Heroes & Villains, the Aston Villa fanzine

Heroes & Villains => Match Threads & Player Ratings => Topic started by: PeterWithesShin on December 22, 2014, 04:53:49 PM

Title: Swansea City vs Aston Villa Pre-Match Thread
Post by: PeterWithesShin on December 22, 2014, 04:53:49 PM
Friday 26th 3pm.

Them 1 Us 2
Title: Re: Swansea City vs Aston Villa Pre-Match Thread
Post by: not3bad on December 22, 2014, 04:55:33 PM
Boxing Day misery. 2-0 to them.
Title: Re: Swansea City vs Aston Villa Pre-Match Thread
Post by: Legion on December 22, 2014, 04:55:56 PM
1-1.
Title: Re: Swansea City vs Aston Villa Pre-Match Thread
Post by: Matt Collins on December 22, 2014, 05:20:44 PM
Tough game this. Winnable but a draw would be a good result

We'll need to make a few changes between this game and the sunderland one to keep things fresh.

The easiest thing to do would be retain 352, bring Hutton in for Lowton and cleverley for weimann (assuming gabby gets his card rescinded)

But swansea line up differently to Man U and we'd risk our wing backs being pushed quite far back

I reckon he might stick with the 352 tho.
Title: Re: Swansea City vs Aston Villa Pre-Match Thread
Post by: oldtimernow on December 22, 2014, 05:25:45 PM
still have difficulty seeing us score more than once so I hope 0-1

probably will end a 1-1 draw

they could score more..............well that's just about covered all bases then

Merry Christmas all!!
Title: Re: Swansea City vs Aston Villa Pre-Match Thread
Post by: Witton Warrior on December 22, 2014, 05:30:49 PM
Swansea on their day could do us but we seem quite resilient so a draw would be OK
Title: Re: Swansea City vs Aston Villa Pre-Match Thread
Post by: Brend'Watkins on December 22, 2014, 05:32:31 PM
Lambert has always done reasonably well against this lot and I can see that continuing. With Hutton back we should be even more solid.  Got to watch out for that Jefferson Montero, he's a very good player.
Title: Re: Swansea City vs Aston Villa Pre-Match Thread
Post by: The Left Side on December 22, 2014, 05:53:53 PM
1-1 Benteke for us, Leighton James for them
Title: Re: Swansea City vs Aston Villa Pre-Match Thread
Post by: Matt Collins on December 22, 2014, 06:03:20 PM
I think montero and sigurdsson may be injured - which would be great

Irritating that swansea have six midfielders who would all be exactly what we need in one way or another - montero, dyer, Routledge, sigurdsson, ki, shelvey
Title: Re: Swansea City vs Aston Villa Pre-Match Thread
Post by: ciggiesnbeer on December 22, 2014, 06:07:27 PM
I can't shake the belief we will have the the traditional Villa Christmas collapse. Then again I thought ManU would spank us, so hopefully I am wrong again.
Title: Re: Swansea City vs Aston Villa Pre-Match Thread
Post by: Legion on December 22, 2014, 06:11:06 PM
And so say all of us.
Title: Re: Swansea City vs Aston Villa Pre-Match Thread
Post by: supertom on December 22, 2014, 06:12:41 PM
Think we might win this. I think we then might lose the Sunderland game given it's only a couple of days after and our squad is really stretched.

Benteke special again.
Title: Re: Swansea City vs Aston Villa Pre-Match Thread
Post by: Toronto Villa on December 22, 2014, 06:34:34 PM
We've done ok versus Swansea results wise since they cam back up. 2-1 us, Benteke and Gabby
Title: Re: Swansea City vs Aston Villa Pre-Match Thread
Post by: JUAN PABLO on December 22, 2014, 06:35:48 PM
1 1

Title: Re: Swansea City vs Aston Villa Pre-Match Thread
Post by: PeterWithesShin on December 22, 2014, 06:38:30 PM
We've done ok versus Swansea results wise since they cam back up. 2-1 us, Benteke and Gabby

W1 D3 L2
Title: Re: Swansea City vs Aston Villa Pre-Match Thread
Post by: Toronto Villa on December 22, 2014, 06:45:49 PM
We've done ok versus Swansea results wise since they cam back up. 2-1 us, Benteke and Gabby

W1 D3 L2

hmmm...maybe even ok is pushing it. I thought it was a little better than that. Fuck it, Villa win
Title: Re: Swansea City vs Aston Villa Pre-Match Thread
Post by: IAmTheOneIanOlney on December 22, 2014, 07:10:49 PM
I feel more positive leading up to matchdays than I have done for a long while and that is truly a Christmas miracle. Think we'll win, but whatever the score, I don't expect a meek surrender any more.
Swansea 1 (Bony), Villa 2 (Benteke, Kringle)
Title: Re: Swansea City vs Aston Villa Pre-Match Thread
Post by: silhillvilla on December 22, 2014, 07:41:22 PM
43 years since we won in Swansea -


2-1 to Aston Villa, Graydon & Aitken .
Competition   League Division Three
Attendance   24,419
Title: Re: Swansea City vs Aston Villa Pre-Match Thread
Post by: PeterWithesShin on December 22, 2014, 07:48:50 PM
Worth adding we have only played there 5 times since then.
Title: Re: Swansea City vs Aston Villa Pre-Match Thread
Post by: SoccerHQ on December 22, 2014, 09:07:24 PM
1-0 defeat.

Tough game this one, Swansea rested a few v Hull and still won.

This is a good gauge of how our new passing patient style will look.
Title: Re: Swansea City vs Aston Villa Pre-Match Thread
Post by: silhillvilla on December 22, 2014, 09:36:17 PM
Tough game this. 0-2 loss.
Title: Re: Swansea City vs Aston Villa Pre-Match Thread
Post by: Colhint on December 22, 2014, 09:39:29 PM
43 years since we won in Swansea -


2-1 to Aston Villa, Graydon & Aitken .
Competition   League Division Three
Attendance   24,419


That was my first away game.
Title: Re: Swansea City vs Aston Villa Pre-Match Thread
Post by: brontebilly on December 22, 2014, 09:50:31 PM
Gabby deserves dropping so hopefully Lambert has the cojones to do it. Hutton will come back in for Lowton.

Swansea will be a good test especially for our wing backs.

Plenty of competition for places with Cleverley and Hutton being added to last weeks squad.
Title: Re: Swansea City vs Aston Villa Pre-Match Thread
Post by: Richard E on December 22, 2014, 09:51:20 PM
Gabby is suspended as things currently stand!
Title: Re: Swansea City vs Aston Villa Pre-Match Thread
Post by: silhillvilla on December 22, 2014, 09:55:42 PM
I'd like to see Weimann play off benteke as a striker instead of this silly wide midfield role he keeps getting played in even though it clearly hasn't worked for 2 years.
Title: Re: Swansea City vs Aston Villa Pre-Match Thread
Post by: Deano's Mullet on December 22, 2014, 10:02:56 PM
1-1 draw.
Title: Re: Swansea City vs Aston Villa Pre-Match Thread
Post by: He wears a magic hat on December 22, 2014, 10:32:50 PM
I'm praying for a win. I'm currently on a 13 game winless streak away from home stretching back to mat lowtons winner at stoke.

This calendar year my record is p10 w0 d3 l7 f2 a14

Pretty grim surely my luck away from home has to change

Would love a 3-1 win but going for 1-1 and a continuation of my winless streak
Title: Re: Swansea City vs Aston Villa Pre-Match Thread
Post by: ciggiesnbeer on December 22, 2014, 10:55:36 PM
I'd like to see Weimann play off benteke as a striker instead of this silly wide midfield role he keeps getting played in even though it clearly hasn't worked for 2 years.

You mean have tekkers drop deeper as a false 9 kind of role with Weimann being up front?

The other day someone on here mentioned Benteke is our most creative player. He really is and can pick out a great pass. With Weimann and he generally being on a good wavelength together it may not be so crazy....
Title: Re: Swansea City vs Aston Villa Pre-Match Thread
Post by: robbo1874 on December 23, 2014, 05:27:14 AM
Can't see us beating Swansea, but it will just be by the odd goal. More importantly I don't think the loss will herald a prolonged slump- 8 pts from the following 4 games.

It's funny I still mentally view Swansea as a small club who we should be getting 6 points off a season in an ideal world. Their good spell since getting promoted just happens to coincide with a shit few seasons for us, so shouldn't be that surprising that our recent record against them posted above is that poor. I guess that's our level these days.
Title: Re: Swansea City vs Aston Villa Pre-Match Thread
Post by: ChicagoLion on December 23, 2014, 05:52:30 AM
A big shout for Jinxy a Swansea Villa Fan.
Title: Re: Swansea City vs Aston Villa Pre-Match Thread
Post by: Rigadon on December 23, 2014, 07:03:32 AM
For the first time in ages, I think we'll win.  Cue a routine home win.
Title: Re: Swansea City vs Aston Villa Pre-Match Thread
Post by: OzVilla on December 23, 2014, 08:04:52 AM
An entertaining draw - 2-2.
Title: Re: Swansea City vs Aston Villa Pre-Match Thread
Post by: Boz on December 23, 2014, 08:42:29 AM
An entertaining draw - 2-2.

It would be entertaining for Villa to score two goals in a game  ;)
Title: Re: Swansea City vs Aston Villa Pre-Match Thread
Post by: fredm on December 23, 2014, 09:01:17 AM
1-0 defeat.

Tough game this one, Swansea rested a few v Hull and still won.

This is a good gauge of how our new passing patient style will look.

Don't think Monk rested them.  He said he wasn't satisfied with the previous performance and dropped a few to let them know their place in the team wasn't guaranteed.  Seemed to work as well.
I wonder if another manager ever thinks that way?
Title: Re: Swansea City vs Aston Villa Pre-Match Thread
Post by: manic-road on December 23, 2014, 12:04:45 PM
I think it will be 1-1 Benteke
Title: Re: Swansea City vs Aston Villa Pre-Match Thread
Post by: simon ward 50 on December 23, 2014, 02:23:25 PM
Draw I think is the best we can hope for!

Happy Christmas!
Title: Re: Swansea City vs Aston Villa Pre-Match Thread
Post by: Clampy on December 23, 2014, 02:24:40 PM
I think the poll should be changed to..

Very Winnable
Very Losable
Very Drawable.
Title: Re: Swansea City vs Aston Villa Pre-Match Thread
Post by: paulcomben on December 23, 2014, 03:27:32 PM
Need to hear that Gabby's red card has been rescinded today, don't we? An away draw. Guzan-Okore, Vlaar, Clark-Hutton, Sanchez, Cleverley, Delph, Cissokho-Gabby or Andi, Benteke.
Title: Re: Swansea City vs Aston Villa Pre-Match Thread
Post by: Matt C on December 23, 2014, 04:20:57 PM
Common sense prevails on Gabby, then.
Title: Re: Swansea City vs Aston Villa Pre-Match Thread
Post by: tomd2103 on December 23, 2014, 06:34:03 PM
Need to hear that Gabby's red card has been rescinded today, don't we? An away draw. Guzan-Okore, Vlaar, Clark-Hutton, Sanchez, Cleverley, Delph, Cissokho-Gabby or Andi, Benteke.

Like the look of that team Paul.  Gabby or Weimann is a tricky choice, but I would be inclined to go with Gabby's extra pace against their backline.  2-1 win for us. 
Title: Re: Swansea City vs Aston Villa Pre-Match Thread
Post by: Legion on December 23, 2014, 06:39:04 PM
Guzan
Hutton
Vlaar
Okore
Cissokho
Clark
Delph
Sanchez
Benteke
Gabby
Weimann

Given
Bacuna
N'Zogbia
Grealish
Cleverley
Herd
Robinson
Title: Re: Swansea City vs Aston Villa Pre-Match Thread
Post by: silhillvilla on December 23, 2014, 07:28:44 PM
That team does look a lot more solid than it did 5 weeks ago.
Title: Re: Swansea City vs Aston Villa Pre-Match Thread
Post by: Brend'Watkins on December 23, 2014, 07:42:36 PM
Guzan
Hutton
Vlaar
Okore
Cissokho
Clark
Delph
Sanchez
Benteke
Gabby
Weimann

Given
Bacuna
N'Zogbia
Grealish
Cleverley
Herd
Robinson

I'd put Cleverley in for Weimann.
Title: Re: Swansea City vs Aston Villa Pre-Match Thread
Post by: Matt C on December 23, 2014, 10:02:15 PM
You look at those names, the way we played last week and our next three fixtures and have to think we're capable of getting some proper points on the board.

Time to deliver.
Title: Re: Swansea City vs Aston Villa Pre-Match Thread
Post by: Pete3206 on December 23, 2014, 10:04:12 PM
Swansea 3 Villa 1
Title: Re: Swansea City vs Aston Villa Pre-Match Thread
Post by: Villa in Denmark on December 23, 2014, 10:25:31 PM
You look at those names, the way we played last week and our next three fixtures and have to think we're capable of getting some proper points on the board.

Time to deliver.
I know exactly what you mean.

Unfortunately the experiences of the last 2 1/2 years mean that anything remotely approaching a decent points haul with these fixtures and the current run of form will be a triumph of hope over expectation. 

I don't think I've ever known us throw away so many opportunities to build up a decent head of steam, and especially not by ending a half decent run with the absolute barrel dredging of both results and performances for prolonged.periods.

Here's to hope.
Title: Re: Swansea City vs Aston Villa Pre-Match Thread
Post by: darren woolley on December 23, 2014, 10:35:46 PM
1-1 Draw for me.
Title: Re: Swansea City vs Aston Villa Pre-Match Thread
Post by: atomicjam on December 23, 2014, 10:38:01 PM
2-1 Villa win
Title: Re: Swansea City vs Aston Villa Pre-Match Thread
Post by: frankmosswasmyuncle on December 23, 2014, 10:40:19 PM
1-0 Villa...



...and a happy journey home on the club coaches!
Title: Re: Swansea City vs Aston Villa Pre-Match Thread
Post by: silhillvilla on December 23, 2014, 10:45:21 PM
We are long overdue a Boxing Day win , when did it last happen ? 90's ?
Title: Re: Swansea City vs Aston Villa Pre-Match Thread
Post by: Deano's Mullet on December 23, 2014, 10:48:02 PM
We are long overdue a Boxing Day win , when did it last happen ? 90's ?

2005 vs Everton I reckon. 4-0, Baros handball for 1st, Delaney scored 2nd, Angel and Baros in second half. Was so ill after that game waiting for a taxi in Trinity Road. Great day though.
Title: Re: Swansea City vs Aston Villa Pre-Match Thread
Post by: dave.woodhall on December 23, 2014, 10:48:13 PM
We are long overdue a Boxing Day win , when did it last happen ? 90's ?

We've won one out of 14 on Boxing Day, and lost once in twenty years on New Year's Day.
Title: Re: Swansea City vs Aston Villa Pre-Match Thread
Post by: Deano's Mullet on December 23, 2014, 10:51:01 PM
The ones I remember are Man United in 89 for obvious reasons, Spurs at home when Collymore scored two and the Everton game I mentioned earlier. I went to all three of these. 4-4 at Chelsea was memorable, I didn't find out score until about an hour later and thought it was one of best games we've had. I remember Zola scoring twice vs us in 1996, such a let down after beating Wimbledon 5-0 the game before.
Title: Re: Swansea City vs Aston Villa Pre-Match Thread
Post by: silhillvilla on December 23, 2014, 10:57:32 PM
I really don't remember many Boxing Day games , palace last year missed their goal as had left, I recall a 0-0 at derby, 1-1 home v spurs a loss 1-2 at home to pool. The 4-4 at Chelsea I only really remember Phil Thompson on sky having kittens , did we beat Liverpool in 80 ?
Title: Re: Swansea City vs Aston Villa Pre-Match Thread
Post by: Deano's Mullet on December 23, 2014, 11:00:19 PM
I remember 2-0 at Derby, Boateng and Ian Taylor scored. There was a 0-0 at Arsenal in the green muller kit, Fashanu played up front and Townsend get sent off. We've had a few Boxing Day games cancelled, I remember no game in 1993 (Man City I think it was supposed to be) and Liverpool at home in 1995-96 - both in days prior to having undersoil heating.
Title: Re: Swansea City vs Aston Villa Pre-Match Thread
Post by: silhillvilla on December 23, 2014, 11:06:56 PM
Or someone "forgot" to put the covers over the pitch
Title: Re: Swansea City vs Aston Villa Pre-Match Thread
Post by: Des Little on December 23, 2014, 11:11:37 PM
Away win.
Title: Re: Swansea City vs Aston Villa Pre-Match Thread
Post by: pauliewalnuts on December 23, 2014, 11:35:47 PM
Easily the best football christmas I can recall is 89-90

Boxing day, at home to Man United, win 3-0. Three days later, at home to Arsenal, win 2-1. If i recall correctly we went to Chelsea a few days later and won 3-0.

I remember during that Arsenal game, with them being reigning champions, we were singing "hand it over, hand it over, hand it over Arsenal". Happy days, when we could actually compete (that's not a moan at us, it is a moan at football in general).

I remember spending that entire christmas period with a fucking massive shit-eating grin on my face.
Title: Re: Swansea City vs Aston Villa Pre-Match Thread
Post by: pauliewalnuts on December 23, 2014, 11:37:19 PM
I am trying to remember, was that Man United match the one where we were singing "getting sacked in the morning" at Ferguson? I seem to remember it on the back pages the next day.

Title: Re: Swansea City vs Aston Villa Pre-Match Thread
Post by: BoskoDjembaSalifou on December 24, 2014, 12:06:50 AM
I wish this was a home game. Boxing Day is the worst without a game to go to.

Dunno about the result. We're playing reasonably well, but Swansea play some really nice stuff. Bony, Sigurdsson, and Montero have combined well whenever I've seen them.

I'd probably go for a 1-1 draw if I had to pick. Wouldn't be a bad result either providing we beat Sunderland on the 28th.
Title: Re: Swansea City vs Aston Villa Pre-Match Thread
Post by: adrenachrome on December 24, 2014, 12:36:46 AM
The first game I attended at Villa Park was the day after Boxing Day 1966 against Sunderland and we won 2-1.  Lew Chatterley (pen) and Keith Bradley got our goals after they had taken the lead.

This was the return fixture of the day before which used to happen back then, which we lost 2-1.

Swansea's style of play means that we will have some chances if we are patient and disciplined.
Title: Re: Swansea City vs Aston Villa Pre-Match Thread
Post by: Sexual Ealing on December 24, 2014, 01:03:32 AM
I like Swansea. I remember reading old annuals as a kid and seeing that they'd recently been in the top-flight and not being able to really conceive of how that was possible. Same goes for Brighton.

Equally, I struggle to comprehend that Luton or Watford would look out of place in the fixture calendar.

Not really sure what point I'm making. We'll draw.

We're Aston Villa. We'll draw if we want.
Title: Re: Swansea City vs Aston Villa Pre-Match Thread
Post by: Tom_Mc9? on December 24, 2014, 01:14:09 AM
We'll win 3-0.
Title: Re: Swansea City vs Aston Villa Pre-Match Thread
Post by: VancouverLion on December 24, 2014, 03:36:06 AM
2-1 win, on to the next one!

UTV
Title: Re: Swansea City vs Aston Villa Pre-Match Thread
Post by: Goldie.7 on December 24, 2014, 03:38:54 AM
I'd like to see Bacuna and NZogbia both start plus retain all three defenders but it'll be the usual predictable line-up of,

Guzan
Hutton
Okore
Clark or Vlaar
Cissokho
Delph
Cleverley
Sánchez
Weimann
Agbonlahor
Benteke

0-0
Title: Re: Swansea City vs Aston Villa Pre-Match Thread
Post by: silhillvilla on December 24, 2014, 04:56:27 AM
Win or lose - on the booze, if you draw drink some more.
We go again.
Title: Re: Swansea City vs Aston Villa Pre-Match Thread
Post by: pooligan on December 24, 2014, 05:55:07 AM
I think our manager will have his usual approach and go there not to lose. I think we will draw 1-1
Title: Re: Swansea City vs Aston Villa Pre-Match Thread
Post by: tomd2103 on December 24, 2014, 10:45:14 AM

Equally, I struggle to comprehend that Luton or Watford would look out of place in the fixture calendar.


Ah Luton Town with their plastic pitch and pitchside executive boxes along the one touchline.  Remember Tony Daley scoring a great goal against them at Villa Park, where he beat 4 or five or their players in front of the Witton Lane before slotting the ball under the keeper.  Also seem to recall him scoring a goal at Kenilworth Road where someone in the crowd blew a whistle and all their players stopped or am I imagining that? 
Title: Re: Swansea City vs Aston Villa Pre-Match Thread
Post by: WestleyArmsAV on December 24, 2014, 10:55:54 AM
I think our manager will have his usual approach and go there not to lose. I think we will draw 1-1

How dare a manager go to an inform side away from home and play not to lose a football match. 
Title: Re: Swansea City vs Aston Villa Pre-Match Thread
Post by: paulcomben on December 24, 2014, 11:39:58 AM
Swansea have just the kind of defence that Benteke could really bully and prove that the Beast is Back. And Sunderland's, too, with three quarters of them on zimmer frames.
Title: Re: Swansea City vs Aston Villa Pre-Match Thread
Post by: rob_bridge on December 24, 2014, 11:43:24 AM
1.1

Morley for us and Allan Curtis for them
Title: Re: Swansea City vs Aston Villa Pre-Match Thread
Post by: pooligan on December 24, 2014, 12:33:02 PM
Would be nice westley if for once he was brave and tried to win !
Title: Re: Swansea City vs Aston Villa Pre-Match Thread
Post by: PeterWithesShin on December 24, 2014, 01:23:51 PM
I think our manager will have his usual approach and go there not to lose. I think we will draw 1-1

How dare a manager go to an inform side away from home and play not to lose a football match. 

They've won 3 of the last 8 and we have more points in the last 6 than them. What is "inform" about that?
Title: Re: Swansea City vs Aston Villa Pre-Match Thread
Post by: Toronto Villa on December 24, 2014, 01:58:19 PM
I am trying to remember, was that Man United match the one where we were singing "getting sacked in the morning" at Ferguson? I seem to remember it on the back pages the next day.



It was the game where the Holte was signing to Ferguson "thank you very much for Paul McGrath" to the tune of the Cadbury's Roses commercial.
Title: Re: Swansea City vs Aston Villa Pre-Match Thread
Post by: supertom on December 24, 2014, 02:03:23 PM
I will be very disappointed if we don't come out the blocks and attack in this game. I'd like to see an end to spending 70-80 minutes of parking the bus.
There were positives to take out of the Utd. We managed to look threatening. They're a damn sight better than Swansea.
I'd like to see a bit of adventure in the next 5 games. All matches we're more than capable of picking up 1-3 points in per game. There's no one who should envoke that much fear that we camp out in our own penalty area.
Title: Re: Swansea City vs Aston Villa Pre-Match Thread
Post by: PeterWithesShin on December 24, 2014, 02:42:12 PM
Quote
Paul Lambert says there's a "good feeling" at Villa as they get set to face Swansea on Boxing Day.

Villa produced a superb performance to draw 1-1 with Louis van Gaal's expensively-assembled Man Utd on Saturday.

In total, Villa have now only lost once in seven matches and Lambert is pleased with both the current form book - and his team's performances over that period.

He hopes to see a continuation of both factors over this busy period, starting at the Liberty Stadium on Friday.

While festive revellers eye plenty of pints, Lambert is aiming for a glut of points to make it a very Merry Christmas for the claret and blues.

Asked what was on his festive wish list, he said: "Points! I think every manager would say the same.

"It's about getting as many points as you can. We have a lot of games coming up.

"There are so many matches coming up in this next little period. We will go and try and pick up as many points as we can.

"Then you have the FA Cup too on the horizon.

"We are sitting pretty decent in the league at the minute. And I think the way we're playing football at the minute is really pleasing.

"We look a good side. We have been beaten once in seven games, which is pretty decent.

"To play like we did against Man Utd with 10 men for that long spell was very good.

"But there were a few pleasing aspects in it. We changed system due to injury and suspension. We worked on it on the Monday and the lads grasped it pretty good. I thought we did ever so well on Saturday.

"Then we went down to 10 men. That made it hard against a really top side.

"But we could have won it at the death. I thought we played really well.

"We are in really good form. I am delighted with the way we are playing.

"The confidence is there. We are looking good at the minute. If we can get one or two back from injury too, that's important as well.

"We just need those lads out of the treatment room and on to that pitch.

"Next up is Swansea and it will be a tough game. They are a good side, especially down at their place.

"It's a game I am looking forward to because it's always a good atmosphere there and a good pitch to play football.

"We go down there with a lot of confidence. But we also know it's a difficult game.

"Garry Monk has done great there. I am sure he would agree that the foundations had been laid there before he went in.

"But you still have to go in there and manage players and cope with everything that gets thrown at you. He's done really well."

While many people look forward to the New Year during the festive period, Lambert allowed himself a spell of reflection as he gave his views on Vila's first half of the season.

He added: "It's been pretty good. It took us to about mid-January to pick up 20 points last season. So we have got there a lot quicker this time.

"And we have had a lot of key players out.

"We also have had that group of games where we had five out of the top six in a row, which was really tough to come through. It's hard when you play those back to back.

"But if we keep doing what we're doing and keep making progress then we will be fine."
Title: Re: Swansea City vs Aston Villa Pre-Match Thread
Post by: Pete3206 on December 24, 2014, 04:06:05 PM
Quote
we will be fine

The new 'Prepared'?
Title: Re: Swansea City vs Aston Villa Pre-Match Thread
Post by: LTA on December 24, 2014, 05:58:52 PM
Quote
Paul Lambert says there's a "good feeling" at Villa as they get set to face Swansea on Boxing Day.

Villa produced a superb performance to draw 1-1 with Louis van Gaal's expensively-assembled Man Utd on Saturday.

In total, Villa have now only lost once in seven matches and Lambert is pleased with both the current form book - and his team's performances over that period.

He hopes to see a continuation of both factors over this busy period, starting at the Liberty Stadium on Friday.

While festive revellers eye plenty of pints, Lambert is aiming for a glut of points to make it a very Merry Christmas for the claret and blues.

Asked what was on his festive wish list, he said: "Points! I think every manager would say the same.

"It's about getting as many points as you can. We have a lot of games coming up.

"There are so many matches coming up in this next little period. We will go and try and pick up as many points as we can.

"Then you have the FA Cup too on the horizon.

"We are sitting pretty decent in the league at the minute. And I think the way we're playing football at the minute is really pleasing.

"We look a good side. We have been beaten once in seven games, which is pretty decent.

"To play like we did against Man Utd with 10 men for that long spell was very good.

"But there were a few pleasing aspects in it. We changed system due to injury and suspension. We worked on it on the Monday and the lads grasped it pretty good. I thought we did ever so well on Saturday.

"Then we went down to 10 men. That made it hard against a really top side.

"But we could have won it at the death. I thought we played really well.

"We are in really good form. I am delighted with the way we are playing.

"The confidence is there. We are looking good at the minute. If we can get one or two back from injury too, that's important as well.

"We just need those lads out of the treatment room and on to that pitch.

"Next up is Swansea and it will be a tough game. They are a good side, especially down at their place.

"It's a game I am looking forward to because it's always a good atmosphere there and a good pitch to play football.

"We go down there with a lot of confidence. But we also know it's a difficult game.

"Garry Monk has done great there. I am sure he would agree that the foundations had been laid there before he went in.

"But you still have to go in there and manage players and cope with everything that gets thrown at you. He's done really well."

While many people look forward to the New Year during the festive period, Lambert allowed himself a spell of reflection as he gave his views on Vila's first half of the season.

He added: "It's been pretty good. It took us to about mid-January to pick up 20 points last season. So we have got there a lot quicker this time.

"And we have had a lot of key players out.

"We also have had that group of games where we had five out of the top six in a row, which was really tough to come through. It's hard when you play those back to back.

"But if we keep doing what we're doing and keep making progress then we will be fine."

Presumably his comments about the FA Cup suggest we might take it seriously this time, rather than viewing it as a nuisance.
Title: Re: Swansea City vs Aston Villa Pre-Match Thread
Post by: Toronto Villa on December 24, 2014, 06:16:45 PM
Correct LTA, maybe this time he'll pick a full strength side for the 3rd RD, just like those other managers who always pick a full strength side.
Title: Re: Swansea City vs Aston Villa Pre-Match Thread
Post by: silhillvilla on December 24, 2014, 07:14:18 PM
We played a fairly strong side v Sheff Utd last season.
Title: Re: Swansea City vs Aston Villa Pre-Match Thread
Post by: dcdavecollett on December 24, 2014, 08:31:11 PM
This idea that Lambert played a weak team against the Blades last season is plain wrong. he had to leave some players out through injury -and that's all.
Title: Re: Swansea City vs Aston Villa Pre-Match Thread
Post by: LTA on December 24, 2014, 09:28:26 PM
Yes he did play a strong side against Sheffield United......they were just clearly demotivated by his remarks the day before.
Title: Re: Swansea City vs Aston Villa Pre-Match Thread
Post by: Toronto Villa on December 24, 2014, 09:33:58 PM
Yes he did play a strong side against Sheffield United......they were just clearly demotivated by his remarks the day before.

No they weren't. They played poorly and lost. It had absolutely nothing at all to do with his comments. Every manager does it and he got taken to task over speaking about it. I didn't see the same level of drama anywhere else when other clubs did the same thing. It was complete and utter nonsense and blown way, way out of proportion. We played badly, coached badly and lost against a side that in the end went really far in the competition.
Title: Re: Swansea City vs Aston Villa Pre-Match Thread
Post by: adrenachrome on December 24, 2014, 11:18:08 PM
Yes he did play a strong side against Sheffield United......they were just clearly demotivated by his remarks the day before.

No they weren't. They played poorly and lost. It had absolutely nothing at all to do with his comments. Every manager does it and he got taken to task over speaking about it. I didn't see the same level of drama anywhere else when other clubs did the same thing. It was complete and utter nonsense and blown way, way out of proportion. We played badly, coached badly and lost against a side that in the end went really far in the competition.

It was probably nothing to do directly with his comments, but it appeared to me that we were trying out a completely different way of playing. Specifically,  Westwood was launching raking passes to the wings from deep.

Cynics would say we were using it as a practice game. Others would say adapting to the opposition. Yet others would say if you can't experiment in a game like this, whenever can you. Some were watching on blurry, buffering internet streams and would have been better getting text updates from Redsox's outside broadcast unit. 

The point is, once the comments were made, quite a few (not me, by the way) will not believe his commitment to the competition ever again.

 
Title: Re: Swansea City vs Aston Villa Pre-Match Thread
Post by: Damo70 on December 25, 2014, 02:25:45 AM
I have gone for the draw.  I haven't actually checked this out but I was under the impression Swansea draw quite a few at home.
Title: Re: Swansea City vs Aston Villa Pre-Match Thread
Post by: ciggiesnbeer on December 25, 2014, 08:13:05 AM
He usually puts out a strong side for the cups. I wish he wouldn't. He should play the kids and rest the first team players for the more important league games.
Title: Re: Swansea City vs Aston Villa Pre-Match Thread
Post by: silhillvilla on December 25, 2014, 08:16:57 AM
I have gone for the draw.  I haven't actually checked this out but I was under the impression Swansea draw quite a few at home.
2 home draws so far , palace (1-1), Newcastle (2-2).
Title: Re: Swansea City vs Aston Villa Pre-Match Thread
Post by: ciggiesnbeer on December 25, 2014, 08:19:07 AM
Doesn't Lambert have a really good record against Swansea? Or was it just Rodgers Swansea?
Title: Re: Swansea City vs Aston Villa Pre-Match Thread
Post by: silhillvilla on December 25, 2014, 08:21:12 AM
Doesn't Lambert have a really good record against Swansea? Or was it just Rodgers Swansea?
Think we've only beaten them once under lambert - the beasts debut 2-0 (Lowton cracked the other home).
Title: Re: Swansea City vs Aston Villa Pre-Match Thread
Post by: ciggiesnbeer on December 25, 2014, 08:24:26 AM
Doesn't Lambert have a really good record against Swansea? Or was it just Rodgers Swansea?
Think we've only beaten them once under lambert - the beasts debut 2-0 (Lowton cracked the other home).

Oh aye. Hmm, fun game that :) Tekkers looked super nervous as he scored if I remember right :)
Title: Re: Swansea City vs Aston Villa Pre-Match Thread
Post by: UK Redsox on December 25, 2014, 08:30:35 AM
Quote
we will be fine

The new 'Prepared'?

s'aight
Title: Re: Swansea City vs Aston Villa Pre-Match Thread
Post by: Richard E on December 25, 2014, 11:18:06 AM
FIFA 15 predicts a 2-0 away win. N'zogbia 15 and 71.
Title: Re: Swansea City vs Aston Villa Pre-Match Thread
Post by: l_mckay on December 25, 2014, 12:21:28 PM
2-1 defeat I think. Benteke for us
Title: Re: Swansea City vs Aston Villa Pre-Match Thread
Post by: N'ZMAV on December 25, 2014, 05:36:41 PM
1-1. Bony and not so Bony (Gabby) to score.
Title: Re: Swansea City vs Aston Villa Pre-Match Thread
Post by: adrenachrome on December 25, 2014, 06:44:06 PM
Birmingham Mail (http://www.birminghammail.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/aston-villa-team-news-hutton-8340339)

Quote
Aston Villa team news: Hutton and Cleverley both back from suspension

Paul Lambert has a tough call to make in the middle of the park

Dec 25, 2014 10:30 By Gregg Evans


Villa will welcome back Alan Hutton and Tom Cleverley for tomorrow's trip to Swansea.

Both players were suspended for the 1-1 draw with Manchester United after picking up five bookings but will go straight back into the team today.

Hutton will replace Matt Lowton at right-back and Cleverley is expected to take the place of either Ron Vlaar, Jores Okore or Ciaran Clark as boss Paul Lambert considers switching back to a flat back four.

If the manager decides to stick with the three centre halves that performed so well against United last weekend the man most likely to drop to the bench would be Andreas Weimann who played in a midfield role last time out.

An unlikely option would be to rest Carlos Sanchez to help avoid burn-out although it’s thought that Lambert is keen to see how the Colombian performs alongside Cleverley and Fabian Delph in a matchday situation.

The South Wales clash is likely to come too soon for Joe Cole who has only just returned to training after pulling a hamstring in the win over Crystal Palace earlier this month.

“Joe is doing alright, he’s doing well,” said Lambert.

“We’ll see how he’s feeling and hopefully he’ll be not too far off it. He was playing really well before he got the injury.”

Ashley Westwood, Libor Kozak and Nathan Baker are all out with longer-term injuries.
Title: Re: Swansea City vs Aston Villa Pre-Match Thread
Post by: peter w on December 25, 2014, 06:53:17 PM
i like this. it's mostly the reason that I go into tomorrow's game with a tiny bit of hope. We have gota  half decent defence at the moment which gives us the chance to win games.

http://www.football365.com/f365-features/9618998/The-PL-s-Most-Improved-Defences
Title: Re: Swansea City vs Aston Villa Pre-Match Thread
Post by: olaftab on December 25, 2014, 07:10:38 PM
Quote
we will be fine

The new 'Prepared'?
s'aight
"wewi llb efine" almost sounds Latin so a befitting motto!
Title: Re: Swansea City vs Aston Villa Pre-Match Thread
Post by: olaftab on December 25, 2014, 07:15:42 PM
FIFA 15 predicts a 2-0 away win. N'zogbia 15 and 71.
I believe the first but doubt the second prediction.
Title: Re: Swansea City vs Aston Villa Pre-Match Thread
Post by: Risso on December 25, 2014, 09:07:57 PM
Quote
we will be fine

The new 'Prepared'?
s'aight
"wewi llb efine" almost sounds Latin so a befitting motto!


"Weg o ag ain"
Title: Re: Swansea City vs Aston Villa Pre-Match Thread
Post by: Toronto Villa on December 26, 2014, 12:31:43 AM
i like this. it's mostly the reason that I go into tomorrow's game with a tiny bit of hope. We have gota  half decent defence at the moment which gives us the chance to win games.

http://www.football365.com/f365-features/9618998/The-PL-s-Most-Improved-Defences

when you consider the current CB partnership is I believe the 4th or 5th combination this season you can see that despite the really bad run we endured some things were coming together. Look at this season compared to calamity of a couple of years ago where pretty much every attack/set piece led to the inevitable we can say that really isn't the case anymore. Our defensive frailty this year has been less about errors but more about the tactics of the manager in trying to soak up pressure for extended periods of time until the doors just cave in. If we commit now to keeping the ball more, the defence gets a breather and is able to regroup. Those stats should continue to improve.
Title: Re: Swansea City vs Aston Villa Pre-Match Thread
Post by: silhillvilla on December 26, 2014, 08:37:56 AM
More or less 50% of the goals we've conceded have come in the last 20 mins of games. I wonder if this is a fatigue / concentration thing ?
Title: Re: Swansea City vs Aston Villa Pre-Match Thread
Post by: Lizz on December 26, 2014, 09:16:42 AM
0-3 away win. I actually dreamt this last night, can't remember the last time I dreamt about Villa.
Title: Re: Swansea City vs Aston Villa Pre-Match Thread
Post by: Damo70 on December 26, 2014, 09:32:55 AM
More or less 50% of the goals we've conceded have come in the last 20 mins of games. I wonder if this is a fatigue / concentration thing ?

This seems to be a common theme in the Lambert years.
Title: Re: Swansea City vs Aston Villa Pre-Match Thread
Post by: olaftab on December 26, 2014, 09:46:43 AM
This was also a common theme in the O'Neill era. We were known as a team that will get tired post 70 especially against top opposition.
Title: Re: Swansea City vs Aston Villa Pre-Match Thread
Post by: silhillvilla on December 26, 2014, 10:10:07 AM
Add to this, we are the only team in the PL not to score yet beyond 76 minute. From what I can see we tire and drop deeper and deeper and give up almost entirely any sort of offensive play.
In short we put pressure on ourselves which invariably leads to a goal against.
Title: Re: Swansea City vs Aston Villa Pre-Match Thread
Post by: clash city rocker on December 26, 2014, 10:19:31 AM
2-2...down here already as stopped at relations..raining
Title: Re: Swansea City vs Aston Villa Pre-Match Thread
Post by: Percy McCarthy on December 26, 2014, 12:01:15 PM
This was also a common theme in the O'Neill era. We were known as a team that will get tired post 70 especially against top opposition.

I thought we were good at holding on to leads back then. I remember the one season when the Infamous Stoke game in March was the first time we had failed to hold onto a winning position all season, and we ended up with the best record in the league for winning games in which we had taken the lead.

Still didn't stop lots of people on the way out saying it had happened 'time and again' and 'we never learn'.
Title: Re: Swansea City vs Aston Villa Pre-Match Thread
Post by: DrGonzo on December 26, 2014, 12:23:13 PM
If Vlaar can keep Bony quiet and the full backs can control the lines we should e good for 3 points today, I'll happily take the draw away from home.  Woken up feeling remarkably healthy which must be a good omen, or maybe just why I feel optimistic.
Title: Re: Swansea City vs Aston Villa Pre-Match Thread
Post by: Ian. on December 26, 2014, 01:12:38 PM
More or less 50% of the goals we've conceded have come in the last 20 mins of games. I wonder if this is a fatigue / concentration thing ?

This seems to be a common theme in the Lambert years.
We've been like this for years, during MON's time too.
Title: Re: Swansea City vs Aston Villa Pre-Match Thread
Post by: Ian. on December 26, 2014, 01:14:09 PM
I reckon now with a very decent spine of Guzan, The Centre backs, Delph and Benteke we're going to win this and this will be our most comfortable result of the season.
Title: Re: Swansea City vs Aston Villa Pre-Match Thread
Post by: Ian. on December 26, 2014, 01:16:26 PM
This was also a common theme in the O'Neill era. We were known as a team that will get tired post 70 especially against top opposition.

I thought we were good at holding on to leads back then. I remember the one season when the Infamous Stoke game in March was the first time we had failed to hold onto a winning position all season, and we ended up with the best record in the league for winning games in which we had taken the lead.
Interesting because I like others thought otherwise? My memory is reaching that 40 year mark so I could very well be wrong!
Title: Re: Swansea City vs Aston Villa Pre-Match Thread
Post by: Archbishop Herbert Cockthrottle on December 26, 2014, 02:18:28 PM
I reckon now with a very decent spine of Guzan, The Centre backs, Delph and Benteke we're going to win this and this will be our most comfortable result of the season.


Correct.
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