Heroes & Villains, the Aston Villa fanzine
Heroes & Villains => Match Threads & Player Ratings => Topic started by: PeterWithesShin on August 13, 2014, 06:17:39 PM
-
Saturday 16th August 2014. Britannia Stadium. KO 3.00pm
Them 1 Us 2 Senderos, Zog. And our charge for a top 4 place begins.
-
About time. 2-0 away win.
-
Ashley Westwood says there's real excitement in the claret and blue camp as the new campaign approaches.
Westwood has been pleased with pre-season as the players have built up their fitness ahead of the 2014-15 campaign, with tough game assignments and rigorous training work.
He knows, however, that "business time" is now upon the players as Saturday starts their fresh top-flight journey.
He said: "Pre-season has been really good. We've really got our fitness up and we're ready for the season.
"Parma was a really good test for us. They are a really good team and we got a clean sheet, which was nice.
"We are fully prepared ahead of Saturday.
"Now all the pre-season is out of the way and it is really business time now.
"The media and the fans are up for it and we are too.
"This is what being a footballer is all about - looking forward to the weekend."
On a personal note, Westwood is hoping to maintain high standards throughout the season.
He continued: "It's about consistently performing at a good level. That is the main thing.
"Being in my position you want to be consistently good - hitting sevens and eights out of ten every week.
"That's what I'm aiming for."
Westwood is recognised as a central midfielder but spent some time as a sweeper in pre-season.
He says he enjoyed the experience - and would play anywhere as long as he's in the first XI.
He added: "I'd play in goal if it got me minutes on the pitch.
"It was a good experience in there as you get time on the ball to pick your passes.
"That is what pre-season is for - trying different things. I like to get on the ball and play, so it was good.
"You saw it a lot in the World Cup - three centre-backs.
"I'm sure come Saturday whatever we decide to play, we'll be ready for it."
-
Can't see us scoring or keeping a clean sheet tbh, 2-0 Stoke.
Think Lambert will go 5 at the back for this, a point would be very good to start off with.
-
"Parma was a really good test for us. They are a really good team and we got a clean sheet, which was nice."
This Villa fan agrees:
(http://imageshack.us/a/img260/7918/weasle.png)
-
Stoke have been playing really nice passing football in their pre-season and I'm half-expecting us to try and keep the ball down and play to feet without Benteke or Kozak.
1-1, Zog and Bojan to score.
-
And it begins, more in hope than judgement I am going for a 1-1 draw.
-
I'm already nervous.
-
I'm already nervous.
Bumder.
I've told you, we get to Stoke, sort aht the N40 in their main boozer, have a few sherberts and a couple of lines, cause some more agg on the way to ground and have it away wiv ne1 who wants it. Sorted.
-
If you insist.
-
2-0 to us Okore and Richardson.
-
Stoke 0-3 Villa.... Sanchez hat-trick
-
Stoke 0-3 Villa.... Sanchez hat-trick
he won't be playing
-
I'm already nervous.
Bumder.
I've told you, we get to Stoke, sort aht the N40 in their main boozer, have a few sherberts and a couple of lines, cause some more agg on the way to ground and have it away wiv ne1 who wants it. Sorted.
I reckon sobbing into your bitter after another defeat while the fire brigade try to put Legion out is more likely.
-
If you see a car broken down on the hard shoulder you can bet it will be us.
-
4-0 to stoke
I'm a bit pessimistic this season
-
3-1 Stoke
-
I'd be very happy with a 1-1 draw
-
Bit worried about this. Yeah, a draw will do me.
-
Anyhow. A bafflingly unexpected 3-0 Villa win, followed by a down to Earth defeat at home to Newcastle.
-
Easy win. We won't know how, or why, but it'll be a win.
-
We won't score. So with my optimistic cap on 0-0 and very last on MOTD.
-
I'll be recording music with a Stoke man while this game is on.
-
2-2 draw.
Greenhoff and Pejic for them, Harry Burrows and John Woodward for us.
-
Head says defeat but I'm hoping we can put up a good fight and get a result. On a player by player basis it shouldn't be out of the question.
If vlaar is considered not ready I think it's a guaranteed defeat
Think I'd go 433:
Guzan - Hutton vlaar senderos cissokho - kea Westwood Delph - n'zogbia gabby Richardson
I worry about the front three for goal threat but think I'd go with the above. Bent and grealish for the last half hour. Weimann possibly.
-
2-0 Stoke
Back to the old routine
-
0-2 to us, a Hutton screamer and an N'Zogbia back heel.
-
If vlaar isn't "ready" that's incredibly piss poor.
-
2-1 Villa - Gabby and Delph
Why wouldn't Vlaar be ready?
-
I'm already nervous.
Bumder.
I've told you, we get to Stoke, sort aht the N40 in their main boozer, have a few sherberts and a couple of lines, cause some more agg on the way to ground and have it away wiv ne1 who wants it. Sorted.
Sounds super!
Can I come with you chaps?
-
I'm already nervous.
Bumder.
I've told you, we get to Stoke, sort aht the N40 in their main boozer, have a few sherberts and a couple of lines, cause some more agg on the way to ground and have it away wiv ne1 who wants it. Sorted.
& so the Villa Blazing Squad is born.
-
We ain't no boyband yoof mob. We're more of a Motley Crue.
-
Excellent!
I'll polish me Thermos!
-
I'm quietly
deluded optimistic about this one. I think this will be a good display and a solid win.
-
0-0 or 1-1
-
2-0 them, booo
-
2-1 Villa - Gabby and Delph
Why wouldn't Vlaar be ready?
If you look at arsenal's Germans, or RVP, they're not going to start the season. He's played 45 minutes of football. I hope it's considered enough I just have a nagging doubt
-
2-1 Villa - Gabby and Delph
Why wouldn't Vlaar be ready?
If you look at arsenal's Germans, or RVP, they're not going to start the season. He's played 45 minutes of football. I hope it's considered enough I just have a nagging doubt
I think Vlaar and Okore will be eased back in gently, probably alternating in partnering Senderos in the first few games. I'd start Vlaar v Stoke due to his extra height which could be crucial. 0-0.
-
I'm already nervous.
Bumder.
I've told you, we get to Stoke, sort aht the N40 in their main boozer, have a few sherberts and a couple of lines, cause some more agg on the way to ground and have it away wiv ne1 who wants it. Sorted.
Will you be dishing out slaps and causing people to have it away on their toes? How is your ability to jump up and down on the spot while shouting "come on then!"?
-
If you see a car broken down on the hard shoulder you can bet it will be us.
......or if you see Legion walking up the hard shoulder, you'll know that we've broken down, kicked Leeg out, found that the car now works again and left him there.
-
2-2 draw....or 6 nil to the Villa ;)
UTV
-
3-0 them.
-
Tough one to call but with Ireland and Sidwell in their midfield, one of them is bound to score. I'll go 2-2. N'Zogbia and Bent for us.
-
Stoke are my dark horses for relegation this year.
-
They are reckon they're going to batter us three, four or even five. With a midfield of Ireland and Sidwell though, maybe if it was 2008, but that seems pretty shit to me.
-
If they go all out attack on us that should suit us quite nicely.
-
A draw is the likely outcome.
-
I go on holiday on Saturday, hoping to avoid the score altogether!
-
Let's fuck 'em
-
I go on holiday on Saturday, hoping to avoid the score altogether!
Couldn't you just wait until match of the day?
-
Why do I get the feeling we are going to sneak this 1-0?
Mind you I did have a cheese sandwich last night.
-
I think it will be a dull draw. I am not convinced that Stoke are anything other than a contender for the 16th-8th place shuffle, of which I think we will also be a part of.
-
Just can't see us scoring unless we have a dream counter attacking display from the likes of gabby and Weimann and Zog
-
It is possible that chances may be few and far between which is why i'd probably start Bent.
-
I'd take a draw in this one.
-
I'd take a draw in this one.
All day long
-
I'd take a draw in this one.
I'll take just getting there and back without incident
-
I reckon it'll be 4-3-3 too, but I reckon lit'll be as follows;
Guzan; Hutton, Vlaar, Senderos, Cissokho; KEA,Westwood, Delph; Weimann, Bent, Gabby
Subs; Given, Okore, Clark, Bacuna, Richardson, Grealish, N'Zogbia.
-
I've gone for the draw. Probably won't be one of the most memorable games of the Premier League season.
-
4-1 to us, brilliant display, top of the league and first on match of the day
-
Some good news, lawro has us down to lose (0-2)
-
stoke 2-0 villa
-
I'm already nervous.
Bumder.
I've told you, we get to Stoke, sort aht the N40 in their main boozer, have a few sherberts and a couple of lines, cause some more agg on the way to ground and have it away wiv ne1 who wants it. Sorted.
Will you be dishing out slaps and causing people to have it away on their toes? How is your ability to jump up and down on the spot while shouting "come on then!"?
I have won trophies for my ability to jump up and down behind a line of police.
-
I have a medal for the quickest scarpering and hiding somewhere safe.
-
Luckily we have two winnable games after this. Stoke are strong at home, are coming off the back of a very good season last time, and would have had a more settled pre-season than us. 2-0 to them. 0-0 would suit me though.
-
Surely we'll start n'zogbia. He's looked more dangerous than the other three combined
I am tempted with bent but the obvious risk is that playing bent invites 90 minutes of constant pressure as we fail to keep the ball. I think he needs to play in a two and that means a diamond or a 532
-
In fact, there's no way bent should start
He's scored two tap-ins against Mansfield, did fuck at at Fulham, looks overweight and can't play the no 9 role. There's no way he should start
-
Vicar in a tutu draw.
-
A backs to the wall 0-0.
-
1-1 Draw for me.
-
A backs to the wall 0-0.
Would be happy with that .
-
Lambert quotes on vlaar not brilliant.
He has a year left on his current contract, and asked on Thursday about the chances of Vlaar signing a new one at Villa Park, Lambert said: "To be fair to Ron, he has not come to us or anything.
"We have had little chats here and there, but I think his main concern was getting back after the World Cup, getting fit and hopefully being ready for Saturday (Villa's Premier League opener at Stoke).
"That is where he has been. I have a good rapport with Ron, so I don't have any problem with that whatsoever."
Then asked whether he thought Vlaar would remain loyal to Villa, Lambert replied: "I don't know. I'm not sure there is loyalty in football any more. So we'll have to wait and see."
-
Lambert quotes on vlaar not brilliant.
He has a year left on his current contract, and asked on Thursday about the chances of Vlaar signing a new one at Villa Park, Lambert said: "To be fair to Ron, he has not come to us or anything.
"We have had little chats here and there, but I think his main concern was getting back after the World Cup, getting fit and hopefully being ready for Saturday (Villa's Premier League opener at Stoke).
"That is where he has been. I have a good rapport with Ron, so I don't have any problem with that whatsoever."
Then asked whether he thought Vlaar would remain loyal to Villa, Lambert replied: "I don't know. I'm not sure there is loyalty in football any more. So we'll have to wait and see."
Is it me or does Lambert come across as a bit wet and ineffective?
He does himself no favours does he...
-
Last time I went to Stoke was ace. Glorious weather, the Lowton goal and the brilliant terrace mental the followed, and the fantastic 4 on 1 in the last minute. With the 1 being their goalie and no other Stoke player in the same postcode. I'll take a similar day out on Saturday.
-
So would I. Last time I went was the return of Pulis just after half-time and the inevitable.
-
It's a tough old start to a season, this one, but given that it's the first game of a new season and all that, I'm overflowing with confidence and think we'll scrape a draw!
-
I reckon it'll be 4-3-3 too, but I reckon lit'll be as follows;
Guzan; Hutton, Vlaar, Senderos, Cissokho; KEA,Westwood, Delph; Weimann, Bent, Gabby
Subs; Given, Okore, Clark, Bacuna, Richardson, Grealish, N'Zogbia.
3 centre backs seems back in vogue so I suspect Lambert to follow suit.
Okore and Richardson will surely start.
-
I think Russell won't be too far wrong
We've generally played 4 at the back pre season
Okore perhaps not quite ready
But I reckon n'zogbia will start
-
I reckon it'll be 4-3-3 too, but I reckon lit'll be as follows;
Guzan; Hutton, Vlaar, Senderos, Cissokho; KEA,Westwood, Delph; Weimann, Bent, Gabby
Subs; Given, Okore, Clark, Bacuna, Richardson, Grealish, N'Zogbia.
3 centre backs seems back in vogue so I suspect Lambert to follow suit.
Okore and Richardson will surely start.
Yet when he played it two seasons ago he was a clueless clown.
-
I reckon it'll be 4-3-3 too, but I reckon lit'll be as follows;
Guzan; Hutton, Vlaar, Senderos, Cissokho; KEA,Westwood, Delph; Weimann, Bent, Gabby
Subs; Given, Okore, Clark, Bacuna, Richardson, Grealish, N'Zogbia.
3 centre backs seems back in vogue so I suspect Lambert to follow suit.
Okore and Richardson will surely start.
Yet when he played it two seasons ago he was a clueless clown.
he still is, that hasnt changed over the summer
-
Its a team lacking real quality, slow paced ,one dimensional midfield and Senderos in defence,forwards really lacking any form....wish it was the end of May.
-
1-1 draw. Joe Cole will play. I know that because our manager, Paul Lambert, said so a few weeks ago.
-
Would take a point right now, but I think we'll be beaten and to nil
-
2 1 stoke
-
SCFC 1 - 2 AVFC
Benty Bollox winner in the 92nd
-
3-1 to Sturke
-
Guzan
Vlaar, Phillipe, Okore
Hutton - Cissoko
Westwood, Delph
Nzogbia
Gabby, Weimann
-
Guzan
Vlaar, Phillipe, Okore
Hutton - Cissoko
Westwood, Delph
Nzogbia
Gabby, Weimann
I can't see him leaving out Richardson and i'd play Bent rather than Gabby personally.
-
Guzan
Vlaar, Phillipe, Okore
Hutton - Cissoko
Westwood, Delph
Nzogbia
Gabby, Weimann
Think he will start with a back 4 and 3 man midfield. So probably Okore left out for Richardson.
-
I've gone for a win- early season optimism, no other reason
-
Im assuming Cissokho will be marking Stan Matthews on his Villa debut.
I have concerns about that!
-
Guzan
Hutton Vlaar, Okore Cissoko
Westwood, Delph KEA
Weimann
Gabby, Bent
Think that's how lambert will roll
-
Guzan
Hutton Vlaar, Okore Cissoko
Westwood, Delph KEA
Weimann
Gabby, Bent
Think that's how lambert will roll
Think he'll start with Richardson rather than KEA. I'd like to see Grealish ahead of Weimann but can't see Lambert doing that unfortunately
-
Almost impossible to pick the team or know what will happen tomorrow.
I would have thought it will be close to;
4-5-1 [or pretending to be 4-3-3]
Guzan
Hutton
Cissokho
Senderos
Vlaar
Westwood
Delph
El Ahmadi
Richardson
Agbonlahor
Weimann
But it's anyone's guess.
-
They are reckon they're going to batter us three, four or even five. With a midfield of Ireland and Sidwell though, maybe if it was 2008, but that seems pretty shit to me.
They are starting with a midfield of Sidwell and Ireland? And people on here think that we might lose? Unless they've both had a brain transplant since they left, they both play 90 minutes and we won't.
-
-----------Guzan---------------
Hutton--Okore--Senderos--Cissokho
------Westwood--El Ahmadi--------
-------------Delph----------------
N'Zogbia--------------Richardson
---------Agbonlahor------------
That's how I think he'll go.
-
Stoke 3-0 Villa
Ever the optimist :-)
-
2-1 Villa. Gabby to bag them both.
-
Guzan
Hutton
Vlaar
Senderos
Cissoko
Richardson
Westwood
Delph
N'Zogbia
Weimann
Bent
I think Weimann and Bent link up better than playing Gabby.
-
Guzan
Hutton
Vlaar
Senderos
Cissoko
Richardson
Westwood
Delph
N'Zogbia
Weimann
Bent
I think Weimann and Bent link up better than playing Gabby.
Same for me, bench Given, Grealish, Gabby, KEA, Bacuna, Clark, Okore.
-
According to Okore's agent, Okore has a swollen knee this week and it might be a little while, until he is 100% fit and will be risked in games, even though he is doing full training.
In Danish, "Villa Dane lacking the last percentages":
http://www.bold.dk/nyt/villa-dansker-mangler-de-sidste-procenter
-
either 0-0 or 1-2
fuck it, 1-2 with N'zogbia and Bent scoring
-
Flippin' love the Villa! What a club we follow. Nothing lifts my spirits like a flash of Villa's Claret and blue. I don't care who the current flavour of the month clubs are, our class, history and exploits are what separate us as a Football Club. Just for this odd bout of optimistic, blind love, I'll go with 2-1 Villa!
-
According to Okore's agent, Okore has a swollen knee this week and it might be a little while, until he is 100% fit and will be risked in games, even though he is doing full training.
In Danish, "Villa Dane lacking the last percentages":
http://www.bold.dk/nyt/villa-dansker-mangler-de-sidste-procenter
He did look like he tweaked something when he put in an early challenge against Parma.
-
Okore is seemingly made of glass. Worrying.
-
Flippin' love the Villa! What a club we follow. Nothing lifts my spirits like a flash of Villa's Claret and blue. I don't care who the current flavour of the month clubs are, our class, history and exploits are what separate us as a Football Club. Just for this odd bout of optimistic, blind love, I'll go with 2-1 Villa!
Can i have some of what you are on???
Oh and i agree about Okore.
-
Same manager means same negative approach to me i'm afraid,so stoke 2 villa 1
-
-----------Guzan---------------
Hutton--Okore--Senderos--Cissokho
------Westwood--El Ahmadi--------
-------------Delph----------------
N'Zogbia--------------Richardson
---------Agbonlahor------------
That's how I think he'll go.
Me too, except vlaar for Okore
-
No idea what to expect. Literally any result possible.
-
Like to think we'll get something here - it's Stoke ffs!
I want the same first day feeling I had last season...please!
-
Stoke are very optimistic about the season and, having done the double over us last season, confident this is an easy home win. For that reason I am going for an away win, 0-1 because that's football for you.
We seem to generally perform better away opening day so fingers crossed.
-
Our last away win was New Year's Day. We must be due another.
-
Yeah looking at the match stats a draw would be a very good result.
Only last season's top five clubs had a better home record than Stoke (W10, D6, L3).
They have earned 19 points out of a possible 24 in their last eight matches at the Britannia Stadium, with their only defeat in that period coming against Tottenham.
Aston Villa lost their final six away matches last season, conceding 17 goals and scoring two. They have not lost seven consecutive away matches in the top flight since an eight-match losing streak in 1964.
They are winless in their last nine Premier League away fixtures since beating Sunderland on New Year's Day.
I hadn't realised their form was quite so good and had forgotten ours was quite so bad
With very little goal threat it will be a lovely surprise if we get a good result here
-
Almost impossible to pick the team or know what will happen tomorrow.
I would have thought it will be close to;
4-5-1 [or pretending to be 4-3-3]
Guzan
Hutton
Cissokho
Senderos
Vlaar
Westwood
Delph
El Ahmadi
Richardson
Agbonlahor
Weimann
But it's anyone's guess.
I too think that could well be the line up tomorrow, set up something like:
Guzan
Hutton Vlaar Senderos Cissokho
Westwood
El Ahmadi Delph
Weimann Gabby Richardson
Bench (assuming Sanchez won't be available): Given, Okore, Clark, Gardner, Cole, N'Zogbia, Bent
Without looking up our record, I can't recall us losing there too many times, so I'm going for 1-1.
-
Them 2 - 1 Us
Bojan & Crouch for them. Delph for us.
-
Hopefully Sidwell and Bardsley are up to their usual standard and we take full advantage to earn a draw. 1-1 for me. Stoke's signings are a bit meh IMO.
-
I have to say I was starting to make myself feel a bit more confident
But looking at things in the cold light of day I'm pretty pessimistic still
Our form was appalling at the back of last season. We may have improved on paper in some key respects, but I think we severely lack a goal threat - we don't have anyone who has scored or assisted consistently in recent years (joe cole last got an assist in the premier league in 2010 and that seems to be what he's been brought in for).
It's hard to think the defence will be settled. And I'm not sure we have any kind of settled shape or system.
I just hope they really battle, keep their shape, concentration. I think we'll need gabby and n'zogbia to really step up to pose a goal threat
-
Would Okore sitting in front of the back two (Vlaar/Senderos) not be worth a thought? I'm just worried that until Sanchez gets going our traditionally soft midfield need some help in protecting the defence a bit?
-
first match of the season, the lovely stokies will be up for it, so first rule shut them up.
im sure were going to be more solid at the back, but need it going on up front, so im going stokie F/A the mighty ASTON VILLA LOADS or maybe 2
back to me cider, F%CK REALITY
-
No idea what to expect, except it'll be tough against these buggers!
The ways things are I'd be happy with a point!
-
(https://scontent-a-ams.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xfp1/t1.0-9/997026_908183949209164_113684262097957649_n.jpg)
-
Hey-ho, after three months off from the, err, joys of following the Villa, we go again...
Them 2; us 1.
-
Waiting for Mr Sox to arrive before picking up Leeg. Looking forward to a good day. UTV
-
And got a scarf to hang out the window as Mr Sox absolutely loves having a scarf out the window of his car!
-
Looking forward to the company and the curry. Winning will be an added bonus.
-
We also have a window scarf.
I am starting to excited.
Is this wise?
-
And got a scarf to hang out the window as Mr Sox absolutely loves having a scarf out the window of his car!
Chav-tastic!
-
Them 3. Us 1
-
2-1, although whatever happens, it's good to be back in action.
Hope all that follow the Villa have a great first day of the season..!
UTV!!!
-
Will be waiting for MOTD for this bad boy. If it comes on last I won't be surprised but I'm hoping it'll be one of those season opening barnstormers between two middling sides really going for it.
Stoke 2
Villa 3
Bent with a 90th minute snatch and grab winner.
-
Are we still not allowed to ask for streams on H&V, even in an oblique way?
-
Is saying wiziwig oblique?
-
@WMPVillaFC: #avfc #utv M6 Northbound has just reopened we are back on track #avfclive
-
Hopefully Sidwell and Bardsley are up to their usual standard and we take full advantage to earn a draw. 1-1 for me. Stoke's signings are a bit meh IMO.
Bojan has looked bostin in pre-season. We'd be over the tony moon if he had come to us.
-
I'm curious to see our starting line up today, I really hope we can nick a win. We need to get points on the board early.
-
Gabby tweeted that he wasn't playing today.
-
That's interesting.
-
but he's just deleted them. Strange.
-
2-1 to us ! Delph and weimann to score
-
I'd like to see Grealish get a start
-
The Legion Effect seemed to be in force when the M6 ground to a halt but we're now safely at the ground.
-
I can see Bent up front with Grealish and Zog supporting. Possibly Weimann sitting behind. Gabby hasn't done enough to start so I hope he figures Grealish a shot from the off. Vlaar and Okore at the back supported by Hutton and Aly.
-
My guess at the team:
Guzan
Hutton Vlaar Okore Cissokho
Westwood El Ahmadi Delph
Weiman Richardson
Agbonlahor
-
I hope Holt plays ....what do you mean we didn't keep him this season?
-
I think we'll lose. I think as things stand we'll lose a lot this season.
I'd take fourth from bottom now to be honest and hopefully rebuild under an owner that actually gives a shit.
-
I think we'll lose. I think as things stand we'll lose a lot this season.
I'd take fourth from bottom now to be honest and hopefully rebuild under an owner that actually gives a shit.
That's the spirit!
-
I think we'll lose. I think as things stand we'll lose a lot this season.
I'd take fourth from bottom now to be honest and hopefully rebuild under an owner that actually gives a shit.
That's the spirit!
No you're right. We're gonna win the league.
Seriously, I've been a supporter since 1977 and never started a season with more trepidation I'm sorry to say. I'll love to e wrong though.
-
Any team news ?
-
I think we'll lose. I think as things stand we'll lose a lot this season.
I'd take fourth from bottom now to be honest and hopefully rebuild under an owner that actually gives a shit.
That's the spirit!
No you're right. We're gonna win the league.
Seriously, I've been a supporter since 1977 and never started a season with more trepidation I'm sorry to say. I'll love to e wrong though.
Do you remember last season, where we started ok then the season derailed after injuries? Most football fans I know start the season with optimism, the misery comes later.
-
I think we'll lose. I think as things stand we'll lose a lot this season.
I'd take fourth from bottom now to be honest and hopefully rebuild under an owner that actually gives a shit.
That's the spirit!
No you're right. We're gonna win the league.
Seriously, I've been a supporter since 1977 and never started a season with more trepidation I'm sorry to say. I'll love to e wrong though.
Do you remember last season, where we started ok then the season derailed after injuries? Most football fans I know start the season with optimism, the misery comes later.
I usually do too but I've lost faith with PL, totally lost faith in RL and dont particularly rate our purchases. I also think teams around us are stronger this year. Go figure.
-
By later, do you mean 4:45 this afternoon?
-
1-1 draw. Bent for us.
-
1 Guzan
23 Cissokho
21 Hutton
14 Senderos
4 Vlaar
16 Delph
15 Westwood
18 Richardson
28 N'Zogbia
10 Weimann
11 Agbonlahor
Bench
2 Baker
6 Clark
7 Bacuna
8 El Ahmadi
19 Bent
31 Given
40 Grealish
-
No Okore?
-
I think we'll lose. I think as things stand we'll lose a lot this
season.
I'd take fourth from bottom now to be honest and hopefully rebuild under an owner that actually gives a shit.
That's the spirit!
No you're right. We're gonna win the league.
Seriously, I've been a supporter since 1977 and never started a season with more trepidation I'm sorry to say. I'll love to e wrong though.
Do you remember last season, where we started ok then the season derailed after injuries? Most football fans I know start the season with optimism, the misery comes later.
I usually do too but I've lost faith with PL, totally lost faith in RL and dont particularly rate our purchases. I also think teams around us are stronger this year. Go figure.
Fair enough but I think our purchases have been been pretty good. Are Sunderland and palace going to be better this year? Are Hull? The promoted teams are wild cards so you never know. I don't see any reason we can't aim for top half.
Anyway; a classic counter attacking 3-1 win with Nathan Baker to put Bojan into a coma with a flying head-butt at some point. From the subs bench.
-
No Okore is a concern.
-
Sturk:
Begovic; Bardsley, Shawcross (c), Wilson, Pieters; Whelan, Nzonzi; Bojan, Ireland, Arnautovic; Diouf
-
Okore got a knock to his other knee. Need to see some desire from the front two today.
-
Okores knee is a bit swollen I read and will be fine for next week.
-
Okore got a knock to his other knee. Need to see some desire from the front two today.
Severity?
-
Okore got a knock to his other knee. Need to see some desire from the front two today.
Severity?
Reported as minor so maybe out as a precaution.
-
That's a relief.
-
When was the last time neither Clark or Baker played? I feel so much more relaxed!
And do we think Aly is playing st cb with Richardson as wing back or is it more of a 442?
-
No Cole nor Lowton nor Bennett neither. 5 starters who were not available last season plus 3 more on the bench.
-
No Okore?
Nah he's made of glass
-
I quite like this line up. It might not work, but certainly worth a try. Good to see Baker + Clark on the bench, hope Vlaar and Senderos can form a good partnership. Bent, Grealish and KEA to replace Weimann, Gabby and NZog after about 70 minutes, when we are cruising :-)
-
There's no goals in that line up
-
Shame there's no Cole.
-
No Okore?
Nah he's made of glass
I hope you are going to find something positive to say today
-
No Okore?
Nah he's made of glass
Such a stupid comment.
-
No Okore?
Nah he's made of glass
Such a stupid comment.
Why he's more or less been 100% injured since he came.
-
No Okore?
Nah he's made of glass
Such a stupid comment.
Why he's more or less been 100% injured since he came.
From one injury.
Saying he's "made of glass" suggests he's susceptible to repeated injuries, not just one which could happen to anyone.
-
Ok apologies I thought this recent injury was the same problem or related to the first ?
-
Ok apologies I thought this recent injury was the same problem or related to the first ?
It was explained earlier that this injury isn't related the major one and is quite minor in nature.
-
I think we'll get battered in every department...I'm sure of it.
I don't think the back four have hardly if every played together, the midfield lacks any physical power or invention and the front 3 have been toothless for far too long.
Unless Andi carries on from the Hull game last season.
-
Okore was not that good against Parma. May be not match fit?
-
How are Senderos and Cissokho doing?
-
Im listening to this on Radio Stoke. Believe it or not they are totally biased! Not a lot happening is there?. Our lot singing well. Apparently we are having our best spell so far!