Heroes & Villains, the Aston Villa fanzine
Heroes & Villains => Match Threads & Player Ratings => Topic started by: Legion on December 22, 2013, 04:20:15 PM
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Thursday 26.12.13 3pm KO
2-0 home win
Kozak 12
Albrighton 65
3 points to make it a very merry Christmas please, Villa.
Season's greetings to all from everyone at H&V towers.
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Us 0 Them 7.
Merry smegging Christmas.
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1-1 draw.
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After yesterday's performance I can't see us beating anyone. 1-0 to Palace.
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Need to win this.
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You'd think that, Pulis or no Pulis, Palace will find it hard to deal with Gabby's pace, so I hope we score. We need to keep the ball though.
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heaven alone knows what will happen, i'm beyond predicting what Villa will serve up and i know nothing about Palace. I do know Pulis puts out a team of grafters so if we're not on it we'll get beat.
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It will be good to have gabby back,get him in instead of Tonev. We are a lot better than we have been the last few weeks so lets get back on track. 2-0 win. Kozak and GAbby to score
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12-0 Villa. Kozak to get them all, with Aston to collapse into the earth under the intense bouncing about to all 12 of Kozaks cheeky goals.
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Another poor home performance and defeat will test the patience of the fans - lambert to get lambasted !
Any type of win will suffice though I guess - 3 points closer to safety and we go again :)
2-1 home win - dont care who scores !
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Its Boxing Day, will be at the inlaws as usual. For the last 4-5 years that's consisted of roast chicken for lunch, board games then checking teletext as the afternoon progresses and getting more and more annoyed as we've shipped goals. Cant see it being a heavy defeat but still cant see us beating even Palace as their decent burst of form (yesterday excepted) will be too much for us. Besides, home form is diabolical and we always struggle against Pulis sides. 0-1 Palace.
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0-0
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3-0 to us, they're a genuinely poor side and our players will really want to turn things around after the last 3.
Kozak x2 and Clark.
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1-0 to them Bannan
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1-0 to them + the usual utterly crap style of football
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It'll be painful, very painful, but we'll win. Just. 1-0, Gabby.
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Two poor teams who both probably believe these will be the easiest three points they'll stand a chance of picking up over the Christmas period. We're crap but we're not that crap. A valuable and rare home win to paper over the cracks.
3-1 Villa.
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1-0. Guzan to hoof it into the
Holte End goal from a frantic drop kick.
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I really don't know what's gonna happen. We absolutely need to win though.
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It's going to be grim, stressful, frustrating and dull. Remember last years' home game against Reading? It'll be like that one.
1-0 Villa
Also, Bannan will probably play like a tiny, drunk, scottish Iniesta.
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Can't see us winning a game of football.
2-0 Palace.
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We haven't won a Boxing Day match since 2005. 0-0 or 0-1 them
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Need to win ...but expect to lose from a Cameron Jerome goal from a Bannan Cross..
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It's fair to say Lambert really needs 4 points from the next two home games to steady things otherwise can see the crowd turning big time as this horrendous home form can't go on for eternity.
Palace are still a poor team, Newcastle comfortably dispatched them yesterday.
Think it will be a nervy 2-1 win after possibly coming from behind. Kozak and Gabby to score the winner.
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Villa 0-1 Palace
Bannan.
Fans to start to turn on Lambert.
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Villa 0-1 Palace
Bannan.
Fans to start to turn on Lambert.
With a header from a corner no doubt , leaping like a salmon above Nathan baker .
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Villa 0-1 Palace
Bannan.
Fans to start to turn on Lambert.
With a header from a corner no doubt , leaping like a salmon above Nathan baker .
It really wouldn't surprise me.
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I'd be astonished if we keep a clean sheet as I assume vlaar is still out. I can see this being a very depressing game unfortunately
If we can restrict them to one goal we may still win though.
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At least Kozak should be brimming with confidence ?
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At least Kozak should be brimming with confidence ?
He should be brimming with self-confidence. Pity he is going to look around him and wonder what on Earth he has left Lazio for.
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Draw.
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A Palace win to cement another god awful Christmas
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3-0 Villa. Kozak x2, Gabby 1.
F'in cheer up. It can only get better.
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It is utterly incredible that there is any question whatsoever about Villa beating Palace at home. Yet, there is very good cause for such doubt. How low do we go before we protest against owner and manager? They do not even have to do very much, but seem so complacent.
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It is utterly incredible that there is any question whatsoever about Villa beating Palace at home. Yet, there is very good cause for such doubt. How low do we go before we protest against owner and manager? They do not even have to do very much, but seem so complacent.
I had a similar conversation today with a friend. It's like we have accepted we are at a Fulham type level.
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At least Kozak should be brimming with confidence ?
He should be brimming with self-confidence. Pity he is going to look around him and wonder what on Earth he has left Lazio for.
Lazio have one more point than us from the same amount of games in a worse league. I think he made the right choice.
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0-3 bannan hatrick
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2-2
Clark, Gabby, Jerome, Williams
Roundly jeered off and everyone fucked off for their traditional Boxing Day piss up afterwards
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At least Kozak should be brimming with confidence ?
He should be brimming with self-confidence. Pity he is going to look around him and wonder what on Earth he has left Lazio for.
Lazio have one more point than us from the same amount of games in a worse league. I think he made the right choice.
Ha ha, fair one. The big guy's career has really kicked on!
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Bannon got subbed at half time against the Geordies apart from a couple of decent crosses he was as he always is inaffective, may not get a spot against us. If Ron was back i would say a decent win, without him a draw.
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This will be a nerve shredding affair but I think we will win 2-1 after Palace scoring first
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If this was away I'd fancy it more.
I think we'll struggle to beat them. I can see Kozak scoring. But anyone else? Not at the moment. We're all over the place defensively too. I'm also expecting the former player curse to strike too, with Bannan wanting to poke us in the eye. Likewise Routledge the next game.
I think it'll be a draw. And we'll follow up with a loss against Swansea.
1-1
Kozak
Chamakh (probably from a BB corner).
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Don't care as long as we win.
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This will be a nerve shredding affair
Can't wait. Turkey farts and Bannan corners to watch again. Should make a DVD.
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Am going to go to Boxing Day 1975 and Sir Dennis debut, 4-1 Villa. Why am I drinking again :-(
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Am going to go to Boxing Day 1975 and Sir Dennis debut, 4-1 Villa. Why am I drinking again :-(
I was at that boxing day game, little did we know then what a wonderful Villa player Dennis would be, my all time favourite.
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1-1, and awful football. Merry Christmas to one and all 🎅
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Am going to go to Boxing Day 1975 and Sir Dennis debut, 4-1 Villa. Why am I drinking again :-(
I was at that boxing day game, little did we know then what a wonderful Villa player Dennis would be, my all time favourite.
Was that west Ham and the height of the balloons pre-match ? I vaguely remember and it was just genius
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Need to get a win or draw here. Could be a tricky period for us over the next few weeks. Heads will drop even further and who knows what can happen. Going to be another interesting second half to the season.... It has become that bad that I will settle for mid table mediocrity again.
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Boxing Day memories of wins are hard to recall. The last I reckon was 2005-6 when we beat Everton 4-0. That fact and our current form makes me think we will lose.
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2-1 in a very, very nervy encounter.
Kozak at the Holte. Gabby with the other.
Them to score to get back in around 80 minutes and not a fingernail left in the house. Similar to QPR last season at the end.
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I have a feeling we're more likely to beat Swansea than Palace. Swans have a ton of injuries and Lambert has a really good record against them over the last few years.
I'll donate 20 quid to golden muppets if we win both home games I've decided (tenner if we get 4 points). ;)
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The Boxing Day equivalent game at Swansea, when Charlie Aitken scored, was a cracker.
It was on 27 Dec and a good Villa mob went on The Special.
Googled:
Score 2-1 to Aston Villa
Competition League Division Three
Attendance 24,419
View Swansea City v Aston Villa head to head
1Swansea City
2Aston Villa
Goals:
Goals:
Ray Graydon
Charlie Aitken
Starting lineup:
Starting lineup:
GoalkeeperJim Cumbes
Right backMick Wright
Left backCharlie Aitken
Centre halfFred Turnbull
Centre halfGeorge Curtis
MidfielderJimmy Brown
MidfielderBruce Rioch
Centre forwardAndy Lochhead
ForwardGeoff Vowden
WingerRay Graydon
WingerWillie Anderson
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I rather liked Spurs' demented version of 4-4-2 today, a middle four with no width and loads of attacking midfielders. Crazy stuff. Sadly, we have no attacking midfielders, so I think the best tactic would be to go for a solid 4-3-3 with Gabby and Albrighton wide of Kozak and to actually, you know, pass to them.
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We should revert to 2-3-5.
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Hope he goes with a 352 formation or something. 433 is basically just our usual counter-attacking 451, which never works at home.
Is Westwood suspended for this? If so, we MIGHT score from a corner! Wooooo!
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We should revert to 2-3-5.
When number 10 was inside left, 6 was left half, and there was only one centre half, number 5.
Those were the days.
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We should revert to 2-3-5.
When number 10 was inside left, 6 was left half, and there was only one centre half, number 5.
Those were the days.
When full backs put the winger into the stand in the first five minutes, much to the delight of the crowd.
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I have a feeling we're more likely to beat Swansea than Palace. Swans have a ton of injuries and Lambert has a really good record against them over the last few years.
I'll donate 20 quid to golden muppets if we win both home games I've decided (tenner if we get 4 points). ;)
I will match that you know. Just to see if it changes our luck!
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At least Kozak should be brimming with confidence ?
He should be brimming with self-confidence. Pity he is going to look around him and wonder what on Earth he has left Lazio for.
He's left Lazio to play in the PL for one of England's biggest football teams, in a fantastic stadium and great fans. The team just happens to be going through a sticky patch. Why on earth would he regret the move?
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I was at the Swansea game but went by coach.
Plenty Villa and a bit Raucus at times.
The West Ham 4-1 was a bit special and was how all Christmas games should be.
Ron said he had bought Dennis as a Christmas present for the fans.
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if Villa won these next two home games we would all feel so much better and be 5 wins from safety with half the season to go. They really should be able to beat Palace & Swansea...
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The nostalgic version of this tie for me is the 2-1 win in the title winning season. I was on the Holte with my Dad. For some reason, I always remember that Hinshelwood scored for them at that end, but not who scored for Villa.
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I cannot recall a Boxing Day win other than 2-0 at Derbyabout 15 years ago. I am sure there must have been more than that in the time since and I have been to every Boxing Day game since I started going over 20 years ago.
But the only two I can recall are a 2-1 defeat at Blackburn with Rachael going in goal and that 2-0 win at Derby.
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We have to win.
If we lose, I can see the crowd turning on Lambert.
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I think I speak for us all when I say, thank the baby Jesus himself this isn't being played at Selhurst Park on Boxing Day.
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I think I speak for us all when I say, thank the baby Jesus himself this isn't being played at Selhurst Park on Boxing Day.
Most definately, athough when we went down there for the Cup game a couple of seasons ago, it didn't seem as long a journey than it used to be.
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I voted a loss, that way if we do get anything it'll be a very pleasant surprise for me. Self mind games aside we really should be confident of giving teams like this a go at least.
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Palace are fucking atrocious and despite our dip in form, we will bum them into next week.
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Palace are fucking atrocious and despite our dip in form, we will bum them into next week.
If history teaches us anything then it must be........oh forget it!
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2-0
Kovak, Albrighton
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0-0
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2-1 in a very, very nervy encounter.
Kozak at the Holte. Gabby with the other.
Them to score to get back in around 80 minutes and not a fingernail left in the house. Similar to QPR last season at the end.
That probably sounds about right.
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Sod it, it's Christmas. We'll do these, they're garbage. 3-0 Villa - Kozak (2) and Gabby.
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0-1 Half time
2-1 Full time
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if Villa won these next two home games we would all feel so much better and be 5 wins from safety with half the season to go.
couldn't agree more with the first part, sadly the second bit just shows how far we have fallen. both on the pitch and in terms of expectations
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off to Villa with my Palace season ticket holder father in law . He lives in Hinckley so a local one for him , so hes happy .
he thinks they are hopeless up front , hopeless at the back , I think we are hopeless at the back and midfield so expect a 2-1 Villa
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2-0 home win, Libor and Weimann to score.
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Gotta, gotta win! Benteke will be scrambling for an early exit if we don't. Could be anyway! Stop faffing about in mid-field and pass it up to him. Simple remedy based on forlorn hope but try it..Might work? Not much else does!
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Gotta, gotta win! Benteke will be scrambling for an early exit if we don't. Could be anyway! Stop faffing about in mid-field and pass it up to him. Simple remedy based on forlorn hope but try it..Might work? Not much else does!
A) he's injured b) I didn't realise we'd been fannying about with it and refusing to just hit him when he was playing
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I think too much faffing around in midfield is hardly our problem. If only our midfield did a hell of a lot more faffing, we might average more than 42% possession this season.
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I think too much faffing around in midfield is hardly our problem. If only our midfield did a hell of a lot more faffing, we might average more than 42% possession this season.
Exactly.
I'd go as far as to say the launching it upfield at Benteke has been proven to be a tactic which doesn't work.
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Surely nothing but three points against the worst side on paper in the league is a must. 2-0 villa
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I wonder if we will go all out with Gabby / Albrighton wide and Kozak / Weimann upfront AKA the Keegan approach
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I wonder if we will go all out with Gabby / Albrighton wide and Kozak / Weimann upfront AKA the Keegan approach
I'd go for that, but would swap Benteke for Kozak if he's fit. I just think the team looks better with him in the side.
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Westwood sitting, Sylla playing centrally, with Delph given more freedom to do what he does best.
Gabby and Marcy-Marc and the Funky Bunch eitherside of Kozak giving us width.
The Defence is a problem; I don't rate Baker at all, but Palace are a Championship side at best, so he will find his level. Lowton at full back, with Clark back centrally. I'd rather see Herd at left back than a centre half out of position.
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Westwood is out aswell, I think.
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KEA in for Westy then.
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I'd like to see Gardner given a chance.
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I'd like to see Gardner given a chance.
Gardner and Delph in the centre. Gabby and Alby on the wings. Kozak/Benteke and Weimann up top.
Done.
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Guzan
Lowton Baker Clark Bacuna (have to find space for him in case we get a free kick)
Sylla
Weimann Delph
Albrighton Gabby
Kozak
Bring Gardner on for last 30 mins.
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When was the last time we convincingly beat another premier league side at home?
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Sunderland.
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Yep, that's about right I reckon. April 2013 (thanks google).
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Guzan
Lowton Baker Clark Bacuna (have to find space for him in case we get a free kick)
Sylla
Weimann Delph
Albrighton Gabby
Kozak
Bring Gardner on for last 30 mins.
You've selected Baker ahead of Herd? Has Herdy just tragically lost one leg or two? Are we bringing on Gardner exactly at the 60 minute mark or shall we see how things are progressing? I trust you implicitly.
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Guzan
Lowton Baker Clark Bacuna (have to find space for him in case we get a free kick)
Sylla
Weimann Delph
Albrighton Gabby
Kozak
Bring Gardner on for last 30 mins.
You've selected Baker ahead of Herd? Has Herdy just tragically lost one leg or two?
I'd do the same thing. Herd is not a centre half.
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I don't care, how but a win is what I want. In whatever fashion it arrives
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Guzan
Lowton Baker Clark Bacuna (have to find space for him in case we get a free kick)
Sylla
Weimann Delph
Albrighton Gabby
Kozak
Bring Gardner on for last 30 mins.
You've selected Baker ahead of Herd? Has Herdy just tragically lost one leg or two?
I'd do the same thing. Herd is not a centre half.
Baker has been simply terrible recently. Yes I am on tender hooks when Herdy plays but he would get the nod over Baker all day.
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Agree Toronto. Totally agree, Excruciating waiting for 'it' to happens. Back to the armchair tactical session. Gabby up the wing and cross to Benteke! In the goal!
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I thought Benteke was out?
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OK Weimann then..I am abroad. How t'f*ck did he get injured..ain't done much to bring it on. Groin again I suppose?
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Guzan
Lowton, Herd, Clark, Bacuna (agree with the above, in for his freekicks and because Luna is wretched at the mo).
Sylla Delph
Albrighton Gabby
Helenius
Kozak
I'd also have Johnson and Robinson among the subs, along with GG.
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May he be back soon! http://www.birminghammail.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/paul-lambert-rules-out-knee-6441200
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I just can't think of a way of setting up defensively that doesn't fill me with horror.
Baker has been hopeless recently. Really bad. But so has Luna.
We might have to play a 3-5-2 just so that when our defenders are out of position, or get the wrong side, or miss the ball, it's more likely we'll have another player near the ball. The defence without Vlaar isn't even a decent championship level defence for me. I do think Clark has been the best of the rest by a fair distance this season though.
If we go 352 I think it'd be: Guzan - Herd Baker Clark - Lowton KEA Delph Luna - Albrighton - Gabby Kozak
If not, I imagine: Guzan - Lowton Herd Baker Clark - Albrighton KEA Delph Gabby - Weimann - Kozak
I've got a nasty feeling that the post-game Villa Park atmosphere is going to be a little poisonous.
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Herd is going to be going in hard again then!
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No cocking about, no 4-4-2. Stop lumping the ball up to Kozak, give the full backs at least some cover and keep possession. Stop playing players out of position. Win the bloody game.
guzan
lowton donacien clark luna
Herd, Johnson, Delph
Albrighton, Kozak, Agbonlahor
Steer, Baker, Bacuna, Westwood, Sylla, Helenius, Weimann
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Guzan
Lowton, Donacien, Clark, Anyone from the crowd
Herd
Gardner, Delph
Albrighton, Kozak, Agbonlahor
I'd prefer a 352 but can't fit Albrighton in and he's looked the alright the past two games. I want to see an attacking 433 with Gardner and Delph getting forward as much as they can.
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Guzan
Lowton, Donacien, Clark, Anyone from the crowd
Herd
Gardner, Delph
Albrighton, Kozak, Agbonlahor
I'd prefer a 352 but can't fit Albrighton in and he's looked the alright the past two games. I want to see an attacking 433 with Gardner and Delph getting forward as much as they can.
No cocking about, no 4-4-2. Stop lumping the ball up to Kozak, give the full backs at least some cover and keep possession. Stop playing players out of position. Win the bloody game.
Dear Paul, all I want for christmas (ok boxing day) is the above. BTW its the round white coloured thing we need to KEEP, its not the NFL!
.......cant see it happening though
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Just voted [Villa win] and there are exactly 100 votes cast at the moment.
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I'd go.....
Guzan
Lowton Clark Baker Luna
Albrighton Delph Gardner Bacuna
Gabby Kozak
Subs: Steer Weimann Helanius Herd Sylla KEA Tonev
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I'd go.....
Guzan
Lowton Clark Baker Luna
Albrighton Delph Gardner Bacuna
Gabby Kozak
Subs: Steer Weimann Helanius Herd Sylla KEA Tonev
I would probably go with that too apart from baker - I'd give Donacien a debut .
I expect however to see Baker, kea and sylla all in the starting line up.
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Gardner? Brave choice. I've not seen anything yet which suggests he's good enough and would suggest it'd be a tad unfair on him to be asked to play in a midfield two. However it could get the crowd going.
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Gardner? Brave choice. I've not seen anything yet which suggests he's good enough and would suggest it'd be a tad unfair on him to be asked to play in a midfield two. However it could get the crowd going.
I just think the midfield needs a bit of a revamp and some energy in there. It maybe is asking a bit much of him and Sylla instead might be best but like you said, it might give the crowd a lift seeing a different face in there.
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Gardner? Brave choice. I've not seen anything yet which suggests he's good enough and would suggest it'd be a tad unfair on him to be asked to play in a midfield two. However it could get the crowd going.
I just think the midfield needs a bit of a revamp and some energy in there. It maybe is asking a bit much of him and Sylla instead might be best but like you said, it might give the crowd a lift seeing a different face in there.
I mean he was touted as potentially our answer to Gerrard about 3-4 years ago as he was coming up through the yoofs. Granted we've also had the Togolese Zidane...But yeah, GG at least has the ability to pick a pass and if we're happy to play Westwood and KEA, his lack of mobility shouldn't be an issue. He'd be a midfielder capable of hitting a good strike from distance, and he's good from set pieces.
I'd like to see him or Johnson get a go, just to freshen things up and see if we can't get a bit more quality in CM. KEA, Westwood and Sylla are all struggling right now.
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Bowery has to start. It's time the lad got a run in the team with the quality he has shown in previous appearances.
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Bowery has to start. It's time the lad got a run in the team with the quality he has shown in previous appearances.
No he's only got a 61 rating on Fifa. We should go for Helenius instead. He's got a 67.
:)
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I'd like to see Edna Stevens recalled from his loan spell. He played at left back and in central defence for Shamrock and I think he'd add a bit of guile and composure.
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Good shout on Edna. Would add some much needed experience to the back four.
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Bowery has to start. It's time the lad got a run in the team with the quality he has shown in previous appearances.
Couldn't agree more. His hold up play when he came on against Hull was a joy to behold.
Give the kid a chance.
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Bring back Hutton he had played well for Scotland when I have seen him.
We need more bite.
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Bowery has to start. It's time the lad got a run in the team with the quality he has shown in previous appearances.
Couldn't agree more. His hold up play when he came on against Hull was a joy to behold.
Give the kid a chance.
He's got a lot of potential imo, and with Benteke out and Weimann and Gabby out of form give him a run. I'd prefer to see him lead the attack than be out wide though.
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I think Bowery could maybe play in the Merson role. He has deceptive skill for a big lad. I like the thought of him playing the ball through for Weimann.
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Bowery has to start. It's time the lad got a run in the team with the quality he has shown in previous appearances.
Couldn't agree more. His hold up play when he came on against Hull was a joy to behold.
Give the kid a chance.
Good shout has to be worth a punt
He's got a lot of potential imo, and with Benteke out and Weimann and Gabby out of form give him a run. I'd prefer to see him lead the attack than be out wide though.
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I think Bowery could maybe play in the Merson role. He has deceptive skill for a big lad. I like the thought of him playing the ball through for Weimann.
This is bollocks. We clearly need to move KEA into the no. 10 role. He pretty much played in pre-season, and I think he has the toughness and technique to do it.
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Can Hutton play left back... hmmmm
If we go 3-5-2, Donacien and Gardner starting would not be a bad shout, and might get the crowd going.
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Bring back Hutton he had played well for Scotland when I have seen him.
We need more bite.
People mock but they did just beat Croatia home and away. Hutton played a vital role in each game.
He should be brought back but I fear Lambert is too stubborn to admit that he was wrong.
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Bring back Hutton he had played well for Scotland when I have seen him.
We need more bite.
People mock but they did just beat Croatia home and away. Hutton played a vital role in each game.
He should be brought back but I fear Lambert is too stubborn to admit that he was wrong.
Hutton can play in the no.10 slot for me.
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Bring back Hutton he had played well for Scotland when I have seen him.
We need more bite.
People mock but they did just beat Croatia home and away. Hutton played a vital role in each game.
He should be brought back but I fear Lambert is too stubborn to admit that he was wrong.
Hutton can play in the no.10 slot for me.
He is definitely mobile enough.
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Bring back Hutton he had played well for Scotland when I have seen him.
We need more bite.
Agree completely - Mr Mumbles is too stubborn to do that though.
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I think Bowery could maybe play in the Merson role. He has deceptive skill for a big lad. I like the thought of him playing the ball through for Weimann.
Spot on; whenever Bowery has come on for us he has always done a job - rarely gives away possession. This is surely his big chance.
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It would almost be like having two new signings putting Hutton and Bowery in. If it pays off, we could go through January without needing to buy. That may bring forward the building of the new stand with the extra funds being available.
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I think we'll win 3-0. Bowery hattrick.
Surely, PL will finally finally recognise what he brings to the team?
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The "I'm Backing Bowery" campaign is gathering momentum and I would advocate the return of a very old song, slightly amended, to the VP vocal faithful on this St. Stephen's day of 2013:
Aye aye aye aye
Guzan is better than Yashin
And Bowery is better than Eusebio
And Palace are in for a thrashing
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very fucking funny
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This thread is brilliant, making me laugh at work.
Merry Christmas to you all and here's to a Villa win on Boxing Day, 4-1 will do it.
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Stick Hutton in, he'll have a lot to prove and he'll hopefully put some fire in the bellies of some of his lily livered team mates.
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For tricky opponents like Crystal Palace, for one match only, there'd be no shame in Lambert enlisting the services of a fellow Scot to steady the ship. Who knows, the modern tactical innovations of Alex McLeish might inspire a draw?
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We should never have sold Warnock. A class act.
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We could do with some experience in the centre of defence. What's Richard Dunne up to?
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We could do with some experience in the centre of defence. What's Richard Dunne up to?
Greggs?
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We could do with some experience in the centre of defence. What's Richard Dunne up to?
Greggs?
Didn't QPR keep a clean sheet in his first 9 games or something daft like that?
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What's Richard Dunne up to?
About 19 stone.
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We don't have enough forwards on the books, so the few we have have become too complacent. I'm thinking a couple of loan signings (namely Robbie Keane, Benni McCarthy, Emile He's Key), all hungry for one last payday; if they play well, we can offer them big contracts. If not, at least we'll have seen some fine forwards at Villa Park. Also, don't forget Heskey can drop back from being a defensive forward to an attacking midfielder without it affecting his performance.
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I think we ought to bring in simon grayson, and play him instead of lee hendrie, he's a solid experienced performer...
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What's Richard Dunne up to?
About 19 stone.
Good to see he's shedding a bit of weight.
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What's JLloyd up to over the festive season ? Surely he would answer the call to arms
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What's JLloyd up to over the festive season ? Surely he would answer the call to arms
Him and Coker in would sort out our problems.
Maybe we can get De La Cruz back to take over from Lowton.
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What's JLloyd up to over the festive season ? Surely he would answer the call to arms
Him and Coker in would sort out our problems.
Maybe we can get De La Cruz back to take over from Lowton.
Bollocks. We need the steel of Gavin McCann and Erik Bakke in midfield.
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Where's Gilles de Bilde when we need him?
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Where's Gilles de Bilde when we need him?
He'd be awesome played just in front of Oyvind Leonhardsen.
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Where's Gilles de Bilde when we need him?
sheff wed asking too much money , he loved it at Villa
whast Sasa up to , he would scare the palace fookers off
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On a serious note, I'd play the following side;
Guzan; Lowton, Clark, Baker, Luna; Bacuna, Herd, Delph, Albrighton; Agbonlahor; Kozak
Subs; Steer, Sylla, Gardner, KEA, Tonev, Helenius, someone other than Bowery.
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not a bad shout Russell
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I reckon we should play Tonev , drop him deep , probably behind our goal line , so one of his shots might then hit the net
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Salifou would make a great false nine.
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Appears that Palace have nearly a whole team out injured and Chamakh is suspended.
Remember him getting one of his very few goals for Arsenal against us at the North Stand, so that's probably a good thing.
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Appears that Palace have nearly a whole team out injured and Chamakh is suspended.
Remember him getting one of his very few goals for Arsenal against us at the North Stand, so that's probably a good thing.
Kevin Phillips will probably get a game then .
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Cameron Jerome up front on his own is what their fans seem to be predicting.
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Cameron Jerome up front on his own is what their fans seem to be predicting.
Pulis will come to frustrate - ideally we need an early goal or it could turn out to be a long afternoon , palace will probably look to invite us to break them down and hope to snatch it on the break or from a set piece - exactly the sort of team we find difficult to play against .
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I can't help feeling it'll be a terribly 0-0 draw. I don't care how we do it, I don't care if it's a last/first minute own goal, just win this game!!
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I can't help feeling it'll be a terribly 0-0 draw. I don't care how we do it, I don't care if it's a last/first minute own goal, just win this game!!
First half goal would be nice, we haven't managed that yet have we?
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Not at home.
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Not at home.
Right, I am going to be greedy, two first half please on Boxing day
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Not at home.
Right, I am going to be greedy, two first half please on Boxing day
Hopefully this will be the game where we break this duck. It HAS to happen at some stage. What a very weird statistic!
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Cameron Jerome up front on his own is what their fans seem to be predicting.
Pulis will come to frustrate - ideally we need an early goal or it could turn out to be a long afternoon , palace will probably look to invite us to break them down and hope to snatch it on the break or from a set piece - exactly the sort of team we find difficult to play against .
It would be a good game to score in the first half at Villa Park for the first time this season. It would also be a pleasant surprise.
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Not at home.
That really is a shocking statistic
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Can we just start the game at half time and cut the ticket price by half .
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Average possession this season.... Crystal Palace (40.3%) and Aston Villa (42.2%)
Worst two in league. Might be no better Thursday, perhaps the ball will be in the crowd for 18% of the time!
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Got an extra ticket for the game for just £10 today from the ticket office. Great value even if the football is shocking.
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Cameron Jerome up front on his own is what their fans seem to be predicting.
Pulis will come to frustrate - ideally we need an early goal or it could turn out to be a long afternoon , palace will probably look to invite us to break them down and hope to snatch it on the break or from a set piece - exactly the sort of team we find difficult to play against .
It would be a good game to score in the first half at Villa Park for the first time this season. It would also be a pleasant surprise.
It would be a good game to score about 3 in the first half!
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Got an extra ticket for the game for just £10 today from the ticket office. Great value even if the football is shocking.
Yeah, bit of a strange one that. I've bought three extra tickets for a tenner each when I was prepared to pay standard price.
What's the point in having a special offer to shift tickets if you don't tell anyone about it?! I can't see anything on the website about £10 tickets.
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Meaning Evil (http://www.birminghammail.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/aston-villa-dont-frighten-anyone-6444297)
Former Villa ace Lee Hendrie says teams no longer fear coming to Villa Park
LEE Hendrie reckons Villa need to become a feared opponent once again if they are ever to recover their long-term good fortunes.
The ex-claret and blues ace hates to see his old side languishing in the lower reaches of the Premier League but he believes only a change in approach will reverse their form.
Villa have won just once in their last six outings and are starting to undo all the good work from the start of the season. Hendrie reckons relegation favourites Crystal Palace will fancy their chances at Villa Park on Boxing Day unless the hosts start taking the game to teams at home.
“They are well behind at the moment,” said the Holte End hero when asked about Villa’s position.
“I think the days of Villa being exciting at home (have gone).
“Teams used to fear coming to Villa Park but now I don’t see that being the case.
“No disrespect to the likes of Palace and teams who have come up from the Championship, but they are half thinking they are going to come up and get a result.
“That is quite scary really because being in the situation we’re in – that’s where we need to be winning games to definitely keep our place in the Premier League.
“Last season we didn’t do that enough and we ended up being in a dogfight at the end.
“I don’t see us being a fear to any team at Villa Park.
“We used to take the game to teams but it doesn’t seem to be the case at the moment, it’s more of a counter-attacking team.”
The 36-year-old midfielder, who now plays for Northern Counties East League side Basford United, added: “We’re scared to take the game to teams – especially the games where you’re expecting to get the three points.
“Away, the counter-attacking style with the young lads he’s got is working but at home when you have 35,000 Villa fans there they are going to get frustrated.
“Before you know it the fans start turning on you. The manager has his format on what he wants to do with the squad he’s got and the young players he’s brought in but I think we need that bit of excitement, which is going to get the fans off their seats. If that comes Villa will be in a better place.”
Hendrie made over 250 appearances for Villa before departing in 2007.
He admits he hasn’t enjoyed watching the struggles of recent seasons and knows this period is important to pick up points.
“We are better off than last season but I still look at games like the Sunderland one, for example, and think that was three points I’d have said we should have had.
“We’d be a lot better off if we took the game to teams we’re playing at Villa Park but it doesn’t seem to be the way.
“That’s where we’re struggling. The Christmas and New Year period is massive.
“We know that as ex-footballers. This is where you need to be picking up points.
“At the end of December you start to look and think ‘is it going to be one of those seasons again?’
“If you go on a decent run – something I haven’t seen Villa do in a while – and string four or five wins together you’ll look good.
“Villa used to be known for doing that and I think they need to start producing that form and going on a good run of games.
“This is the time they need it because otherwise they will find themselves in the same situation they were last season. It’s panic stations then.”
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If we do the unthinkable and actually beat Palace AND Swansea (god you wouldn't have typed that about those two a few years back) then that will be the first time we've won two back-to-back home league games or two in a row since..............?
Please don't tell me it was during MON's reign although I have a nasty feeling it was. Just shows how horrendous we are in home games.
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Tomorrow really is a "must win" for us. If we lose, I can see the crowd turning on Lambert.
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When was B6 last seen as a "fortress"? 92/93?
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Yes. 1892/93, though.
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Tomorrow really is a "must win" for us. If we lose, I can see the crowd turning on Lambert.
I can't.
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If we do the unthinkable and actually beat Palace AND Swansea (god you wouldn't have typed that about those two a few years back) then that will be the first time we've won two back-to-back home league games or two in a row since..............?
Please don't tell me it was during MON's reign although I have a nasty feeling it was. Just shows how horrendous we are in home games.
Didn't we win two in a row last season? QPR (H) and Reading (A)?
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Back-to-back HOME wins.
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We will win. Heart says by three or four, head says a nervy 2-1. I hope Dwight Gayle doesn't play. He might not be worth what they paid but he always looks useful to me. I suppose Sod's law says Bannan and Jerome will score.
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We won the last home game of 10/11 and the first home game of 11/12. Same season wins, we won the first two homes of 10/11.
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Back-to-back HOME wins.
Back to back home league games or TWO IN A ROW
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League.
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League.
That wasnt specified. What's your problem?
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Nothing. What are you going on about? SoccerHQ mentioned "back-to-back home league games". That's all.
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Nothing. What are you going on about? SoccerHQ mentioned "back-to-back home league games". That's all.
Or two in a row. I interpreted it differently to you.
If he meant two in a row at home how is that any different to back to back home league games unless he's referring to league and cup games, but then that wasnt specified. Hardly worth getting pedantic over.
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Ah. I see what you mean.
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Pretty obvious it meant home games.
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So August 2010, not quite MON but dismal enough.
Ridiculous how bad it is when you think about it. Win at home (which is difficult enough for us) and then win the next home league game after that.
Something we haven't done for nearly 3 and a half years. Simply not good enough.
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Pretty obvious it meant home games.
Well it wasn't was it or he'd have just said when was the last time we won back to back home games.
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Sorry. Obvious to everyone else I should have said.
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Sorry. Obvious to everyone else I should have said.
Better. ;)
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Are we gonna play Stonehenge or not?
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Pretty obvious it meant home games.
Well it wasn't was it or he'd have just said when was the last time we won back to back home games.
Without wishing to inflame this one unnecessarily up again Adam....errr I did actually say back-to-back home games (with Palace and Swansea in brackets like this) or at least two consecutive home games.
No bother anyway, August 2010 last time we did that in a regular season is a disgrace tbh.
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Disgraceful stats indeed as is the fact we've failed to score in 8 out of the last 12 premier league games.
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We need to score first and relatively early to relieve some of the pressure on ourselves. The longer it goes without a goal the more our collectively arses will clench and it will just be another game of don't lose.
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We need to score first and relatively early to relieve some of the pressure on ourselves. The longer it goes without a goal the more our collectively arses will clench and it will just be another game of don't lose.
Which is why we have to start Bowery. Guaranteed goals.
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We need to score first and relatively early to relieve some of the pressure on ourselves. The longer it goes without a goal the more our collectively arses will clench and it will just be another game of don't lose.
Which is why we have to start Bowery. Guaranteed goals.
I certainly think he deserves an opportunity. He offers desire which i would question at times with one or two of our other players this season, height and strength. Importantly for him it presents a tremendous opportunity to stake a claim in the absence of Benteke as a permanent partner to Kozak. I might regret thinking this but I wouldn't be adverse to seeing us patch things up with Ireland also. He's playing well at Stoke, and would save us £10m on a player that plays that position.
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2-2 draw I think for this one.
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We need to score first and relatively early to relieve some of the pressure on ourselves. The longer it goes without a goal the more our collectively arses will clench and it will just be another game of don't lose.
Which is why we have to start Bowery. Guaranteed goals.
Yes he's been prolific for us as he was in League 2. What was it 1 goal every 10 games at the old 4th division level ? I'd rather play Weimann as a striker with Kozak. Weimann is not a winger.
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He just needs games. Quality player.
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The trouble is that as soon as Barca see Bowery playing regularly we will lose him.
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He just needs games. Quality player.
Have you been drinking?
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Just bloody win. No excuses and 'we go again' speeches.
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He just needs games. Quality player.
Have you been drinking?
We need to start getting him ready to take over from Benteke next season. He's got goals in him and will be perfect as the main striker.
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He just needs games. Quality player.
Have you been drinking?
We need to start getting him ready to take over from Benteke next season. He's got goals in him and will be perfect as the main striker.
^^ this, although I would wait until midway through Jan to see if we might be able to cash in on Benteke early.
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He just needs games. Quality player.
Have you been drinking?
We need to start getting him ready to take over from Benteke next season. He's got goals in him and will be perfect as the main striker.
You are either drunk or insane, possibly both.
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Being the ever pessimistic Brummie but I really think we will win this.
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I'm crazy for Bowery! He is a Villa legend in the making.
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He just needs games. Quality player.
Have you been drinking?
We need to start getting him ready to take over from Benteke next season. He's got goals in him and will be perfect as the main striker.
You are either drunk or insane, possibly both.
No, I think he's got a point. Lambert's played it exactly right with Bowery in my opinion though, gradually bringing him into the side, playing him wide occasionally to build his game. Now's the time to unleash him.
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We need to score first and relatively early to relieve some of the pressure on ourselves. The longer it goes without a goal the more our collectively arses will clench and it will just be another game of don't lose.
Which is why we have to start Bowery. Guaranteed goals.
Bowery is the man. Cometh the hour cometh Bowery.
I had a vision where we recalled GT Mk 2 signing Boulton to team up with Bowery in a lethal dual strike force: the PL defenders would not know what hit them. The BBs.
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Boulding ? The tennis player
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Boulding ? The tennis player
Oh yeah, That's him. Strapping lad. Lovely shoulders.
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Clearly 1 or 2 have had a bit too much Harvey's Bristol Cream.
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Clearly 1 or 2 have had a bit too much Harvey's Bristol Cream.
You say that now. But when Bowery makes a late dash for the World Cup squad, expect a few 'I told you so' type posts.
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Clearly 1 or 2 have had a bit too much Harvey's Bristol Cream.
I'd sooner you gave him a chance than questioning our stability. Right now given the injuries and form issue it is all hands to the pump. Stick him in the middle either as a target man or next to Kozak with Tonev and Albrighton supplying it's as good as anything we'll have had this season in the middle. I happen to think he'll benefit greatly from playing next to Kozak who is in really good form. Off course Bosko whatshisface will disagree.
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Weimann/Kozak up top.
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We will destroy them.
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I actually think I'd rather see Bowery on the left wing. He has decent skill and power and could cut inside to good effect. He could also have an Ormondroyd-like effect on right full-backs.
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Weimann/Kozak up top.
Bowery is better than them both combined so why take up 2 starting places? Bowery in and get another midfielder in to supply the ammo for Bowery to shoot us up the table and into the top 6.
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Weimann/Kozak up top.
Bowery is better than them both combined so why take up 2 starting places? Bowery in and get another midfielder in to supply the ammo for Bowery to shoot us up the table and into the top 6.
(http://www.lozpes.ru/_fr/0/0790908.png)
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You can just tell looking at him that he is a future star. The photographer captured his simmering talents perfectly. It's almost sexual knowing he's just going to keep scoring for us.
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If Bowery dont start
LAMBERT OUT FOR ME !!!!!
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He just needs games. Quality player.
Have you been drinking?
We need to start getting him ready to take over from Benteke next season. He's got goals in him and will be perfect as the main striker.
You are either drunk or insane, possibly both.
No, I think he's got a point. Lambert's played it exactly right with Bowery in my opinion though, gradually bringing him into the side, playing him wide occasionally to build his game. Now's the time to unleash him.
It's how Dwight Yorke and Thierry Henry started off and he's got more potential than those two ever had.
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You can just tell looking at him that he is a future star. The photographer captured his simmering talents perfectly. It's almost sexual knowing he's just going to keep scoring for us.
I completely agree PWS. You can see the desire in his eyes.
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I'm crazy for Bowery! He is a Villa legend in the making.
He even has a street in Manhattan named after him.
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I'm crazy for Bowery! He is a Villa legend in the making.
He even has a street in Manhattan named after him.
Not to mention a 251-kilometre-long river in West Asia flowing to the Dead Sea.
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Failed to score in 5 out of 8 home games, lost 5 out of 8 home games, have not scored a goal in the first half in any game, outplayed by Sunderland and Manchester City and struggled for 70 minutes against Cardiff. This is Lambert at home 0-0 if we are lucky
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Failed to score in 5 out of 8 home games, lost 5 out of 8 home games, have not scored a goal in the first half in any game, outplayed by Sunderland and Manchester City and struggled for 70 minutes against Cardiff. This is Lambert at home 0-0 if we are lucky
Happy Christmas!!!!
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Not like you to be sarcastic pauliewalnuts i usually agree with what you post, Don't let the facts get in the way hey Happy Christmas to you
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I'm not being sarcastic, genuinely, have a good christmas and bollocks to the worrying, we do that the entire rest of the year (well, other than close season, obvs).
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Thanks pauliewalnuts ,i should not let it get me down how low we have sunk but it does .I have not felt as low about the villa since we were relegated to the old 3rd division Still merry christmas and a happy new year
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Thanks pauliewalnuts ,i should not let it get me down how low we have sunk but it does .I have not felt as low about the villa since we were relegated to the old 3rd division Still merry christmas and a happy new year
So a win doesn't count if we were "outplayed" or didn't score early enough and being thirteenth is worse than getting relegated. Run that by me again.
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Failed to score in 5 out of 8 home games, lost 5 out of 8 home games, have not scored a goal in the first half in any game, outplayed by Sunderland and Manchester City and struggled for 70 minutes against Cardiff. This is Lambert at home 0-0 if we are lucky
Not if Bowery starts.
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I think picking Bowery is going to be Lambert's Christmas present for the Villa hordes.
Jingle bells, jingle bells, goals all the way.
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3-1 and the start of a mini-unbeaten run through middle Jan which will consolidate us in mid-table and put a little more distance between us and the 3 teams that will get relegated
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I've been telling fans of other clubs to watch out for Bowery for ages. The guy oozes class on and off the pitch. Stick him in behind Kozak tomorrow in a Rooney type role and watch him weave his magic I say. We've put it off for far too long.
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You know now you mention it, I think I see what people are saying about Bowery. I recall going to watch chesterfield where my mate works 4 or 5 times when Jordan was there, each time Bowery played. Now whilst he didn't score in these league 2 fixtures against really poor opposition nor did he generally contribute a dime, but there's something about his demeanour that says, yes future England international and Real Madrid player.
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Captain material for sure.
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By hook or by crook we'll somehow win... 2-1
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3-0 Bowery hat trick.
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Left foot, right foot and head. All within three minutes.
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6.0 thumper. Has to be.
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Watching Bowery tomorrow would make this Christmas perfect in every sense. Got to enjoy it though while he's here.
In the summer he'll be embroiled in a Gareth Bale style transfer saga for sure.
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Well we can't ask for a kinder fixture to start the recovery. 2-0
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Hehe ,I am sure Mr Woodhall and Cooper sit on here just waiting for me to post .No matter what it is i say they always have to disagree. Ok Woodhall ,i think Villa will play in Claret and Blue tomorrow
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Watching Bowery tomorrow would make this Christmas perfect in every sense. Got to enjoy it though while he's here.
In the summer he'll be embroiled in a Gareth Bale style transfer saga for sure.
Problem is there is a 50% sell on fee share clause with his South American agent. I understand there is a party from Madrid flown in tonight to watch him.
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Hehe ,I am sure Mr Woodhall and Cooper sit on here just waiting for me to post .No matter what it is i say they always have to disagree. Ok Woodhall ,i think Villa will play in Claret and Blue tomorrow
Measured response and convincing evidence to support your argument there.
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Watching Bowery tomorrow would make this Christmas perfect in every sense. Got to enjoy it though while he's here.
In the summer he'll be embroiled in a Gareth Bale style transfer saga for sure.
Problem is there is a 50% sell on fee share clause with his South American agent. I understand there is a party from Madrid flown in tonight to watch him.
The deal is already done in principle. It will all boil down to Bowery's personal demands and whether Real can match them.
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I've been telling fans of other clubs to watch out for Bowery for ages. The guy oozes class on and off the pitch. Stick him in behind Kozak tomorrow in a Rooney type role and watch him weave his magic I say. We've put it off for far too long.
Couldn't agree more. Who do you think is more valuable at this moment in time Bowery or Suarez?
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I've been telling fans of other clubs to watch out for Bowery for ages. The guy oozes class on and off the pitch. Stick him in behind Kozak tomorrow in a Rooney type role and watch him weave his magic I say. We've put it off for far too long.
Couldn't agree more. Who do you think is more valuable at this moment in time Bowery or Suarez?
Suarez doesn't even have as much footballing talent as Bowery does in his cock.
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Hehe ,I am sure Mr Woodhall and Cooper sit on here just waiting for me to post .No matter what it is i say they always have to disagree. Ok Woodhall ,i think Villa will play in Claret and Blue tomorrow
The two Dave's will be agitated that you only think we will play in claret and blue. You should be more sure than that!
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Well Olaftab, correct me if i am wrong,but i am pretty sure we played in all white against West Ham at home a few seasons ago because the referee felt West Ham's away kit was to much of a colour clash and they wore our home kit. Going back a lot further i remember us playing in our new yellow and blue kit against the Italy U21 at Villa Park and being booed by the Holte End who thought we were the Italians .Am Sure Mr Woodhall soon correct me if i am wrong
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From what I have seen Bowery isn't good enough for this level but I would never slag him off because he is wholehearted and gives everything.
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From what I have seen Bowery isn't good enough for this level but I would never slag him off because he is wholehearted and gives everything.
Madness!!! He just isn't being used to anything like correctly. Watching a 25 goal a year striker sat on the bench is becoming incredibly frustrating.
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Wow The Bowery is the best player that ever played for us joke has no limit to its mirth.
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Wow The Bowery is the best player that ever played for us joke has no limit to its mirth.
Yeah, were you lot fans of The Fast Show by any chance?
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Watching Bowery tomorrow would make this Christmas perfect in every sense. Got to enjoy it though while he's here.
In the summer he'll be embroiled in a Gareth Bale style transfer saga for sure.
to Stafford Rangers!
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Right, I'm ready for 90 minutes of scintillating non-stop action today - oh, wait a minute, we're at home! 1-2 defeat.
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We need to win today, please do it Villa.
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We need to win really so a boring draw it is!
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I got Kozak to score a hat-trick but Coral - useless as always - couldn't give me a price. William Hill much better but sadly I'm nowhere near one today.
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Guzan
Lowton - Clark - Donacien - Luna
Albrighton - Delph - Gardener - Wiemann
Kozak - Agbonlahor
Would be my starting line up if I was in charge .
After Saturdays display tonev , herd and baker shouldn't start.
Just bloody win please !
(Amended - just found out Westwood unavailable )
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Chamkakh is out apparently. Cameron Jerome up front apparently. Kev Phillips in possibly.
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I may be wrong but, I don't think we've beaten Palace since the 90's except in the league cup a few seasons back. This has got draw written all over it.
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Hehe ,I am sure Mr Woodhall and Cooper sit on here just waiting for me to post .No matter what it is i say they always have to disagree. Ok Woodhall ,i think Villa will play in Claret and Blue tomorrow
Grow up eh?
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Let's face it, if we can't beat these jokers we need our heads seein too. They're crap.
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Exactly Cooper you should !!!
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Exactly Cooper you should !!!
Not to get involved, but you know that the 'I know you are so what am I' defence isn't usually considered the zenith of maturity, you know.
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Chamkakh is out apparently. Cameron Jerome up front apparently.
You know what that means.
Bound to score
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Chamkakh is out apparently. Cameron Jerome up front apparently.
You know what that means.
Bound to score
Might need to play Bowery at centre-back to counter the threat.
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I've already predicted a 3-1 win but I'm feeling even more confident now and I'll go for a 5-1 Villa win. I can't believe the level of negativity on here, we're talking about Palace, the worst team in the league. If we can't beat them today we may as well close up. We may be a crap footballing side but today we'll shine.
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I feel sick, today is absolutely massive.
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Today is massive. For the club and Lambert. He wont get sacked or anything, but I know if we have another poor performance and result I personally wont be happy with him - and I can imagine a lot of fans feel the same.
Some of his decisions have been baffling recently, and haven't helped at all with the unrest at our current football and recent transfer dealings.
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I think we'll scrape this one 2-1. It won't be pretty but the 3 points today are an absolute must.
If we don't get them then it could be freefall.