw but I have a sneaky feeling that we might pinch this one. 2-1 to us.
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We need to separate ourselves from the pack below a little and close the gap above. That's why Saturday was so disappointing because a win against Sunderland we'd all be really happy with a point at Southampton tonight. Still a draw would be a good result, but as importantly a goal or two for the big man to get him going again. Even a penalty just so knows what it feels like. I'll be happy with a draw but I have a sneaky feeling that we might pinch this one. 2-1 to us.
I agree , a couple of wins can really shoot a team up the table , as newcastle have done -draws don't really have that sort of impact - a couple of away wins this week and we would be very comfortable .
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As much as I want to be positive about this one I can't see anything other than a Southampton win. I think Shaw and Clyne will do the damage down the wings again. Hoping for a better showing than last year and a point.
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I'll be delighted with a draw. feel sad saying that
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We need to separate ourselves from the pack below a little and close the gap above. That's why Saturday was so disappointing because a win against Sunderland we'd all be really happy with a point at Southampton tonight. Still a draw would be a good result, but as importantly a goal or two for the big man to get him going again. Even a penalty just so knows what it feels like. I'll be happy with a draw but I have a sneaky feeling that we might pinch this one. 2-1 to us.
I heartedly endorse TV's sentiments. Ive moved the goal posts from a draw to an undeserved (but welcome) win!
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Paul Lambert plays the Belguim national anthem in the changing room and stares at Benteke. In a deep voice say "Christian, imagine you are in the World cup final and Lukaku is injured, this is your moment" 1-2 Benteke is back .........
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Not there tonight and it feels a bit strange not doing an away game. I shall find a pub no doubt with a dodgy picture and much needed lager.
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I feel more relaxed about this one
I expect us to beat a Sunderland team at home , so get so frustrated , so an away game against Soton , any point is just a bonus .
Nice and relaxed and not going to let my blood boil .
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ps
until the match thread starts .!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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Don't have the best feeling about tonight. We're certainly capable of a result but it will be tough.
Come on Villa.
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Tonev to win it for us! (if I keep saying it then one day it will happen) ;D
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Don't know why but I've hardly thought about this game at all. I think i was really deflated after the Sunderland game after last Monday's high drama, and now I just feel a bit.........meh. Probably go mental (again) on the match thread