Although there will be no quick fix, the very least Lambert has promised is that Villa will set out to win matches, rather than try not to lose, which will make a welcome change from last season. "We'll definitely try [to play a more entertaining brand of football]," the former Norwich manager said.
Hopefully Vlaar is back for this and Lowton comes in at right back if not i fear Rooney and Van Persie will have a field day. 1-3 defeat
Sunday 15.12.13 1.30pm KOYou forgot smug.. God I hate these plastic fuckers...
1-0 home win
Bacuna 90+
I hate playing this lot and their obnoxious, glory-hunting fan-base.
We can stick the knife in at the weekend. I honestly don't think we should fear them. Just go out from the first whistle and attack these twats. We have the firepower up front. Defence is a bit of a worry but so what.Guzan
Lowton - Baker - Clark - ?
Bacuna - Sylla - Westwood
Weimann - Kozak - Gabby
We will field a decent team and we will beat these twats.
Not a prayer with that line up - we would get hammered.
I'd play a left back for starters. ;)Not a prayer with that line up - we would get hammered.
What would you go with mate.
Not a prayer with that line up - we would get hammered.
What would you go with mate.
I don't care how we do it but I just want to win this one. They can have 98% possession and batter us all day long if only we can score the winner with a fluky goal in the 98th minute of Fergie time.
I believe they will tear us apart Sunday, especially without Vlaar and Delph.You really think he can't see our problems?
The upside of the loss will be a wake-up call to Lambert on our style of play and we become entertaining once more through the festive season.
This is the same man who describes every performance as brilliant including the abysmal shit at Saints.I believe they will tear us apart Sunday, especially without Vlaar and Delph.You really think he can't see our problems?
The upside of the loss will be a wake-up call to Lambert on our style of play and we become entertaining once more through the festive season.
This is the same man who describes every performance as brilliant including the abysmal shit at Saints.I believe they will tear us apart Sunday, especially without Vlaar and Delph.You really think he can't see our problems?
The upside of the loss will be a wake-up call to Lambert on our style of play and we become entertaining once more through the festive season.
So it was a brilliant performance? A tactical masterclass? His luck will run out soon if he persists with this 'style'.This is the same man who describes every performance as brilliant including the abysmal shit at Saints.I believe they will tear us apart Sunday, especially without Vlaar and Delph.You really think he can't see our problems?
The upside of the loss will be a wake-up call to Lambert on our style of play and we become entertaining once more through the festive season.
You mean the abysmal shit we won?
This was my worry, and it seemed that way at the weekend. We had no run of decisions, a key player injured, and we never looked like nabbing a goal from anywhere. We can't expect to have 30% and 3-4 shots on target every game and win 3-2. If we continue average about 3 shots on target and passing it so poorly, we'll lose more than we win in the remainder of the season. Depending on injuries etc, how many we lose will be the difference between keeping ourselves clear of the bottom feeders, or scrapping with them again. Ronny can't get back soon enough.So it was a brilliant performance? A tactical masterclass? His luck will run out soon if he persists with this 'style'.This is the same man who describes every performance as brilliant including the abysmal shit at Saints.I believe they will tear us apart Sunday, especially without Vlaar and Delph.You really think he can't see our problems?
The upside of the loss will be a wake-up call to Lambert on our style of play and we become entertaining once more through the festive season.
You mean the abysmal shit we won?
So it was a brilliant performance? A tactical masterclass? His luck will run out soon if he persists with this 'style'.This is the same man who describes every performance as brilliant including the abysmal shit at Saints.I believe they will tear us apart Sunday, especially without Vlaar and Delph.You really think he can't see our problems?
The upside of the loss will be a wake-up call to Lambert on our style of play and we become entertaining once more through the festive season.
You mean the abysmal shit we won?
So it was a brilliant performance? A tactical masterclass? His luck will run out soon if he persists with this 'style'.This is the same man who describes every performance as brilliant including the abysmal shit at Saints.I believe they will tear us apart Sunday, especially without Vlaar and Delph.You really think he can't see our problems?
The upside of the loss will be a wake-up call to Lambert on our style of play and we become entertaining once more through the festive season.
You mean the abysmal shit we won?
Man United -1 is an early Xmas present I'm afraid. They really could crucify us. Hard team to pick but a couple of players need dropping from the team (Bacuna) and squad (Weimann). I'd actually bring Hutton back in to the team for this game as Bacuna's confidence doesn't need any more of a battering. If Hutton gets a chasing, no-one is going to be too bothered. Clark and Baker as a partnership mean goals for United Im afraid but we have nothing better available.
Guzan
Lowton, Clark, Baker, Hutton
-----------Herd-----------
gabby, Westwood, Sylla, Albrighton
Benteke
Why on Earth is this dreary mid-table clash on TV?
I'm pretty sure we'll lose this match, which is fine I suppose, but imagine if we won - Moyes would probably be sacked (the Villa curse has accounted for Bobby Robson and Mourinho Mk I, greater managers than him). We could definitely get a draw though, I think, but it would have to be a high-scorer. However, we will probably lose because Delph is out, so that's pretty much it.
I'm pretty sure we'll lose this match, which is fine I suppose, but imagine if we won - Moyes would probably be sacked (the Villa curse has accounted for Bobby Robson and Mourinho Mk I, greater managers than him). We could definitely get a draw though, I think, but it would have to be a high-scorer. However, we will probably lose because Delph is out, so that's pretty much it.
We could win 5-0 and moyes would not be sacked - they will give him time.
No worries. A cracking home win and we all set up for Xmas!
I'm pretty sure we'll lose this match, which is fine I suppose, but imagine if we won - Moyes would probably be sacked (the Villa curse has accounted for Bobby Robson and Mourinho Mk I, greater managers than him). We could definitely get a draw though, I think, but it would have to be a high-scorer. However, we will probably lose because Delph is out, so that's pretty much it.
We could win 5-0 and moyes would not be sacked - they will give him time.
I don't know, it's looking very very bad and they literally cannot afford to miss out on the Champions' League.
I'm pretty sure we'll lose this match, which is fine I suppose, but imagine if we won - Moyes would probably be sacked (the Villa curse has accounted for Bobby Robson and Mourinho Mk I, greater managers than him). We could definitely get a draw though, I think, but it would have to be a high-scorer. However, we will probably lose because Delph is out, so that's pretty much it.
We could win 5-0 and moyes would not be sacked - they will give him time.
I don't know, it's looking very very bad and they literally cannot afford to miss out on the Champions' League.
yep. As much as they will want to give him time to create Man U in his own image as much as possible, they will not want to miss out on CL football. It would be crushing financially. I'm sure they might have allowed some contingency for not winning the title, but not qualifying for the CL would never have been contemplated let alone an option. If they haven't turned things around at the end of this month, or at latest by the end of January they might make a panic move and try and get in a temporary older manager with top level experience and repuation to fix the issue. Not sure who's out there.
Man United -1 is an early Xmas present I'm afraid. They really could crucify us. Hard team to pick but a couple of players need dropping from the team (Bacuna) and squad (Weimann). I'd actually bring Hutton back in to the team for this game as Bacuna's confidence doesn't need any more of a battering. If Hutton gets a chasing, no-one is going to be too bothered. Clark and Baker as a partnership mean goals for United Im afraid but we have nothing better available.
Guzan
Lowton, Clark, Baker, Hutton
-----------Herd-----------
gabby, Westwood, Sylla, Albrighton
Benteke
Hutton at left back? He's not good enough in his proper position.
Man United -1 is an early Xmas present I'm afraid. They really could crucify us. Hard team to pick but a couple of players need dropping from the team (Bacuna) and squad (Weimann). I'd actually bring Hutton back in to the team for this game as Bacuna's confidence doesn't need any more of a battering. If Hutton gets a chasing, no-one is going to be too bothered. Clark and Baker as a partnership mean goals for United Im afraid but we have nothing better available.
Guzan
Lowton, Clark, Baker, Hutton
-----------Herd-----------
gabby, Westwood, Sylla, Albrighton
Benteke
Hutton at left back? He's not good enough in his proper position.
Prefer to have him humiliated at left back than Bacuna, Lowton, Baker or Clark to be honest. We have no-one else and I don't think he is going to be any worse than Baker at Fulham for example
If the unexpected happens and he plays well as by all accounts he has been doing for Scotland, we might have another option at the back for a few months.
Man United -1 is an early Xmas present I'm afraid. They really could crucify us. Hard team to pick but a couple of players need dropping from the team (Bacuna) and squad (Weimann). I'd actually bring Hutton back in to the team for this game as Bacuna's confidence doesn't need any more of a battering. If Hutton gets a chasing, no-one is going to be too bothered. Clark and Baker as a partnership mean goals for United Im afraid but we have nothing better available.
Guzan
Lowton, Clark, Baker, Hutton
-----------Herd-----------
gabby, Westwood, Sylla, Albrighton
Benteke
Hutton at left back? He's not good enough in his proper position.
Prefer to have him humiliated at left back than Bacuna, Lowton, Baker or Clark to be honest. We have no-one else and I don't think he is going to be any worse than Baker at Fulham for example
If the unexpected happens and he plays well as by all accounts he has been doing for Scotland, we might have another option at the back for a few months.
Man United -1 is an early Xmas present I'm afraid. They really could crucify us. Hard team to pick but a couple of players need dropping from the team (Bacuna) and squad (Weimann). I'd actually bring Hutton back in to the team for this game as Bacuna's confidence doesn't need any more of a battering. If Hutton gets a chasing, no-one is going to be too bothered. Clark and Baker as a partnership mean goals for United Im afraid but we have nothing better available.
Guzan
Lowton, Clark, Baker, Hutton
-----------Herd-----------
gabby, Westwood, Sylla, Albrighton
Benteke
Hutton at left back? He's not good enough in his proper position.
Prefer to have him humiliated at left back than Bacuna, Lowton, Baker or Clark to be honest. We have no-one else and I don't think he is going to be any worse than Baker at Fulham for example
If the unexpected happens and he plays well as by all accounts he has been doing for Scotland, we might have another option at the back for a few months.
Was he named in the 25 man squad ?
Man United -1 is an early Xmas present I'm afraid. They really could crucify us. Hard team to pick but a couple of players need dropping from the team (Bacuna) and squad (Weimann). I'd actually bring Hutton back in to the team for this game as Bacuna's confidence doesn't need any more of a battering. If Hutton gets a chasing, no-one is going to be too bothered. Clark and Baker as a partnership mean goals for United Im afraid but we have nothing better available.
Guzan
Lowton, Clark, Baker, Hutton
-----------Herd-----------
gabby, Westwood, Sylla, Albrighton
Benteke
Hutton at left back? He's not good enough in his proper position.
Prefer to have him humiliated at left back than Bacuna, Lowton, Baker or Clark to be honest. We have no-one else and I don't think he is going to be any worse than Baker at Fulham for example
If the unexpected happens and he plays well as by all accounts he has been doing for Scotland, we might have another option at the back for a few months.
He wasn't good enough before and he's not now and if he was, another cub would be happy to pay his wages.
Ferguson isn't there to rescue them this time. I think it makes a big difference mentally to the side that will play this weekend. We have come very close in recent years. We can see the job through if we show the same belief because their team isn't the same.
Hutton is left backhopefully in the changing room!
No worries. I will go and go again...to the bar!No worries. A cracking home win and we all set up for Xmas!
If we win I take it you will be in the chair at our drinks meeting next week affers ;)
I hate this match. I hate playing them. I hate their fans. I hate their pox ridden club. I really fucking hate their shit eating celebrity fans. I hate being asked dozens of times where the ground is. Same place it's been for over a hundred years you glory hunting twats. And I will love it if we batter them like the average bunch of shithouses they are now. Love it.
Would you rather beat Man U or Blues/WBA?
We are going to see what a proper mid table team looks like 0 -3 or worse
We can stick the knife in at the weekend. I honestly don't think we should fear them. Just go out from the first whistle and attack these twats. We have the firepower up front. Defence is a bit of a worry but so what.Guzan
Lowton - Baker - Clark - ?
Bacuna - Sylla - Westwood
Weimann - Kozak - Gabby
We will field a decent team and we will beat these twats.
You mean the abysmal shit we won?This is the same man who describes every performance as brilliant including the abysmal shit at Saints.I believe they will tear us apart Sunday, especially without Vlaar and Delph.You really think he can't see our problems?
The upside of the loss will be a wake-up call to Lambert on our style of play and we become entertaining once more through the festive season.
You mean the abysmal shit we won?This is the same man who describes every performance as brilliant including the abysmal shit at Saints.I believe they will tear us apart Sunday, especially without Vlaar and Delph.You really think he can't see our problems?
The upside of the loss will be a wake-up call to Lambert on our style of play and we become entertaining once more through the festive season.
This one will rumble on and on and on ...
Seems there are two camps. Those that were delighted with the result but also thought we were abysmal and expressed concern, and those that we're just delighted with the win
I'm in the former. As i was with the Cardiff and Man City wins but to a marginally slightly lesser degree
You mean the abysmal shit we won?This is the same man who describes every performance as brilliant including the abysmal shit at Saints.I believe they will tear us apart Sunday, especially without Vlaar and Delph.You really think he can't see our problems?
The upside of the loss will be a wake-up call to Lambert on our style of play and we become entertaining once more through the festive season.
This one will rumble on and on and on ...
Seems there are two camps. Those that were delighted with the result but also thought we were abysmal and expressed concern, and those that we're just delighted with the win
I'm in the former. As i was with the Cardiff and Man City wins but to a marginally slightly lesser degree
nobody was "just" delighted with the win, however there are some that don't keep harping on about how shit it was despite the victory. We scored three very good goals at Southampton two from really excellent moves against a side that had conceded 2 at home all season. There are positives from that evening get lost in the noise of how shit we were. We weren't great, we just weren't as bad as some are trying hard to make everyone believe.
We'll win. We have far greater experience than them in dealing with the pressures of a relegation six-pointer.
Fancy us to sneak it, 14-0.
Why The Klammers?
Game will be won in midfield but unfortunately we don't have one > 0-3
As regards the Southampton game I'm in the celebrate a win, don't worry too much about how you did it and move on to the next game camp.
As regards the Southampton game I'm in the celebrate a win, don't worry too much about how you did it and move on to the next game camp.
Hoping that Rooney or van Percy get slight knocks tonight then we might even get a draw. If not it will be the usual result. Lambert did say all the squad would be needed for this period, Helenius anybody?
A 96th minute winner thanks to a Vidic OG and I think i'd have a sex wee.
I truly despise them and would love to beat that hateful club, but the truth is we are moving up from being relegation candidates to midtable wobblers. Their squad is so much more expensive than ours it is hard to see how we get anything from it.
My only ask is that we play like we actually give a shit, unlike against Fulham.
I can't get worked up about losing to these arseholes any longer, I'm more bothered about the insults that Beijing Red 4 Lyf is going to throw our way.
We have the firepower up front.
DJ Campbell has released a statement
Im 100% innocent and hoping to play in our draw at Millwall on Saturday
That record is pathetic
Don't think we will get battered but it will almost certainly be a routine United win.
In the last 18 years, we've had many much better sides than the current one and they've all failed to beat them at home. Since 95, won 1 drawn 9 lost 25 in the league, not to mention all the cup defeats. A dreadful record and I can't see us bucking the trend.And I managed to miss the one win.
I truly despise them and would love to beat that hateful club, but the truth is we are moving up from being relegation candidates to midtable wobblers. Their squad is so much more expensive than ours it is hard to see how we get anything from it.
My only ask is that we play like we actually give a shit, unlike against Fulham.
Whose squad was more expensive, Man Utd or City? I wouldn't rule out anything but I certainly would put any money on it.
No chance of winning thisDepressingly correct.
When a team desperately need a result, we are the go to team of choice to play, see Fulham
When a striker needs a goal because he hasn't scored for a million years, never mind were playing Villa, guaranteed goal for said forward
My prediction is-
Rubbish match, 2 nill loss, big time moaning on post match thread,with a few Lambert out calls
With our depleted defence i will be suprised if we lose by less than three.
With our depleted defence i will be suprised if we lose by less than three.
Tell me about. Just look at all those hammerings we have had this season.
Erm...?
We iz shit!!!111!!!
Do you think it was Vlaar’s absence that lead to Fulham scoring twice? There was no issue with the centre halves on Sunday at all.
If anyone was targeted out on Sunday, for me it was Herd and Clark. The number of times Fulham broke through the centre of our defence in the first half was ridiculous. Vlaar not being there didn't help but it also wasn't helped by not playing Baker where he should have been played. I didn't see the point of making an already depleted defence worse by playing people out of position.
Playing Herd CB was a ridiculous call. Cost us the game IMHO.
Playing Herd CB was a ridiculous call. Cost us the game IMHO.
Should have kept Baker and Clark as CB's and played lowton and Bacuna as FB's.
Lambert seems to have caught the MON disease of playing CB's as FB's. Stupid. And worrying.
Should have kept Baker and Clark as CB's and played lowton and Bacuna as FB's.
Lambert seems to have caught the MON disease of playing CB's as FB's. Stupid. And worrying.
Should have kept Baker and Clark as CB's and played lowton and Bacuna as FB's.
Lambert seems to have caught the MON disease of playing CB's as FB's. Stupid. And worrying.
Also to protect a possible fragile defence, he should have gone with four in midfield and two up front. There was no need to play Weimann.
Playing Herd CB was a ridiculous call. Cost us the game IMHO.
His best game was against Man City, playing through the middle. The sad part is that because his form has been so poor now, that if we put him in the middle, he'd need a run of 5-6 games to find his feet again I reckon. We can't afford that. I'd be benching over the Crimb period now.Should have kept Baker and Clark as CB's and played lowton and Bacuna as FB's.
Lambert seems to have caught the MON disease of playing CB's as FB's. Stupid. And worrying.
Also to protect a possible fragile defence, he should have gone with four in midfield and two up front. There was no need to play Weimann.
Again , I agree, Weimann is woefully out of form - did hardly anything of note in the game at all.
Yep and Herd was our best defender that day. I thought he played okay. The fullbacks are the problem at the minute. Both Bacuna and Baker got murdered (by frankly average wingers).Playing Herd CB was a ridiculous call. Cost us the game IMHO.
Not in my view. Bacuna was targetted and badly exposed, being at fault for both goals.
Yep and Herd was our best defender that day. I thought he played okay. The fullbacks are the problem at the minute. Both Bacuna and Baker got murdered (by frankly average wingers).Playing Herd CB was a ridiculous call. Cost us the game IMHO.
Not in my view. Bacuna was targetted and badly exposed, being at fault for both goals.
Yep and Herd was our best defender that day. I thought he played okay. The fullbacks are the problem at the minute. Both Bacuna and Baker got murdered (by frankly average wingers).Playing Herd CB was a ridiculous call. Cost us the game IMHO.
Not in my view. Bacuna was targetted and badly exposed, being at fault for both goals.
Valencia , giggs, young , Rooney, van persie - whoever they play our young defence will be run ragged - moyes will have them bang up for it too :(
They haven't been bang up for it all season, hence why its December, we're 11th and Man United are only 3 points and two places higher.
Arsenal for the title i think.They haven't been bang up for it all season, hence why its December, we're 11th and Man United are only 3 points and two places higher.
They know this is a must win game and that attention will be focused on them - I think they will be fired up for this game although I think the title is long gone .
They haven't been bang up for it all season, hence why its December, we're 11th and Man United are only 3 points and two places higher.
They know this is a must win game and that attention will be focused on them - I think they will be fired up for this game although I think the title is long gone .
Any word on Vlaar's injury status?
They haven't been bang up for it all season, hence why its December, we're 11th and Man United are only 3 points and two places higher.
They know this is a must win game and that attention will be focused on them - I think they will be fired up for this game although I think the title is long gone .
Is it acceptable to wear Santa hats at games? Might crack it out for Sunday.
Is it acceptable to wear Santa hats at games? Might crack it out for Sunday.
No.
Is it acceptable to wear Santa hats at games? Might crack it out for Sunday.
No.
Is it acceptable to wear Santa hats at games? Might crack it out for Sunday.
No.
I'm going to now just to spite you.
Is it acceptable to wear Santa hats at games? Might crack it out for Sunday.
No.
I'm going to now just to spite you.
You can if you want but I'm warning you, it'll be a painted face and jester's hat before you know it.
The one thing I really hate is southern reds trying to do a Manx accent. (...snip)
Christmas starts on 24th December, zero hours.
If you've got spirit before then, f**k off and share it with some f**ker else.
MY birthday's 2nd June. When should i start celebrating it? April?
No.
2nd June.
1st June = anticipation.
2nd June = birthday/party n shit.
3rd June = all over mate. Wot?
To spread Baby Jesus over weeks/months is "bollux" (QUOTE: Louzie0) ;-)
Bah Humbug!
Is it acceptable to wear Santa hats at games? Might crack it out for Sunday.
Every time we play them at home I think, this is the time, we'll win this one. Sadly it never works out that way, even a draw would be progress.
Manure may well be on a downward spiral but I'm sure they will suspend their run of losses to spank us and then return to their poor form.
I have a bad feeling about Villa.
If ever there was a team that deserve a result against us, its Villa at Villa Park.
We have had it too easy down there for years.
If we can manage to beat them, then we should go on a mini run and beat the other shit teams like Stoke, Norwich etc.
Villa away is propbably the toughest of the next 5 fixtures.
Benteke and Agbongalor could run riot through our defence.
They haven't been bang up for it all season, hence why its December, we're 11th and Man United are only 3 points and two places higher.
They know this is a must win game and that attention will be focused on them - I think they will be fired up for this game although I think the title is long gone .
I tend to take a view based on "It is what the Villa do".
I thought we would win at Southampton. Why? Because they had won 5 on the spin at home and had a miserly defence. We have not been playing well and are struggling for goals. A Villa win all day long. It is what we do.
I had us to lose at Fulham. They have lost 7 on the bounce and are struggling for goals. We came off the back of a good win and our pace should trouble such an old team. Guaranteed home win. It is what we do.
So I am somewhat torn about the weekend. Man Ure at home? Well losing that fixture is what we do.
However, springing a surprise win over one of the big boys when we have been playing poorly and are struggling with injuries? We do that as well.
So who knows what the score will be.
Man United aren't our bogey team at all. They have beat just about everybody on a consistent basis over the past 20 years.
Now they're getting beat because they're not very good.
Every time we play them at home I think, this is the time, we'll win this one. Sadly it never works out that way, even a draw would be progress.
Manure may well be on a downward spiral but I'm sure they will suspend their run of losses to spank us and then return to their poor form.
The Mancs aren't confident.QuoteI have a bad feeling about Villa.
If ever there was a team that deserve a result against us, its Villa at Villa Park.
We have had it too easy down there for years.
If we can manage to beat them, then we should go on a mini run and beat the other shit teams like Stoke, Norwich etc.
Villa away is propbably the toughest of the next 5 fixtures.
Benteke and Agbongalor could run riot through our defence.
:)
Every time we play them at home I think, this is the time, we'll win this one. Sadly it never works out that way, even a draw would be progress.
Manure may well be on a downward spiral but I'm sure they will suspend their run of losses to spank us and then return to their poor form.
The Mancs aren't confident.QuoteI have a bad feeling about Villa.
If ever there was a team that deserve a result against us, its Villa at Villa Park.
We have had it too easy down there for years.
If we can manage to beat them, then we should go on a mini run and beat the other shit teams like Stoke, Norwich etc.
Villa away is propbably the toughest of the next 5 fixtures.
Benteke and Agbongalor could run riot through our defence.
:)
But he says 'probably the toughest' and also describes Norwich and Stoke as 'the other shit teams'...Is he suggesting we're one of these shit teams or not? :) Hard to tell.
Depending on whether Luna and Vlaar are fit, Lambert has to play a more expansive game, with players playing to their strengths.
So, Guzan - Lowton, Vlaar, Clark, Luna - Gabby, KEA, Delph, Westwood, Bacuna - Benteke.
Or, Guzan - Lowton, Herd, Clark, Baker - Gabby, KEA, Delph, Westwood, Bacuna - Benteke.
This gives us more solidity defensively and yet there is more flexibility between defence and attack. Supporting Benteke can be shared between all 5 midfielders. The decisive bit will be ensuring that Benteke does not get isolated.
Save Weimann and Tonev / Albrighton for the last 20-25 minutes.
Oh, balls!!Depending on whether Luna and Vlaar are fit, Lambert has to play a more expansive game, with players playing to their strengths.
So, Guzan - Lowton, Vlaar, Clark, Luna - Gabby, KEA, Delph, Westwood, Bacuna - Benteke.
Or, Guzan - Lowton, Herd, Clark, Baker - Gabby, KEA, Delph, Westwood, Bacuna - Benteke.
This gives us more solidity defensively and yet there is more flexibility between defence and attack. Supporting Benteke can be shared between all 5 midfielders. The decisive bit will be ensuring that Benteke does not get isolated.
Save Weimann and Tonev / Albrighton for the last 20-25 minutes.
Isn't Delph suspended??
Do we ever get the play these bastards with out first choice XI ?
Seems like every time their game comes around we've got players out.
Do we ever get the play these bastards with out first choice XI ?
Seems like every time their game comes around we've got players out.
They have Carrick and Fellaini out as well according to physioroom. They have both Rooney and Van Persie available, however.
I always hear about how 'shit' Cleverly is, i will admit i haven't seen that much of him, however i watched just five minutes of a game manu played a couple of weeks ago and saw him play a pass that not one of our players could have played.
Oh, we should be okay then lol!!...Do we ever get the play these bastards with out first choice XI ?
Seems like every time their game comes around we've got players out.
They have Carrick and Fellaini out as well according to physioroom. They have both Rooney and Van Persie available, however.
I always hear about how 'shit' Cleverly is, i will admit i haven't seen that much of him, however i watched just five minutes of a game manu played a couple of weeks ago and saw him play a pass that not one of our players could have played.
79 go for a Manure win ? Have a bloody word with yourselves will you.Some are sensibly going with the bookie view and the weight of the past. Some are just pessimistic. The there are the irritating Villa reds...
They have Carrick and Fellaini out as well according to physioroom. They have both Rooney and Van Persie available, however.
I thought we were in with a chance of beating Liverpool earlier this season as they had Suarez missing but that didn't work out either. It's a bonus that RVP is out but it's still going to be a tough game. I think we need to pack out the midfield to make up for Delph being missing and hopefully they'll play an ageing Giggs and Phil Jones in there again. This is our best chance of beating them for a while, I just hope we don't blow it.
I thought we were in with a chance of beating Liverpool earlier this season as they had Suarez missing but that didn't work out either. It's a bonus that RVP is out but it's still going to be a tough game. I think we need to pack out the midfield to make up for Delph being missing and hopefully they'll play an ageing Giggs and Phil Jones in there again. This is our best chance of beating them for a while, I just hope we don't blow it.
With Vlaar and Delph I would have been more hopeful but footballs a funny game - arsenal and city are both streets ahead of united and we beat both of those - you can never tell .
No RVP is a blessing, even if he's not really got going this season. You still have to worry about Wazza because he loves playing us.
I think if we can frustrate the Roon we'll get a draw.
No RVP is a blessing, even if he's not really got going this season. You still have to worry about Wazza because he loves playing us.
I think if we can frustrate the Roon we'll get a draw.
Wazza? The Roon?
What the fuck?
No RVP is a blessing, even if he's not really got going this season. You still have to worry about Wazza because he loves playing us.
I think if we can frustrate the Roon we'll get a draw.
Wazza? The Roon?
What the fuck?
Who's the third one meant to be?
How bout Shrek? Can I call him Shrek?No RVP is a blessing, even if he's not really got going this season. You still have to worry about Wazza because he loves playing us.
I think if we can frustrate the Roon we'll get a draw.
Wazza? The Roon?
What the fuck?
Luna and Kozak have trained today apparently. Vlaar is still a doubt though.
There's nothing at all easy about Sunday, but them having key players out obviously helps. We've come very close to doing them a few times in recent years at VP, but between finding ways to shoot ourselves in the foot and the Ferguson "never say die factor" they've managed to beat us more often than not. They don't have that now and Moyes on the sidelines is a world apart from Ferguson. Biggest issue for us we simply cannot give them the ball because if we do they will beat us. And that has been our major flaw in the last few games especially. We gave Fulham the ball and they beat us and they're at the arse end of the table. A good side like Man U will know exactly how to punish us, whether they are going through a bad spell by their standards or not.
There's nothing at all easy about Sunday, but them having key players out obviously helps. We've come very close to doing them a few times in recent years at VP, but between finding ways to shoot ourselves in the foot and the Ferguson "never say die factor" they've managed to beat us more often than not. They don't have that now and Moyes on the sidelines is a world apart from Ferguson. Biggest issue for us we simply cannot give them the ball because if we do they will beat us. And that has been our major flaw in the last few games especially. We gave Fulham the ball and they beat us and they're at the arse end of the table. A good side like Man U will know exactly how to punish us, whether they are going through a bad spell by their standards or not.
We gave Saints the ball more than any other side yet it worked out. Somehow.
Two years out of the past three we've been 2-0 up against them but there was always the feeling that they'd get back into it. That fear factor's gone now.
How bout Shrek? Can I call him Shrek?No RVP is a blessing, even if he's not really got going this season. You still have to worry about Wazza because he loves playing us.
I think if we can frustrate the Roon we'll get a draw.
Wazza? The Roon?
What the fuck?
No RVP is a blessing, even if he's not really got going this season. You still have to worry about Wazza because he loves playing us.
I think if we can frustrate the Roon we'll get a draw.
Wazza? The Roon?
What the fuck?
Manchester United forward Robin van Persie has been ruled out for a month with a thigh injury.
Marouane Fellaini and Michael Carrick have back and Achilles injuries respectively and are unavailable.
Aston Villa midfielder Fabian Delph serves a one-match ban for accumulating five bookings this season.
Ron Vlaar is likely to miss out again with a calf injury, but Libor Kozak and Antonio Luna could be fit to return.
MATCH PREVIEW
Victory over Shakhtar Donetsk was neither particularly convincing nor particularly comforting for the Red Devils, so the warm glow of contentment that usually embraces a Manchester United team as their bus is driven through the ornate gates of Villa Park will be more than welcome.
Yes, West Brom, Everton and Newcastle have all ended long sequences without success at Old Trafford this season, but Aston Villa's home record against Manchester United is surely one of the most miserable, barren, fruitless, fallow and literally almost pointless sequences in football.
"I think we will see steady improvement from United over the next few weeks but that does not change the fact they need to buy some new players.
"But needing players in January and being able to get the players you ones you want are completely different things."
Villa's last home win over United came a little over 14 years ago in a League Cup tie, their last league win was more than 18 years ago, after which Alan Hansen proclaimed that United would "win nothing with kids."
That's so long ago that those United kids of 1995 could now represent the Salford Dad's Club; with creaky knees, grey hair and mostly retired, but still having to argue with their cantankerous old Irish pal over who did what and when back in the day. As Morrissey nearly said: "There is a fight that never goes out."
At least Villa did make a better job of it last season, taking a 2-0 lead before succumbing to the inevitable.
Paul Lambert's side were quietly putting together a handy little run before last Sunday's loss at Fulham, which was their first defeat in six, and they have managed consecutive clean sheets at Villa Park for the first time in 12 months.
Scoring goals continues to be a problem and it goes without saying that Christian Benteke's second season is proving to be a major disappointment so far.
The Belgian has gone more than 10 and a half hours without a goal, but is still Villa's top scorer with four. That alone speaks volumes.
MATCH FACTS
Head-to-head
Aston Villa's only win in their last 35 league games against Manchester United came courtesy of Gabby Agbonlahor's headed goal at Old Trafford in December 2009.
In all competitions, United have lost just one of the last 33 meetings (W27, D5, L1) since a 3-0 League Cup away defeat in October 1999.
United's last Premier League defeat at Villa Park came on the opening day of the 1995-96 season. They are unbeaten in 17 subsequent visits (W11, D6).
Aston Villa
Defeat by Fulham last Sunday ended a run of five unbeaten games for Villa.
They have only won 11 of their last 45 Premier League matches at Villa Park, averaging exactly a point per game during that period.
Paul Lambert has won more away league games (eight) as manager of Aston Villa than he has at home (seven).
The Villans have failed to score in six of their last nine league fixtures.
Christian Benteke has now gone 10 hours and 40 minutes without scoring a Premier League goal.
Manchester United
United have already lost as many Premier League games as they did in the whole of last season (5).
They are the first reigning champions to lose five of their first 15 matches since they did so in 2001-02.
The last team to win the title after losing five of their opening 15 games was Manchester City in 1967-68.
The Red Devils have not lost three league games in a row since November-December 2001.
Manchester United's tally of 22 points is their lowest after 15 games since that season. They ended the campaign in third place.
They are attempting to avoid going three successive league games without a goal for the first time since May-August 2007. They last suffered that fate within a single season in April 2005.
Wayne Rooney, who has 149 Premier League goals for United, has been directly involved in 59% of their league goals this season - scoring eight and assisting five. He has scored 10 times against Villa in the league for Everton and United.
Should have kept Baker and Clark as CB's and played lowton and Bacuna as FB's.
Lambert seems to have caught the MON disease of playing CB's as FB's. Stupid. And worrying.
I really think Weimann needs to be dropped. He's doing nothing. The team above doesn't look strong to me but we've just not got the players in form.
By Brendan McLoughlin | 13/12/13
Aston Villa manager Paul Lambert insists Ashley Young is no cheat – despite the Manchester United winger even coming in for flak from his own boss David Moyes .
Young’s latest controversy surrounded a dive to earn United a penalty against Real Sociedad last month.
And both Moyes and his predecessor Sir Alex Ferguson have warned the England international about his conduct.
Former Villa winger Young this week refused to apologise – and claimed it is up to referees to decide if he was guilty of trying to con them.
He can expect a hostile reception from the Villa Park boo boys in tomorrow’s return to his old stomping ground – but he can expect little better from the away fans who have also grown frustrated by his antics.
He has, however, found an unlikely ally in Lambert, who said: “I don’t think he dives intentionally. I don’t know him personally but he tries to do things on the football pitch. Sometimes he gets caught.
“These players move so quick, the slightest nick can send them over. It’s up to the referee. Maybe some decisions have been highlighted because of one previous one.
“In any dangerous situation you can’t bring him down as a defender. That’s against any player, not just Ashley Young.”
Victory by a three-goal margin would send Villa above the champions – but Lambert has defended fellow Scot Moyes, who has endured a torrid start since replacing Ferguson.
Lambert added: “Man Utd have got good owners and directors, and are sensible to know that he needs a little bit of time to bed himself in.
“I would love to know someone that has refused that job. You would have to be cuckoo not to want it.
“People forget when Alex was there, there was a time people were calling for him. He’s a good manager, I’m convinced he will get it right.”
If we come back from two down to win 3-2 I would love it even more than the Sunderland game last season. I can't bring myself to hope for it. Can you imagine?
In the game last season I was feeling worse about ten seconds after we scored our second than I was before, because it all just felt too inevitable. We'd scored too early!
If Vlaar was fit and Delph not suspended I would fancy our chances but as they are not cant help but think Rooney will have a field day.The worry is too, that at some point the rest of their attacking players might find some form. It would be typical if Ash Young finally turned up this season tomorrow.
Would love to get a winner in injury time as I hate the bloody lot of them.
here you go Mr Lambert
Nice piece by Mark Draper to get us all in the mood - apologies if posted elsewhere.
http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/11677/9071389/sky-sports-vault
By Danny McCann | 14/12/13
Manchester United boss David Moyes believes Paul Lambert deserves credit for how he has handled a tricky period at Villa Park.
Moyes believes that his fellow countryman is now seeing the benefits of his inclusion of so many young players in his first season as Villa manager.
After a poor start to last season, Lambert's men were languishing near the foot of the table but a final push in the last few months saw them lose just five of 14 league games.
"Paul Lambert introduced a lot of young players in his first year or so," the Scot said. "That was always going to be a hard task for him.
"At times young players can make mistakes or not be as consistent as you would like.
"Paul has got through the worst of that. It was a brave decision to do it and he has some exciting players now."
The two managers know each other well through their playing days at Celtic but friendship aside, Moyes will be looking to kick start his campaign with a victory over his fellow Scot.
"I have been told Villa has been a great venue for United," added Moyes.
"My memory goes back to Ryan Giggs' goal against Arsenal. That was one of my great memories of Villa Park.
"I have always enjoyed going there.
"We will go there and try and pick up the league form."
Away fans in home areas
Villa welcomes all football supporters to Villa Park.
Away team support brings atmosphere and vibrancy to the stadium on a matchday and is an important part of the whole football supporting experience.
Agreed but an away fan that celebrates in the home end should also expect to get serious grief especially those arrogant cockneys
However, we must acknowledge the reality that emotions run high between the fans of the opposing teams, which can lead to unpleasant incidents which tarnish the reputations of all clubs and individuals.
It is for this reason that a particular area of the stadium is reserved for away supporters and it follows that expressions or the appearance of support for the away team are not welcome in the remainder of the stadium occupied by home fans.
If you have purchased a ticket for a home area of Villa Park then you are expected to be a home supporter.
If this is not the case, then you will very likely be ejected from the stadium.
You will not be relocated. You will be ejected without compensation.
Away fans in home areas
Villa welcomes all football supporters to Villa Park.
Away team support brings atmosphere and vibrancy to the stadium on a matchday and is an important part of the whole football supporting experience.
However, we must acknowledge the reality that emotions run high between the fans of the opposing teams, which can lead to unpleasant incidents which tarnish the reputations of all clubs and individuals.
It is for this reason that a particular area of the stadium is reserved for away supporters and it follows that expressions or the appearance of support for the away team are not welcome in the remainder of the stadium occupied by home fans.
If you have purchased a ticket for a home area of Villa Park then you are expected to be a home supporter.
If this is not the case, then you will very likely be ejected from the stadium.
You will not be relocated. You will be ejected without compensation.
6-0 to us, Donacien and Johnson get debuts. Ferguson goes into shock, joins obscure religious order and is never seen again. Moyes gets sacked, gets Smethwick job and is ever seen again either. Ashley Young retires, forms Nolan Sisters tribute act and is occasionally seen on Sky Arts channel 2.Same old story!
6-0 to us, Donacien and Johnson get debuts. Ferguson goes into shock, joins obscure religious order and is never seen again. Moyes gets sacked, gets Smethwick job and is ever seen again either. Ashley Young retires, forms Nolan Sisters tribute act and is occasionally seen on Sky Arts channel 2.
Away fans in home areas
Villa welcomes all football supporters to Villa Park.
Away team support brings atmosphere and vibrancy to the stadium on a matchday and is an important part of the whole football supporting experience.
However, we must acknowledge the reality that emotions run high between the fans of the opposing teams, which can lead to unpleasant incidents which tarnish the reputations of all clubs and individuals.
It is for this reason that a particular area of the stadium is reserved for away supporters and it follows that expressions or the appearance of support for the away team are not welcome in the remainder of the stadium occupied by home fans.
If you have purchased a ticket for a home area of Villa Park then you are expected to be a home supporter.
If this is not the case, then you will very likely be ejected from the stadium.
You will not be relocated. You will be ejected without compensation.
There will be loads of them in the North lower.
6-0 to us, Donacien and Johnson get debuts. Ferguson goes into shock, joins obscure religious order and is never seen again. Moyes gets sacked, gets Smethwick job and is ever seen again either. Ashley Young retires, forms Nolan Sisters tribute act and is occasionally seen on Sky Arts channel 2.
Loads of Villa in the lower North as well.Away fans in home areas
Villa welcomes all football supporters to Villa Park.
Away team support brings atmosphere and vibrancy to the stadium on a matchday and is an important part of the whole football supporting experience.
However, we must acknowledge the reality that emotions run high between the fans of the opposing teams, which can lead to unpleasant incidents which tarnish the reputations of all clubs and individuals.
It is for this reason that a particular area of the stadium is reserved for away supporters and it follows that expressions or the appearance of support for the away team are not welcome in the remainder of the stadium occupied by home fans.
If you have purchased a ticket for a home area of Villa Park then you are expected to be a home supporter.
If this is not the case, then you will very likely be ejected from the stadium.
You will not be relocated. You will be ejected without compensation.
There will be loads of them in the North lower.
Dealt with accordingly, hopefully.
Patchy grey start in the Mids with the weak winters sun occasionally punctuating through the smokey grey cloud. Last nights gusts have receded and there is now that feeling of a calm before the storm . Temp circa 7c.
Good start to the day. The first train out of Stourbridge is delayed indefinitely.
Too ill to be at the match. Hopefully we will win to spite me!
Cheers Clampy. Hopefully the antibiotics will kick in soon. Looking out the window at the weather I think I made the right decision!
Hernandez out.Excellent. I'd have been more worried about him than Rooney to be honest. We can't handle pace and movement in the box. If we push Rooney back and keep him at 40 yards out we can keep him relatively quiet. I think Hernandez would have a field day against our backline at the moment.
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2524052/Javier-Hernandez-injured-Manchester-United-training.html
Hernandez out.Excellent. I'd have been more worried about him than Rooney to be honest.
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2524052/Javier-Hernandez-injured-Manchester-United-training.html
Nice piece by Mark Draper to get us all in the mood - apologies if posted elsewhere.
http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/11677/9071389/sky-sports-vault
It appears the Plastics team has been leaked:
Plastic FC: De Gea, Rafael, Evans, Jones, Evra, Valencia, Cleverley, Giggs, Januzaj, Rooney, Welbeck
Should know in 15 minutes.
Hernandez out.Excellent. I'd have been more worried about him than Rooney to be honest. We can't handle pace and movement in the box. If we push Rooney back and keep him at 40 yards out we can keep him relatively quiet. I think Hernandez would have a field day against our backline at the moment.
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2524052/Javier-Hernandez-injured-Manchester-United-training.html
Hernandez out.Excellent. I'd have been more worried about him than Rooney to be honest. We can't handle pace and movement in the box. If we push Rooney back and keep him at 40 yards out we can keep him relatively quiet. I think Hernandez would have a field day against our backline at the moment.
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2524052/Javier-Hernandez-injured-Manchester-United-training.html
We cant handle anyone with a pulse in the box at the moment...
We are going to win and Benteke will score, i will tell you why.
3 weeks ago today, during a heavy downpour, i found a tortoise in the middle of the road.!! No bull.
I picked him up and put him in our cactus garden, nicknamed him Benteke, off to work i went.
4-5 hours later, 2 lettuces and a few tomatoes in hand i returned from work.
Benteke had vanished ! I hunted high and low for him, to no avail. I kept looking for a few days, leaving lettuce and water for him, nothing.
I have just got back from work today and i shit you not, Benteke the Tortoise is walking along the path besides our conservatory !!
He is now safely in a nice area, munching on lettuce and drinking his water. Obviously, this must be his pre match meal and routine. :o
So for this reason and this reason only we are going to win today and Benteke will score.
Happy days. ;D
Oh, and get better soon Mr Shin.
C'mon Villa.