Heroes & Villains, the Aston Villa fanzine
Heroes & Villains => Match Threads & Player Ratings => Topic started by: Legion on December 17, 2013, 06:15:40 PM
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Saturday 21.12.13 3pm KO Britannia Stadium
0-1 away win
Albrighton 19
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1-1 draw.
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Let's beat these at last. Albrighton to have a stormer.
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At last? We beat them last season.
Anyway, them 1 Us 4
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I've lost interest. Hopefully there will be a decent Christmassy film on to take my mind off it.
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looking forward to a feast of festival football
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A similar score to last season would be very nice.
1-3 Albrighton, Benteke, Kozak.
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At last? We beat them last season.
Anyway, them 1 Us 4
Oh yeah! And the four players on the keeper in the last minute. And Lowton's goal. Not quite sure how I forgot that one.
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2-1 Villa win
I wouldn't be too distraught about a draw if we good a good performance to go along with it.
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3-1 Villa. Albrighton with two stormers and a Benteke wonder goal.
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Stoke 2-0 and hardly breaking a sweat.
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My kids football team , Stafford Rangers under 11s, are the flag bearers before the game - give them a cheer. The way we played on Sunday , perhaps a few of them should start for us on Saturday.
0-0 is 7 to 1 - nailed on for me. Merry Christmas !
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1-2 away win.
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3-2 Villa win
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2-2
Albrighton, Benteke
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Drab 0-0
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Grim defeat 0-1
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My kids football team , Stafford Rangers under 11s, are the flag bearers before the game - give them a cheer. The way we played on Sunday , perhaps a few of them should start for us on Saturday.
0-0 is 7 to 1 - nailed on for me. Merry Christmas !
Nailed on Villa win then. The young lads can come on at half time and tare Stoke a new one. Well done FFD and the lads. Have a great day.
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My kids football team , Stafford Rangers under 11s, are the flag bearers before the game - give them a cheer. The way we played on Sunday , perhaps a few of them should start for us on Saturday.
0-0 is 7 to 1 - nailed on for me. Merry Christmas !
Have you seen our defence lately?! There's a reason a clean sheet has such high odds!!
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Crouchy's missus could waltz through our midfield. Crouchy himself will score in a I-1 draw bore. For us god only knows. As Gabby is out it might be Kozak.
I see Rory Delap has finally thrown in the towel......a considerable distance!
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Cor, this is a tricky one because I still quite like us and I loathe them so I want to say win but we have been uber shite in the last two games so I'll settle for one of the worst scoreless draws in living memory.
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1-0 benteke own goal
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Can you put bets on where you think this will feature on MOTD?
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We'll twat this lot.
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Bore draw 0-0
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Guzan
Lowton, Herd , Clark, Baker
Westwood Delph
Albrighton Weimann Bacuna
Kozak.
2-2
Weimann, Kozak (2 Albrighton assists).
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Really sorry but im going to the game...i havent seen us win in the flesh this season (8th attempt!)
My villa voodoo will be over by saturday night 2-0 to Villa
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Crouchy facing certain shag on Saturday. Home win + glitterball trophy on the bedside table. Praying for Villa and Nathalie to deny him.
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Drab 0-0
I'd agree but not sure we can keep a clean sheet without vlaar
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Lowton with a screamer
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1-1 Draw Benteke to get on the score sheet.
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Time to get back on track after a poor few weeks,2-0 villa win. Benteke to finally get back on the score sheet and Delph to add a second.
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I'd imagine Kozak will start this, Herd aswell if his injury recovers. Wouldn't shock me if Bowery did aswell.....he did play well up there last year.
Thinking a defence of Lowton......Herd....Clark.....Baker/Luna
Albrighton.....Delph.....Westwood....Bowery
Kozak Benteke
So many players woefully out of form in that or not good enough.
I can see this being the sort of game that's aimlessly drifting to 0-0 and then we'll fall asleep at a set piece with 5 minutes left and lose 1-0, bit like Fulham away last season.
Stoke are no great shakes though so I'd be hopeful for at least a point, I know they beat Chelsea recently but that was a fluke just like us beating Man. City was. 0-0s against Cardiff and Hull give more of an indication of where they're at.
Crouch is playing well for them as is one Stephen Ireland who can't play so that weakens their first 11.
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If Bowery starts, I'll be really annoyed. He doesn't even look good enough for Championship level FFS.
1-0 us, Delph with the goal.
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0-1, Lowton to score with a tap in from an Albrighton cross.
Save us Marc.
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I'd be over the moon at a draw and decent football played.
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If Bowery starts, I'll be really annoyed. He doesn't even look good enough for Championship level FFS.
1-0 us, Delph with the goal.
Match prediction - Villa line up in an old fashioned 3-5-2 formation, but this time Jordan Bowery plays behind the two Centre Backs as a Libero, like in the great Italian teams of old. He plays like a rock at the back and a dynamo going forward, driving the team on with his runs from deep, defence splitting through balls and 40-yard thunderbolt shots. Thus Lambert's tactical genius is revealed to the world - 'J-Bowz' is in fact the bastard offspring of Franz Beckenbauer and Franco Baresi, transformed from a League 2 bench-warmer to a footballing collossus by the whiskey and haggis soaked hands of a mumbling Glaswegian. Everyone feels bloody silly for wondering why we signed him.
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Win please.
6-0 Villa.
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0-0
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A Vlaar-less defence will be bullied here. 2-0 defeat.
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Guzan
Lowton, Herd , Clark, Baker
Westwood Delph
Albrighton Weimann Bacuna
Kozak.
2-2
Weimann, Kozak (2 Albrighton assists).
I would make one personnel change there - benteke in and weimann out .
Midfield of Delph Westwood and bacuna , front three benteke, Kozak albrighton.
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I'd stick with the same back four as last week and keep people in their proper positions where possible. Herd is not a centre half for me and he shouldn't be replacing Vlaar.
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We're not at home and it's not live on Sky, which are the two factors which normally guarantee a defeat. As such, nailed on away win. 3-1 Villa, the Beast to rediscover his shooting boots.
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Stats show that Villa leak without Concrete: http://www.birminghammail.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/analysis-aston-villa-weak-foundations-6415644
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I went for a win then realised Vlaar and Gabby out. I'll take a draw
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Interesting game. The first of four that could be pivotal for our season - mid table safety or another relegation scrap. Also maybe informing whether Lambert stays or goes.
Doubt whether this will have sunk into our players minds though so a draw at best.
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A goal would be nice but not too optimistic
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btw - my son lives in Holland and apparently the way we pronounce 'Vlaar' (as opposed to the Dutch 'Vlach', with the throat-clearing noise at the end) sounds like the Dutch for custard (vla). So technically we are calling him custard Ron rather than concrete Ron. Or concrete custard
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Very hard side to pick considering all that are out of form. Delph will have to play left back. I'd bring Herd back into midfield, should help Westwood out if he can keep his head. I'd also have Hutton back involved but that seems a no-go.
Guzan
Lowton, Clark, Baker, Delph
Bacuna, Herd, Westwood, Albrighton
Kozak, Benteke
A mike bassett 44facking2. Beat them at their own game
Goes without saying but it ain't going to be pretty. If they get first goal then I can't see us getting back into it
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If Bowery starts, I'll be really annoyed. He doesn't even look good enough for Championship level FFS.
1-0 us, Delph with the goal.
Match prediction - Villa line up in an old fashioned 3-5-2 formation, but this time Jordan Bowery plays behind the two Centre Backs as a Libero, like in the great Italian teams of old. He plays like a rock at the back and a dynamo going forward, driving the team on with his runs from deep, defence splitting through balls and 40-yard thunderbolt shots. Thus Lambert's tactical genius is revealed to the world - 'J-Bowz' is in fact the bastard offspring of Franz Beckenbauer and Franco Baresi, transformed from a League 2 bench-warmer to a footballing collossus by the whiskey and haggis soaked hands of a mumbling Glaswegian. Everyone feels bloody silly for wondering why we signed him.
Somebody's been on the Christmas Sherry a bit early!
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Would it be worth donacien on the bench as although raw he is a natural central defender and couldn't do much worse than baker recently?
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"And finally on this week's Match Of The Day......................."
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lump on the 0-0 and it'l pay for christmas
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If Bowery starts, I'll be really annoyed. He doesn't even look good enough for Championship level FFS.
1-0 us, Delph with the goal.
Match prediction - Villa line up in an old fashioned 3-5-2 formation, but this time Jordan Bowery plays behind the two Centre Backs as a Libero, like in the great Italian teams of old. He plays like a rock at the back and a dynamo going forward, driving the team on with his runs from deep, defence splitting through balls and 40-yard thunderbolt shots. Thus Lambert's tactical genius is revealed to the world - 'J-Bowz' is in fact the bastard offspring of Franz Beckenbauer and Franco Baresi, transformed from a League 2 bench-warmer to a footballing collossus by the whiskey and haggis soaked hands of a mumbling Glaswegian. Everyone feels bloody silly for wondering why we signed him.
Somebody's been on the Christmas Sherry a bit early!
Bathams
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1-3 win with Benteke getting 2.
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Dreamt it ended 0-0 last night 8)
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I'm guessing this match is not going to be the high point of the pre-Christmas television viewing schedule.
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It finishes 0-0. Everyone can save themselves half a day of their lives and not bother turning up. That is my Xmas gift to you all.
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0-2
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Can you all have your ID ready please?
Just checking we haven't any Stoke supporters on here.
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Can you all have your ID ready please?
Just checking we haven't any Stoke supporters on here.
Nobody dressed as an empty seat around here Chris, so I think we're safe.
They're too busy gearing up in their Stone Island for their big derby game against a side who do not care about them.
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0-0 it is then!
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2-1 defeat. We're rubbish............
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I am quite looking forward to a 3pm away game on a Saturday. Its only been a month since the last afterall.
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Can you all have your ID ready please?
Just checking we haven't any Stoke supporters on here.
Nobody dressed as an empty seat around here Chris, so I think we're safe.
They're too busy gearing up in their Stone Island for their big derby game against a side who do not care about them.
They are all busy baking oatcakes for their moms.
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Only one way to flush em out -
I saw the light on the night that I passed by her window
I saw the flickering shadows of love on her blind.....
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Do they still sing Delilah ?
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Do they still sing Delilah ?
they were in full cry when the tossers beat Chelsea .
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Do they still sing Delilah ?
they were in full cry when when beat Chelsea .
ID please 'eastie'...
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Do they still sing Delilah ?
they were in full cry when the tossers beat Chelsea .
ID please 'eastie'...
How dare you :(
Edited my post appropriately :)
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Only one way to flush em out -
I saw the light on the night that I passed by her window
I saw the flickering shadows of love on her blind.....
She stood there laughing
I felt the knife in my hand
And she laughed no more!
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Why, Why, Why do they sing Delilah?
Did Tom Jones once visit the Potties?
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Only one way to flush em out -
I saw the light on the night that I passed by her window
I saw the flickering shadows of love on her blind.....
She stood there laughing
I felt the knife in my hand
And she laughed no more!
Ah, we've got him guv - I knew he would follow Stevie Ireland to stoke ;)
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Why, Why, Why do they sing Delilah?
Did Tom Jones once visit the Potties?
It's not unusual.
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Why, Why, Why do they sing Delilah?
Did Tom Jones once visit the Potties?
It's because of the quality of their pitch playing surface - ''The Green Green grass of home''
It's not unusual.
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Only one way to flush em out -
I saw the light on the night that I passed by her window
I saw the flickering shadows of love on her blind.....
She stood there laughing
I felt the knife in my hand
And she laughed no more!
PGW, let's have a look. eastie, careful.
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Only one way to flush em out -
I saw the light on the night that I passed by her window
I saw the flickering shadows of love on her blind.....
She stood there laughing
I felt the knife in my hand
And she laughed no more!
PGW, let's have a look. eastie, careful.
Don't let the red and white pants fool you , cj :)
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I tell you what, I reckon Stoke fans are the loudest in the country, bloody brilliant they are.*
*That should do it.
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It's because of the quality of their pitch playing surface - ''The Green Green grass of home''
That sounds reasonable, they've tried really hard for years to preserve the surface by keeping the ball away from it.
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Our matches against Sturk tend to be either thrillers, that 2-2, the Lowton goal and the 4 on 1, the 3-2 at theirs when Laursen was made to look a donkey. Or utterly wank 0-0 borefests.
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Hopefully we wrote in Stephen Ireland's loan agreement that he Has to play against us.
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Hopefully we wrote in Stephen Ireland's loan agreement that he Has to play against us.
Not on his recent form .
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0-0
Ill take that
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Our matches against Sturk tend to be either thrillers, that 2-2, the Lowton goal and the 4 on 1, the 3-2 at theirs when Laursen was made to look a donkey. Or utterly wank 0-0 borefests.
Seeing as we can't score at the moment and our defense is so poor that they act like attackers for the opposition I'd take that wank borefest right now.
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Not optimistic without gabby and I suspect without vlaar.
Think if herd is back we could go 352 with albrighton the attacking one of three in midfield. Benteke and kozak up front in a pretty lumbering front two
Out of interest, those suggest kozak benteke and albrighton in a front three, who plays on the left? Benteke??!
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Shawcross and Huth out, Ireland ineligible....
Big chance for 3 pts here.
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Whilst Sturke are playing their brand of total football, I say we stick Hillneous, Benteke and Kojak up front and just hoof the ball in their general direction, what could possibly go wrong
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Whilst Sturke are playing their brand of total football, I say we stick Hillneous, Benteke and Kojak up front and just hoof the ball in their general direction, what could possibly go wrong
With Huth and Shawcross out, it might not be such a bad idea. Well, I'd go as far as Benteke and Kozak up top.
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I think Matt Collins may well be right in predicting the three-at-the-back, it does look like a great fixture for it. I hope Albrighton would be included in that system somehow because he's our one player available right now with the confidence to take on defenders in the attacking third, wherever he's playing.
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Depends if Herd is fit. If not I think it will be a straight 4-4-2 with Albrighton on the right and maybe Delph having to play left.
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I don't think Lambert's ever likely to start with a straight 4-4-2, and certainly not one which puts Delph on the left - he knows better than anyone how absolutely necessary it is to have him in the middle.
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No no and thrice no to Delph on the left.
Albrighton right, Gabby left and Delph with Westwood in the centre with 4-4-2. But I would save that for home. I would still have 3 in the centre at Stoke. Herd with Westwood and Delph in front.
Albrighton Kozak and Gabby up top.
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Was just trying to think of who'd start on the left anyway with Benteke out.
Actually wouldn't shock me if Luna was dropped and we move Baker/Clark to left back again.
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I think Matt Collins may well be right in predicting the three-at-the-back, it does look like a great fixture for it. I hope Albrighton would be included in that system somehow because he's our one player available right now with the confidence to take on defenders in the attacking third, wherever he's playing.
I was thinking earlier about playing three at the back, but like you I was wondering where Albrighton would go. It would be a shame to leave him out considering he was our one bright spark against Man Utd.
I'd like to see us give the midfield a revamp personally. Something like Delph, Bacuna and Gardner? A bit of energy in there for a change.
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No no and thrice no to Delph on the left.
Albrighton right, Gabby left and Delph with Westwood in the centre with 4-4-2. But I would save that for home. I would still have 3 in the centre at Stoke. Herd with Westwood and Delph in front.
Albrighton Kozak and Gabby up top.
Gabby's suspended Ozz.
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Benteke in for Gabby then.
All sorted.
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Guzan
Bacuna, Lowton, Herd, Clark, Delph.
Bowery, Benteke, Kozak, Helenius, Weimann.
Job done.
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I think it's more likely to be Weimann than anyone, second most likely being Tonev.
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I didn't realise huth and shawcross are out. That really is a good opportunity.
A real shame gabby is out then. He exploited sourhampton's weaknesses at the back very well.
It would be great then if vlaar could be fit. We could play more on the front foot then: back four - albrighton Westwood Delph bacuna - Weimann - kozak / benteke
But if he's out I just don't trust our defence so think we'd need a five. I still think albrighton could play as a third midfielder though, it's just not his ideal position
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With Huth and Shawcross out this is a great chance for an away win. Route 1 may be our best approach ? I think Kozak should play along with Benteke up top .
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With Huth and Shawcross out this is a great chance for an away win. Route 1 may be our best approach ? I think Kozak should play along with Benteke up top .
Yep with albrighton in a wide role supplying them.
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Win required here and the next 2 games please!
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Win required here and the next 2 games please!
If and it's a big If we achieve that it sets us up brilliantly for 2014
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I'd play Benteke and Kozak with Weimann in behind and a midfield 3 of Bacuna Westy and Delph, same back 4 as Sun if Vlaar still out. Bit harsh on Albrighton but I think Bacuna, Lowton and Weimann can all provide width on the right.
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I'd play Benteke and Kozak with Weimann in behind and a midfield 3 of Bacuna Westy and Delph, same back 4 as Sun if Vlaar still out. Bit harsh on Albrighton but I think Bacuna, Lowton and Weimann can all provide width on the right.
Agree with this side - can always bring Albrighton on at some point to run at them second half.
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Weimann's just in a terrible run of form so I wouldn't keep giving him starts just out of principle even if he would probably solve the left sided problem for this game.
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Weimann's just in a terrible run of form so I wouldn't keep giving him starts just out of principle even if he would probably solve the left sided problem for this game.
Any worse than the form of Sylla, Baker, Luna, KEA, Bacuna, Benteke, Tonev etc. though? I feel it would be lop sided having Albrighton on the right and no one on the left (albeit Tonev could start) so I'd let Weimann start in the hole.
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I'd rather have Albrighton starting in the whole. I think he's earned a run in the positions Weimann would be in, so if there's no space for two of them Albrighton wins out.
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Was just trying to think of who'd start on the left anyway with Benteke out.
Actually wouldn't shock me if Luna was dropped and we move Baker/Clark to left back again.
Is Benteke out?
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I'd rather have Albrighton starting in the whole. I think he's earned a run in the positions Weimann would be in, so if there's no space for two of them Albrighton wins out.
Absolutely - and more natural width too.
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Was just trying to think of who'd start on the left anyway with Benteke out.
Actually wouldn't shock me if Luna was dropped and we move Baker/Clark to left back again.
Is Benteke out?
No.
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I'd be tempted to play Bacuna, Weimann and Albrighton as a 3 behind Kozak or Benteke. Go for a two man midfield with Delph and Westwood.
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I'd be tempted to play Bacuna, Weimann and Albrighton as a 3 behind Kozak or Benteke. Go for a two man midfield with Delph and Westwood.
I'd play it more as a straight 3 up top, but that is the front 6 I'd like to see.
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So, that's 2 in midfield, 6 up front and 2 at the back...
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Knowing Lambert he'll probably play 3 at the back and stick with KEA in the middle.
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Think we'll win this one. I'd be tempted to drop Benteke mind and start with the Big K.
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Why, Why, Why do they sing Delilah?
Did Tom Jones once visit the Potties?
I still can't believe he douses his dick in Listerine after he's done the deed.
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Why, Why, Why do they sing Delilah?
Did Tom Jones once visit the Potties?
I still can't believe he douses his dick in Listerine after he's done the deed.
Maybe the 2 events are linked?
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@MatKendrick: Ron Vlaar "still a major doubt" for Saturday's game at Stoke, says Paul Lambert, strongly hinting he will miss the game #avfc
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Who will play centre half for them? I'm guessing Cameron and Wilson?
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With both Shawcross and Huth the mainstays of their defence out I would be tempted to get the ball to Marc Allbrighton as soon as possible.Tell him we are playing Man Utd and to sling it over as much as possible. Kozak and Benteke should be able to get a couple between them.
We might get a needed result.
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Who will play centre half for them? I'm guessing Cameron and Wilson?
I reckon Cameron to the right and Wilson to the left. ;)
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@MatKendrick: Chris Herd is available for selection for Villa at Stoke this weekend after missing the previous match with a facial injury #avfc
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I would be tempted to get the ball to Marc Allbrighton as soon as possible.Tell him we are playing Man Utd and to sling it over as much as possible.
Yes tell him that soon after someone has convinced him that he is Tony Morley.
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Its got 0-0 written all over it, and I think it will end up 0-0. I feel sorry for those who are going to the match. Prove me wrong Villa - please.
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I think it says a lot about the quality of the league this season, or lack of quality. We're a poor side, yet we're still a couple of wins away from seventh in the table, likewise Stoke. Its a pretty crap Premier League at the moment.
Its a blessing that Ireland won't play, as he'd want to prove a point. But he's probably been their most influential player this season. 0-0 bore for me.
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I fancied us beforehand but if Shawcross is out as well as Huth Stoke are there for the taking. 3-1 to the Villa Boys.
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I can't understand Lambert's appeal in wanting to put Herd in. I think he'd probably be ok in a back five at a push but playing him centre half in a back four is not going to work for me. Personally, I think he's worth a place on the bench in case he's needed
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Mate of mine who is a season ticket holder bumped into Concrete Ron at an Asda store tonight and had a brief chat with him, Ron said he was not optimistic about returning any time soon and felt very frustrated that this calf problem had flared up again, said he is very happy at Villa.
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What the hell is he doing in ASDA. If I was a pro footballer I'd never set foot in a supermarket again. This time of year as well, he must be mental.
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What the hell is he doing in ASDA. If I was a pro footballer I'd never set foot in a supermarket again. This time of year as well, he must be mental.
Vlaars in ASDA regularly. Benteke and Sylla were in there last week too, I guess after 3 hours training there's not much else to do :-/
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What the hell is he doing in ASDA. If I was a pro footballer I'd never set foot in a supermarket again. This time of year as well, he must be mental.
Definately happened Ian but yes you would think everything would be delivered but there you go Ron is one of us.
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I can't understand Lambert's appeal in wanting to put Herd in. I think he'd probably be ok in a back five at a push but playing him centre half in a back four is not going to work for me. Personally, I think he's worth a place on the bench in case he's needed
I think he'd make an okay defensive midfielder. I think he's quite a limited player but he does love a tackle, he could be useful protecting the defence.
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What the hell is he doing in ASDA. If I was a pro footballer I'd never set foot in a supermarket again. This time of year as well, he must be mental.
Being Dutch he comes from a classless, totally unpretentious, society. There is no Fortnum&Mason mindset set there and that is great.
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What the hell is he doing in ASDA. If I was a pro footballer I'd never set foot in a supermarket again. This time of year as well, he must be mental.
Being Dutch he comes from a classless, totally unpretentious, society. There is no Fortnum&Mason mindset set there and that is great.
Holland, classless you say, hmm
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Just to break the habit of a lifetime, Lawro has got us down to lose.
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0-0
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Mate of mine who is a season ticket holder bumped into Concrete Ron at an Asda store tonight and had a brief chat with him, Ron said he was not optimistic about returning any time soon and felt very frustrated that this calf problem had flared up again, said he is very happy at Villa.
Depressing though I think we all suspected as much. If he's out for another month or so we really are in trouble I think. We'll have to score two or three to win any games.
Lambert said that herd would have played v Man U and that with him out we had to "change the whole thing around". This strongly suggests we'd have gone with a back five.
I expect we'll go five at the back v stoke, just because we look so bad in defence without vlaar. I really don't like the 532 but I probably agree this is the right approach.
I can't actually think of an occasion where we've played a back four without Ron vlaar and conceded fewer than two goals. Are there any?
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0-0 to them.
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Herd, Clark and Baker as a back 3, how are we back to this after the nightmare of this time last season, 8 conceded v Chelsea etc. It is unfortunate to lose both Okore and Vlaar but I think most on here looked at the start of the season and thought that as well as a creative midfielder we were also short of another defender who could cover right back and centre half. I expect he'll play Lowton and Luna at wing back and I really hope Bacuna gets in over KEA in the middle but I doubt it. Delph in for Sylla and one of Weimann or Kozak up with Benteke, probably Kozak for me, but that would need Bacuna in for Kea for a bit more pace from midfield. I can't see how Albrighton fits into this formation.
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I see our Prime Minister is predicting a 2-0 away win which is nice!
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Not optimistic without Gabby and Vlaar. Being positive though, i think our two best players are undeniably Delph and Benteke, if they both play well then we can surely win this!
3-1 villa, in hope rather than expectation!
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Benteke has got to get the ball more..Ron where are you?
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Probably in ASDA.
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I see our Prime Minister is predicting a 2-0 away win which is nice!
Mmmmm, he has predicted 8 away wins out of the 10 fixtures, that isn't going to happen. Hoping he has got the important one right.
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I predict their will be a "Paul Lambert's Claret and Blue Army" rendition which lasts over ten minutes.
I am really looking forward to this game; Saturday, 3pm, close, behind the goal, good chance of winning, almost Christmas.
C'mon the Villa!
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Probably in ASDA.
Yep , santas grotto so people don't recognise him :)
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Just to break the habit of a lifetime, Lawro has got us down to lose.
Right, well I'll be betting on us winning then. Cheers Lawro.
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Just to break the habit of a lifetime, Lawro has got us down to lose.
Right, well I'll be betting on us winning then. Cheers Lawro.
Needless to say he has of course backed Liverpool to win. Based on his predictions they would have won the league title for the last 10 years running without dropping a point.
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Just to break the habit of a lifetime, Lawro has got us down to lose.
Right, well I'll be betting on us winning then. Cheers Lawro.
Needless to say he has of course backed Liverpool to win. Based on his predictions they would have won the league title for the last 10 years running without dropping a point.
Ha ha. Yep. Prize plonker. I must admit to quite liking Lawrensons commentary. He talks complete bollocks and sometimes sounds like he can't hide it when he's bored out of his arse (ie, any time he's not watching Liverpool). Quite entertaining.
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I predict a stinker. 0-0 with queues for the exits on 75 mins
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Beast to score, we'll play the long ball game, while them stokies will pass it about a bit with no effect!!!!
UTV
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I see our Prime Minister is predicting a 2-0 away win which is nice!
I'm not comfortable in a world where he is right so I'll go 1-1.
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Ron Vlaar remains a major doubt for Saturday's trip to Stoke.
Vlaar is still battling a calf problem that forced him off at half time during the victory at Southampton earlier this month.
It also kept the Villa skipper out of the defeats to Fulham and Manchester United.
Meanwhile, Chris Herd is set to return after missing out on the United clash with a facial injury.
Fabian Delph is back after serving a one-match ban but Gabby Agbonlahor is suspended after picking up five yellow cards.
"Ron is still struggling at the minute," said manager Paul Lambert.
"We have to try and get that calf cleared up because he was excellent for us just before he went out injured.
"To be fair he is doing better now, step by step. We've just got to watch that and we'll wait and see.
"There are one or two other little knocks that are giving us a bit of concern but we've still got tomorrow so we'll see how everybody is."
"Chris looks as if he is going to be ok which is a bonus.
"As I said afterwards, Chris was playing in the game on Sunday and we found out on Sunday morning that he wasn't fit and we had to change the whole thing around.
"So it was a bit of a blow and it wasn't great but sometimes that happens in football."
Meanwhile, Lambert gave a positive update on Jores Okore.
The defender revealed this week that his recovery from a knee injury is going well - and he could even play a part before the end of the season.
"He is doing really good with his rehab," the Villa boss added.
"Hopefully with a bit of luck he will play some part in it, but he is doing great which is a bonus."
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Who will play centre half for them? I'm guessing Cameron and Wilson?
I reckon Cameron to the right and Wilson to the left. ;)
On a similar theme, I recall Stoke once scoring four goals in a home game (difficult to believe I know!), and the scorers were Henry Ford, Morgan and Talbot!
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Seems Benteke may be out injured.
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Seems Benteke may be out injured.
Where did you hear that?
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Shawcross unlikey to play, Hughes wants to save him for the xmas games.
Crouch who's been in good form and Walters both injury doubts.
If Benteke doesn't make it we'll go with a front three of Weimann and Albrighton either side of Kozak I reckon.
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Seems Benteke may be out injured.
Where did you hear that?
Sorry don't have a link or quote but apparently lambert mentioned something today at his press conference.
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Seems Benteke may be out injured.
Where did you hear that?
Sorry don't have a link or quote but apparently lambert mentioned something today at his press conference.
He said he's been carrying little knocks which are affecting his mobility and he may have to leave him out at some point but he didn't suggest it would be tomorrow. With the Christmas games coming up though, he might well do.
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Seems Benteke may be out injured.
Where did you hear that?
Sorry don't have a link or quote but apparently lambert mentioned something today at his press conference.
Would imagine if he rests him it would be maybe against palace as we would have two games in 4 days and also gabby would be available .
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I know Benteke hasn't been very good lately but I'd much rather him in the team than without,hope it isn't tomorrow that he's rested especially with gabby not playing
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Good point. Kozak and Weimann hardly inspire confidence at the moment and I'm a big fan of Andi.
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Did anyone get the bottom of what happened with Herd? He leaves training on Friday I assume and all is well ready for the match, then he appears on Sunday with a "facial injury" and has to pull out of the match?
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Smacked in the face whilst standing near the corner flag by a wayward attempt on goal by Tonev?
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Benteke is like that slot machine that you keep putting coins into and it hasn't paid out yet. But you know it's going to.
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Sadly,i fear 2-0 to Stoke
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Good point. Kozak and Weimann hardly inspire confidence at the moment and I'm a big fan of Andi.
I think Kozak is improving each game he plays. Weimann I would agree with. Total waste of space at the moment and seems to be more than a little burly this season.
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I'd like to see Helenius given an opportunity.
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So would I as quickly as possible.
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Benteke is like that slot machine that you keep putting coins into and it hasn't paid out yet. But you know it's going to.
Agreed - just need to hold your (our) nerve.....
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Stoke City are hopeful of having Ryan Shawcross fit for Saturday's visit of Aston Villa.
The defender suffered a groin injury in Wednesday night's 2-0 defeat to Manchester United in the League Cup quarter-final at The Britannia.
While the Potters sweat on the fitness of Shawcross, they will definitely be without fellow centre-back Robert Huth as the German continues to struggle with a knee injury.
Peter Crouch and Jonathan Walters are also doubts with their respective groin and ankle problems.
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Benteke is like that slot machine that you keep putting coins into and it hasn't paid out yet. But you know it's going to.
Definitely.
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Thought Kozak played very well at Southampton, could do with another run tomorrow.
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Benteke is like that slot machine that you keep putting coins into and it hasn't paid out yet. But you know it's going to.
That's a good way of putting it. I've left him in my dream team because I know the day I take him out, he'll start knocking them in.
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Just to break the habit of a lifetime, Lawro has got us down to lose.
Right, well I'll be betting on us winning then. Cheers Lawro.
Sure I read that Lawro's 38 game predictions last season if correct would have had us relegated with 24 points so what the fuck does he know?
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Benteke is like that slot machine that you keep putting coins into and it hasn't paid out yet. But you know it's going to.
That's a good way of putting it. I've left him in my dream team because I know the day I take him out, he'll start knocking them in.
Well take him out FFS ;-)
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I took him out my team a few weeks ago in the hope he'd start scoring. Worked better for me than it did the Villa. Or Benteke.
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HairyHands on VT who seems to be in the inner sanctum of Villa Park just said Benteke won't play at Stoke, could be out for 2 weeks aswell.
Guess we're looking at a front trio of Albrighton-Kozak-Weimann. The best we've got really and one of those is woefully out of form. We really needed Gabby for this, can't see us creating much at all tomorrow.
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I'd start The Gladiator. He really can't be any worse than Andi has been in some games this season.
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HairyHands on VT who seems to be in the inner sanctum of Villa Park just said Benteke won't play at Stoke, could be out for 2 weeks aswell.
Guess we're looking at a front trio of Albrighton-Kozak-Weimann. The best we've got really and one of those is woefully out of form. We really needed Gabby for this, can't see us creating much at all tomorrow.
We are going to miss Gabby, especially with our away game being based on counter attacking. I'd thrown Callum Robinson on the bench if he's been taken up there. A bit of an unknown quantity off the bench for the last 15 mins might be a good idea.
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Reinforces my feeling this will be a 0-0 nothing sort of game and Stoke will nick it with 5 minutes left when we go to sleep at a corner or something, bit like Fulham away last season.
Not looking forward to tomorrow at all, prove me wrong Villa. The weather conditions predictably look horrendous aswell.
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Reinforces my feeling this will be a 0-0 nothing sort of game and Stoke will nick it with 5 minutes left when we go to sleep at a corner or something, bit like Fulham away last season.
Not looking forward to tomorrow at all, prove me wrong Villa. The weather conditions predictably look horrendous aswell.
Every one I've seen says sunny until at least four then a few showers until five.
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I'd start The Gladiator. He really can't be any worse than Andi has been in some games this season.
I tend to agree with that.
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Draw 0-0 or 1-1 all day long.
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There will be a few of goals 3-2 us.
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Reinforces my feeling this will be a 0-0 nothing sort of game and Stoke will nick it with 5 minutes left when we go to sleep at a corner or something, bit like Fulham away last season.
Not looking forward to tomorrow at all, prove me wrong Villa. The weather conditions predictably look horrendous aswell.
Every one I've seen says sunny until at least four then a few showers until five.
Dave, I still remember your entry for Stoke in your season review book a few years back, had a walk from the station along the canal to the ground which started off sunny and you got the four seasons in about 20 minutes.
I'm never the front so basically at that ground you triple the predicated 15mph wins so with a bit of rain it won't be pleasant.
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I'd fancy Kozak to score more so than Benteke right now, so if the beast needs a rest for the time being, so be it.
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Weimann doesn't deserve to start, he's been crap for most of the season. I'd give Tonev or someone a start instead.
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Weimann doesn't deserve to start, he's been crap for most of the season. I'd give Tonev or someone a start instead.
I'd probably play Bacuna and Albrighton on either side of Kozak.
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I reckon it'll be 4 at the back (including Lowton and Luna as full backs), the central midfield 3 as you'd expect and Kozak up front with Albie and Tonev out wide.
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Stoke 1 Villa 3
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Reinforces my feeling this will be a 0-0 nothing sort of game and Stoke will nick it with 5 minutes left when we go to sleep at a corner or something, bit like Fulham away last season.
Not looking forward to tomorrow at all, prove me wrong Villa. The weather conditions predictably look horrendous aswell.
So are you saying 0-0 or 1-0?
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I hope he has worked out that Tonev is really not very good.
Anybody but Tonev please
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0-0 at 7/1 looks incredibly tempting.
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I hope we win. Just to avoid the pity party that lights up my twitter feed after we lose/draw/dont win in good enough style.
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Even if Benteke is out I fancy us to secure a point so 2-2 it is.
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The ITK on Villa Talk (who in fairness is pretty reliable) is suggesting that Herd will be CB (because he is good in the air) and Baker is playing at LB because of Stoke being good at set pieces and he'll be more reliable on the back post. Also said that Bacuna won't start and Kozak will.
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The ITK on Villa Talk (who in fairness is pretty reliable) is suggesting that Herd will be CB (because he is good in the air) and Baker is playing at LB because of Stoke being good at set pieces and he'll be more reliable on the back post. Also said that Bacuna won't start and Kozak will.
I'd have gone with that back line personally. I'd like to get Baker out of the middle. In terms of left back he's not brilliant, but there's no expectation with him to get forward, so we can have him quite disciplined. He's less of a nightmare on the left side than Moon at the moment, put it that way.
Herdy I think is better as an anchor in midfield, but obviously for want of better options I don't mind sticking him in CH. He played well last time out, but the Baker gave him a hell of a lot to do.
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Hes also heavily hinting that Tonev and Albrighton will start, and:
There will be width
I'll believe it when I see it
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Hes also heavily hinting that Tonev and Albrighton will start, and:
There will be width
I'll believe it when I see it
Good. If Tonev can get a bit of composure and consistency in his delivery, he could be good. He does get beyond fullbacks, I'll give him that.
If we get enough service for Kozak to attack in the box, he will score.
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I like Herd but would prefer him in midfield. You can guarantee he will work hard wherever he plays. Despite him not being very popular, I would still give Hutton a game while we are paying his wages.
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Long since given up on trying to guess lamberts team selection -I have no worries about herd though - he's committed and gives his all wherever he plays - a better defensive midfielder but if we need him in defence , so be it.
I would have thought he may stick with baker to deal with the aerial threat of crouch , this won't be a classic but I'd take another smash and grab performance today .
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I like Herd but would prefer him in midfield. You can guarantee he will work hard wherever he plays. Despite him not being very popular, I would still give Hutton a game while we are paying his wages.
Once Vlaar is fit I wouldn't mind seeing Herd anchoring in midfield. Allow Delph and Westwood a bit more freedom.
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I like Herd but would prefer him in midfield. You can guarantee he will work hard wherever he plays. Despite him not being very popular, I would still give Hutton a game while we are paying his wages.
Once Vlaar is fit I wouldn't mind seeing Herd anchoring in midfield. Allow Delph and Westwood a bit more freedom.
I like Herd's steel in midfield, but he can be a bit rash at times in the tackle and give away silly free kicks deep in our own half. Wherever he plays today, deep midfield is his best position, imho.
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Got to win this one, surely. Not keen on the condensed mid-table so a few points to get safely in the top half is much needed. I can see us getting 6 or 7 points from the next 3 games so for once I'm feeling positive.
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I hope he has worked out that Tonev is really not very good.
Anybody but Tonev please
I dunno. There's something I like about him but he really has to stop shooting every time he gets the ball.
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I hope he has worked out that Tonev is really not very good.
Anybody but Tonev please
I dunno. There's something I like about him but he really has to stop shooting every time he gets the ball.
We're agreed on that. He takes on players, he's always moving with and without the ball, he gets himself into great position and then he fires one into the stands. If he shot more judiciously he'd be terrific.
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I hope he has worked out that Tonev is really not very good.
Anybody but Tonev please
I dunno. There's something I like about him but he really has to stop shooting every time he gets the ball.
We're agreed on that. He takes on players, he's always moving with and without the ball, he gets himself into great position and then he fires one into the stands. If he shot more judiciously he'd be terrific.
Agreed, he brings a much needed tempo to our game and at least shows some forward urgency - his shooting can be a bit disconcerting but there's something in his game that suggests he could be a useful player for us .
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I hope he has worked out that Tonev is really not very good.
Anybody but Tonev please
I dunno. There's something I like about him but he really has to stop shooting every time he gets the ball.
We're agreed on that. He takes on players, he's always moving with and without the ball, he gets himself into great position and then he fires one into the stands. If he shot more judiciously he'd be terrific.
Agreed, he brings a much needed tempo to our game and at least shows some forward urgency - his shooting can be a bit disconcerting but there's something in his game that suggests he could be a useful player for us .
He's trying too hard to impress at times I feel. A bit more composure when it comes to his final ball, or shot, and his end product should improve. We've seen from his youtube vid (granted...a youtube vid) that he's capable of scoring spectacular goals.
I'm hoping he gets into the swing of things in the second half of the season. I would hope it's just a matter of composure.
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Us and Stoke. Well it's fair to say there won't be much quality passing going on. We're due a win though so i'll go for 2-1 to us.
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Potentially worst game of the season. 0-0.
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Potentially worst game of the season. 0-0.
Last seasons 0-0 was bloody awful. I expect something similarly wretched but not a 0-0. Both defenses are too poor.
I think it'll be tight. Probably a score draw. Kozak will score.
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Was asked today who we are playing and when I said Stoke the reply was "well that's the last match on MOTD sorted then"!!
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It'd be nice if we could turn up today.
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Herd playing CB, worried.