Heroes & Villains, the Aston Villa fanzine
Heroes & Villains => Match Threads & Player Ratings => Topic started by: Dave on August 06, 2014, 11:16:40 PM
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Villa Park, Saturday 9th August, 3pm
Pre-match, match and post-match thread.
Parma aren't anything like the team they were fifteen years or so ago when they were possibly as good as anybody in Europe, but still have one or two decent players. Very solid and well-managed now by Roberto Donadoni, finished sixth in Serie A last season. So probably a good deal better than us.
Very much looking forward to seeing Antonio Cassano play.
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Villa Park, Saturday 9th August, 3pm
Pre-match, match and post-match thread.
Parma aren't anything like the team they were fifteen years or so ago when they were possibly as good as anybody in Europe, but still have one or two decent players. Very solid and well-managed now by Roberto Donadoni, finished sixth in Serie A last season. So probably a good deal better than us.
Very much looking forward to seeing Antonio Cassano play.
Yep, remember them having a good side when Channel 4 started broadcasting Italian games in the 90s. If I remember correctly, they had the likes of Zola, Brolin, Nadal and Asprilla around that time and were one of the stronger teams in Serie A.
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0-0 or 1-1
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Been waiting for this, more so since the "Babies" thread started; taking my two-year-old boy to this. Registered him, so the tickets got delivered in his name. He's quite excited. Just hope it lasts. He's young enough to forget!
Didn't know Donadoni is their manager, always used to like him, possibly less for his talent, more for him looking really "Italian".
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Villa Park, Saturday 9th August, 3pm
Pre-match, match and post-match thread.
Parma aren't anything like the team they were fifteen years or so ago when they were possibly as good as anybody in Europe, but still have one or two decent players. Very solid and well-managed now by Roberto Donadoni, finished sixth in Serie A last season. So probably a good deal better than us.
Very much looking forward to seeing Antonio Cassano play.
Yep, remember them having a good side when Channel 4 started broadcasting Italian games in the 90s. If I remember correctly, they had the likes of Zola, Brolin, Nadal and Asprilla around that time and were one of the stronger teams in Serie A.
I was thinking more of their late 90s vintage - Buffon, Thuram, Cannavaro, Sensini, Baggio, Veron, Crespo, Chiesa, Balbo and Asprilla all in the same squad at the turn of the century.
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3-0. Confidence restored and a week of joy and happiness prior to the opening day defeat at Stoke. Goals from Bent, Zog and Delph.
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First Inter, then Fiorentina. Lets go for the hat-trick, dai.
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Been waiting for this, more so since the "Babies" thread started; taking my two-year-old boy to this. Registered him, so the tickets got delivered in his name. He's quite excited. Just hope it lasts. He's young enough to forget!
Didn't know Donadoni is their manager, always used to like him, possibly less for his talent, more for him looking really "Italian".
Lucky bugger.
I'm putting a decent amount of stock into this game. I want to see an approach that could be reflective of what we'll see at Stoke. Hopefully we can put two good halves together and score a few for the home crowd.
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I like their ham
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I was going to this but have an invite to Avebury where I shall be invoking the spirit of the Ancient Gods in the vain hope they will asist in the coming campaign...
1-2 Hutton hat-trick
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This will surely be a clue to the stoke game? Will be interesting to see who gets picked up front. I think the rest is fairly obvious depending on the formation we play - I'm guessing 352 v stoke
If vlaar doesn't start this one I'll be concerned. I hope he's fully fit. It's him or baker for that middle role and that's a pretty big chasm.
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Finally decent oppersation! Sorry Chesterfield :P
Win, lose or draw it would be nice to put in a good showing, and see a consistent line-up (with less subs) who is likely to play the week after.
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Might be tricky to pick the Parma line-up, they have a squad of about 900 players.
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One of golfs all time greats.
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Had a call from the ticket office last night thanking me for renewing my ST again and trying very hard to sell me tickets for this game. Methinks the latter was more important than the former. Wonder if they're struggling to sell? btw - lower tiers only open
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I think we'll get twotted and this place will go into meltdown, offering an apocalyptic taster of the Post match thread for Stoke.
1-4 to the ham merchants.
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I don't know that there will be much more than ten thousand there on Saturday.
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I don't know that there will be much more than ten thousand there on Saturday.
When we picked our seats in the Lower Holte last week it seemed that about ten seats in the entire block had been sold at that point.
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Had a call from the ticket office last night thanking me for renewing my ST again and trying very hard to sell me tickets for this game. Methinks the latter was more important than the former. Wonder if they're struggling to sell? btw - lower tiers only open
Yep. I also had the call, trying to sell me tickets and was quizzed about why I wasn't going.
I mentioned that to Sheila, I've renewed my season ticket, and have already booked Stoke and Liverpool away.
She was quite apologetic after that.
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Had a call from the ticket office last night thanking me for renewing my ST again and trying very hard to sell me tickets for this game. Methinks the latter was more important than the former. Wonder if they're struggling to sell? btw - lower tiers only open
Yep. I also had the call, trying to sell me tickets and was quizzed about why I wasn't going.
I mentioned that to Sheila, I've renewed my season ticket, and have already booked Stoke and Liverpool away.
She was quite apologetic after that.
I'm not sure i like the idea of receiving a phone call trying to flog me tickets for a friendly and especially if they ask you why you're not going. I'm happy with them asking you when you've rang up and brought tickets for something else but it just seems wrong otherwise.
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It could be worse Clampy. It could be like the NFL where you have to buy tickets for the pre-season games as part of the ST package.
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It could be worse Clampy. It could be like the NFL where you have to buy tickets for the pre-season games as part of the ST package.
Bloody hell, that's a bit harsh. Didn't Man Utd do something similar or am i making it up?
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I don't know that there will be much more than ten thousand there on Saturday.
I've decided I can't be arsed. Gonna watch Planet of the Gibbons instead. I'm already watching three Villa games in August so I reckon that's enough suffering for one month.
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It could be worse Clampy. It could be like the NFL where you have to buy tickets for the pre-season games as part of the ST package.
Bloody hell, that's a bit harsh. Didn't Man Utd do something similar or am i making it up?
They made cup games compulsory, not pre-season ones.
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just over 7000 tickets sold yesterday, they,re expecting between 10k & 13k according to av wmpolice twitter
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For those interested, it's a family fun day at the indoor academy on Saturday from 12pm.
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It could be worse Clampy. It could be like the NFL where you have to buy tickets for the pre-season games as part of the ST package.
A system where if you dont go to pre season games the Villa stop you from seeing our home league performances ?
Well, after whats been generally served up at VP for the last four years it sounds a bloody great offer.
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I (perhaps rather stupidly) renewed my ST, but I'm not going to this one simply because I don't want to. I went to all the other VP pre-seasons in previous years (Malaga, Fiorentina, even Partizan Belgrade in 1995 etc) but I really just don't have the enthusiasm for this.
The past 4 or 5 years have really wore me down.
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I (perhaps rather stupidly) renewed my ST, but I'm not going to this one simply because I don't want to. I went to all the other VP pre-seasons in previous years (Malaga, Fiorentina, even Partizan Belgrade in 1995 etc) but I really just don't have the enthusiasm for this.
The past 4 or 5 years have really wore me down.
I'm a ST holder and I just can't be arsed to go to the Parma game either.
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Another season ticket holder not attending. Fear the season will be long enough as it is.
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Me neither. No interest in it.
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Also a season ticket holder who isn't going, I won't have time really, although not that interested. It's going to be a long season as others have said and I've just forked out £96 for 2 Liverpool away tickets, with probably the same cost Chelsea away tickets in 2 weeks time.
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I went to Walsall but wasn't planning to go to this one. But the wife is away on a hen weekend so I might just decide to take the kids depending on how I feel on the day.
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Can't they do a kids for a quid, bring poor parents along for free.
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Bought my ticket from the shop in town earlier. Can't really say no for £9.50.
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Bought my ticket from the shop in town earlier. Can't really say no for £9.50.
I would have held out until they offered me a tenner to go. ;)
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We are going on Saturday, PWS, so if you fancy a beer we will be at The Bartons for 12.
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Sent you a PM Chelts.
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Me neither. No interest in it.
Same here.
Also, I always psychologically associate the first Villa game I attend with the end of summer so want to postpone that for as long as I can.
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Burnley it is then!
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I reckon we will win 2-1.
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I'm going to the SCG meeting and have now been forced by my mate to go to the game... I don't think I've ever been this apprehensive about a season... it's going to be terrible.
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0-0
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1-1 Vlaar for us, Brolin for them.
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Think this season's gonna be a real bugger, so I'm going to this to get some warm weather worrying/depression/frustration in before the season proper starts. Just so I can be fully prepared like.
UTV!
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My favourite moment of these "vaguely attractive" (mind you, Parma? Not so sure about that) home friendlies was prior to the Inter game a few years ago.
We were walking across the North Stand car park prior to the match, and their coach was easing its way through the crowds (not crowds trying to get a glimpse of the stars, btw, but crowds trying to get to the appropriate entrance to the game), we saw Luis Figo looking cool and acknowledging fans.
That wasn't the cool bit, though, the cool bit was when the coach driver drove straight into a wall.
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That was a smashing day out. Laursen winding up Ibrahimovic all game and Ibra not getting a single decision in his favour.
It's a game that was so long ago that a) it was the first time we saw Nigel Reo-Coker play for us and b) we were pulling in over 36,000 people for a summer friendly.
I'm going to guess that Saturday's game won't be quite so well attended.
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0-0
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Will go for a 1-2 reverse with Vlaar getting ours of course.
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That was a smashing day out. Laursen winding up Ibrahimovic all game and Ibra not getting a single decision in his favour.
It's a game that was so long ago that a) it was the first time we saw Nigel Reo-Coker play for us and b) we were pulling in over 36,000 people for a summer friendly.
I'm going to guess that Saturday's game won't be quite so well attended.
You were painting such a rosy picture of the recent past until that bit about ReoChoker ;)
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My favourite moment of these "vaguely attractive" (mind you, Parma? Not so sure about that) home friendlies was prior to the Inter game a few years ago.
We were walking across the North Stand car park prior to the match, and their coach was easing its way through the crowds (not crowds trying to get a glimpse of the stars, btw, but crowds trying to get to the appropriate entrance to the game), we saw Luis Figo looking cool and acknowledging fans.
That wasn't the cool bit, though, the cool bit was when the coach driver drove straight into a wall.
My main memory of the Inter game is a load of us regulars from the local pub met up there quite early in the morning and then got a couple of taxis to carry on drinking near the ground. One of the lads thought it would be funny to make a prank phone call to the landlady of our local who wasn't known for her sense of humour. I can't remember the details of the call but she fell for it hook, line and sinker and he pushed it right to the limit. When we got back to the local after the game the atmosphere between the two of them was a tad frosty.
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Another season ticket holder not attending. Fear the season will be long enough as it is.
X 2
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Had a call from the ticket office last night thanking me for renewing my ST again and trying very hard to sell me tickets for this game. Methinks the latter was more important than the former. Wonder if they're struggling to sell? btw - lower tiers only open
Yep. I also had the call, trying to sell me tickets and was quizzed about why I wasn't going.
I mentioned that to Sheila, I've renewed my season ticket, and have already booked Stoke and Liverpool away.
She was quite apologetic after that.
I'm not sure i like the idea of receiving a phone call trying to flog me tickets for a friendly and especially if they ask you why you're not going. I'm happy with them asking you when you've rang up and brought tickets for something else but it just seems wrong otherwise.
I've just had a missed call from the Villa - presumably about going to this game but being at work I wasn't in a position to take the call. They can bugger off, I'm not going and that's that.
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Had a call from the ticket office last night thanking me for renewing my ST again and trying very hard to sell me tickets for this game. Methinks the latter was more important than the former. Wonder if they're struggling to sell? btw - lower tiers only open
Yep. I also had the call, trying to sell me tickets and was quizzed about why I wasn't going.
I mentioned that to Sheila, I've renewed my season ticket, and have already booked Stoke and Liverpool away.
She was quite apologetic after that.
I'm not sure i like the idea of receiving a phone call trying to flog me tickets for a friendly and especially if they ask you why you're not going. I'm happy with them asking you when you've rang up and brought tickets for something else but it just seems wrong otherwise.
I've just had a missed call from the Villa - presumably about going to this game but being at work I wasn't in a position to take the call. They can bugger off, I'm not going and that's that.
It's no use hiding, they know where you live....
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I can see both points. On the one hand it would be annoying getting chased up over going to a friendly, on the other, if sales are way down I applaud them for trying to find out why. Even if it does seem obvious to us.
I remember when ST sales and attendances really dropped under Ellis, a regular moan in the fanzine, and amongst mates. was that 1000s of people were stopping going to VP and the club wasn't doing anything to find out why. I went from ST and European travel member to not renewing both, I never had a peep from the club as an example trying to find out why or tempt me back.
Of course, if they are trying aggressive selling of tickets then that is a different matter.
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I got a call as well which surprised me as I haven't had a season ticket for about 15 years and in recent years have only been to around 5 games a season.
Are they actually calling anyone who booked a ticket at some point last season?
I won't be going, as I explained to them, because as I am picking and choosing the games I go to I would rather go to a competitive match.
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My home phone has rung twice this afternoon. I've ignored it as it's probably them.
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The club were hoping for around 20-25k they will be lucky to get 10k. Only the lower teirs open,
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The club were hoping for around 20-25k they will be lucky to get 10k. Only the lower teirs open,
Buying online allows buying in the Witton and Holte upper - Trinity appears closed.
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The club were hoping for around 20-25k they will be lucky to get 10k. Only the lower teirs open,
Wtf do they expect after zero investment all summer . The club have this coming !
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Disappointing if we don't look the better team here. They're a month or so behind us in terms of match fitness given that their season starts a month after ours.
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Parma squad for Aston Villa: Iacobucci, Mirante; Cassani, Felipe, Gobbi, Lucarelli, Pedro Mendes, Paletta, Ristovski; Acquah, Bidaoui, Ghezzal, Jorquera, Marchionni, Mauri; Amauri, Belfodil, Biabiany, Palladino
Obviously Cassano is the big miss for them. Shame Cerri isn't involved too, was quite looking forward to seeing him play. Biabiany has been linked to West Brom a lot recently. Not a bad squad, but one that we should be able to hold our own against.
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If vlaar doesn't play most of the game it's hard to see him playing v stoke which would be a disaster
Hoping to get a sense of how we'll line up v stoke. I'm edging towards the 433
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Of course, if they are trying aggressive selling of tickets then that is a different matter.
I got the phone call too.
No, it's not aggressive selling, PWS. The marketing department are very professional, probably the most professional aspect of the club at the moment, and try really hard to attract the supporters. Unfortunately, at the moment they have a very poor product to sell. I feel quite sorry for them.
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I'm going to this one, but still not renewing my ST. Bad fan.
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There's about 20 of us who sit together - I don't know any of us that's going.
I guess that's our statement of how happy we are at the minute with everything at the club.
I'll be at stoke next Saturday when the misery begins properly.
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There's about 20 of us who sit together - I don't know any of us that's going.
I guess that's our statement of how happy we are at the minute with everything at the club.
I'll be at stoke next Saturday when the misery begins properly.
As part of the 20 we're not going either... But will be at Stoke.
Would have gone to Parma though had it been away.
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I am confused now
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/BulWjrvIgAEpaNl.jpg)
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Due to our poor results in some friendlies this summer, we really need to win this.
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For any other bus wankers the 7 stop has moved and is now round the corner on Snow Hill Queensway.
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#AVFC: Guzan, Hutton, Baker, Senderos, Stevens, Westwood, Delph, Richardson, N'Zogbia, Agbonlahor, Weimann
Bloody nora that starting back four looks AWFUL on paper at least
No Vlaar even on the bench ? that's VERY ODD given this is the last friendly to my mind
Midfield doesn't look too bad (on paper) but either side of that looks championship level
AVFC subs: Given, Vlaar, Bennett, Okore, Clark, Bacuna, El Ahmadi, Herd, Bent, Gardner, Lowton, Grealish
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But Vlaar is on the bench
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That defence would look a lot better with Vlaar, Okore and Cissokho.
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Still no Joe Cole. Bloody hell.
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Think Lambo's making an error not giving Bent game time with N'Zogbia. I'd like to see how a poacher would fare with someone like Zog creating chances. Gabby and Weimann will huff and puff (well, Gabby probably won't even do that), but not really take advantage of the space created when the defence has to come out to stop Zogbia.
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#AVFC: Guzan, Hutton, Baker, Senderos, Stevens, Westwood, Delph, Richardson, N'Zogbia, Agbonlahor, Weimann
I'm reading that as 4-4-2, if so nice to see Lambert warming to the idea of wingers.
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Think Lambo's making an error not giving Bent game time with N'Zogbia. I'd like to see how a poacher would fare with someone like Zog creating chances. Gabby and Weimann will huff and puff (well, Gabby probably won't even do that), but not really take advantage of the space created when the defence has to come out to stop Zogbia.
Someone posted on H&V that there was a picture of him with an ice pack on is knee the day we played Walsall so I guess he is still injured/not worth risking.
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Think Lambo's making an error not giving Bent game time with N'Zogbia. I'd like to see how a poacher would fare with someone like Zog creating chances. Gabby and Weimann will huff and puff (well, Gabby probably won't even do that), but not really take advantage of the space created when the defence has to come out to stop Zogbia.
Someone posted on H&V that there was a picture of him with an ice pack on is knee the day we played Walsall so I guess he is still injured/not worth risking.
He's made the bench so I'm assuming we'll see 45 mins from Benty. That said, hopefully we'll see Grealish creating him those sort of chances.
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#AVFC: Guzan, Hutton, Baker, Senderos, Stevens, Westwood, Delph, Richardson, N'Zogbia, Agbonlahor, Weimann
I'm reading that as 4-4-2, if so nice to see Lambert warming to the idea of wingers.
with a week to go you think he would know his best team..... If that's it we're fooked!!
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I'm really looking forward to seeing Joe Cole today wearing a Villa scarf.
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I imagine Weimann behind gabby. It does look shit doesn't it? That could be close to our first choice team at the start of the season. Maybe KEA for Weimann at Stoke
Should be some more width at least
Bit concerned we've not seen vlaar yet. If he's not for for stoke I can't see anything but a defeat
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Think Lambo's making an error not giving Bent game time with N'Zogbia. I'd like to see how a poacher would fare with someone like Zog creating chances. Gabby and Weimann will huff and puff (well, Gabby probably won't even do that), but not really take advantage of the space created when the defence has to come out to stop Zogbia.
That would work well if NZOG passed to another player, he doesn't though.
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If bent comes off the bench to nab a goal or two that'd be great but I wouldn't start him at all
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Baker had been playing a lot and I've a nasty feeling we may see him ahead of vlaar next week.
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Jack doing his best Partridge with the tannoy announcement just then.
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I hate Jack Woodward so much.
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Baker had been playing a lot and I've a nasty feeling we may see him ahead of vlaar next week.
We better not, Baker should be bottom of the pile of centre halves.
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Sunny Villa Park today with a slight breeze. Ron has just walked to the bench with other subs. 2 upper tiers closed may be no more than 15K today. I am on Witton Lane today. Haven't worked out where Parma fans are!
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Interesting line up.
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Nothing changed with throw-ins then
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Richardson's first touch poor... Can only improve now
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Stewards being a touch ott with the 20 or so Parma fans. Nearly as many stewards round them as there are fans.
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Clattenberg has a slight change to his 2013/14 hair style however not quite Balesque!
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Those that are there keep providing updates here please! Stuck at a barbecue without really knowing that many people and I've got little else to do but knock back the beers while my girlfriend glares at me.
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The stuff with the Parma fans is more interesting than the game so far.
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How are they lining up? 4411?
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Good free kick Gabby fouled come on NZg
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First shot in anger!
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First game I've watched on AVTV for a while. Picture quality is pretty rubbish.
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A sort of 4231
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First shot in anger!
That was good play and a good save from Parma goalie
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First game I've watched on AVTV for a while. Picture quality is pretty rubbish.
It is indeed and the sound keeps fading out.
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Does anyone else's AVTV feed keep going all 1980s VHS jump around?
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First game I've watched on AVTV for a while. Picture quality is pretty rubbish.
It is indeed and the sound keeps fading out.
I know it's a club in-house facility so it will never be hugely slick, but it is frequently a bit crap that way. That one Houston had that showed our match against them was miles better.
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Does anyone else's AVTV feed keep going all 1980s VHS jump around?
Yes
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#AVFC: Guzan, Hutton, Baker, Senderos, Stevens, Westwood, Delph, Richardson, N'Zogbia, Agbonlahor, Weimann
I'm reading that as 4-4-2, if so nice to see Lambert warming to the idea of wingers.
with a week to go you think he would know his best team..... If that's it we're fooked!!
It's not our strongest team. He's going to drop Guzan and recall Steer, Tonev in for Zog and play one up front by dropping Gabby. I heard he's planning on using only 9 outfield players at Stoke
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Goal scored and disallowed for offside
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It'll take something special to expunge the memory of getting our arses handed to us 4-1 at home to Stoke last year, that was unbelievably poor and stood out in a season choc full of dross.
*shudder*
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The stuff with the Parma fans is more interesting than the game so far.
What exactly are they doing?
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Nathan Baker with one of his specials that brings a loud ooooooh
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Baker-rash-challenge-yellow-card shock
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Jesus Christ Baker!
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I wish those Parma fans (who all sound female) would shut the fuck up, they're even more annoying than Woodward.
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The stuff with the Parma fans is more interesting than the game so far.
What exactly are they doing?
Trying to enjoy themselves. It has been solved after 15 mins by moving them back a few rows so as they can stand and sing.
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Stream totally going to shit now
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Luna is playing left back for Parma!
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First game I've watched on AVTV for a while. Picture quality is pretty rubbish.
It is indeed and the sound keeps fading out.
I know it's a club in-house facility so it will never be hugely slick, but it is frequently a bit crap that way. That one Houston had that showed our match against them was miles better.
US sport does a great job with on line coverage. However, they're geared up for it because all games are available online if you have the correct subscription.
The Premier League are still in the dark ages as far as on line coverage goes.
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Biabiani looks quite handy
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Whilst the video quality of US online sport is far better, some of their commentators make Jack W. Seem like Mike Ingham or John Motson.
FP Santangelo for the Washington Nationals and Hawk Harrelson for the Chicago White Sox spring to mind as awful announcers.
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Woodward's Italian pronunciation of the Parma players' names is annoying. I know it's the right way just sounds stupid when he does it.
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I wish those Parma fans (who all sound female) would shut the fuck up, they're even more annoying than Woodward.
I was wondering what that cheerleader type squealing was.
Yes, and my picture is crap as well.
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First game I've watched on AVTV for a while. Picture quality is pretty rubbish.
It is indeed and the sound keeps fading out.
I know it's a club in-house facility so it will never be hugely slick, but it is frequently a bit crap that way. That one Houston had that showed our match against them was miles better.
US sport does a great job with on line coverage. However, they're geared up for it because all games are available online if you have the correct subscription.
The Premier League are still in the dark ages as far as on line coverage goes.
I think it's because if you watch a match online on Sky, it is Sky doign the presentation, whereas club level things like this are done by the clubs themselves.
Woodward is awful, but we're never going to get someone much better in a role like this - it probably pays peanuts and anyone with much about them will have a better job. i do think that stuff like the feed quality should be much better.
I would have assumed they'd partner with someone like Premium TV to do this (who stream lots of sports to bookie websites) so should be clued up, but maybe it's just some bloke sat in the gantry with a 1990s camcorder.
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That Acquah looks a bit slow in the Parma midfield. It's like he's treading water.
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I can't quite believe it is the case, but I have been really impressed with
the Scottish Cafu Alan Hutton this preseason.
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I wish those Parma fans (who all sound female) would shut the fuck up, they're even more annoying than Woodward.
It's not the Parma fans, it's Leeg and Mr Shin!
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Here we go free kick ....and nothing
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Free kicks have been crap so far
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Why is AVTV stream utter crap, but other sources obviously using the same feed are perfect ?
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Why is AVTV stream utter crap, but other sources obviously using the same feed are perfect ?
which other sources?
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I can't help thinking that somewhere in the UK, there is a balding, 29 year old Scotsman locked in a cellar, while some imposter calling himself Alan Hutton is currently collecting his wages and making a decent job of it so far.
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I'm thinking of going downstairs and getting a beer at half time. There's something to look forward to.
Anyone else got exciting half time plans ahead?
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We got a bit undone by that diagonal ball between Senderos and Hutton.
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Think i'm gonna skip the second half the football is so poor watching is a waste of my time.
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Not often you hear 'Baker' and 'well timed challenge' in the same sentence.
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I'm thinking of going downstairs and getting a beer at half time. There's something to look forward to.
Anyone else got exciting half time plans ahead?
I've got to braise some shin (not PWS) and put it in the slow cooker
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Just got in from work, how have things looked?
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I'm thinking of going downstairs and getting a beer at half time. There's something to look forward to.
Anyone else got exciting half time plans ahead?
I've got to braise some shin (not PWS) and put it in the slow cooker
You can't beat a good bit of braised beef sounds nice.
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Why is AVTV stream utter crap, but other sources obviously using the same feed are perfect ?
which other sources?
Sky sources. Oops wrong thread
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Just got in from work, how have things looked?
Very poor.
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*yawn*
I think you can tell from watching this we might struggle to open up teams again this season. No spark.
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Half time.
Yet again an absolutely shocking display. Really turgid. No movement, no touch, no control, no nothing. Just relegate us already.
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Zog and Hutton look our main threat. Overall though that was pretty boring once the Parma fans were sorted. Gabby continues to be a big worry, be nice if he could start worrying defenders instead. I reckon if he plays a fair few games Senderos will score a few from set pieces.
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Everyone having fun? Any Parma Ham on the menu? or is it Pig's ear again?
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Why is AVTV stream utter crap, but other sources obviously using the same feed are perfect ?
which other sources?
Other less reputable streams, that are showing AVTV feed in a higher definition without stuttering. Every live event is so poor on the official site for me, using chrome, firefox or even IE with a 150mg connection. Makes no sense
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The SCG was more enjoyable than that half!
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Reasonably solid I suppose. But going forward we've got nothing really. The major problem is that neither Gabby or Weimann are any good at joining the midfield, and neither is making suitable runs in behind. Gabby should be drifting wide to use his pace and allow the wingers to cut in, but he isn't.
We still need some midfield quality somewhere too.
4-4-2 isn't going to work for us. Not without a striker who can drop off and try and help instigage things. Benteke is the only one capable in our squad.
I'd take Gabby and Weimann off and replace them with Bent and Grealish, and switch to a 4-2-3-1.
On the positive side, Senderos has done okay, Stevens has been alright and Hutton's been one of our better players again.
A bit yawnsome, but to be fair, given the Groningen result, the fact we've looked no better or worse than a solid Parma side shows we're getting there I suppose.
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Just got in from work, how have things looked?
If I was you I'd go back to work.
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*yawn*
I think you can tell from watching this we might struggle to open up teams again this season. No spark.
Well in fairness at least that hasn't been an issue for us over the last few years, so we couldn't be expected to address it.....
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Zog and Hutton look our main threat. Overall though that was pretty boring once the Parma fans were sorted. Gabby continues to be a big worry, be nice if he could start worrying defenders instead. I reckon if he plays a fair few games Senderos will score a few from set pieces.
There was just one brief glimpse of vintage Gabby in that half. Very fleeting and the first I've seen in pre-season. Such glimpses will likely become ever rarer in the Prem sadly it seems.
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I'm thinking of going downstairs and getting a beer at half time. There's something to look forward to.
Anyone else got exciting half time plans ahead?
Just opened a bottle of wine and watching the Test highlights.
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Well our midfield is shit that is the best I can say at HT however Gabby is fairly close on that scale. Other than Hutton and Charles not much offered from our side. Parma look sound defensively and it is unlikely that we will breach them unless CNZ does something special. We will do well to win this game 0-0!
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Aly C has just been introduced on the pitch.
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I'm thinking of going downstairs and getting a beer at half time. There's something to look forward to.
Anyone else got exciting half time plans ahead?
The lad lasted 30 minutes at his debut, so spending it sat on the platform at Witton station.
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I'm thinking of going downstairs and getting a beer at half time. There's something to look forward to.
Anyone else got exciting half time plans ahead?
To celebrate our visitors today, I'm off to have some grilled aubergine with Parmesan and a glass of wine.
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Just utter shit. No creativity whatsoever. It's so predictable.
But enough about Woodward's commentary...
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Think that I'll put the cricket back on the main TV and just have the Villa on the laptop for the second half. The quality (of the stream and the team) might not look so bad on a smaller screen.
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It's hot here in the sunshine almost unbearable!
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Just utter shit. No creativity whatsoever. It's so predictable.
But enough about Woodward's commentary...
I'm watching on mute.
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Happiness is here.
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Ron's on for the second half
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Just utter shit. No creativity whatsoever. It's so predictable.
But enough about Woodward's commentary...
I'm sure I heard him mention something about a fantastic pre-season, particularly in America. Really?
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Ron on. Got a very good roar from fans on announcement of his name but did not respond with any acknowledgement.
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Vlaar on with the captains armband
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Ron on. Got a very good roar from fans on announcement of his name but did not respond with any acknowledgement.
He's off then.
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Ron on. Got a very good roar from fans on announcement of his name but did not respond with any acknowledgement.
He's off then.
And I have no doubt that you say that in all seriousness.
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You can tell Parma are a few weeks behind us in their pre-season, they looked leaden footed and half asleep.
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Ron on. Got a very good roar from fans on announcement of his name but did not respond with any acknowledgement.
He's off then.
And I have no doubt that you say that in all seriousness.
You think I was being serious? :o
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You can tell Parma are a few weeks behind us in their pre-season, they looked leaden footed and half asleep.
Yet completely dominating us. Oh dear.
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How're we looking ?
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Ron did a clenched fist type thing to the Lower North when he came on.
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Farewell appearance from Vlaar?
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How're we looking ?
Totally blunt.
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How're we looking ?
Terrible. They overhit a cross massively and Richardson headed it back into our area for no reason. Sums it up.
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None of this midfield have a clue re creating chances.
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Highlight of the second half do far is working out where Leeg is and waving to each other from different stands.
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Delph has a very flexible body - Jack Woodward.
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Fuck me that had some swerve on it.
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You can tell Parma are a few weeks behind us in their pre-season, they looked leaden footed and half asleep.
Yet completely dominating us. Oh dear.
They are not dominating us.
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This is the year isn't it? The whole club just has that feel about it
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How're we looking ?
Totally blunt.
Wisemen say the same as Villa show no bravery.
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Ron did a clenched fist type thing to the Lower North when he came on.
Yeh that's very well for you what about me in Witton Lane?
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Aftr the season he had under TSM I never thought I would say this but Alan Hutton is playing quite well.
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Ron did a clenched fist type thing to the Lower North when he came on.
Yeh that's very well for you what about me in Witton Lane?
He loves the Lower North massive.
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This is the year isn't it? The whole club just has that feel about it
With our ongoing approach it's inevitable sooner or later.
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I'm really looking forward to seeing Joe Cole today wearing a Villa scarf.
Proud History Crap future?
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Jack Grealish great first touch. Received the 10 yard pass from Delph and arrogantly stroked it back to him. Class.
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Jack Woodward sometimes sounds exactly like Alan Partridge - 'I've just been told Parma Ham originated in Wales. Well there you go'
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Jack Grealish great first touch. Received the 10 yard pass from Delph and arrogantly stroked it back to him. Class.
Errr, okay?
He does look promising to be fair. Think he'll get a chance early on this season.
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This made me laugh. Look at the expressions on the faces of the players.
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Bumxzz2IcAA354N.jpg)
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This is the year isn't it? The whole club just has that feel about it
With our ongoing approach it's inevitable sooner or later.
I don't know if this is going to be the year or not, but I can't really it being much different to last year. Or the year before. Or the year before that.
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Ron did a clenched fist type thing to the Lower North when he came on.
Yeh that's very well for you what about me in Witton Lane?
He loves the Lower North massive.
I heard his mum is sitting there?
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Villa hamming it up again? Now where is the Parmasan? It's the way ya Tagliatelle em.
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Jack Grealish great first touch. Received the 10 yard pass from Delph and arrogantly stroked it back to him. Class.
Errr, okay?
He does look promising to be fair. Think he'll get a chance early on this season.
Chill.... It's a friendly match.
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Grealish should have had a shot there
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Good stuff from Grealish.
Very distinctive with his funny 1940s spiv hair.
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Jackie Grealish is going to win us the league, book it.
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Doesn't sound very exciting gents. Anyone would think its a friendly! Is Benty on yet?
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AVTV is unlistenable but for once it's not Jack's fault
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Okore making plenty of mistakes and working hard to recover
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Gabby should have done better there
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Jack Grealish should have had the confidence to hit that - great run to get into that position.
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Gabby what the fuck was that cross.
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Grealish has to start for the first team, looked class every game he's played.
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Grealish, since he has been on, has shown more flair that the rest of the team combined for the entirety of the match.
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WTF was that Gabby?
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Gabby has been shit all pre season.
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Grealish backheel just then best moment of the match by far
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First I've seen of Grealish - looks really promising. Some great touches and not afraid to take players on
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Fantastic back heel by Grealish.
Pathetic from Gabby.
I'm getting slightly optimistic right now.
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Gabby ffs
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Grealish is every bit as good as Gabby has been terrible
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What I've seen of gabby, very poor
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Delph our best player by far - we really need to get his contract sorted
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Well ladies and gents I said it to you about 3 years ago after watching him when he came on as a sub in a Nextgen game that Jack Grealish is going to be some player.
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Gabby must have played himself out of the starting lineup for Stoke after this display
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Gabby has been utterly rubbish, just loping around only half awake.
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Gabby must have played himself out of the starting lineup for awoke after this display
I should think so.
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just loping around only half awake.
A bit like watching this game
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Hope I'm not tempting fate now Hutton is going off but the defence looks far more solid I the second half. Obvious really - Vlaar and Okore should be the first choice entre backs. Grealish has been fantastic since he came on and the need for a specialist defensive midfielder is plainer than ever.
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Is Grealish playing the nr 10 role?
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Is Grealish playing the nr 10 role?
No - more left midfield
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Unlucky bent
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Time to concentrate on the cricket. England could wrap this up tonight.
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A shot at last
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The thing about gabby is we only have one other option to play the number 9 role - and bent does a pretty good impression of lazing around doing fuck all as well
I'll keep on repeating it but a centre forward on a two month loan is a top priority for me. Even more than strengthening the midfield
I just can't see us scoring many at all with these players
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If only Benty's bum weren't so big as it unbalanced him when it hit that shot!
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Bent hitting the crossbar in the last minute.
Last 20 minutes have been far better. Grealish, Vlaar and Okore have to start. I'd start Gardner too over Westwood. Bent over Gabby every day of the week.
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The thing about gabby is we only have one other option to play the number 9 role - and bent does a pretty good impression of lazing around doing fuck all as well
I'll keep on repeating it but a centre forward on a two month loan is a top priority for me. Even more than strengthening the midfield
I just can't see us scoring many at all with these players
What's Grant Holt doing these days?
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0-0
Hmmm . I'd take that next Saturday too . Won't happen of course.
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Turgid.
Gabby - shit or get off the pot.
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This made me laugh. Look at the expressions on the faces of the players.
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Bumxzz2IcAA354N.jpg)
Brilliant, Keano completely out of his comfort zone. The happiest I've ever seen the staff and players...possibly ever.
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I'm losing my belief in Agbonlahor.
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Gabby doesn't deserve a place in the team. The worrying thing is he played exactly the same all last season and Lambert still picked him week in week out. My guess is he'll still get the nod for the Stoke game. If he does, I'd play Grealish instead of Weimann
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Pluses were Hutton, Delph, Grealish and keeping a clean sheet. I thought KEA did ok when he came on as well.
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He will because I don't think there's a credible alternative
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--------------Bent---Weimann-----------
----------------Grealish-----------------
Richardson--Delph----Gardner---Hutton
------Senderos---Vlaar----Okore---------
-----------------Guzan-------------------
I'd chuck that team out against Stoke. You have to start 3 at the back against those orcs IMO.
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Gabby should be benched, he used to be inconsistent but pull out great performances on occasion. He just doesn't seem to play well at all now.
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Considering it's his club he always looks half arsed about the situation, shrugging and smirking at the ref. Bring back Marlon to fire him up.
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Hopefully when Benteke and Kozak get better it is Zog and Grealish either side of one of them up front. Gabby is now an impact player coming on late in games. Love him for what he has done. He just isn't doing it right now.
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Better in the second half. Grealish looks a real talent and most of our best 2nd half moments involved him. I don't think a Villa youngen has excited me quite as much since Darius to be honest. Grealish has skill, he glides with the ball at his feet, and he's clever with it too. I say we chuck Grealish in early season and see how he does. He looks more than able enough to get into this side. It did Everton no harm with Barkley. Jack looks every bit as comfortable a footballer as Ross, even if he lacks his physique, and well shorn hair. We need a spark. We need someone to brighten things, and a lad like Grealish getting a good chance to shine, might just be that.
Hutton was okay again. Looks like he's first choice RB at the moment.
Westwood was poor. Too contemplative on the ball and not quick witted enough. I think KEA has actually looked better than him in pre-season and possibly should be pushing to partner Delph in the opening game.
Stevens did alright and actually looks like he may have stepped ahead of Bennett in the pecking order. He's poor going forward but he's less frightening at that defending lark than Gordon Bennett.
Okore always looks composed but he chances his luck a little too much at the back when he's on the ball. I think Senderos will get the nod to partner Vlaar next week as I suspect Lambo will opt for experience. Philippe was okay today to be fair.
Gabby and Weimann were poor. Bent got almost no service when he came on, but you expect Bent to be quiet. He almost nabbed the game at the end, which would have been typical of him.
Creativity is a big problem. For me, I'd load our midfield. 3 in the middle, two flair players (Zog and Grealish) and leave Bent up on his own. I don't think we can afford to play Gabby and Weimann together as neither really creates much, or looks like getting on the end of chances and scoring. I'd replace them with an attacking mid and Bent in the side. Bent has a part to play I think, but you can only afford one striker who does nothing all game. For me, of the three, it has to be Bent because he's the one most likely to find space and tuck away a chance. 4-3-2-1, Bent through the middle.
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got home and shoved the cricket on the tv and the football on the laptop, grealish was excellent, looked so much more dangerous than the rest of our attack. Gabby was dire from what I saw.
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We definitely can't play a two man CM. We haven't got a good enough partner for Delphy. I'd play three in the middle, then Zoggy and Grealish ahead to provide some flair.
It'd be nice to sign 1-2 more midfielders. Going on pre-season, to be honest I think Westwood has fallen behind KEA, and probably GG for me. He's very average. Karim has generally looks quite sharp to be fair.
I'd probably go for this lot at Stoke:
Guzan
Hutton
Vlaar
Senderos
Cissokho
Delph
KEA
Richardson/Gardner
Grealish
Zogbia
Bent.
I don't think Stoke are the bruisers they were once were. Hughes has got them playing some football to be fair. I don't think we need to fill our side with every 6 footer we have.
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Zogbia was extremely poor today I thought. Free-kicks aside he hasn't done much in preseason.
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Zogbia was extremely poor today I thought. Free-kicks aside he hasn't done much in preseason.
He's still the only one in midfield, bar Grealish, who looks like they could make something happen. Zoggy will have poor games but every now and again he'll make it through all 4 defenders he's trying to run through and do something brilliant.
I think he has to play, for want of not just better options, but any other options.
I think he's been one of our best players pre-season. He's been okay generally, besides the free kicks too.
If he can chip in with 5-10 goals and perhaps 10 assists, he'll have done enough I think.
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Anyone got the official attendance ?
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If he can chip in with 5-10 goals and perhaps 10 assists, he'll have done enough I think.
If he gets close to those targets, he'll have had a great season!
I agree he needs to start. Yes, he's frustrating, but you always feel like he's capable of making something out of nothing.
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haven't read any posts.
my opinion,
I was at the game, and I am encouraged, obviously Delph was motm. Hutton I am proud of, some one in the wilderness and to come back and put the effort in, great.
the team look like a team and that is good enough for me.
sorry forgot Gabby put a shift in, which worries me cuz he generally turns up for 1 in 6
I love the Villa
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It'd be nice to sign 1-2 more midfielders. Going on pre-season, to be honest I think Westwood has fallen behind KEA, and probably GG for me. He's very average. Karim has generally looks quite sharp to be fair.
Whoa, I missed the game but I know you do not rate KEA usually so Westwood must have been pretty poor. I really hope he has not "done a Lowton" formwise. I never rated Westwood but the idea of him getting worse with our paper thin midfield really scares me.
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We definitely can't play a two man CM. We haven't got a good enough partner for Delphy. I'd play three in the middle, then Zoggy and Grealish ahead to provide some flair.
It'd be nice to sign 1-2 more midfielders. Going on pre-season, to be honest I think Westwood has fallen behind KEA, and probably GG for me. He's very average. Karim has generally looks quite sharp to be fair.
I'd probably go for this lot at Stoke:
Guzan
Hutton
Vlaar
Senderos
Cissokho
Delph
KEA
Richardson/Gardner
Grealish
Zogbia
Bent.
I don't think Stoke are the bruisers they were once were. Hughes has got them playing some football to be fair. I don't think we need to fill our side with every 6 footer we have.That is exactly the same lineup we came up with on the way home today,I know Parma were behind us in pre-season and may have tired ,but the best football we played was the last 15 minutes when Greakish ,Ahmadi and Gardner were on the pitch.
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Dull first half, better second (highlight up to 4pm was eventually locating PWS). Grealish, Hutton and Delph impressed. Gabby and Weimann need a kick up the rear-end. The girls I was with really enjoyed themselves all day and the club did themselves proud with what they did for them. A few more converted Villa fans aswell to round things off.
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Think this pretty much confirmed what we already thought. We'll be more solid at the back, which is welcome after two years of rice paper defending, but it's so hard to see where the goals will come from without Benteke.
Hutton - Vlaar - Okore - Cissokho looks a capable back four to me and shows the 'Lowton - Baker - Clark - Bennett' combo up for the joke it was.
Westwood needs replacing next, he'd do a good job for Wolves or the like but Premiership class? Not for me - nor has he ever been - disregarding talk of a dip in form.
As for Agbonlahor, for what he earns, has become a liability. Whatever he had he's lost and is now showing every sign of being a lazy sod too.
To my surprise, especially considering how dull the game was, I've actually come away a little more optimistic today. If we can add a battler in midfield (not to say Gary Gardner couldn't make the place his own) and a busy, clever little forward (in the Craig Bellamy mould) AND Benteke comes back as good as before AND he stays for the duration...y'know we actually might be ok this season.
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More importantly was the new pub open ?
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The thing about gabby is we only have one other option to play the number 9 role - and bent does a pretty good impression of lazing around doing fuck all as well
I'll keep on repeating it but a centre forward on a two month loan is a top priority for me. Even more than strengthening the midfield
I just can't see us scoring many at all with these players
What's Grant Holt doing these days?
Grant Holt played for wigan b in the lancs senior cup on Wednesday night at Leyland. He was so disinterested it was untrue....let's not go there!
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Good stuff from Grealish.
Very distinctive with his funny 1940s spiv hair.
He reminds me of Father Damien from Father Ted.
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Better in the second half. Grealish looks a real talent and most of our best 2nd half moments involved him. I don't think a Villa youngen has excited me quite as much since Darius to be honest. Grealish has skill, he glides with the ball at his feet, and he's clever with it too. I say we chuck Grealish in early season and see how he does. He looks more than able enough to get into this side. It did Everton no harm with Barkley. Jack looks every bit as comfortable a footballer as Ross, even if he lacks his physique, and well shorn hair. We need a spark. We need someone to brighten things, and a lad like Grealish getting a good chance to shine, might just be that.
Hutton was okay again. Looks like he's first choice RB at the moment.
Westwood was poor. Too contemplative on the ball and not quick witted enough. I think KEA has actually looked better than him in pre-season and possibly should be pushing to partner Delph in the opening game.
Stevens did alright and actually looks like he may have stepped ahead of Bennett in the pecking order. He's poor going forward but he's less frightening at that defending lark than Gordon Bennett.
Okore always looks composed but he chances his luck a little too much at the back when he's on the ball. I think Senderos will get the nod to partner Vlaar next week as I suspect Lambo will opt for experience. Philippe was okay today to be fair.
Gabby and Weimann were poor. Bent got almost no service when he came on, but you expect Bent to be quiet. He almost nabbed the game at the end, which would have been typical of him.
Creativity is a big problem. For me, I'd load our midfield. 3 in the middle, two flair players (Zog and Grealish) and leave Bent up on his own. I don't think we can afford to play Gabby and Weimann together as neither really creates much, or looks like getting on the end of chances and scoring. I'd replace them with an attacking mid and Bent in the side. Bent has a part to play I think, but you can only afford one striker who does nothing all game. For me, of the three, it has to be Bent because he's the one most likely to find space and tuck away a chance. 4-3-2-1, Bent through the middle.
Agree with all of that. Grealish has a lot of Waddle about him looks wise and style wise, he has that almost lazy swagger about him.
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What was today's attendance?
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Still no Joe Cole. Bloody hell.
I hope he is on a pay per play deal
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Still no Joe Cole. Bloody hell.
I hope he is on a pay per play deal
Think he's on a pay no play deal.
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Can't see us scoring next week or keeping a clean sheet.
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Can't see us scoring next week or keeping a clean sheet.
Can't see us scoring til October
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If we are gonna play one up front I really can't think who it could be. It's obviously not Bent, but Gabby and Andi are so out of touch it's seems really grim for next week. Can't remember the last time I was down this much for the start of a season, even last season we had the good form of the one before to give us some moral. UTV....
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Exactly how I feel too.
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Thought Senderos and Hutton were very decent at the back, Okore might need a while longer to recover full fitness. Think we will be better at the back this year.
Grealish useful when on the ball.
Onto the negatives, we still seem to lack the ability to pass a ball in front of a team mate, slows the game down pointlessly.
Movement of Gabby & Weimman was beyond abysmal, they are just statues! I've personally had enough of us adapting our team to accommodate Gabby rather than him contributing, he is the ultimate comfort zone player...contract, nein!!!
Westwood is the big upgrade required before end of window for me - poor distribution, no physicality and still doesn't track runners. Would lump whatever funds we have on one player to take favourite son Westwood's place.
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Thought Senderos and Hutton were very decent at the back, Okore might need a while longer to recover full fitness. Think we will be better at the back this year.
Grealish useful when on the ball.
Onto the negatives, we still seem to lack the ability to pass a ball in front of a team mate, slows the game down pointlessly.
Movement of Gabby & Weimman was beyond abysmal, they are just statues! I've personally had enough of us adapting our team to accommodate Gabby rather than him contributing, he is the ultimate comfort zone player...contract, nein!!!
Westwood is the big upgrade required before end of window for me - poor distribution, no physicality and still doesn't track runners. Would lump whatever funds we have on one player to take favourite son Westwood's place.
I agree with all that.
Weimann and Gabby were atrocious. I think I've had enough of watching Gabby loping around half-heartedly, not contributing anything. He just symbolises the mediocrity we've sunk into in recent years.
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Anyone know the attendance ?
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Anyone know the attendance ?
This is going to be like, why didn't Barry take the penalty.
Guess 34,000
Sorry, 24,000.
14,000?
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The so called two players that Lambert wants can't come in quickly enough. Desperate for Benteke to get back too.
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If not, the mascot could laugh them into submission.
Worked on Roy!
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We look more solid, but I can't for the life of me see where our goals are going to come from.
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It will obviously make a huge difference once Kodak and Benteke are back - both to goal threat and building attacks.
But even in the best case scenario that they're both back in September we could be in a real pickle by then. I'd be stunned if we repeated last season's form against the best sides. We need to get some points on the board in August. 4 from those 3 games at least I think. I think our best bet looks to be playing pretty defensively against Stoke and Newcastle. I can't think of a line up that makes us look dangerous.
I'd still keep grealish on the bench for the first couple to come on and change it. We got a bit over excited about Delph all those years ago v fiorentina. But I'd give him half an hour in both games and then a start v hull.
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It's so frustrating as we need to strengthen the midfield and we have so little funds and on paper we have good options up front if Benteke, Kozak, Gabby and Weimann are fit. I hope we do not just gamble on riding our luck until they are fit and we are looking at filling that position. Hopefully as last January we tried to fill that void with Holte we will again, even if it is a temporary solution
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Not seen anything of the game as I'm away, but I'm surprised that back four kept a clean sheet.
It'd be interesting to see a comparison of the sides from Lerner's first showpiece friendly v Inter (August 07 was that?) against now. Assuming it's his last, of course.
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The so called two players that Lambert wants can't come in quickly enough. Desperate for Benteke to get back too.
One is already come in right?
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No he's interested in one or two more - thought to be a central and wide midfielder
I'd prioritise a centre forward on loan, but lambert' comments don't suggest he's unhappy with the three we have available
Another example of a volte face, having specifically talked about how we obviously lacked a purport target man when our forward options were exactly the current three, two years ago (and been proven right)
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Not seen anything of the game as I'm away, but I'm surprised that back four kept a clean sheet.
I don't think they would in the premier league! Serie a sides are a month behind us (so in theory we should have been at least a bit more like Groningen against us)
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To take the postives it is a clean sheet against a reasonable team. Would have liked a different team, but then bar one or two I am guessing this maybe the team to lineup against Stoke. So it looks like our star player of pre-season ONE ALAN HUTTON! Maybe starting? :o
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No he's interested in one or two more - thought to be a central and wide midfielder
I'd prioritise a centre forward on loan, but lambert' comments don't suggest he's unhappy with the three we have available
Another example of a volte face, having specifically talked about how we obviously lacked a purport target man when our forward options were exactly the current three, two years ago (and been proven right)
Look at it from the other side. Where are you going to get a decent striker good enough to drop straight into the team now but happy to be third choice in a couple of months time?
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No he's interested in one or two more - thought to be a central and wide midfielder
I'd prioritise a centre forward on loan, but lambert' comments don't suggest he's unhappy with the three we have available
Another example of a volte face, having specifically talked about how we obviously lacked a purport target man when our forward options were exactly the current three, two years ago (and been proven right)
Look at it from the other side. Where are you going to get a decent striker good enough to drop straight into the team now but happy to be third choice in a couple of months time?
Spot on Dave. And I really don't see too much of a case for us needing a striker right now anyway. After the first month we have a tough run-in for awhile, so with or without Benteke or whoever we would struggle in those games, but then we proved last season than we are capable of causing upsets.
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No he's interested in one or two more - thought to be a central and wide midfielder
I'd prioritise a centre forward on loan, but lambert' comments don't suggest he's unhappy with the three we have available
Another example of a volte face, having specifically talked about how we obviously lacked a purport target man when our forward options were exactly the current three, two years ago (and been proven right)
Look at it from the other side. Where are you going to get a decent striker good enough to drop straight into the team now but happy to be third choice in a couple of months time?
Spot on Dave. And I really don't see too much of a case for us needing a striker right now anyway. After the first month we have a tough run-in for awhile, so with or without Benteke or whoever we would struggle in those games, but then we proved last season than we are capable of causing upsets.
I agree. We do not operate in an economy where we can afford to spend 5-10m on a player to cover a period of 2-3 months.
Furthermore, I do not recall our strikers missing that many chances in recent season (certainly not more than other strikers). The problem has been creating the chances and therefore midfield should be where any money is spent in my opinion.
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No he's interested in one or two more - thought to be a central and wide midfielder
I'd prioritise a centre forward on loan, but lambert' comments don't suggest he's unhappy with the three we have available
Another example of a volte face, having specifically talked about how we obviously lacked a purport target man when our forward options were exactly the current three, two years ago (and been proven right)
Look at it from the other side. Where are you going to get a decent striker good enough to drop straight into the team now but happy to be third choice in a couple of months time?
That's why it is so frustrating for everyone. Without the injuries we are quite strong up top.
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Always sure of a friendly welcome from the VP stewards! This was the second half when the stewards had calmed down and were letting them enjoy themselves.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v436/EnglishPride2004/00a_zps816b2c0c.jpg)
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Most importantly Mr Shin, did you and Leeg manage to spot each other in the crowd and give the secret ex-H&V sellers salute ?
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Most importantly Mr Shin, did you and Leeg manage to spot each other in the crowd and give the secret ex-H&V sellers salute ?
We used coded texts to work out where each other was and then acknowledged each other the signal.
Or maybe we waved to each other like a pair girls.
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No he's interested in one or two more - thought to be a central and wide midfielder
I'd prioritise a centre forward on loan, but lambert' comments don't suggest he's unhappy with the three we have available
Another example of a volte face, having specifically talked about how we obviously lacked a purport target man when our forward options were exactly the current three, two years ago (and been proven right)
Look at it from the other side. Where are you going to get a decent striker good enough to drop straight into the team now but happy to be third choice in a couple of months time?
That's why it is so frustrating for everyone. Without the injuries we are quite strong up top.
It is. Not many of the sides in the PL can say they have one of the top young strikers in the Europe in their squad, who is such a difference maker when he is fit and in form. We just need to hope we can find the creativity to make best use of Bent, Gabby and Weimann who need find some form in the first couple of months. The creativity is a huge issue for me because we look so flat at times with the current group.
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No he's interested in one or two more - thought to be a central and wide midfielder
I'd prioritise a centre forward on loan, but lambert' comments don't suggest he's unhappy with the three we have available
Another example of a volte face, having specifically talked about how we obviously lacked a purport target man when our forward options were exactly the current three, two years ago (and been proven right)
Look at it from the other side. Where are you going to get a decent striker good enough to drop straight into the team now but happy to be third choice in a couple of months time?
We could look at a Borini-type forward, on a season long loan deal. Someone who can play up top, or left or right of the central striker.
Would cover the gap we have up top at present, and they could drop left or right when Benteke returns.
I don't think we will do it, I'd say the powers that be probably feel that with Bent, Gabby and Weimann we already have enough cover.
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Lots of empty seats ! Do we have the attendance yet ?
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13-14K is what i'd guess.
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13-14K is what i'd guess.
Not too bad then considering lots of people are on holidays.
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No he's interested in one or two more - thought to be a central and wide midfielder
I'd prioritise a centre forward on loan, but lambert' comments don't suggest he's unhappy with the three we have available
Another example of a volte face, having specifically talked about how we obviously lacked a purport target man when our forward options were exactly the current three, two years ago (and been proven right)
Look at it from the other side. Where are you going to get a decent striker good enough to drop straight into the team now but happy to be third choice in a couple of months time?
Spot on Dave. And I really don't see too much of a case for us needing a striker right now anyway. After the first month we have a tough run-in for awhile, so with or without Benteke or whoever we would struggle in those games, but then we proved last season than we are capable of causing upsets.
Completely disagree. We could get a six week loan for someone like sanogo - guaranteed games and then back to their club with more experience. Sanogo is probably a no go now, but that sort of signing would be ideal.
We've got to try and get some points from these first three games or I fear we will be bottom by the end of September
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No he's interested in one or two more - thought to be a central and wide midfielder
I'd prioritise a centre forward on loan, but lambert' comments don't suggest he's unhappy with the three we have available
Another example of a volte face, having specifically talked about how we obviously lacked a purport target man when our forward options were exactly the current three, two years ago (and been proven right)
Look at it from the other side. Where are you going to get a decent striker good enough to drop straight into the team now but happy to be third choice in a couple of months time?
Spot on Dave. And I really don't see too much of a case for us needing a striker right now anyway. After the first month we have a tough run-in for awhile, so with or without Benteke or whoever we would struggle in those games, but then we proved last season than we are capable of causing upsets.
Completely disagree. We could get a six week loan for someone like sanogo - guaranteed games and then back to their club with more experience. Sanogo is probably a no go now, but that sort of signing would be ideal.
We've got to try and get some points from these first three games or I fear we will be bottom by the end of September
Premier League rules - V.7.4. subject to any conditions imposed by the Board in the exercise of its discretion under Rule V.4.2, the minimum period of a Temporary Transfer shall be the period between 2 consecutive Transfer Windows.
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Buy a striker who can play either wide in a 3 man attack, or alongside CB, a Hernandez or a Remy if you like.Lestienne could do that
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I stand corrected! That's that then I guess. Gabby, Weimann and bent. Bollix
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13-14K is what i'd guess.
Not too bad then considering lots of people are on holidays.
Although we did get 22k for the Malaga friendly this time last year. The attendance doesn't seem to be available anywhere, its as if the club are keeping it secret out of embarrassment.
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The only way we would bring another striker in is if we were able to move Bent on.
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13-14K is what i'd guess.
Not too bad then considering lots of people are on holidays.
Although we did get 22k for the Malaga friendly this time last year. The attendance doesn't seem to be available anywhere, its as if the club are keeping it secret out of embarrassment.
And 36k against Fiorentina was it.
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And 36k against Fiorentina was it.
Inter.
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Thanks.
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I think that the club may be in shock with the attendances at some games this season