Heroes & Villains, the Aston Villa fanzine
Heroes & Villains => Match Threads & Player Ratings => Topic started by: danlanza on March 19, 2014, 10:58:42 AM
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Available right now.
A walk in the park. 3-1 Aston Villa.
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"Oatcake Brigade" ? What's that all about ?
Why can't we stick to the proper team names in the Pre/Match/Post threads ?
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Agree. Let's call them by their proper name...Inbred Six Fingered Freaks.
Villa 1 ISFF 0. Another Benteke pen
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Us 4
Them 2
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No Stephen Ireland for them apparently due to some clause as part of the deal when we sold him.
1-1. Walters for them. Benteke for us.
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Got to be looking for a win. Just the main thing though will be to avoid losing. It'd be great for us to go 3 home games unbeaten. Even better to win 3 on the spin.
I think we'll win.
2-1, Benteke Gabby.
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Stoke missing a few players for this one and have won once away all season.
2:0 Villa Benteke, Albrighton
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"Oatcake Brigade" ? What's that all about ?
Why can't we stick to the proper team names in the Pre/Match/Post threads ?
With great power comes great responsibility.
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No Stephen Ireland for them apparently due to some clause as part of the deal when we sold him.
1-1. Walters for them. Benteke for us.
Walters suspended mate.
They're a bit similar to us, regularly turn over the top teams but lack the consistancy against the struggles to really push on in the table. Probably our biggest challengers for 10th now.
Wouldn't shock me if it's 1-1 tbh. Typical comedown result after a great win and they are much better defensively than Norwich.
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The question to be asked of this team and manager - and I doubted it before the Chelsea match - is whether they can put a consistent run of performances and results together. We shall see so I am going to give them the benefit of the doubt and go for a 2-1 Villa win but nothing would surprise me at all if we went back to the garbage of before.
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Okay Dan, looks like we've finally sorted out how to get Villa winning, we need to keep alternating between us who makes the thread every week ;)
It'd be amazing to win 3 home games on the bounce. 2-1 Villa, Benteke and Albrighton.
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Villa 3 Clayheads 1
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I think we'll just about scrape it 2-1
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6-0. Delph to score all six.
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6-0. Delph to score all six.
And still get ignored by Woy...
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a win please....not seen much of Sturk, so are they still playing their brand of anti-football or has Hughes got them playing like West Barcelona Albion ?
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a win please....not seen much of Sturk, so are they still playing their brand of anti-football or has Hughes got them playing like West Barcelona Albion ?
From what I've seen (and what Stokie mates say) they still have the Pulis DNA (well organised in defence, direct in attack) but Hughes is gradually turning them into an actual football team. They seem pretty pleased with the job he's doing.
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The way this season has gone, as soon as we look to be on the up, we get an optimism crushing result which brings us back to reality.
Liverpool home, Fulham away, Everton away, Hull away, Sunderland home etc)
So for this reason I expect it to happen again and they'll probably nick it 2-1.
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A good performance with energy and determination and I'm happy.
Play well and we'll beat these no problem.
3-1 Benteke, Gabby & Bacuna
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I would be delighted with a win. When was the last time we won 3 in a row?
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I'll go 2-0. A professional display and allaying my initial thoughts that we couldn't win three in a row and especially at Villa Park. I think the last two games will have given us immense belief of being able to perform well and win at home. Benteke and Gabby.
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I would be delighted with a win. When was the last time we won 3 in a row?
Probably about 1895.
I hate playing Stoke. It always makes me feel vaguely ill.
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A draw suits both and that is what it will be. Respect the point!
0-0
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Well they could well be without, Walters, Adam, Ireland and Pieters. 3 of them regulars.
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They make me nervous. I can never get the memory of that 2-2 out of my head.
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I would be delighted with a win. When was the last time we won 3 in a row?
January 2011, we beat Man City (h), Wigan (a) and Blackburn (h) (FA Cup).
Counting league games only, we last won three in a row in 2009-10. In fact, we won four in a row in December that season. Hull (h), Manure (a), Sunderland (a), Stoke (h). Won all four without conceding a goal.
We had previously already won four in a row earlier that season in a run spanning from August to September (Liverpool (a), Fulham (h), Small Heath (a), Portsmouth (h)).
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When did we last win 3 home league games in a row?
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When did we last win 3 home league games in a row?
I think Pongo Waring scored a hat trick in one of them
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When did we last win 3 home league games in a row?
We were probably still playing in Perry Barr.
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Us 2 - 1 Them
Bertrand and Bacuna. Because I have both in my fantasy team.
No idea about Stoke players as I'm have none and don't intent to have any.
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Well they could well be without, Walters, Adam, Ireland and Pieters. 3 of them regulars.
I am sure i heard also Huth is out for rest of season
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I fancy a 2-1 win.
Interesting to see whether he sticks with the same side. I think we would benefit from a bit of width against Stoke. I'd be tempted to play Albrighton ahead of KEA in a 4-2-3-1
I also wonder if Bennett might keep his place. Lambert likes to reward good performances.
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When did we last win 3 home league games in a row?
August-September 2007 when we won four in a row. Fulham, Chelsea, Everton, West Ham.
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2-0 to the Villa boys.
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Well they could well be without, Walters, Adam, Ireland and Pieters. 3 of them regulars.
I am sure i heard also Huth is out for rest of season
His injury currently has 'no return date' which usually means you're right.
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When did we last win 3 home league games in a row?
August-September 2007 when we won four in a row. Fulham, Chelsea, Everton, West Ham.
2007 sounds like it was quite recent but then I realise that was 7 years ago which is amazing to think about.
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Villa 3 (Boulton, Watt, Murdoch) Stoke 1 (Wedgewood)
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I'm going for a 1-1 draw.
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35-0. There, I've said it.
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Well they could well be without, Walters, Adam, Ireland and Pieters. 3 of them regulars.
I am sure i heard also Huth is out for rest of season
Walters and Ireland are definitely out and I heard Huth is having an op as he keeps breaking down when they try to step up his training.
2-1 Villa.
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With it being Stoke it will definitely be a bore. 0-0
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1-1
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I fear Villa will come crashing down to Earth as we usually do but if we actually managed to keep the form going I'll be delighted.
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3 points don't care how but we need to win this one.
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35-0. There, I've said it.
36-0 ..... let's go all Arbroath v Bon Accord on their arses
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35-0. There, I've said it.
36-0 ..... let's go all Arbroath v Bon Accord on their arses
Some expectation management is needed here, let's come over all PNE v Hyde; 26-0 to the Villa
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Well they could well be without, Walters, Adam, Ireland and Pieters. 3 of them regulars.
I am sure i heard also Huth is out for rest of season
Walters and Ireland are definitely out and I heard Huth is having an op as he keeps breaking down when they try to step up his training.
2-1 Villa.
ClubCall: Stoke will be without Stephen Ireland against Aston Villa this weekend after it was revealed the midfielder is ineligible to play. The Potters turned Ireland's loan deal into a permanent move during the January transfer window, which led many to believe he would be able to play at Villa Park.
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AVFC 3-0 Stuurk
Benteke 6, 51 Gabby 81
These are due a thrashing at Villa Park!
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If they sit back we'll struggle like we always do. If they take the game to us, we'll outscore them.
I reckon Hughes will go for the safety of a point away.
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Us 2 Them 0. May well be similar to the Cardiff home game, they'll frustrate us for a while but we'll win.
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I thought players couldn't be ineligible once they turned a transfer into a permanent one?
Ireland's actually been o.k up there, got MOTM in the West Ham game. He's one of those though that when he does play at VP next season you can see him completely disappearing with all the abuse he'd get.
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Okay Dan, looks like we've finally sorted out how to get Villa winning, we need to keep alternating between us who makes the thread every week ;)
It'd be amazing to win 3 home games on the bounce. 2-1 Villa, Benteke and Albrighton.
Chipsticks, in that case you need to start the match and post match thread. For gods sake do not mention Oat cakes. 8)
"We know who we are, we know who we are, were Chipsticks and Danlanza, we know who we are."
3-1 Villa.
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Just seen that Stoke haven't won away from home in the league since August 31st against West Ham
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Tahat's because they had sausage and cheese, not bacon and cheese, with red sauce, not brown.
They deserve to lose, heavily. 8)
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Our record against Hughes is iffy enough isn't it? I did enjoy Gabby's perfect hat-trick against him the week before Man Sheikhy were born, mind.
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Sorry its the moaning west midlands sad arse in me, I simply refuse to believe we can win 3 games in a row. My mind cannot accept it.
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Hard to see us not winning, a long time since i have felt like that about a home match! I could forgive a draw after the Chelsea match, but would still be gutted not to kick on.
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Huth-Adams-Ireland-Walters out. That's probably there best four players. 3-0 Benteke-Delph-Weimann 37pts get in !!!
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4-0 win.
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Huth-Adams-Ireland-Walters out. That's probably there best four players. 3-0 Benteke-Delph-Weimann 37pts get in !!!
I knew Ireland was out, but I didn't know about the other 3
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Such a rugged football team but have one player out and three still in the closet.
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I don't really know what to think about that game, I see us struggling a bit but still a win for Villa. 2-0 Benteke and Agbonlahor.
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Forfar 4 East Fife 5
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I'd love to beat them, but fear (and predict) a draw. 1-1.
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2-1 villa win. Benteke penalty and Delph for us
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3-0. Benteke x3. Bring on utd.
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3-0. Benteke x3. Bring on utd.
on the back of their wins against olympiacos in Europe and city in the prem??
Ahhh, shit! Never a good time for us to play those twats...
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I love the fact that useless spunktrumpet Ireland is disallowed from playing against us this weekend, big up to whoever slipped that clause in there. That said maybe there was a clause in his contract when we signed him that he wasn't allowed to play at Villa Park ever.
Villa 3 Sterk 1
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Dire game, 0-0
Will spend the afternoon in the Bartons instead.
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I thought players couldn't be ineligible once they turned a transfer into a permanent one?
Ireland's actually been o.k up there, got MOTM in the West Ham game. He's one of those though that when he does play at VP next season you can see him completely disappearing with all the abuse he'd get.
He was on loan for the season but they wanted another player on loan so asked us to make it a full transfer. Good move from the club if you ask me. You want him then we'll treat it as a loan deal still and he can't play against us. All the aces and well played.
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Hopefully, this will be this season's 'Sunderland'. 8-2 to us.
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Just seen that Stoke haven't won away from home in the league since August 31st against West Ham
Why would you do this? Why? Why?
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tough game, cuz they wont come and try and play expansive football, they'll try and contain and frustrate, and we are at best an inexperienced young team.
I was won over by Joe Bennett against chelscum, Vlaar was immense, with a little luck we'll win, but a draw is not the end of the world.
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I thought players couldn't be ineligible once they turned a transfer into a permanent one?
Ireland's actually been o.k up there, got MOTM in the West Ham game. He's one of those though that when he does play at VP next season you can see him completely disappearing with all the abuse he'd get.
He was on loan for the season but they wanted another player on loan so asked us to make it a full transfer. Good move from the club if you ask me. You want him then we'll treat it as a loan deal still and he can't play against us. All the aces and well played.
Why would Villa not want Ireland playing against them ?
One sight of Delph flying in to tackle him and Ireland would disappear for the rest of the game
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Our record against Hughes is iffy enough isn't it? I did enjoy Gabby's perfect hat-trick against him the week before Man Sheikhy were born, mind.
He has an awful record as a manager at VP, not won in 8 visits.
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Our record against Hughes is iffy enough isn't it? I did enjoy Gabby's perfect hat-trick against him the week before Man Sheikhy were born, mind.
He has an awful record as a manager at VP, not won in 8 visits.
Soon to be 9.
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2-0 to keep Dan's run going!
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Come on Dan - ya carnt! Don't let the fans down!
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Three wins on the trickle at Villa Park? Can that possibly happen? I doubt it. This'll be 2-2. Bacuna and Benteke.
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2-0 win. We start brightly and Benteke scores after 15 minutes. We get a second on the break second half.
Stoke try to attack but keep giving the ball away and for large chunks of the game we pass them to death.
Guzan spotted on a deckchair reading the paper.
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Stoke are only expected to bring between 1200-1500 with free travel.
For all the early media chatter going on about how wonderful Stoke fans are, they really do have piss poor support and have failed to bring a following down to Villa Park since the post-Moscow debacle.
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Stoke are only expected to bring between 1200-1500 with free travel.
For all the early media chatter going on about how wonderful Stoke fans are, they really do have piss poor support and have failed to bring a following down to Villa Park since the post-Moscow debacle.
To be fair, it must be a near death experience having to watch that turgid rugby at the Britannia - would you want to inflict even more purgatory on yourself by following them away as well?
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Stoke are only expected to bring between 1200-1500 with free travel.
For all the early media chatter going on about how wonderful Stoke fans are, they really do have piss poor support and have failed to bring a following down to Villa Park since the post-Moscow debacle.
To be fair, it must be a near death experience having to watch that turgid rugby at the Britannia - would you want to inflict even more purgatory on yourself by following them away as well?
A friend is a season ticket holder at the Shittania, she travels from Eton, Berkshire, rain or shine to watch the dross served up by the tramp in a tracksuit and now by Hughes. She's a mentalist.
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Stoke are only expected to bring between 1200-1500 with free travel.
For all the early media chatter going on about how wonderful Stoke fans are, they really do have piss poor support and have failed to bring a following down to Villa Park since the post-Moscow debacle.
To be fair, it must be a near death experience having to watch that turgid rugby at the Britannia - would you want to inflict even more purgatory on yourself by following them away as well?
A friend is a season ticket holder at the Shittania, she travels from Eton, Berkshire, rain or shine to watch the dross served up by the tramp in a tracksuit and now by Hughes. She's a mentalist.
It hasn't been too bad this season, they've beaten Arsenal,Man. United and Chelsea all at home so I'd say that's worth the season ticket money alone.
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Their home form has kept them afloat though. Only one away win. Lets hope they still only on the one on Sunday evening. I'm desperate to win this game, lose it and we're right back where we started before Norwich in terms of mood and viewpoint concerning the manager.
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Their home form has kept them afloat though. Only one away win. Lets hope they still only on the one on Sunday evening. I'm desperate to win this game, lose it and we're right back where we started before Norwich in terms of mood and viewpoint concerning the manager.
They're just continuing what they did under Pulis really, collect around 30 points from their home games and nick an away win and a couple of draws.
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Stoke are only expected to bring between 1200-1500 with free travel.
For all the early media chatter going on about how wonderful Stoke fans are, they really do have piss poor support and have failed to bring a following down to Villa Park since the post-Moscow debacle.
From the look of the tickets sold on the OS, I don't think the home support is going to be that big either.
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4-1 to the mighty Villains
Rideout x 2
Glover
Peter Fox O.G.
Chamberlain with a late consolation for them.
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Well they could well be without, Walters, Adam, Ireland and Pieters. 3 of them regulars.
I am sure i heard also Huth is out for rest of season
Walters and Ireland are definitely out and I heard Huth is having an op as he keeps breaking down when they try to step up his training.
2-1 Villa.
ClubCall: Stoke will be without Stephen Ireland against Aston Villa this weekend after it was revealed the midfielder is ineligible to play. The Potters turned Ireland's loan deal into a permanent move during the January transfer window, which led many to believe he would be able to play at Villa Park.
0898 12 11 48. Wasted more ( of my parents ) money on that shit as a teenager before the internet than an old dude ringing wanklines!! 'Behind the scenes at Villa Park'
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4-1 to the mighty Villains
Rideout x 2
Glover
Peter Fox O.G.
Chamberlain with a late consolation for them.
Fox is out with a damaged finger.
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I think we will bump back to earth here - Stoke are a tough proposition and as we keep seeing, we play much better against real footballing teams than we do against 'scrapers'. So horrible game to watch - draw or loss by a goal.
But we are totally safe at this point and it won't change the fact real progress is being made when one looks at the bigger picture :)
UTV
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Some of the negativity after two straight wins is laughable, but not surprising TBH.
Comfortable 2-0 win. Don't care who scores.
UTV.
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[/quote]0898 12 11 48. Wasted more ( of my parents ) money on that shit as a teenager before the internet than an old dude ringing wanklines!! 'Behind the scenes at Villa Park'
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Haha me too! I remember the day the phonebill came, nearly 100 pounds of calls, more than enough for a junior season ticket in the lower holte back in 1995!
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Originally put us down for a draw but with the players they have missing I've changed to us winning. 2-1, Gabby & the Beast, Crouch for them
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Originally put us down for a draw but with the players they have missing I've changed to us winning. 2-1, Gabby & the Beast, Crouch for them
I was just about to post pretty much the same. Had voted for a draw but now I know who's out for them we really really ought to win this one.
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4-1 to the mighty Villains
Rideout x 2
Glover
Peter Fox O.G.
Chamberlain with a late consolation for them.
Fox is out with a damaged finger.
Is he?
Barry Siddall to throw one in then. God he was a shite keeper.
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Gabby Agbonlahor and Karim El Ahmadi have both been declared fit for Sunday's Barclays Premier League clash against Stoke.
Agbonlahor came off during last weekend's 1-0 victory over league leaders Chelsea after picking up a calf injury.
But the 28-year-old striker has shaken off the knock and is ready to take his place in Villa's attack.
El Ahmadi was on the receiving end of a rash challenge from Ramires which led to the Brazilian midfielder being sent off.
The Moroccan international hurt his shin but there was no lasting damage.
Paul Lambert will also welcome back on loan full-back Ryan Bertrand, who was unable to play against his parent club last Saturday.
"Karim is fine and he is ready to play the game," said Lambert.
"He is ready for the Stoke game and if he is picked he will be fine.
"Gabby is fine too. Everybody is ok."
Meanwhile, Libor Kozak has stepped up his rehabilitation from a broken leg.
The former Lazio forward is now off his crutches and will move on to the next stage of his recovery.
Make sure you check out all our Acorns Day 2014 activites.
Snap up match tickets for Villa v Stoke.
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The good news is our midfield can play without the worry of that over rated clogger Adam going down the back of the achilles!
3 points required, please deliver Villa :-)
An early goal would be nice, force Stoke to try an play a bit...
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Unchanged line up then with the exception of Bertrand for Bennett.
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I think Bennett might merit keeping his place, he was excellent against Millwallwithcash.
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Just seen that Stoke haven't won away from home in the league since August 31st against West Ham
Do I not like that....even a blind squirrel syndrome applies!
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Us 2 Them 0. May well be similar to the Cardiff home game, they'll frustrate us for a while but we'll win.
That's just like girlfriends then? (Talking from fading memory mind you)
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Unchanged line up then with the exception of Bertrand for Bennett.
That would be very unfair to Joe based on last week.
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Unchanged line up then with the exception of Bertrand for Bennett.
That would be very unfair to Joe based on last week.
It's a tricky one.
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I'd play Bennett, we won't have Bertrand next season so let's give Bennett a chance to prove he's good enough to be our first choice left back.
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Unchanged line up then with the exception of Bertrand for Bennett.
That would be very unfair to Joe based on last week.
and if he doesn't play to that standard or makes a critical error both and he and Lambert will get criticized. Until such time as we are completely safe, we should be playing our strongest available side. Yes, he played well, but even he will know it was one game. Bertrand had to miss the last game, so it's also unfair on him to miss again considering how good he's been so far.
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It's within us to look pretty decent as a team, so I hope we turn it on. 3 home wins on the bounce?! Uncharted territory! 2-1 Villa! Bacuna and Benteke.
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I'd love to think we will win this, our third game on the bounce. It's certainly a winnable game and confidence should be high. Having seen all our home performances this season however, I'm not as confident as I'd like to be. If they can just go out on the pitch and show the same patience, discipline and desire as they did last week, the game will be ours.
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Just beaten one of the favourites, at home to Stoke with most expecting a home win. However, this is Villa, the kings of the anti-climax.
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Unchanged line up then with the exception of Bertrand for Bennett.
That would be very unfair to Joe based on last week.
and if he doesn't play to that standard or makes a critical error both and he and Lambert will get criticized. Until such time as we are completely safe, we should be playing our strongest available side. Yes, he played well, but even he will know it was one game. Bertrand had to miss the last game, so it's also unfair on him to miss again considering how good he's been so far.
I entirely agree.
Bennett did well last week, but Bertrand is a better player and should start.
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Just beaten one of the favourites, at home to Stoke with most expecting a home win. However, this is Villa, the kings of the anti-climax.
*nods head gravely*
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It would be bloody lovely to hit 40 points before the end of March. The possibility of even being close to doing that seemed a billion miles away about a month ago.
We'll see. I think we'll be there by Mid-April at the latest, which sure as shite beats scraping over the finish line with your underwear in a mess.
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Unchanged line up then with the exception of Bertrand for Bennett.
That would be very unfair to Joe based on last week.
and if he doesn't play to that standard or makes a critical error both and he and Lambert will get criticized. Until such time as we are completely safe, we should be playing our strongest available side. Yes, he played well, but even he will know it was one game. Bertrand had to miss the last game, so it's also unfair on him to miss again considering how good he's been so far.
I entirely agree.
Bennett did well last week, but Bertrand is a better player and should start.
I do understand what you are saying, but I thought Bennett was superb last week and if that was me, would be pist off if I got left out now. On the flip side, Stoke do like a long high ball and Bennett aint the best, though Walters is suspended I understand. I would go for Bennett tbh
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Unchanged line up then with the exception of Bertrand for Bennett.
That would be very unfair to Joe based on last week.
and if he doesn't play to that standard or makes a critical error both and he and Lambert will get criticized. Until such time as we are completely safe, we should be playing our strongest available side. Yes, he played well, but even he will know it was one game. Bertrand had to miss the last game, so it's also unfair on him to miss again considering how good he's been so far.
I entirely agree.
Bennett did well last week, but Bertrand is a better player and should start.
I do understand what you are saying, but I thought Bennett was superb last week and if that was me, would be pist off if I got left out now. On the flip side, Stoke do like a long high ball and Bennett aint the best, though Walters is suspended I understand. I would go for Bennett tbh
Its tough on Joe but Bertrand really is so good right now we cannot afford to drop him imho. I would be happy enough to see Bennett come on in midfield if needed though.
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3-0 home win, Agbonlahor hat-trick
Hughes will blame the ref
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3-0 home win, Agbonlahor hat-trick
Not in a million years. He probably won't score 3 goals in the rest of the calender year.
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Unchanged line up then with the exception of Bertrand for Bennett.
That would be very unfair to Joe based on last week.
and if he doesn't play to that standard or makes a critical error both and he and Lambert will get criticized. Until such time as we are completely safe, we should be playing our strongest available side. Yes, he played well, but even he will know it was one game. Bertrand had to miss the last game, so it's also unfair on him to miss again considering how good he's been so far.
I entirely agree.
Bennett did well last week, but Bertrand is a better player and should start.
I do understand what you are saying, but I thought Bennett was superb last week and if that was me, would be pist off if I got left out now. On the flip side, Stoke do like a long high ball and Bennett aint the best, though Walters is suspended I understand. I would go for Bennett tbh
Or, it will send a message to him that to keep the shirt he needs to play at that level every game. Sometimes not playing is better for a players development than playing. Especially if you think by doing it the penny will drop. It's impossible for us to call because the management will know the player and the person and how they will get the most out of him.
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It's not that bloody early. Where the frig is everyone?
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Unchanged line up then with the exception of Bertrand for Bennett.
That would be very unfair to Joe based on last week.
and if he doesn't play to that standard or makes a critical error both and he and Lambert will get criticized. Until such time as we are completely safe, we should be playing our strongest available side. Yes, he played well, but even he will know it was one game. Bertrand had to miss the last game, so it's also unfair on him to miss again considering how good he's been so far.
I entirely agree.
Bennett did well last week, but Bertrand is a better player and should start.
I do understand what you are saying, but I thought Bennett was superb last week and if that was me, would be pist off if I got left out now. On the flip side, Stoke do like a long high ball and Bennett aint the best, though Walters is suspended I understand. I would go for Bennett tbh
Or, it will send a message to him that to keep the shirt he needs to play at that level every game. Sometimes not playing is better for a players development than playing. Especially if you think by doing it the penny will drop. It's impossible for us to call because the management will know the player and the person and how they will get the most out of him.
Great point about sometimes not playing is good for a players development. I always thought Gabby would have turned in to a lot better player if he had of been rested when he was younger.
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I think gabby has done brilliantly given the limited ability he had when he first got into the team
We need alternative options for when he and Weimann aren't playing well, but i love gabby
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This one of those game where we need to be a bit cute.
Its quite possible that shawcross will have Benteke in his pocket if we don't give him the correct service. Stoke are still a big physical team so hoofing it to Benteke will rarely work.
Let's get it the floor using pace against the back four with man of the moment delph terrorising them in midfield and we could get something tomorrow!
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Totally agree. Lets not play Stokes game (hoof ball) they are without Adams-Ireland-Walters so they will have little to offer on the ground. Delph can walk through that midfield and Gabby has the pace to terrify them. Then Benteke and Weimann to finish them off !!!!
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I hereby promise that if we play a decent game and do not lose I shall stop being a drama queen and renew my ST.
If we lose though they will just have to flippin' wait until the end of May before I cave in...
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I hereby promise that if we play a decent game and do not lose I shall stop being a drama queen and renew my ST.
If we lose though they will just have to flippin' wait until the end of May before I cave in...
If you know that you're going to renew, doing so before the end of April has monetary advantages. I wouldn't wait until the end of May just to make a point.
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I hereby promise that if we play a decent game and do not lose I shall stop being a drama queen and renew my ST.
If we lose though they will just have to flippin' wait until the end of May before I cave in...
If you know that you're going to renew, doing so before the end of April has monetary advantages. I wouldn't wait until the end of May just to make a point.
I know Sox - just want to ramp up the pressure on the ticket office and get Lambert worried I might not be there to boo ;-)
Kind of you to bother mate
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Unchanged line up then with the exception of Bertrand for Bennett.
That would be very unfair to Joe based on last week.
and if he doesn't play to that standard or makes a critical error both and he and Lambert will get criticized. Until such time as we are completely safe, we should be playing our strongest available side. Yes, he played well, but even he will know it was one game. Bertrand had to miss the last game, so it's also unfair on him to miss again considering how good he's been so far.
Bennett is a Villa Player, Bertrand is on loan to us. I think it would be wrong to drop a player after he has just played his best game ever.
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Unchanged line up then with the exception of Bertrand for Bennett.
That would be very unfair to Joe based on last week.
and if he doesn't play to that standard or makes a critical error both and he and Lambert will get criticized. Until such time as we are completely safe, we should be playing our strongest available side. Yes, he played well, but even he will know it was one game. Bertrand had to miss the last game, so it's also unfair on him to miss again considering how good he's been so far.
Bennett is a Villa Player, Bertrand is on loan to us. I think it would be wrong to drop a player after he has just played his best game ever.
If Bennett had been playing like he did against Chelsea, PL would not have loaned Bertrand. He might now of learnt what is expected, Bertrand already is at that standard and is far the better player. Bertrand to start with Bennett encouraged to progress from that performance .....
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I think lambert may play an unchanged side. I can see the sense in that. But I think it's going to be less suited to this game given how stoke will play. I'd prefer albrighton in there ahead of KEA so we can get more width, with Weimann supporting benteke down the middle.
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It always seem to be a boring game when Stoke come to town .I expect the same tomorrow .Villa to edge it 1-0
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If we play football we'll take them apart. We have momentum in our favour and that will see us to victory.
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I would go with an unchanged side, would be tough on both Bennett and KEA to be left out after the performances last week. I think we need to go for the jugular from the off and think confidence will be high and we will do so. Reckon it could be another good day
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I wouldn't be against playing the same team, I wouldn't risk starting Bennett at Old Trafford though, Bertrand needs to come back in for that one.
I wouldn't mind giving Albrighton a start though as another attacking option as the worry is Stoke know how to defend, they'll sit deep negating our two wide players and we'll have very little to offer otherwise unless Benteke comes up with another special goal.
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Nil nil.
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Unchanged line up then with the exception of Bertrand for Bennett.
That would be very unfair to Joe based on last week.
and if he doesn't play to that standard or makes a critical error both and he and Lambert will get criticized. Until such time as we are completely safe, we should be playing our strongest available side. Yes, he played well, but even he will know it was one game. Bertrand had to miss the last game, so it's also unfair on him to miss again considering how good he's been so far.
Bennett is a Villa Player, Bertrand is on loan to us. I think it would be wrong to drop a player after he has just played his best game ever.
you play your best team whenever possible. There is no room for sentiment. One good game doesn't excuse Bennett for what has been a very steep and difficult learning curve. And there is no doubt he made a good start on his latest road to redemption. However, Bertrand is a Villa player, be it on loan or otherwise and is by far the better and consistent player.
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Have a nagging feeling they'll do us.
They've been better under Hughes, even if their away record is shite.
In fact that's prob why I have such a nagging feeling. Usually when it's flagged up how poor a sides away record is, they invariably turn us over.
Would take a 0-0 or 1-1, but reckon it'll be 2-0 to them.
Don't think we're good enough (yet) to win three at home on the bounce.
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I'd definitely give a chance to Albrighton in the starting team tomorrow, in all the his last performances he's shown a great spirit and attacking abilities, I was surprised he didn't start a game more often lately, like against Newcastle for example.
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Have a nagging feeling they'll do us.
They've been better under Hughes, even if their away record is shite.
In fact that's prob why I have such a nagging feeling. Usually when it's flagged up how poor a sides away record is, they invariably turn us over.
Would take a 0-0 or 1-1, but reckon it'll be 2-0 to them.
Don't think we're good enough (yet) to win three at home on the bounce.
Me too. That, coupled with the fact we have the golden opportunity to nail ourselves safe with a win tomorrow, I just think it is the kind of game Villa always end up buggering up!
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Albrighton has been doing well, but personally would stick with the same team
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Hope we get a decent crowd and atmosphere today after back to back home wins and the high of beating Chelsea. Be a bit demoralizing if they run out to 30k with little noise.
Up the mighty Villa!!!!
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I think today will go a long way for me deciding whether I renew or not.
I enjoyed the Norwich, WBA and Chelsea matches, but the good games have been too few looking back.
Can we play well again and show me that the potential the team has is going to be realised?
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5-1, all fears put to bed and let's enjoy the end of season run in :)
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Would love to see Lambert take a gamble and give Albrighton a start instead of one of the midfield three, and Weimann behind Benteke - worried that they're going to approach this game with the same lack of urgency in their passing that they've shown in previous home games against lower-end opposition (West Ham, Sunderland, Palace, Cardiff), and I think Marc providing some natural width and desire to force the issue might at least increase the chance of us creating something out of nowhere. He could always introduce a third midfielder once we go up a goal, but I'd like to see us show some enterprise for once against an ordinary team, instead of just waiting for a counterattack.
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Can't see past a draw.
Prove me wrong Villa!
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Albrighton has been doing well, but personally would stick with the same team
I'd make just the one change, Bertrand for Bennett.
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3-1 Villa. A repeat of nearly 12 months ago at their place. Stoke have a lot of their better players injured; Ireland, Adam, Huth & I think Walters is suspended. Just hope Villa play with the right tempo from the off.
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Unable to go today. Ticket went for £8.60 on Viagogo.
Score draw. 2-2.
I think Bennett deserves to keep his place.
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Unable to go today. Ticket went for £8.60 on Viagogo.
Score draw. 2-2.
I think Bennett deserves to keep his place.
A reason not to renew next season...
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Unable to go today. Ticket went for £8.60 on Viagogo.
Score draw. 2-2.
I think Bennett deserves to keep his place.
Maybe he does in fairness. I just think if Bennett played, they'd stick Odemwingie on him and I think Bertrand might handle his pace a bit better.
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Left back is a tough call. Bertrand has played well since joining. He's been pretty consistent. I thought he was very good against Norwich. If it had been anyone else but Chelsea last week, he'd have kept his place. Bennett has obviously come in and done well, but he may have to bide his time. What we haven't really seen from Bennett is a run of 5-10 solid games. We've seen that from Bertrand. I'd put Bertrand back in the side to be honest. Harsh, but you play your best side available and Bertrand is a better player.
As for Albrighton, if I put him in the side for anyone, it's Weimann. We can't get away with a 2 man CM I don't think.
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I would play Bertrand. It would be harsh on Bennett but I always remember the Brian Clough quote. "Always play your best players and best team. It sounds obvious but so many managers don't do it".
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Bertrand must play. He couldn't play against Chelsea, so it's not as if he's lost his place. Bennett covered admirably, but Bertrand is the better player.
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3-0 home win and safety to be assured with 8 games to play would be very nice today please .
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On the bus to the ground. Weather update. Sunny but windy with it black over Bill's mother's.
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I can't see where the next wins coming from !
Sorry that was so last month
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I am fed up to the back teeth with F in Stoke. The only time we have beaten them at home was when John rose up bigger than any of their lampposts and headed home a second half goal for a 1-0. So Villa no messing , no drama, a straightforward 3-0 please.
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Super Kevin Phillips and Deano Saunders in the studio at VP for Sky today.
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I can't see where the next wins coming from !
Sorry that was so last month
Mea culpa, mea culpa, mea maxima culpa
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Yesterday I purchased a current home shirt for the first time since Steve Foster stretched one, I reckon. I shall be wearing it today upper Trinity-style, mostly hidden under a nice cardie or something. Should it prove fortuitous, I shall give it more prominence in future, and the tongue-cluckers can go hang.
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I am fed up to the back teeth with F in Stoke. The only time we have beaten them at home was when John rose up bigger than any of their lampposts and headed home a second half goal for a 1-0. So Villa no messing , no drama, a straightforward 3-0 please.
lets watch it again shall we
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Nigel Kennedy is in The Bartons holding court at the bar.