Heroes & Villains, the Aston Villa fanzine
Heroes & Villains => Match Threads & Player Ratings => Topic started by: Loxton01 on October 28, 2014, 04:44:08 PM
-
Having watched the game yesterday this would be my team
Guzan
Hutton [if fit] Senderos [If fit] Vlaar [Improvement needed] Cissokho
Sanchez
[Played well for 60mins deserves another chance]
NZogbia [Width - Stay Wide] Cleverley Weimann [Width - Stay Wide]
J.Cole
Benteke
Gabby wouldn't get near my side last night he was a disgrace. J.Cole has to be given a chance free role to play balls down the line and in behind for Benteke. We have to give a once gifted player the chance to see if he can still do it. Rather that than westwood sitting holding hands with Cleverley again.
Its a big risk but frankly what do we have to loose.
-
I'd stick Gabby on the wing, drop Weimann and bring in Bent along side Benteke. Whip some bloody crosses in and hope for the best. Can't be any worse than it is now.
-
We need Hutton and Senderos back ASAP.
Cole & Cleverley should be nowhere near the starting XI.
-
Guzan
Hutton Senderos Vlaar Cissokho
Sanchez Westwood
Bacuna Cleverley Grealish
Benteke
-
I'd stick Gabby on the wing, drop Weimann and bring in Bent along side Benteke. Whip some bloody crosses in and hope for the best. Can't be any worse than it is now.
I'd go along with that.
Cleverley and Sanchez central, with N'Zogbia and Gabby wide.
-
Is this the pre match thread in disguise
-
Guzan
Hutton Vlaar Senderos Cissokho
Sanchez Westwood
Cole Cleverley Grealish
Benteke
Not a huge amount of pace there but we need to keep the ball better and imo that is our 11 most reliable players at holding the ball.
Plus it's something different at home, what we are doing atm clearly isn't working.
-
I'd go with:
-------- Guzan ---------
Hutton Senderos Vlaar Cissokho
---- Sanchez Richardson ----
------- Cleverley -------
N'Zogbia Benteke Agbonlahor
I'd take Westwood and Weimann out of the side and use them coming off the bench.
-
Guzan
Hutton Senderos Vlaar Cissokho
Sanchez Richardson
Cleverley
Cole Nzogbia
Weimann
Swamp the midfield and get narrow. Play Weimann alone up front. Sub on Benteke for him and Grealish on for Cole to see out the game after 75 mins.
Westwood & Gabby need a break from starting, or I need a break from them starting.
-
Is this the pre match thread in disguise
It's now had it's disguise ripped off, fairground-owner-in-Scooby-Doo style.
-
I'd stick Gabby on the wing, drop Weimann and bring in Bent along side Benteke. Whip some bloody crosses in and hope for the best. Can't be any worse than it is now.
I'd go along with that.
Cleverley and Sanchez central, with N'Zogbia and Gabby wide.
Yep me too but it won't happen will it.
I know wingers are not an answer to everything but we could try it once in a while.
-
Play Weimann alone up front.
Terrible start to that sentence and it didn't improve. I wouldn't even pick him for nuisance value, he's abysmal.
-
I'd pick the team via lottery in The Holte Upper. First person through the turnstile to be named as manager. 0-6.
-
Guzan
Hutton Senderos Vlaar Cissokho
Sanchez Westwood
Bacuna Cleverley Grealish
Benteke
Like the look of that team
-
Play Weimann alone up front.
Terrible start to that sentence and it didn't improve. I wouldn't even pick him for nuisance value, he's abysmal.
And yet he is still our best forward right now. Tekkers, Gabby & Bent looked even worse imho. At least Weimann will always work hard (shrug).
-
I really don't know what we can do to get something from this game. Lambert will have no clue of course and likely keep his side and formation pretty much as is.
I'm fully expecting Tottenham to stroll to an easy victory and undoubtedly have the easiest game they'll have all season.
0-3.
We will also revert back to 35% possession and 1-2 shots on target (if we're lucky). It may as well be written in stone. Spurs are nailed on to hammer us.
-
They will score. We will not. Another loss. Current extended run of P6 W0 D0 L6. Lambert to stay in post.
-
I've got zero enthusiasm for going on Sunday. Lambert and Lerner have ruined the club. Lerner won't sack him even if we lose the next 3 matches. I predict crowd at 28,000.
-
Dreading it. Just can't see anything other than defeat.
-
All we are saying.................is give us a goal.
-
We'll score again
Don't know where, don't know when
But I know we'll score again, some sunny day.
0-3
-
Another Lambert master class in impotency and moral sapping negativity. 0-2.
Guzan
Vlaar Senderos Okore
Hutton Sanchez Richardson
Grealish Cleverley
Weimann Benteke
-
In the 4 league games, and one league cup game over the last 2 seasons, Spurs have beaten us five times and we haven't scored a goal. They've scored 15.
-
In the 4 league games, and one league cup game over the last 2 seasons, Spurs have beaten us five times and we haven't scored a goal. They've scored 15.
Jesus. I'm sick of these stats from hell. It's mind boggling how he's still our manager.
-
All we are saying.................is give us a goal.
We'll score again, don't know where, don't know when.......
We want 1, We want 1......
-
I predict he will play exactly the same team as Monday night. I also predict Adebayor will rouse himself from his slumbers and bag a brace.
And we will lose yet again. 'We go again' will come out of the managers mouth yet again...and again and again!
Bring in Kenny Jackett!
-
-
They will score. We will not. Another loss. Current extended run of P6 W0 D0 L6. Lambert to stay in post.
Spot on.
-
Remember when we used to be better than these? Not that long ago. Lambert's an incompetent disgrace but Lerner's the one who's presided over the whole of this period of relative decline. Very sad. What's to be done?
-
Remember when we used to be better than these? Not that long ago. Lambert's an incompetent disgrace but Lerner's the one who's presided over the whole of this period of relative decline. Very sad. What's to be done?
Yep, Lerner is the poison at the club.
-
I've run out of patience with Lambert and...it hurts me to say it...Gabby.
He's in the team to use his strength: Pace
He didn't use it last night against the slowest CBs in the league...did Lambert tell him not to, or was Gabby just not bothered enough? Think how he played against Arse away last season...why didn't he do that last night? He'd have slaughtered Dunne in particular and Caulker would have struggled.
If he's not going to be deployed using his pace I don't see any point in putting him in the team.
We need to change things...I'd start with Grealish and Cole...bring Gabby on for impact later...if he feels like it.
-
Remember when we used to be better than these? Not that long ago. Lambert's an incompetent disgrace but Lerner's the one who's presided over the whole of this period of relative decline. Very sad. What's to be done?
Phone Ron Saunders!
-
Remember when we used to be better than these? Not that long ago. Lambert's an incompetent disgrace but Lerner's the one who's presided over the whole of this period of relative decline. Very sad. What's to be done?
Phone Ron Saunders!
Phone The Doc!
-
I've run out of patience with Lambert and...it hurts me to say it...Gabby.
He's in the team to use his strength: Pace
He didn't use it last night against the slowest CBs in the league...did Lambert tell him not to, or was Gabby just not bothered enough? Think how he played against Arse away last season...why didn't he do that last night? He'd have slaughtered Dunne in particular and Caulker would have struggled.
If he's not going to be deployed using his pace I don't see any point in putting him in the team.
We need to change things...I'd start with Grealish and Cole...bring Gabby on for impact later...if he feels like it.
He was playing in the hole, I have no idea why he was playing so deep, it must be under instruction. If anything it would be better to play Benteke slightly withdrawn with gabby ahead of him.
-
In the 4 league games, and one league cup game over the last 2 seasons, Spurs have beaten us five times and we haven't scored a goal. They've scored 15.
Jesus. I'm sick of these stats from hell. It's mind boggling how he's still our manager.
;D
They just keep on coming.
-
I'm gonna stick my neck on the line. 3-0 to Spuds.
If Clark plays maybe 4-0. He has surpassed Baker in abjectness.
-
Remember when we used to be better than these? Not that long ago. Lambert's an incompetent disgrace but Lerner's the one who's presided over the whole of this period of relative decline. Very sad. What's to be done?
Phone Ron Saunders!
Phone The Doc!
Well to mis-use the The Docs well known quip about people would turn up to watch 11 Villa shirts hanging on a washing line, I think last night was as close to proving that theory as it's possible to come.
As for Sunday.
All of their out of form players will click. Ericsen will suddenly remember what made him decent in the first place and leave Westwood chasing shadows.
You can guarantee that all of their out of form strikers will suddenly find form, and that porous defence will suddenly look like it's been chiselled out of granite.
Them lots. Us none and the embarrassing stat will approach 10½ hours.
-
We need to get back to basics . 442, play with width and wingers .
---------Guzan-----------
Hutton Vlaar. Swiss Phil. Cissoko
N'Zogbia. Westwood Sanchez Gabby
Benteke. Weimann
-
Guzan
Hutton Senderos Vlaar Cissokho
Sanchez Westwood
Bacuna Cleverley Grealish
Benteke
Prefer that but Id give Gabby one lash last on the left. Dont think there is much point playing both Cleverley and Westwood. One of them will do next to Sanchez. Grealish would be better centrally but Id nearly give Bent a final start maybe next to Benteke. Bacuna and Gabby on the wings and maybe Bent or Benteke will be able to bundle one in. Benteke doesnt look able to play up top by himself at the moment, Bent might offer zilch but cant stand seeing Gabby or Weimann up there falling over themselves. Nzogbia is one of the worst players in the division though we have a good few in the category.
If we need to get a goal, the change we should be considering is bringing in Richardson to left wing back. Cissokho might be ok as the left sided centre half, he is starting to develop the standard Villa left back attributes.
-
Lambert will be happy with a point, to stop the rot. Wiemann, Westwood on the bench. I don't see what Wiemann adds at all. I hope Hutton and Senderos are back. I will say that again because I never ever thought I would ever hope to have those two players in a Villa shirt! Weird. I hope Hutton and Senderos are back!!
-
Even if we had won last night I would still have had us down to lose this one as our home record is diabolical. As it is with the current run I cant see anything other than a 3-0 or 4-0 to Spurs. And Lambert will still think we are doing ok and still be secure in his job.
-
If we lose again horribly i would expect Tom Fox to act. That's assuming he has any real authority .
-
Lambert often goes with fan consensus. So expect Cleverly 'in the hole'.
-
We need to get back to basics . 442, play with width and wingers
Never, never, never will he play with width.
-
Lambert often goes with fan consensus. So expect Cleverly 'in the hole'.
(http://i.imgur.com/DcZepKj.gif)
-
I must say this thread is very good value, which is the polar opposite of my season ticket. I'm laughing at the whole apathy that we find ourselves in, yet no one can see a way out of it, least of all the bloke being handsomely paid to do so.
Anyway for what it's worth, I'd drop Weimann and Clark straight away. Joe Cole shouldn't even be in the 16 let alone the bench and if Grealish can't get into our record breaking shit team now, he never will.
So to conclude my lecture, my team is (and I've never named one before on here ladies and gents):
Guzan
Hutton Senderos Vlaar Cissokho
Westwood Sanchez Cleverley Grealish
The Beast Gabby
Result: 0-2
-
I've got zero enthusiasm for going on Sunday. Lambert and Lerner have ruined the club. Lerner won't sack him even if we lose the next 3 matches. I predict crowd at 28,000.
That many? I fail to see why anyone at all would want to go and see the boring shit we serve up but I guess if you've paid in advance, you feel you can't miss it. 4-0 to Spurs if they have an off day and we have the rub of the green. The only consolation is that it may bring the resignation of the incoherent thick idiot in charge one step closer
-
It would feel a little better (marginally) to be in this position had Lambert not been given a new contract. Feels like such an anchor around our necks just after we spent the best part of the past two years ridding ourselves of anchors. Leaves you sick to your stomach thinking he'll get a hefty pay off if things do come to an end. I really need to find a job where I am rewarded for failure.
-
We'll either get at least a point or get twatted.
-
We'll either get at least a point or get twatted.
Hmmm, so you think we'll either get a draw, win, or lose. Personally I'm not sure.
-
We'll either get at least a point or get twatted.
Are you trusting us to score Mr Shin?Because I can't see it ending with a 0 in their column?
-
We'll either get at least a point or get twatted.
Hmmm, so you think we'll either get a draw, win, or lose. Personally I'm not sure.
What I meant was if we lose it won't be something like 1-0. It will be by at least 3.
-
No idea why but 1-1.
Spurs are no great shakes these days although we'll probably make them look even better than when Bale was running the show for them.
-
Anyway for what it's worth, I'd drop Weimann and Clark straight away. Joe Cole shouldn't even be in the 16 let alone the bench and if Grealish can't get into our record breaking shit team now, he never will.
Agree Weimann should be on the bench and only maybe coming on in the closing stages to inject a bit of energy.
Many have known for seasons that Clark just isn't physical enough to be a top flight defender. I'd have another look at him in midfield and if that doesn't workthen he needs to be moved on.
Cole had his hands on hips and was breathing very heavily 10-15 minutes after coming on. No way he can make a telling contribution.
If Grealish isn't involved with us, then he needs to be out on loan and playing.
-
Ooo I like this game...
-----------Guzan-----------
Hutton-Vlaar-Senderos/Okore-Cissokho
----------Sanchez----------
Bacuna- Cleverley- Grealish
-------------Benteke---
---------Bent-------------
Job's a good 'un.
-
As long as Gabby doesn't start i'm not bothered about who else plays. The guy should be playing in League Two where he belongs.
Unfortunately he knows (so do we) he'll be starting every game if fit no matter what happens and this is the problem.
-
As long as Gabby doesn't start i'm not bothered about who else plays. The guy should be playing in League Two where he belongs.
Unfortunately he knows (so do we) he'll be starting every game if fit no matter what happens and this is the problem.
Oh come on, there's far worse players in the team than Gabby.
-
As long as Gabby doesn't start i'm not bothered about who else plays. The guy should be playing in League Two where he belongs.
Unfortunately he knows (so do we) he'll be starting every game if fit no matter what happens and this is the problem.
Oh come on, there's far worse players in the team than Gabby.
Like who?
-
robharvey5, London, United Kingdom, about 18 hours ago
Was at the game as a neutral fan last night. Agbonlahor is a complete waste of space. Might as well play with 10 men.
Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2810207/QPR-2-0-Aston-Villa
Couldn't agree more with Rob. Funny out of all the players a neutral pointed out how poor Gabby was, yet some of our own will automatically pick him for the next game. Why?
-
I can't be bothered to read the first few pages, but have we ever scored against this lot since Lambert was hired? I can't think of one occasion where we did.
4-0 loss, Soldado with a hat trick and a clown school own goal I'm thinking.
-
No solace from me I'm afraid.
0.5. (Galvin, Falcao x2, Hoddle, Archibald)
There was a game many years ago - I think it was near the start of Turner's reign when we lost 5-0 to Nottingham Forest. I was reminded it of it in one of Mr Woodhall's books some 20 years later. Some really average striker - Ian Wallace maybe scored a hat trick.
I see something similar Sunday. We're a mess
-
I'd stick Gabby on the wing, drop Weimann and bring in Bent along side Benteke. Whip some bloody crosses in and hope for the best. Can't be any worse than it is now.
Since when could Gabby cross ?
-
Turners last game was a 0-6 loss at Forest .
-
I'd stick Gabby on the wing, drop Weimann and bring in Bent along side Benteke. Whip some bloody crosses in and hope for the best. Can't be any worse than it is now.
Since when could Gabby cross ?
Its the one thing he is competent at these days. He hits it hard along the ground and thats one thing defenders in the penalty area do not want. I would pair Benteke with Bent for the simple reason that we have nothing else to try. They might work well as a duo or they might not
but Lambert has to try something different because what he is doing at the moment is obviously not working.
-
Turners last game was a 0-6 loss at Forest .
It was - this one was at Villa Park
-
Ooo I like this game...
-----------Guzan-----------
Hutton-Vlaar-Senderos/Okore-Cissokho
----------Sanchez----------
Bacuna- Cleverley- Grealish
-------------Benteke---
---------Bent-------------
Job's a good 'un.
That's the side i've come up with as well. A possible nice balance with Grealish and Bacuna either side and maybe it's time to give Bent a go. He can't do any worse and he'll actually get into the box.
-
a loss, a low crowd and a long drive home on a Sunday night :(
UTV
The Doc
-
Ooo I like this game...
-----------Guzan-----------
Hutton-Vlaar-Senderos/Okore-Cissokho
----------Sanchez----------
Bacuna- Cleverley- Grealish
-------------Benteke---
---------Bent-------------
Job's a good 'un.
That's the side i've come up with as well. A possible nice balance with Grealish and Bacuna either side and maybe it's time to give Bent a go. He can't do any worse and he'll actually get into the box.
If Bobby "Made of sugar glass" Zamora can still cause all manner of problems at this level, I really hope Bent can. We just need to give him the service. If there's one player who'll read flick ons from Benteke, it's Bent.
I'd also fancy him to score against Spurs.
-
We all agree Grealish and Bent should start but knowing that dour git they won't even make the bench.
-
Apart from Bentekke, Richardson and the back 4 of Hutton, Vlaar, Senderos, CissokhoI'm not really sure who I want in. Sanchez I guess as he's actually got the balls to win a tackle and a header despite his obvious passing lapses. Westwood Cleverly, NZog, Weimann, Gabby have all failed to impress and J Cole looked knackered after 10 on Monday so not sure how he should be in the starting IX. I definitely don't want Bent to start but maybe he's the best of a bad bunch if we are able to slide balls into him and Benteks.
I think we'll lose 0-3. Despite how angry I was on Monday I will always cling to hope and would never want us to lose no matter how apathetic, inept and tactically clueless our manager looks so COME ON VILLA!! Let's try and fluke one.
-
Guzan
Hutton, Vlaar, Okore, Richardson
Sanchez
N'Zogbia, Cleverley, Grealish
Bent, Benteke
6-0 defeat. Eriksen will run the show :(
-
The trouble with Bent is, he's not really good as an impact player. He's better playing from the start, being in a game and biding his time for the right ball. He struggles to get into the flow and pace of a game when he comes off the bench.
I'd rather play him from the off and take him off at 60 minutes if he's doing nothing. At the moment he can't do any less than Gabby that's for sure.
-
Bent is finished.
He looks like he just doesn't care any more, ambles around, looking overweight.
I think one problem for him is that the game has changed in recent years and he is the sort of player who will find himself much less in demand as a result. Mind you, us sticking him in the bomb squad and ignoring him for so long won't have done much for his confidence.
Some players will recover from things like that (Hutton), others won't.
If we rely on Bent to deliver anything, I reckon we'll be disappointed.
-
Sadly, I think we'll ship four with no reply.
Their scorers: Archibald, Crooks, Clive Allen, Gascoigne.
-
I must admit, I'm worried we might get tanked as well.
Confidence must be on the floor, and there just appears to be no belief in the team anymore.
Given that its on the telly and its at home, well, I just fear the worst.
0-4
-
0-2 in a dreadful game. More wailing and gnashing of teeth.
-
A high scoring game - Villa will come out fighting and win.
-
It is Bent or Benteke for me.
May as well try CNZ (God it is that bad) and Grealish either side of Benteke and interchange
Sorry folks - after watching him for a long time Westwood does no where near enough for me.
Try a midfield 3 of Sanchez, Richardson and Cleverley
Defence - I hope either Senderos or Okore plays. Another game where Ciaran Clark plays in a Villa shirt is another game nearer the Championship.
-
I don't see any point in having Bent in the team. What's the use of someone standing in the box if our problem is getting the ball in there in the first place?
-
I don't see any point in having Bent in the team. What's the use of someone standing in the box if our problem is getting the ball in there in the first place?
Agree - game v Orient showed him to be past his best.
Even when he gets chances he is no where near as sharp as he was 3 years ago.
-
0-2 (at least - could be 4 or 5).
3 x ''There's goals in us'' and 5 x ''We go again'' in another insightful Post Match interview with Mr Lambert.
Pitiful.
-
If we lose, I hope Keane does the post match interview.
Don't want to hear unintelligible ramblings of Lambert anymore.
Unless of course we lose and he says '...Job is too much for me. Time to step aside and give someone else a go...'
-
Bent will get close to Benteke and that can be key. Look how it worked for QPR's very simple first goal and if you watched Austin, he stuck very close to Zamora throughout.
We need width in the side and it must be genuine width that stretches Spurs and tries tp get in behind and put balls in the box from higher up, rather than taking the easy option of slinging them in deep.
-
A high scoring game - Villa will come out fighting and win.
It's a bit early for the cooking sherry isn't it old chap?
-
The supply line is the problem, however if we switched that up fairly radically, I think we could get some joy. If that were the case I'd be tempted to play Bent in front of Benteke, who likes to drop off. Bents doesn't look in great nick, but if he's got any chance of getting his sharpness and fitness back, he needs games. I'm fed up to the back teeth of Gabby and Weimann at this point, so I'm willing to give Bent a go, despite deep down knowing in my gut he'll probably be shite. But more shite than the other two? That would take some doing.
I'd go:
-------------------------Guzan-------------------------
Hutton------Senderos...........Vlaar..........Cissokho
---------------Sanchez.........Cleverley..................
N'Zogbia/Richardson.............................Grealish
.......................Benteke.................................
----------------------------Bent............................
I'd keep Hutton and Cissokho back largely to concentrate on defence, and just to offer a back ball if the wingers need it. Let the front four and Cleverley influence the attacking areas.
At this point too, I'd honestly be tempted to recall Robinson and give him a chance on the bench. Just a bit of exuberance and pace that Gabby seems to lack. He's no worse with the ball at his feet than Andi either. That won't happen of course.
On the bench, if we need to change, I'd be giving Bacuna a shot, out wide, rather than bringing on Cole for example, who just looks done and dusted. Gabby could play left wing if Grealish is struggling. But honestly I'd take Gabby out for 2-3 weeks and given him food for thought.
-
If you're going to play Bent you might aswell start with him and give him 70 minutes or so to get into the game. He's hardly an 'impact sub'.
-
If you're going to play Bent you might aswell start with him and give him 70 minutes or so to get into the game. He's hardly an 'impact sub'.
No I don't think he is either. It takes him too long to adjust to the game. I live in hope that Bent may just come good. Bobby Zamora looked finished at this level 2-3 years ago, and whilst 2 decent games on the spin doesn't yet signify an Indian summer, he's at least shown he can still influence a game at this level. I'm just hoping Bent can find some form again. Hoping, praying, black magic, making deals with the devil, etc.
-
4-4-2 is coming back in a way, but it's not coming back with the classic two-wide, two-central arrangement, and it's definitely not coming back with goal poachers. It's coming back with weird forms of the diamond and strikers who drift wide to support the full-backs. There's no place for Bent in this type of system.
-
4-4-2 is coming back in a way, but it's not coming back with the classic two-wide, two-central arrangement, and it's definitely not coming back with goal poachers. It's coming back with weird forms of the diamond and strikers who drift wide to support the full-backs. There's no place for Bent in this type of system.
If we had the right players there wouldn't be, but as for now we need to freshen things up somehow. Gabby has been utterly dreadful lately. Benteke's not fit enough to play by himself. Unfortunately even our best possible 11, whatever that might be, is going to include players that are either not fit enough, not good enough, or young and unproven.
I did think we should have approached the Rangers game with a diamond initially. But the more I think about that and how poor we look in central areas, I think wingers are the way to go. Our fullbacks overlap a lot and seem to be our primary creative outlet but their delivery is dreadful 9 times out of 10.
I'd certainly give Bent a go sunday in the hope he'll be fired up against Spurs. I think he'd love to get a goal against them as much as anyone. If it doesn't work I'd play Weimann, for workrate and the hope he can find the cohesion he once had with Benteke.
-
Lambert will set up to hit on break again , he's useless with possession if they can even do that.
3 0 to spuds
Expect Salgado to score who has looked useless
And Lambert still to be here on monday
-
The supply line is the problem, however if we switched that up fairly radically, I think we could get some joy. If that were the case I'd be tempted to play Bent in front of Benteke, who likes to drop off. Bents doesn't look in great nick, but if he's got any chance of getting his sharpness and fitness back, he needs games. I'm fed up to the back teeth of Gabby and Weimann at this point, so I'm willing to give Bent a go, despite deep down knowing in my gut he'll probably be shite. But more shite than the other two? That would take some doing.
Agree entirely. Weimann and Agbonlahor have had more than enough chances now, let's give Bent a go and hope he gets a tap in or something.
We need to play 2 up front vs Spurs and put pressure on them from the start. We won't though, we'll go 433 and let them knock it around comfortably till they get bored and fancy scoring a goal.
-
If we want to play two genuine strikers then the way to go would be three-at-the-back, and I would favour Weimann over Gabby or Bent to partner Benteke. However, I don't think there really is a way to get two strikers and wingers in the same team without allowing yourself to be completely overrun in the middle. I don't know how many times 4-4-2 has to fail before people give up on it.
-
I'm hoping Lambert doesn't scribble his lotto numbers down again at the match
-
Spuds manager moaning white hart lane is too small , that's why they are losing
-
Spuds manager moaning white hart lane is too small , that's why they are losing
As opposed to an overpaid under performing squad
-
Probability in football suggests we'll score on Sunday and if the roles were reversed you'd sense that a team having lost five on the spin will change their fortunes.
I think all the talk of 6-0 is way off the mark. Spurs are poor at the moment and probably, Newcastle or Sunderland aside, an ideal side to face in the run we're on.
First goal is key. We should have scored when we were well on top against QPR and failing to do so cost us as it blew some confidence into a really poor side. Goals have a galvanising effect. Lets hope we score first, as it will give us a good chance of winning this one.
Win and we will more than likely be level on points with Man United. Funny old game.
-
Yeah going off what ads said, probability should come into play and after the run we've had we probably won't lose.
Imagine if we do lose, shit is going to get real messy. The big big problem is even if we do stop the rot on Sunday we are so inconsistent that we could lose the next 2,3 or 4 after very easily.
Also December is coming up fast, unfortunately for us it's a month we don't like playing well in, well ever since 2009 that is. We didn't lose a game till the start of March after that Christmas run, now we can't even win one and back to back victories are a thing of rarity.
-
Probability in football suggests we'll score on Sunday and if the roles were reversed you'd sense that a team having lost five on the spin will change their fortunes.
I think all the talk of 6-0 is way off the mark. Spurs are poor at the moment and probably, Newcastle or Sunderland aside, an ideal side to face in the run we're on.
First goal is key. We should have scored when we were well on top against QPR and failing to do so cost us as it blew some confidence into a really poor side. Goals have a galvanising effect. Lets hope we score first, as it will give us a good chance of winning this one.
Win and we will more than likely be level on points with Man United. Funny old game.
Must you come on here with facts, rational argument, balanced opinions and common sense? Some of us are trying to have a panic here,you know!
-
Probability in football suggests we'll score on Sunday and if the roles were reversed you'd sense that a team having lost five on the spin will change their fortunes.
I think all the talk of 6-0 is way off the mark. Spurs are poor at the moment and probably, Newcastle or Sunderland aside, an ideal side to face in the run we're on.
First goal is key. We should have scored when we were well on top against QPR and failing to do so cost us as it blew some confidence into a really poor side. Goals have a galvanising effect. Lets hope we score first, as it will give us a good chance of winning this one.
Win and we will more than likely be level on points with Man United. Funny old game.
Must you come on here with facts, rational argument, balanced opinions and common sense? Some of us are trying to have a panic here,you know!
Ice in these veins!
My last paragraph isn't to suggest that I am happy with Lambert or what is going on, far from it. I actually Goldie has tapped into the issue. We probably will beat Spurs, but we will probably fail to build on it.
We've been like a stuck record these past five seasons.
-
That's the problem. For every one step forward - beating Chelsea at home last season, Liverpool away this - there are at least 2 or 3 steps back.
-
Spuds manager moaning white hart lane is too small , that's why they are losing
As opposed to an overpaid under performing squad
and no BBC Wank Fest media darling in the squad like Bale forcing the League and Refs to give them all of the breaks.....
-
Spuds manager moaning white hart lane is too small , that's why they are losing
As opposed to an overpaid under performing squad
How much is their wage bill and can you show it in a spreadsheet?
-
Spuds manager moaning white hart lane is too small , that's why they are losing
As opposed to an overpaid under performing squad
If he thinks their ground is too small, he should look at their underwhelming history. Just the two titles?
Wankers.
-
Spuds manager moaning white hart lane is too small , that's why they are losing
As opposed to an overpaid under performing squad
How much is their wage bill and can you show it in a spreadsheet?
*opens up TottenhamHotspurAnnualReport2009.pdf*
*locks the door, moves the Kleenex closer*
Oh yeah!
-
We are so blunt and scared as an attacking force that any time we build a little momentum in a game it's imperative that we score there and then because those spells come along very rarely and our counter-attacking prowess has been largely found-out.
So, on Sunday, if the game is tight and cagey (very likely so given both teams form), the sides are still scoreless and we have a spell of possession around the Spuds box, with the crowd willing us on, we HAVE to score during that period. Otherwise we get worn down by better opponents and our ability to claw back leads (one of Lambert's few redeeming features in his first season) is pretty much nil given our current lack of confidence. Front-foot favours the brave but we have to score when that period comes along because we're just not able to replicate it in games.
-
Spuds manager moaning white hart lane is too small , that's why they are losing
Sounds like he is preparing his excuses for only beating us 3-0 on Sunday on our pitch which is too big for his team.
-
I'm amazed that anyone can see us scoring let alone winning, yes Spurs are poor at the moment but we are diabolical and are the ideal side to play a poor team into form.
-
A high scoring game - Villa will come out fighting and win.
It's a bit early for the cooking sherry isn't it old chap?
I'm running on pure Buckfast!
It's been a very strange and inconsistent season so far for almost every team and we are all capable of taking points from each other. We've lost our momentum but I feel we can return to the kind of performances that beat Hull earlier in the season.
-
It will be a shit 0-0, and we'll be grateful of it.
-
We've lost 5 in a row, they've won 1 in 7 in the league. Sky must be rubbing their hands in glee at the meeting of such 2 in form sides.
-
We've lost 5 in a row, they've won 1 in 7 in the league. Sky must be rubbing their hands in glee at the meeting of such 2 in form sides.
2 in 8 it is then. :(
-
Lambert often goes with fan consensus. So expect Cleverly 'in the hole'.
(http://i.imgur.com/DcZepKj.gif)
Excellent work
-
It will be a shit 0-0, and we'll be grateful of it.
The moon on a stick.
-
Spuds manager moaning white hart lane is too small , that's why they are losing
As opposed to an overpaid under performing squad
How much is their wage bill and can you show it in a spreadsheet?
*opens up TottenhamHotspurAnnualReport2009.pdf*
*locks the door, moves the Kleenex closer*
Oh yeah!
96m. Proejeted for 2013-14
-
Sorry Rob. Really pathetic attempt at being amusing based on the endless debates there were on here towards the end of MON's reign, regarding the comparative extravagance of wage bill v theirs.
-
Sorry Rob. Really pathetic attempt at being amusing based on the endless debates there were on here towards the end of MON's reign, regarding the comparative extravagance of wage bill v theirs.
Ah. Long day. Missed it.
Unusual for Harry's clubs to have a lower wage bill. Was that the source of previius debate?
Plus they actually can afford it.
-
Spuds manager moaning white hart lane is too small , that's why they are losing
So welcome to one of the biggest on Sunday.
-
2-1 Benteke, Cleverly.
Awful home atmosphere again, roll on West Ham away next week.
UTV
-
Spurs might not be on a great run of form, but neither were QPR and probably countless other sides I can't remember. We specialise in sorting shit sides out with an easy 3 points and I don't think Sunday will be any different.
I really hope I'm wrong.
-
Benteke is ring rusty, it would be typical Spurs to let him score his way into form.
That blade cuts both ways.
-
I'd almost be inclined to blood at least 2 youngsters in this game - Grealish and Robinson spring to mind
-
Aston Villa 1-0 Spurs
Saunders
I predict Bosnich will take out Klinsmann with a rash challenge outside the box and still get away with it. There may also be trouble at Selhurst Park on the same day.
-
I'd almost be inclined to blood at least 2 youngsters in this game - Grealish and Robinson spring to mind
Robinson is on loan.
-
I'd almost be inclined to blood at least 2 youngsters in this game - Grealish and Robinson spring to mind
Robinson is on loan.
Ahh ok. I'm running out of ideas then.
-
Amusing that Pochettino is blaming the pitch for Spurs's poor home form.
No issue at VP where Spurs usually comfortably win given how much wider it is.
I've often wondered if we should narrow it especially when we don't play any decent wide players anymore.
-
OS with their non stop bullshit
Villa v Tottenham is one of the most eagerly-awaited fixtures on the Villa Park calendar.
No it isn't, I never look at the fixtures and think 'I've gotta make it to the spurs game this season'
-
I'd almost be inclined to blood at least 2 youngsters in this game - Grealish and Robinson spring to mind
Robinson is on loan.
Ahh ok. I'm running out of ideas then.
Just today?
-
a loss, a low crowd and a long drive home on a Sunday night :(
UTV
The Doc
Sounds exactly how my day will be!
-
Aston Villa 1-0 Spurs
Saunders
I predict Bosnich will take out Klinsmann with a rash challenge outside the box and still get away with it. There may also be trouble at Selhurst Park on the same day.
The funny thing about that incident was that Bosie had decided he was a Buddihist that week and following a path of peace, decided he would chin Klinsman.
-
0-3. Can't see the run ending here.
-
Guzan
Hutton Vlaar Senderos Cissokho
Westwood Sanchez
Weimann Cleverley Agbonlahor
Benteke
-
Aston Villa 1-0 Spurs
Saunders
I predict Bosnich will take out Klinsmann with a rash challenge outside the box and still get away with it. There may also be trouble at Selhurst Park on the same day.
The funny thing about that incident was that Bosie had decided he was a Buddihist that week and following a path of peace, decided he would chin Klinsman.
Is there a clip of this anywhere?
I was at the match and it was the only time I obnserved the incident. Clearly it was Klinsman's fault, he had a long of history of histrionics, and really should have been more careful so as not to headbutt Bossie's knee. In fact thinking about it Klinsman should have been sent off for violent conduct.
-
Our home form is dire and our recent form against spurs is just as bad.
2-1 villa ; )
-
I'd almost be inclined to blood at least 2 youngsters in this game - Grealish and Robinson spring to mind
Robinson is on loan.
Ahh ok. I'm running out of ideas then.
On the bright side, he scored the other day.
-
As I recall it, it was a brutal assault on Bosnich's knee.
-
As I recall it, it was a brutal assault on Bosnich's knee.
It's a good job Cantano kicked the fan that night or else Klinsman's reputation would have been in tatters.
-
https://twitter.com/AVFCOfficial/status/527781806872231936
Wasting more time practicing passing the ball about in midfield again. Surely they should realize that we can do that now - the main problem is scoring at one end and stopping the opposition at the other.
All they ever do before a game is try shots from the edge of the box in the centre of the goal. NO wonder they can't get shots on target from any other angle.
-
https://twitter.com/AVFCOfficial/status/527781806872231936
Wasting more time practicing passing the ball about in midfield again. Surely they should realize that we can do that now - the main problem is scoring at one end and stopping the opposition at the other.
All they ever do before a game is try shots from the edge of the box in the centre of the goal. NO wonder they can't get shots on target from any other angle.
If we're gonna play Clark at the moment too, we need to lock him in BH and have him practising his finishing non-stop. I think he's missed about 3 absolute sitters this season.
In fact our CH's seem to be very disappointing in the opposition end at set pieces. Big Phil missed a couple of free headers against Liverpool I think. Baker wins a lot but tends to sky them. Vlaar's not actually brilliant in the air.
-
https://twitter.com/AVFCOfficial/status/527781806872231936
Wasting more time practicing passing the ball about in midfield again. Surely they should realize that we can do that now - the main problem is scoring at one end and stopping the opposition at the other.
All they ever do before a game is try shots from the edge of the box in the centre of the goal. NO wonder they can't get shots on target from any other angle.
Those nets they've got set up either side of the pitch are going to get as much use as Anne Frank's drum kit.
https://vine.co/v/OMQMbP2gWd5
-
0-4
Lemela will take us apart in about 25 minutes.
Then much silence as the crowd are too tired of it all to really let rip.
-
1-0 - Benteke
There's no logic behind the prediction, just the fact i'd rather not contemplate the horror of another 0-something scoreline. C'mon Villa!
-
No Hutton, senderous or baker at the training today. Blessing that also no weimann! Okore looked strong - good battle with benteke. Cleverley stood out. Gabby and vlaar didn't look interested!
-
How are people putting Joe Cole in their starting XI?
-
How are people putting Joe Cole in their starting XI?
My thoughts too. I'd rather Grealish or even Herd . Joe Cole is not viable as a PL footballer anymore. He makes Pires look like an over-excited puppy.
-
As I recall it, it was a brutal assault on Bosnich's knee.
Yellow for that and for the simulation that followed. He should have walked, or carried off, to the dressing room.
-
Sad to say that I can't see any other result than a away win and likely our goal draught to go on. Trouble is a team like Spurs are good on the ball, and also good the counter attack so they set up perfectly to play at VP.
0-3 My prediction.
-
My glimmer of hope is that spurs arrive over confident and lackadaisical . That would allow us to surrender possession and play as the away team and pick them off with a smash and grab counter. It's no way to carry on but as a short term approach what more can we aspire to ?
-
BTW my landlord is a Spurs fan as is my one of mates, talk about toture!
-
How are people putting Joe Cole in their starting XI?
He adds gravitas to the team!
-
How are people putting Joe Cole in their starting XI?
He adds gravitas to the team!
He's like the maypole. Stationary with a bunch of kids frantically running around him and not really getting anywhere.
-
Amusing that Pochettino is blaming the pitch for Spurs's poor home form.
No issue at VP where Spurs usually comfortably win given how much wider it is.
I've often wondered if we should narrow it especially when we don't play any decent wide players anymore.
I might be imagining it, but I'm pretty sure that pitches are now supposed to be a standard size unless an older stadium design dictates a smaller size.
Meant to add, such as Loftus Road.
-
0-4
Lemela will take us apart in about 25 minutes.
Then much silence as the crowd are too tired of it all to really let rip.
Lamela is nothing special but a) plays for Spurs and b) does that Rabona thing like David Luiz so instant world class status to the casual fan.
I'm not too worried about him, Adebayor on the other hand usually plays well against us.
-
Paul Lambert says he's confident of a reaction from his players this Sunday against Tottenham, as he called for Villa to put on a show.
Lambert spoke of his frustration at the manner of the QPR defeat.
But he insists that his team will be up for it this weekend for the B6 battle with Mauricio Pochettino's men.
He said: "The five games we lost, especially against the top teams, were really difficult.
"Monday night was really disappointing because we conceded goals that should have been prevented.
"But it's up to us to go and pick it up again on Sunday.
"I'm sure on Sunday we will come out here with a reaction. The confidence will be fine.
"It's a tough game, a really tough game. I thought Tottenham were a good team last year and nothing has changed my opinion this year.
"They are one of the top sides. But we are at home and we have to put a show on."
Lambert spoke of his enjoyment at seeing so many kids in the crowd for the opening training session earlier today.
Thousands of children with their parents and grandparents came through the turnstiles of B6 to watch the likes of Christian Benteke, Gabby Agbonlahor and Brad Guzan in action.
And Lambert was thrilled for them.
He added: "There's a good turnout from supporters and the kids are coming in their numbers with it being half-term.
"It's great to see and it's great for the lads to interact with them too.
"It's important for the kids to see lads that they idolise.
-
0-4
Lemela will take us apart in about 25 minutes.
Then much silence as the crowd are too tired of it all to really let rip.
Lamela is nothing special but a) plays for Spurs and b) does that Rabona thing like David Luiz so instant world class status to the casual fan.
I'm not too worried about him, Adebayor on the other hand usually plays well against us.
Lemela is 1. better than any of our attacking players. 2. finding his feet and 3. ripped us apart when playing poorly last season in the cup. So yes, I fully expect him to take the piss. Players that play in between the normal usually feck us right up as we have no plan.
-
I'm not worried about us getting twatted. I mean, we will get twatted - I've just stopped worrying about it.
-
0-4
Lemela will take us apart in about 25 minutes.
Then much silence as the crowd are too tired of it all to really let rip.
Lamela is nothing special but a) plays for Spurs and b) does that Rabona thing like David Luiz so instant world class status to the casual fan.
I'm not too worried about him, Adebayor on the other hand usually plays well against us.
Lemela is 1. better than any of our attacking players. 2. finding his feet and 3. ripped us apart when playing poorly last season in the cup. So yes, I fully expect him to take the piss. Players that play in between the normal usually feck us right up as we have no plan.
Let's be honest, Charlie Austin punished us on Monday. I suspect Barry Austin could give us a hard time, so Lamela doing the same is hardly in the realms of fantasy.
-
To say Lamela is nothing special is pretty insulting to be fair. He's had a tough time at Spurs, but he's starting to find his Roma form now.
-
I've got literally no hope of a good result or probably even a goal
Can't really be bothered to care at the moment
-
0-4
Lemela will take us apart in about 25 minutes.
Then much silence as the crowd are too tired of it all to really let rip.
Lamela is nothing special but a) plays for Spurs and b) does that Rabona thing like David Luiz so instant world class status to the casual fan.
I'm not too worried about him, Adebayor on the other hand usually plays well against us.
Lemela is 1. better than any of our attacking players. 2. finding his feet and 3. ripped us apart when playing poorly last season in the cup. So yes, I fully expect him to take the piss. Players that play in between the normal usually feck us right up as we have no plan.
Bollocks to him, The Beast will rip the Yids apart. I'm sorry but I cannot accept another defeat to the tossers (especially as all my family support them). We have to win this game (please, please, please).
-
Shit is this on TV?
Balls
-
Lambert's like a stuck record.
'....pick up and go again...'
Just fuck off
Sorry early rant of the day
-
Do we know if Hutton & Senderos will be available ?
-
Do we know if Hutton & Senderos will be available ?
Late fitness test according to Physioroom (http://www.physioroom.com/news/english_premier_league/epl_injury_table.php)
-
Aston Villa v Tottenham (16:00 GMT) Predictions: Lawro v Rachel Riley
Tottenham lost their way badly in the second half of their defeat by Newcastle last week.
Not only did they let a 1-0 half-time lead slip, they failed to create any further chances and the Magpies did not have to play particularly well to win.
I look at Spurs and think it is easy to upset them and stop them from playing.
But they are up against a Villa side who have lost five in a row and haven't scored in any of those games - and I don't really feel I can pick either of these teams to win a game at the moment.
Lawro's prediction: 1-1
Rachel's prediction: 0-2
-
Lawro - insightful as ever.
We now have a Friday work game where we predict Lawro's predictions. It isn't hard to be accurate
-
Aston Villa v Tottenham (16:00 GMT) Predictions: Lawro v Rachel Riley
Tottenham lost their way badly in the second half of their defeat by Newcastle last week.
Not only did they let a 1-0 half-time lead slip, they failed to create any further chances and the Magpies did not have to play particularly well to win.
I look at Spurs and think it is easy to upset them and stop them from playing.
But they are up against a Villa side who have lost five in a row and haven't scored in any of those games - and I don't really feel I can pick either of these teams to win a game at the moment.
Lawro's prediction: 1-1
Rachel's prediction: 0-2
Always thought Rachel Riley was a bit of a cow and now she's has proved it.
-
Aston Villa v Tottenham (16:00 GMT) Predictions: Lawro v Rachel Riley
Tottenham lost their way badly in the second half of their defeat by Newcastle last week.
Not only did they let a 1-0 half-time lead slip, they failed to create any further chances and the Magpies did not have to play particularly well to win.
I look at Spurs and think it is easy to upset them and stop them from playing.
But they are up against a Villa side who have lost five in a row and haven't scored in any of those games - and I don't really feel I can pick either of these teams to win a game at the moment.
Lawro's prediction: 1-1
Rachel's prediction: 0-2
Always thought Rachel Riley was a bit of a cow and now she's has proved it.
Essex Manure fan.
Enough said
-
Do we know if Hutton & Senderos will be available ?
Late fitness test according to Physioroom (http://www.physioroom.com/news/english_premier_league/epl_injury_table.php)
Birmingham Mail: Experienced defenders Alan Hutton and Philippe Senderos are both likely to miss the visit of Tottenham at Villa Park on Sunday through injury. Hutton still has the ankle problem that kept him out of the loss at QPR while Senderos can't shake off the thigh injury that has plagued him for several weeks.
-
Have we ever, ever, had a player doubtful for one match who hasn't then missed at least two?
-
I really hope Okore gets a chance on Sunday, either at right back or in the centre.
-
At the start of this thread somebody said that Gabby should be on the bench on Sunday. I disagree,i think he should be in the stand along with Westwood and Clark. As for the result,well it is a case of can we keep a clean sheet ,as we know we wont bloody score.I dont think we can,so 2-0 to spuds
-
Paul Lambert hopes to have Nathan Baker and Andreas Weimann fit for Tottenham.
Villa take on Spurs on Sunday at Villa Park, with a 4pm kick-off.
Baker came off against Everton with a hamstring issue while Weimann was visibly limping in the latter stages of the QPR match, before being replaced by Joe Cole.
Lambert is confident both players will be available for the next encounter with Mauricio Pochettino's men.
He said: "Nathan will hopefully be back. Andi, who is not here today, will be back on Sunday.
"So there's one or two coming back."
Lambert was a touch more cautious when he addressed the fitness of Alan Hutton and Philippe Senderos.
Hutton was absent for the game at Loftus Road with an ankle injury picked up in training while Senderos has been missing for the past few weeks with a thigh issue he sustained on international duty with Switzerland.
Lambert won't rule them out but admits they're doubts for Sunday.
He added: "Alan is still struggling with his ankle at the minute and Philippe will still be struggling with his thigh strain at the minute."
-
Spurs are the sort of side that would expose all of Baker's weaknesses. I really would like Okore to actually be given an opportunity to prove himself.
-
I love Merson's prediction of a 1-0 Villa win, 'that's my heart talking more than my head to be honest.'
-
After speaking to the Spud at work - a genuine decent guy with a lot of objectivity - I have revised my prediction.
I think we will only lose 3-0
-
I love Merson's prediction of a 1-0 Villa win, 'that's my heart talking more than my head to be honest.'
Well his 2nd favourite team v his most disliked team, he was never going to offer anything else.
Good Lad, Merse.
-
Aston Villa v Tottenham (16:00 GMT) Predictions: Lawro v Rachel Riley
Tottenham lost their way badly in the second half of their defeat by Newcastle last week.
Not only did they let a 1-0 half-time lead slip, they failed to create any further chances and the Magpies did not have to play particularly well to win.
I look at Spurs and think it is easy to upset them and stop them from playing.
But they are up against a Villa side who have lost five in a row and haven't scored in any of those games - and I don't really feel I can pick either of these teams to win a game at the moment.
Lawro's prediction: 1-1
Rachel's prediction: 0-2
Always thought Rachel Riley was a bit of a cow and now she's has proved it.
Essex Manure fan.
Enough said
As far as I'm concerned Rachel Riley could post a video of herself burning the '82 European Cup final shirt while throwing darts at a trussed-up Sid Cowans rotating on a wheel, and I'd still think she can do no wrong.
-
totally agree. the woman's hot; a cerebral shag. That Pasha Kovalev geezer is a lucky guy
-
sorry for my ignorance, but who the fuck is Rachel Riley ?
** just had a peek and not a bad looker to be fair, but I have never heard of her.
UTV
The Doc
-
sorry for my ignorance, but who the fuck is Rachel Riley ?
** just had a peek and not a bad looker to be fair, but I have never heard of her.
UTV
The Doc
From which we can deduce that you are not unemployed or aged over 70.
-
sorry for my ignorance, but who the fuck is Rachel Riley ?
** just had a peek and not a bad looker to be fair, but I have never heard of her.
UTV
The Doc
From which we can deduce that you are not unemployed or aged over 70.
appears on Countdown
-
Just seen Lamberts pre match interview on Central news.
Is it only me that wants to punch him the face ?
-
Just seen Lamberts pre match interview on Central news.
Is it only me that wants to punch him the face ?
No.
-
Villa 1-0 Benteke. We need one good performance/bit of luck/flucke/ to turn our season round !!!!!
-
Rachel Riley has predicted 2-0 to Spurs and she is good with numbers. Even more worrying is Lawro's prediction of 1-1.
-
There's always a chance we come out up for it but more than likely they'll out-tactic us, out defend us and out-score us due to having an infinitely greater number if shots. Sigh.
-
Aston Villa v Tottenham (16:00 GMT) Predictions: Lawro v Rachel Riley
Tottenham lost their way badly in the second half of their defeat by Newcastle last week.
Not only did they let a 1-0 half-time lead slip, they failed to create any further chances and the Magpies did not have to play particularly well to win.
I look at Spurs and think it is easy to upset them and stop them from playing.
But they are up against a Villa side who have lost five in a row and haven't scored in any of those games - and I don't really feel I can pick either of these teams to win a game at the moment.
Lawro's prediction: 1-1
Rachel's prediction: 0-2
Always thought Rachel Riley was a bit of a cow and now she's has proved it.
Essex Manure fan.
Enough said
As far as I'm concerned Rachel Riley could post a video of herself burning the '82 European Cup final shirt while throwing darts at a trussed-up Sid Cowans rotating on a wheel, and I'd still think she can do no wrong.
I heartily concur:
-
Amusing that Pochettino is blaming the pitch for Spurs's poor home form.
No issue at VP where Spurs usually comfortably win given how much wider it is.
I've often wondered if we should narrow it especially when we don't play any decent wide players anymore.
I might be imagining it, but I'm pretty sure that pitches are now supposed to be a standard size unless an older stadium design dictates a smaller size.
Meant to add, such as Loftus Road.
Yeah there's a premier league requirement for them to be the same size but some exceed that by quite a distance, our ground is one of them.
Ex pros are always going on about it, Dean Ashton tonight on TS was saying he made his debut at VP for West Ham and couldn't believe how big our pitch was.
With our annual dreadful home form it's clearly not an advantage to us, more a hinderance so if I was boss I'd look to reduce it by a couple of yards.
-
With Senderos still out anyone reckon we might see 3/5 at the back for the first time this season?
We need to stop the rot somehow so an ugly 0-0 or 1-1 with 6/7 defenders at all times would be acceptable to me this weekend.
-
Aston Villa v Tottenham (16:00 GMT) Predictions: Lawro v Rachel Riley
Tottenham lost their way badly in the second half of their defeat by Newcastle last week.
Not only did they let a 1-0 half-time lead slip, they failed to create any further chances and the Magpies did not have to play particularly well to win.
I look at Spurs and think it is easy to upset them and stop them from playing.
But they are up against a Villa side who have lost five in a row and haven't scored in any of those games - and I don't really feel I can pick either of these teams to win a game at the moment.
Lawro's prediction: 1-1
Rachel's prediction: 0-2
Always thought Rachel Riley was a bit of a cow and now she's has proved it.
Essex Manure fan.
Enough said
As far as I'm concerned Rachel Riley could post a video of herself burning the '82 European Cup final shirt while throwing darts at a trussed-up Sid Cowans rotating on a wheel, and I'd still think she can do no wrong.
I heartily concur:
She's no Sarah Jane-Mee though.......... ........
-
I reckon we might see the 352 v West Ham. But given we haven't scored in about ten years I think it's a bit too defensive for this one
I think I'd go
Guzan - Okore Vlaar baker cissokho - westwood sanchez - Weimann cleverley gabby - Benteke
But I don't think it will make much difference
-
Think this will be 1-1, BEnt coming on to score the equaliser
-
With Senderos still out anyone reckon we might see 3/5 at the back for the first time this season?
We need to stop the rot somehow so an ugly 0-0 or 1-1 with 6/7 defenders at all times would be acceptable to me this weekend.
I'm not entirely sure it'd make our defence any better. Against decent sides we've tended to just play with 9-10 men back at most times anyway. Two banks of four camped in and around our own box, or a bank of 5, and 3. I don't see the difference myself.
In principle a 3-5-2 might allow us a little more creative freedom if we were adventurous enough with it, one midfielder player more advanced while two hold, and plenty of movement from the front two. But if we play it too defensively, as we tend to, then we might as well stick with what we're doing.
-
-----------Guzan-------------
Lowton. Vlaar. Clark. Cissoko
Richardson Westwood Sanchez cleverly
------benteke ------ N'Zogbia -----
-
Were be alright for 15/20 mins then they will score and Lambert and Keane will start playing hangman again on his pad.
-
-----------Guzan-------------
Lowton. Vlaar. Clark. Cissoko
Richardson Westwood Sanchez cleverly
------benteke ------ N'Zogbia -----
Good to see Kevin Richardson in there.McGrath we need him.
-
I would rather play Alison Hammond off strictly up front than weimann every time he is in the team is say "why man"
Benteke and bent up front grealish just behind them
-
Sitting about to have my hair cut and realised that it's my fault for these five defeats and no goals. Last time I had my ears lowered was the morning before Arsenal, so it's my unlucky locks that have been effecting the team, having ditched the good form barnet.
We will win tomorrow now I have a fresh hair do.
-
Sitting about to have my hair cut and realised that it's my fault for these five defeats and no goals. Last time I had my ears lowered was the morning before Arsenal, so it's my unlucky locks that have been effecting the team, having ditched the good form barnet.
We will win tomorrow now I have a fresh hair do.
Make it a crew cut to be on the safe side.
Number 1 all over.
-
Sitting about to have my hair cut and realised that it's my fault for these five defeats and no goals. Last time I had my ears lowered was the morning before Arsenal, so it's my unlucky locks that have been effecting the team, having ditched the good form barnet.
We will win tomorrow now I have a fresh hair do.
Make it a crew cut to be on the safe side.
Number 1 all over.
I've decided not to shave until we score a goal. Magical thinking right there.
-
Sitting about to have my hair cut and realised that it's my fault for these five defeats and no goals. Last time I had my ears lowered was the morning before Arsenal, so it's my unlucky locks that have been effecting the team, having ditched the good form barnet.
We will win tomorrow now I have a fresh hair do.
Make it a crew cut to be on the safe side.
Number 1 all over.
I've decided not to shave until we score a goal. Magical thinking right there.
I've not shaved since before the goalless run began. It'll mean upsetting a two-year-old, but he'll get over it; the beard will be gone by tomorrow.
-
Sitting about to have my hair cut and realised that it's my fault for these five defeats and no goals. Last time I had my ears lowered was the morning before Arsenal, so it's my unlucky locks that have been effecting the team, having ditched the good form barnet.
We will win tomorrow now I have a fresh hair do.
Make it a crew cut to be on the safe side.
Number 1 all over.
I've decided not to shave until we score a goal. Magical thinking right there.
I might do the same. Chances are we'll both end up starting a ZZ Top tribute band though.
-
Michael Owen has predicted us to win tomorrow....just in case anyone was not worried!
-
Michael Owen has predicted us to win tomorrow....just in case anyone was not worried!
Did he do so in the most boring way imaginable? Did you have to watch/read his prediction in instalments, with ample naps in between?
-
Tomorrow is less about players and formations than it is about approach and attitude. We have the players to win this game. It will hinge on how we approach the game and you'll figure that out inside 5 minutes. If like we have been we start the game with allowing them to dictate play and keeping the ball, not only does it set the tone for the game by also how the fans in the stadium, already on edge, will view events. The very last thing any of us want to see is an early stat of how much more possession Spurs has than us. Because even if they are not playing particularly well, those kinds of stats invariably lead to predictable outcomes for us.
-
Michael Owen has predicted us to win tomorrow....just in case anyone was not worried!
Did he do so in the most boring way imaginable? Did you have to watch/read his prediction in instalments, with ample naps in between?
Quinn did on Talkdross this morning as well.
-
If we are without Senderos and Hutton I struggle to see us winning this one.
Somehow scoring a goal would be an improvement.
My guess: 1-3.
-
We always end a slide with a draw. We will throw away a two goal lead in the last quarter and it will feel worse than a defeat. 2 - 2 for me.
-
To create some additional depression apparently Ronaldo has scored 20 times since our last goal!
-
To create some additional depression apparently Ronaldo has scored 20 times since our last goal!
You bastard!! I was just trawling through everywhere to find a suitable thread on which to share that nugget.
-
To create some additional depression apparently Ronaldo has scored 20 times since our last goal!
You bastard!! I was just trawling through everywhere to find a suitable thread on which to share that nugget.
I couldn't be arsed to create a new topic and I figured on the eve of what might be a sixth consecutive nil I'd stick it in here.
Then again, I suppose I could have put it in the Scoring Goals thread.
-
Trying to be upbeat ahead of what I fear will be a difficult day to navigate, my family now has as many generations of living, attending Villa fans than we have scored goals this season.
-
To create some additional depression apparently Ronaldo has scored 20 times since our last goal!
You bastard!! I was just trawling through everywhere to find a suitable thread on which to share that nugget.
I think you should work this into the three word chain thread as I want to know what Darren Woolley has to say about it?
-
"Great stat, Toronto!"
-
0-2 Spurs
It is what it is at this point. Don't see any way we get a result from our next three really, playing some really confident teams. Oh well.. try and score.
-
Just come back from my local shop and Radio 2 is playing Gertcha! Hope that's not a sign.
-
Can't see us scoring again tomorrow, I reckon we will lose 0-2. :(
-
A suggestion for your tactics tomorrow, Paul:
(https://fbcdn-sphotos-h-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xap1/v/t1.0-9/1381301_953491584678400_6025723333021415028_n.jpg?oh=2b2232a14c1b4e914b9e8f4c4ddac359&oe=54EF8A8A&__gda__=1425576131_db5a0d2bcd079b2017c949cf62d7b7c6)
-
1-1 Benteke from the penalty spot. It's the only way I can see us scoring.
-
"Great stat, Toronto!"
We Need Ronaldo
-
A suggestion for your tactics tomorrow, Paul:
(https://fbcdn-sphotos-h-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xap1/v/t1.0-9/1381301_953491584678400_6025723333021415028_n.jpg?oh=2b2232a14c1b4e914b9e8f4c4ddac359&oe=54EF8A8A&__gda__=1425576131_db5a0d2bcd079b2017c949cf62d7b7c6)
Come off it, he'll see this and tell Guzan to lump it towards the box
-
Can't think of an occasion where I've been more pessimistic on the eve of a game, and Spurs are poor this season. Please Villa surprise the shit out of us and win .
-
Anything less than a draw and Lambert wants shooting.
I don't have expectations of the title. I don't have expectations of Champions League/Euro football. I don't even expect us to make it into the top ten. What I do expect is fight and pride from a Villa team; I do not expect the club not to lose 5 games on the bounce and score no goals.
I don't think these things are unreasonable expectations, regardless of the opposition we faced.
-
Anything less than a draw and Lambert wants shooting.
I don't have expectations of the title. I don't have expectations of Champions League/Euro football. I don't even expect us to make it into the top ten. What I do expect is fight and pride from a Villa team; I do not expect the club not to lose 5 games on the bounce and score no goals.
I don't think these things are unreasonable expectations, regardless of the opposition we faced.
Top six is par.
Fight and pride is a given.
-
Oh, and beating Spurs at home is a matter of major irritation if it doesn't happen.
-
Work with a couple of Spud fans and the one wound me up so much that I had a 20 quid bet on him, what a fecking knob I am.
-
Not 100% certain but pretty sure we have never lost 6 league games on the trot in our history but our manager seems very skilled in breaking all the wrong records, cant see anything other than defeat, us 0 Spurs 2.
-
Can we score? I suppose we should expect at least one at home. 1-4 to them Weimann, Adebayor (2), Eriksen and Chadli
-
A few tweets (probably bull ) going around saying Ron & Gabby have been dropped for the game due to disciplinary reasons.
-
Scrapping I would suspect.
-
A few tweets (probably bull ) going around saying Ron & Gabby have been dropped for the game due to disciplinary reasons.
That would be like cutting off your nose to spite your face.
-
I honestly can't see that dropping Gabby would harm us very much.
I'm optimistic - I reckon we'll get a point!
-
I honestly can't see that dropping Gabby would harm us very much.
I'm optimistic - I reckon we'll get a point!
Yeah but who would you put in? Bent is the only one I can think of but there's no one there to cross a ball into him.
-
I honestly can't see that dropping Gabby would harm us very much.
I'm optimistic - I reckon we'll get a point!
Yeah but who would you put in? Bent is the only one I can think of but there's no one there to cross a ball into him.
That part is a fair point - I wish there was an obvious name to put forward, but there isn't. A fit and firing Darren Bent would be obvious, but unfortunately he's neither of those.
-
Oh, and beating Spurs at home is a matter of major irritation if it doesn't happen.
I don't know about others but if we don't beat Everton at home that is a minor irritation. Losing to Newcastle and Spuds annoys me much much more.
I dunno whether it is because Everton have had fine teams in my time and are not overly media friendly, unlike the fawning over their neighbours, whereas Spuds and Newcastle have a load of mythical bollocks associated with them.
-
The way Gabby and Ron played at QPR, it wouldn't make a jot of difference if they were actually dropped. Can't see anything other than a point at the very best tomorrow.
-
I honestly can't see that dropping Gabby would harm us very much.
I'm optimistic - I reckon we'll get a point!
Yeah but who would you put in? Bent is the only one I can think of but there's no one there to cross a ball into him.
A paper bag floating around the pitch would be as useful as Gabby is most games.
-
I honestly can't see that dropping Gabby would harm us very much.
I'm optimistic - I reckon we'll get a point!
Yeah but who would you put in? Bent is the only one I can think of but there's no one there to cross a ball into him.
A paper bag floating around the pitch would be as useful as Gabby as is most games.
Indeed. He's a poster boy for our recent acceptance of the utterly mediocre.
-
The way Gabby and Ron played at QPR, it wouldn't make a jot of difference if they were actually dropped. Can't see anything other than a point at the very best tomorrow.
A point would be acceptable to me tbh, and Spuds are shite. Who you having playing centre half if Ron is dropped though, it is a bs story as we all know
-
I'm assuming it would be Okore and Clark if Ron was dropped.
-
I honestly can't see that dropping Gabby would harm us very much.
I'm optimistic - I reckon we'll get a point!
Yeah but who would you put in? Bent is the only one I can think of but there's no one there to cross a ball into him.
A paper bag floating around the pitch would be as useful as Gabby as is most games.
Indeed. He's a poster boy for our recent acceptance of the utterly mediocre.
Mediocre? We have to improve ALOT to be rated even near mediocre! I can see us beating Burnely on a good day maybe but overall even Burnley can cling to a few positives like hitting the goal once in a while...
-
Spuds aint good themselves, so maybe there is hope. Who do we play though, the same tripe or maybe go for things and give a young lad who has talent a chance at the start rather than when 3-0 down?
-
I ain't looking forward to watching this, think we'll lose 1-2.
Be happy with a draw, how depressing!
UTV
-
Cissoko & Vlaar in an argument with Lambert & Keane post QPR according to the Torygraph.
-
Cissoko & Vlaar in an argument with Lambert & Keane post QPR according to the Torygraph.
Any links to this Matt?
-
I will watch the game, of course, but sadly Spurs will be too good for our boring, negative approach.
0-3
-
Feeling very down about our chances, Spurs have been in a bad patch (for them) and are looking for something to pick them up. You know the rest of the story.
:(
-
At least it being on a Sunday it can only spoil a smaller part of a weekend.
As per the Vlaar stories, on Bein sports on a Friday night here in Oman they have the Keys and Gray show, each week they connect with John Cross from the Mirror, talk went to Chelsea needing a replacement for John Wanker, all Cross would say was that any top quality centre half that was available would attract the attention of Chelsea from Jan onwards, Keys then said to Cross, "well get your pencil out John, because here's a definite one for you, Vlaar to Man United in January done deal'
Maybe he is becoming a bad influence within the dressing room, his performances leave something to be desired.
-
I had the misfortune to see that as well. I turned over to BeIn Sport and there they were Keys & Gray. I was surprised anyone would hire them again, Keys is still as horrible as ever, Gray marginally less awful.
I put it down to Keys doing his old "I make up any old shite" routine. But if true then getting some money for Ron wouldn't be the end of the world.
-
Ciggies I have it on every week, just about better than Camel racing, he is not normally one to make a statement like that, he will often give his opinion , thou whats that worth, but very rarely puts his neck on the block.
-
We haven't beaten spurs since 2008 quite a depressing stat
-
Please surprise us all by doing something different this week Lambert, even a slight change in tactics/positivity going forward could make a huge difference this afternoon.
-
Cissoko & Vlaar in an argument with Lambert & Keane post QPR according to the Torygraph.
Any links to this Matt?
Try this: http://fw.to/kqEl3fB
-
My. Favourite "since villa last scored fact" :-
" The average Baggies fan has sneaked into his sisters room 47 times since Aston Villa last scored a goal"
-
The owner of Small Heath has been violated in the showers twenty six times since we scored a goal.
-
I think you're missing a digit at least
-
My. Favourite "since villa last scored fact" :-
" The average Baggies fan has sneaked into his sisters room 47 times since Aston Villa last scored a goal"
Applause
-
Cissoko & Vlaar in an argument with Lambert & Keane post QPR according to the Torygraph.
Any links to this Matt?
Try this: http://fw.to/kqEl3fB
Wonder where they got that from?
-
The other times were consensual Mr U.
-
Villa next on Sunday Supplement after the break as they say! They have just repeated the Ronaldo line....
-
Cissoko & Vlaar in an argument with Lambert & Keane post QPR according to the Torygraph.
Any links to this Matt?
Try this: http://fw.to/kqEl3fB
Wonder where they got that from?
Interesting. Good article, the first from a national starting to out pressure on him.
-
I do my own predictions league with 22 people in it. Only 3 people have predicted Villa to lose. two of those are Villa fans (me being one).
-
Yeah that was a good article. If he's staying put and it looks more than likely he is I just hope he'll be man enough to try a new style of play, mix it up a bit. He was big enough to admit the young and hungry (cheap, lower league) approach will not work so maybe he'll be man enough to ditch this counter attacking bollocks every single match.
-
What was said on Sunday Supplement?
-
I don't think his manliness is the problem, it is his intelligence. In my humble opinion he is the thickest manager we have had since Billy McNeill.
-
Yeah that was a good article. If he's staying put and it looks more than likely he is I just hope he'll be man enough to try a new style of play, mix it up a bit. He was big enough to admit the young and hungry (cheap, lower league) approach will not work so maybe he'll be man enough to ditch this counter attacking bollocks every single match.
When he came he came with a reputation of changing tactic to suit the game, even during the game. Why have we need seen a soupçon of it since he's been here?
-
Cissoko & Vlaar in an argument with Lambert & Keane post QPR according to the Torygraph.
Any links to this Matt?
Try this: http://fw.to/kqEl3fB
Good article that.
Seems most of the national press either ignore Lambert's woeful record or 'sympathise' because he is doing the job in difficult circumstances.
It is far too much effort to think or write otherwise - asking hacks and pundits to do their job thoroughly. Nah. Let's fawn over SteveieMe and how he deserves a new contract.
-
So, gabby is using the 'tough game' mantra now.
I am absolutely fucking pig sick of reading and hearing 'tough run of games'. Anyone would think we have just had to play Barcelona, Brazil, Germany, Real Madrid and Bayern Munich.
Ok, so we played some top teams, well, we have to play them sometime, it just happened that they came all together.
If players and management keep,banging on about 'tough run of games' maybe they should just piss off, because they obviously haven't got the fighting or winning mentality that is needed.
And, if the manager is using that reason as an excuse for piss poor performances, then that's why the old adage of a 'team reflecting the manager' is so fucking true in our case.
-
Yeah that was a good article. If he's staying put and it looks more than likely he is I just hope he'll be man enough to try a new style of play, mix it up a bit. He was big enough to admit the young and hungry (cheap, lower league) approach will not work so maybe he'll be man enough to ditch this counter attacking bollocks every single match.
When he came he came with a reputation of changing tactic to suit the game, even during the game. Why have we need seen a soupçon of it since he's been here?
Last season I put it down to him realising that these lower league players we gambled on not being good enough to keep the ball.
Now we have some experience and players
Who can pass it around, TC, Sanchez, Westwood, Ron, Richardson and Benteke why do we revert to it? I know it sometimes works, ie at Liverpool but we don't need to do it every week. Sometimes it's as if we let a goal in and then panic and the game plan goes out the window.
TC should be playing high up the pitch and central too. He's waisted anywhere else. I thought that's why we signed him?
-
So, gabby is using the 'tough game' mantra now.
I am absolutely fucking pig sick of reading and hearing 'tough run of games'. Anyone would think we have just had to play Barcelona, Brazil, Germany, Real Madrid and Bayern Munich.
Ok, so we played some top teams, well, we have to play them sometime, it just happened that they came all together.
If players and management keep,banging on about 'tough run of games' maybe they should just piss off, because they obviously haven't got the fighting or winning mentality that is needed.
And, if the manager is using that reason as an excuse for piss poor performances, then that's why the old adage of a 'team reflecting the manager' is so fucking true in our case.
Spot on.
We have been shambolic.
Just compare our performances to the likes of Leicester, QPR yesterday, Stoke, WBA West Ham etc when they have faced the top 4. They have a go and sometimes get results. Meanwhile we are defeated before the game starts based on the tactics PL uses. Its fuckin embarrassing.
-
Yeah that was a good article. If he's staying put and it looks more than likely he is I just hope he'll be man enough to try a new style of play, mix it up a bit. He was big enough to admit the young and hungry (cheap, lower league) approach will not work so maybe he'll be man enough to ditch this counter attacking bollocks every single match.
He wont change a thing. He is incapable of it
-
Score Villa score, once you get one you'll get more.
-
I don't think his manliness is the problem, it is his intelligence. In my humble opinion he is the thickest manager we have had since Billy McNeill.
I think you are right. That and being belligerent in not changing tactics etc
-
Not 100% certain but pretty sure we have never lost 6 league games on the trot in our history but our manager seems very skilled in breaking all the wrong records, cant see anything other than defeat, us 0 Spurs 2.
We lost 11 on the trot in 1963 under Joe Mercer. Lambert's new objective. It's the only one he hasn't got against his name.
-
At least it being on a Sunday it can only spoil a smaller part of a weekend.
As per the Vlaar stories, on Bein sports on a Friday night here in Oman they have the Keys and Gray show, each week they connect with John Cross from the Mirror, talk went to Chelsea needing a replacement for John Wanker, all Cross would say was that any top quality centre half that was available would attract the attention of Chelsea from Jan onwards, Keys then said to Cross, "well get your pencil out John, because here's a definite one for you, Vlaar to Man United in January done deal'
Maybe he is becoming a bad influence within the dressing room, his performances leave something to be desired.
Lambert is the bad influence in the dressing room.
-
Cissoko & Vlaar in an argument with Lambert & Keane post QPR according to the Torygraph.
Any links to this Matt?
Try this: http://fw.to/kqEl3fB
Lambert gets credit for bringing in Cole
wtf
-
I think we might score, maybe a penalty so i'm going 1-3
Crowd turn on Lambert (again) to no avail (again) and we go again (again)
-
Can we arrange for Spuds to score a goal in first half and us to win in second...be very nice price with St William!
-
You can get 3/1 on a villa win today.
-
We can do it..I don't mind how Sil.
-
I am fully expecting another defeat, but please win Villa...I don't care how.
-
My goal-drought beard has just been removed. Let's do these. I fkn 'ate spurs.
-
I don't think his manliness is the problem, it is his intelligence. In my humble opinion he is the thickest manager we have had since Billy McNeill.
I completely agree, been saying that for ages. He is utterly thick and totally gormless, or are they the same thing?
-
Just noticed my seat is three rows from the front of the Lower Holte - I hope the TV sees me smiling and waving happily as we win not having some sort of fit as we lose again...
-
I don't think his manliness is the problem, it is his intelligence. In my humble opinion he is the thickest manager we have had since Billy McNeill.
I completely agree, been saying that for ages. He is utterly thick and totally gormless, or are they the same thing?
You can't help being thick...
-
What was said on Sunday Supplement?
They started off by having a bit of a laugh about our lack of goals. ne of the Journos laid in to Keane criticising him for being out and about "selling" his book rather than at the training ground "when his team is losing 4/5 on the trot" finishing by saying he has no focus on this Villa job. Assessment was that Villa were lucky to win the matches they have won due to the fact that there is no creativity in the team specially when Delph is missing. Cleverley and Westwood should not be in the same team etc etc. Discussion moved to Lerner and his lack of interest and there was no way he is going to make any more worthwhile investment in to this club blaha blaha blaha...
-
Rumours:
- Hutton and Senderos still out
- Baker fit and replace Clark
- Weimann recovered knock and will start
- Cole might start
-
I don't think his manliness is the problem, it is his intelligence. In my humble opinion he is the thickest manager we have had since Billy McNeill.
I completely agree, been saying that for ages. He is utterly thick and totally gormless, or are they the same thing?
You can't help being thick...
Very true but I don't expect the manager of Aston Villa to be encumbered thus...
-
Rumours:
- Hutton and Senderos still out
- Baker fit and replace Clark
- Weimann recovered knock and will start
- Cole might start
Might mean that Gabby is being dropped? If so, it's not before time.
-
Rumours:
- Hutton and Senderos still out
- Baker fit and replace Clark
- Weimann recovered knock and will start
- Cole might start
Might mean that Gabby is being dropped? If so, it's not before time.
He should be but i doubt he will be. To think we were less than a year away from getting shot of him and then he gets a 4 year contract.
-
We will unquestionably lose.
-
Guzan,
Lowton, Vlaar (c), Baker, Cissokho,
Westwood, Cleverley, Sanchez,
Weimann, Benteke, N'Zogbia