Heroes & Villains, the Aston Villa fanzine
Heroes & Villains => Match Threads & Player Ratings => Topic started by: usav on March 12, 2015, 06:14:54 PM
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Can't believe we don't have one yet. Is everyone still drunk from last weekend, or have you all been arrested for going on the pitch?
1-2 to Villa. Gabby and Cleverly.
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Good luck! Needs a poll...
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0-2 away win.
Benteke 16
Delph 33
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The league doesn't matter much now does it ?
We are all but mathematically safe yes ?
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1-3 away win Gabby, Sinclair and Tekkers
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It's critical that we keep the good form going. We really need a positive result, which I think if we are able to have a fast start and get the first goal, then we have every chance of winning.
Am I right in thinking that Sunderland sit two quite deep and play narrow, so it would be good to see us press onto them and use our width to exploit them. They're low scorers themselves and on a bit of a downward spiral, so there is nothing to stop us getting a win.
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Any injury news as physio room claims everyone is back Saturday apart from long termers Herd and Kozak ?
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Massive game this,hope to keep the unbeaten run going. Think we'll nick it 1-0
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We could and should get a result from this one. 1-2 to us possibly. I have a feeling Benteke will still be out so Agbonlahor better not go back to his slumbers just yet. Bacuna and Clark to score.
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Any injury news as physio room claims everyone is back Saturday apart from long termers Herd and Kozak ?
Sherwood says no. No defenders back from recovery, potentially vlaar but still touch n go.
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Any injury news as physio room claims everyone is back Saturday apart from long termers Herd and Kozak ?
Would be good to have a few more options to choose from, particularly defensively.
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Time to forget the cup now. Great we're heading for Wembley, but we're still very much in the mix. I do fancy us to get something on Saturday against a team who look to be imploding.
2 0 Villa
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I am still suffering from the Lambert induced mindset that we can only put in one decent performance every three months or so. A draw at least would be fab.
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Time to forget the cup now. Great we're heading for Wembley, but we're still very much in the mix.
2 0 Villa
That's it for me as well. It's been a great few days but we've got to keep the good run going.
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The league doesn't matter much now does it ?
We are all but mathematically safe yes ?
The 'all but' hides a multitude of possibilities, ALITA!
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2-1 Villa win.
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Good luck! Needs a poll...
Done.
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We should play the stiffs now we're safe.
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We need to keep the run and the confidence going and we should be able to take advantage of their poor run of form and behind-the-scenes stuff.
An early goal would get them and their fans even more anxious which should work in our favour.
I think we'll win if we can put two decent halves together.
UTV!
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I'd take 4 points from our next to games.
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Is Benteke fit ?
Is hutton suspended ?
Think this will be 1-1
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All depends how much more confidence the players have gained from the last couple of games. As long as we don't have an early setback I think we should get something from the game.
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Is Benteke fit ?
Is hutton suspended ?
Think this will be 1-1
According to Sherwood, Benteke is "feeling it" and will be given as much time as possible to be ready for Saturday
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Is Benteke fit ?
Is hutton suspended ?
Think this will be 1-1
No news on Benteke yet, Hutton is suspended.
Cissokho, Senderos, Baker and Richardson are all likely to still be out, Kozak definitely out (but back in full training and looking fit) and Vlaar is borderline.
That's what I was told today at least, not sure where they got it from but the guy who told me was very sure of himself.
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0-0
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I'm confident about this one, first trip to the SoL and rather excited.
Think we are in good form, Sunderland aren't and it looks like there is a lot of problems at the club. With Aprils fixtures not looking kind we need to pick up a minimum of 4 points in our next 2 games which I think we are more than capable of. Gabby has scored both goals in our last 2 visits there and I think that will continue.
Sunderland 1 2 Villa
Larsson 92 Gabby 34
Gil 63
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Travelling upto Newcastle tomorrow for work, then overnight there few jars then down to Mackem land. First visit to SoL for me.
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Us to win 0-2.
But when was the last time we won 3 games on the trot?
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Us to win 0-2.
But when was the last time we won 3 games on the trot?
Not since January 2011 !!!!
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Us to win 0-2.
But when was the last time we won 3 games on the trot?
2011. Under MON I think
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Must win. No points likely in April, given the fixtures. Risk of complacency caused by the FA Cup distraction.
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They are down in the dumps, we are very confident. We will attack and attack. We will score. I expect us to add their misery so 2-0 for me. Gabby and Sinclair.
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Benteke's hip injury is worrying. One of those that can go on and on unexplained.
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My first trip to SoL.
I fancy us marking it with a 2-0 win
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My fear is a "cup hangover".
Hopefully we will have enough momentum / positivity to get a result even if we only turn up for our customary 45 minutes .
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My fear is a "cup hangover".
That might have been the case if we'd played a game in the week maybe, but they've had a week to get themselves focused for this one so hopefully Wembley is at the back of their minds.
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Kiss of death but I fancy us to win this as we usually win at Sunderland whatever our form and Gabby usually gets a goal too at SOL.
1-3.
If we can get a win then I'd fancy us to go ahead and be safe before even the final day which would be incredible given what the situation was a few weeks back.
It's vital I think we get 4 points from the next two games given what April looks like now.
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So 0/46 have gone for a Sunderland win !
You know what comes next ...
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So 0/46 have gone for a Sunderland win !
You know what comes next ...
*nods*
I found myself thinking this evening that, after all the good stuff that happened last week, we should be absolutely up for this one.
Then I thought about all the times over the last three years or so we've been in that situation (usually a win at Anfield or similar) and what has invariably happened.
If Lambert were still here and had produced those results last week, you'd be well advised to put money on a five game no-wins run about now.
I hope those days have gone.
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sorry for the cynicism but it's deeply engrained. Hoping sherwood can help fix this a little.
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1-1 draw will suit both
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0 1
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3-1 to us, we have decent attacking options, but worried defensively so no clean sheet. Might have a couple of quid on N'Zog first goal
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So 0/46 have gone for a Sunderland win !
You know what comes next ...
Exactly right, let's hope Sherwood can shake them up a bit and get a performance. No time to be complacent. I don't think he will allow this anyway. Apparently his talk at Half Time in midweek was inspirational (sounds like Lambert eh!!!).
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Sunderland have been on a dire run of late, and we look like we finally have some momentum.
2-0 to Sunderland.
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2 - 0 to the Vila
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I've gone for fa cup hangover draw. I'll be happy to not lose this.
We'll batter them 1-1.
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0-0 or 1-1
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One thing I don't doubt under TS (well for now at least) is that he'll have the players up for every game the moment they step out onto the pitch...whatever happens after that is anyones guess, but if they aren't following the game plan or not putting in the effort then these issues will be addressed one way or another at half time (you could never say that about the same team under TSM2).
Sunderland are shite so a couple of early goals will do...
1-3 Villa
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Just realised I've now gone past 1000 posts (14 years in the making).
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3-0 away win.
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1-2 for me.
We need to take 4 points from these next two and a draw would be a decent result with a view to beating Swansea but given that we will play attacking football and actually try to win the game (for 45 minutes at least) I reckon we can get a win tomorrow.
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It is a great time to be playing Sunderland not just because of our recent upward turn but because of their form and turmoil. If we can win this one then it could go a long way to keeping us up and putting them really at threat.
1-2 to the Villa. Benteke and Sinclair.
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It is a great time to be playing Sunderland not just because of our recent upward turn but because of their form and turmoil. If we can win this one then it could go a long way to keeping us up and putting them really at threat.
I want the three points first and foremost. I don't really want to see Sunderland go down (there are other teams worthy) but I know what you mean, the more teams below us the better.
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Villa never backup good displays with more good displays. I predict a baffling defeat, followed by an equally baffling win over Swansea.
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Just realised I've now gone past 1000 posts (14 years in the making).
If I don't get to 1000 posts before the semi final, we will lose.
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Just realised I've now gone past 1000 posts (14 years in the making).
If I don't get to 1000 posts before the semi final, we will lose.
I'm only averaging 0.441 posts per day
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Just realised I've now gone past 1000 posts (14 years in the making).
If I don't get to 1000 posts before the semi final, we will lose.
I'm only averaging 0.441 posts per day
Got to pull my finger out
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I'm a bit concerned that the last time everyone was this confident of a win was Stoke at home in Sherwood's first game.
However these are there for the taking, especially with Cattermole and Johnson both out (their two best players?).
2-1 Villa
Defoe 16
Gabby 33
Benteke 66
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3-0 away win.
When did we last win 3-0 away ?
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Just realised I've now gone past 1000 posts (14 years in the making).
If I don't get to 1000 posts before the semi final, we will lose.
I'm only averaging 0.441 posts per day
Got to pull my finger out
18 to go.
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I don't know - 5-0 Villa? Gabby and Cleverley with one each, Gil hattrick having come on in the 89th minute.
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I've got 2 schools of thought on this game:
1) the last week has been so hyped that we've lost sight of the fact that we're still in a huge relegation fight. This game is absolutely massive & a huge reality check will follow if we lose & can't replicate the level of performance against he Baggies.
Or.....
2) we've got the break we needed, confidence has soured, we have a great record against Sunderland & standards have been raised so the players now have to perform if they want to be in the team that plays at Wembley
Option #1 feels like Lambert's Villa, Option #2 feels like Sherwood's Villa
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That little shite Defoe worries me,always seems to score against us. I am going for a 1-1 draw
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Desperately need some points from the next 2 games. With the QPR game being moved April is now horrible league-wise - Yanited, Spuds and Citeh all away. Fail to get points from Sunderland and Swansea and we could be right back in it. Sherwood has got us playing better and - shock horror - scoring goals. Hope Benteke is fit. Tight game - 2-1 to us
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Stripey Bastards - 0 Tim Nice & his Claret & Blue Army - 2
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If we dish out one tonking this season I think this might be the game. Winning this will be massive for us. Poyet looks like a dead man walking right now and though Defoe is a danger, he's also past his best.
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Villa never backup good displays with more good displays.............
Hopefully, that was the 'old' Villa.
Let's hope the new Villa takes heart and confidence from our last 2 games.
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When was the last time we won three on the bounce? I don't recall Lambert managing it. McLeish certainly didn't. Houllier probably didn't. We must be talking O Neill era.
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When was the last time we won three on the bounce? I don't recall Lambert managing it. McLeish certainly didn't. Houllier probably didn't. We must be talking O Neill era.
It's a huge ask isn't it, when you look at it like that
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Sunderland 1.3 Villa
Gabbiadinni
Platt x 2. Daley
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When was the last time we won three on the bounce? I don't recall Lambert managing it. McLeish certainly didn't. Houllier probably didn't. We must be talking O Neill era.
Man City, Wigan, Blackburn (FA cup) - Jan 2011 just after signing Bent under Houllier.
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In my head this week I have been trying not to draw a horrible parralel with the setting for our 6-1 win over them. They had just taken on Di Canio at the time, and were a poor side but riding the crest of a wave of optmism having won a couple of games, notably against newcastle in their scottish derby. And we brought them crashing back down to earth. Praying that we don't see a reverse of this. I hope that just by putting it out there, I have 'jinxed' it, and it will now not come true!
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In my head this week I have been trying not to draw a horrible parralel with the setting for our 6-1 win over them. They had just taken on Di Canio at the time, and were a poor side but riding the crest of a wave of optmism having won a couple of games, notably against newcastle in their scottish derby. And we brought them crashing back down to earth. Praying that we don't see a reverse of this. I hope that just by putting it out there, I have 'jinxed' it, and it will now not come true!
Superb jinxing, job done, it's science
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In my head this week I have been trying not to draw a horrible parralel with the setting for our 6-1 win over them. They had just taken on Di Canio at the time, and were a poor side but riding the crest of a wave of optmism having won a couple of games, notably against newcastle in their scottish derby. And we brought them crashing back down to earth. Praying that we don't see a reverse of this. I hope that just by putting it out there, I have 'jinxed' it, and it will now not come true!
Superb jinxing, job done, it's science
As long as Sherwood doesn't take the same attitude as DiCanio did before that match and come out with "Its only Sunderland" I think we will be OK!
This is a critical game in our season, even more so than the WBA league game last week. Fortunately, Sherwood can tell the players they are competing for a place in his Wembley line-up. Perform over the next few weeks, play at Wembley. Not much more motivation needed really.
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Sunderland 1.3 Villa
Gabbiadinni
Platt x 2. Daley
Was that the Dr Jo season? I was there but I thought Cascarino scored. I know they gave him loads of stick because he had relegated them in a play off game when he was at Gillingham in the old days when third from bottom in the old second division played third from top in the third.
As for tomorrow it has a goaless draw written all over it. So I will go 2-2.
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I think I'd be tempted to bring Vlaar in for this (if he's fit) and move Okore to right-back. The team that played against WBA in the FA Cup was worryingly short and vulnerable at set-pieces. Admittedly we got away with it, but both Lescott and Dawson missed good headed chances. I wouldn't want to play too many games with only Clark offering any real height.
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Could really do with a positive result here to keep our momentum going and also drag Sunderland into it.
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There are three truly encouraging pictures on the OS from this weeks training gallery:
1) Libor Kozak looking healthy
2) Stan Petrov at work at the club
3) Benteke looking like he could be in contention
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2-1 win.
Let's do this.
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3-0 win. Delph 2, Sinclair the other.
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I think I'd be tempted to bring Vlaar in for this (if he's fit) and move Okore to right-back. The team that played against WBA in the FA Cup was worryingly short and vulnerable at set-pieces. Admittedly we got away with it, but both Lescott and Dawson missed good headed chances. I wouldn't want to pay too many games with only Clark offering any really height.
Away from home that is not a bad shout, and Bacuna was pretty awful on the ball anyway the other night.
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6-5 villa win.
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When was the last time we won three on the bounce? I don't recall Lambert managing it. McLeish certainly didn't. Houllier probably didn't. We must be talking O Neill era.
Man City, Wigan, Blackburn (FA cup) - Jan 2011 just after signing Bent under Houllier.
Ah yes. Pires' best game if I recall.
I do fancy us to make this three on the bounce. We're in high spirits, with attacking players on form. Their defence looks ropey right now, and Defoe aside, don't have many goals in them.
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After the Lord Mayor's wotsit and all that. Damp squib of a 1-1, we fail to take advantage of the natives restlessness and we're left under pressure to finish March well before a really tough April.
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If we score the first goal early I could see this turn into a rout...at least 3-0 to the Villa.
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Us to win 0-2.
But when was the last time we won 3 games on the trot?
Not since January 2011 !!!!
That is appalling.
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Us to win 0-2.
But when was the last time we won 3 games on the trot?
Not since January 2011 !!!!
That is appalling.
Though not that surprising.
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Tomorrow could be a very good day indeed. We're in good form, playing a side where 3 points doesn't seem like an insurmountable task. I don't often go into a Villa game fancying a win these days, but tomorrow will be one of those rare occasions.
To top things off it's also Steak and Blowjob day.
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One thing is for sure, we will go there trying to score goals and win the game. Under McLeish or Lambert we'd be going into the game knowing exactly how we would have set up, on the back foot for 90 minutes from the very first kick, praying to come away without a defeat which invariably was confirmed by the end of the first half. It won't be like that tomorrow, and we will all be hoping that we take the chances we create.
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After a fine week this is the barometer of where we are on the recovery scale, especially as has typically been the sort of game, against a struggling side, that we gift them a route to recovery.
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I haven't missed a Villa game (on tv) in a long time (thanks NBC !), but the last few years have also harbored a feeling of trepidation going into the match. Since TS has arrived the level of excitement has increased to the point where after last week I am actually looking forward to watching tomorrow - somewhat akin to a child on Christmas Eve :) Let's hope the presents aren't all crap !!
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I haven't missed a Villa game (on tv) in a long time (thanks NBC !), but the last few years have also harbored a feeling of trepidation going into the match. Since TS has arrived the level of excitement has increased to the point where after last week I am actually looking forward to watching tomorrow - somewhat akin to a child on Christmas Eve :) Let's hope the presents aren't all crap !!
Ha, about sums it up for me. Would be ecstatic with the win!
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No matter how shit we are we often do well here. Can't see us losing but this side is capable of anything, let's hope Mr Sherwood and Co are up for the battle.
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Massive game for us, let's just hope we turn up for more than 45 minutes. I get the feeling an early Villa goal will kill them off and the crowd turn on them. We need to be completely focused and if we can show the levels of confidence and drive as we did in the second half against the Baggies Tuesday night, we should have too much for them.
Hopefully Delph can now start to live up to his potential and lead our midfield. It would be ideal to have Benteke back too but even if we don't, providing we attack in numbers, there's goals throughout the team.
1-3 Villa
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1-1 draw will suit both
Well, no, to be honest it doesn't. If we don't get 3 gettable points here it just puts more pressure on getting wins at home against Swansea and especially QPR and Burnley. To have a little breathing space we need 3 points tomorrow. Problem is I thought we'd beat Stoke and going into the FA Cup game firing from the off. i want to be confident but the past 3 or so seasons have warned me off that. And I'll be so crushingly disappointed if we lose tomorrow.
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Massive game for us, let's just hope we turn up for more than 45 minutes. I get the feeling an early Villa goal will kill them off and the crowd turn on them. We need to be completely focused and if we can show the levels of confidence and drive as we did in the second half against the Baggies Tuesday night, we should have too much for them.
Hopefully Delph can now start to live up to his potential and lead our midfield. It would be ideal to have Benteke back too but even if we don't, providing we attack in numbers, there's goals throughout the team.
1-3 Villa
Who would have said this 5 games ago ;)
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Them 0 Us 3
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Them 0 Us 3
I'll have a pint of what you're drinking, brother
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Huge game for us. Hope we can score first and get the crowd on their backs.
Massive willpower test for me, sat with the home fans!!
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I have no idea at all but at least it's not the thought that we will turn up and conjure up a half decent effort which might go wide.
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I think Sherwood will have them all ready to go at Sunderland and exploit their nervousness at home. Really think we can win this game and am going for 3-1, Gabby, Sinclair and Cleverley to break his duck
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2 - 0 Villa
Confidence is high. We aren't playing Barcelona !
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2 - 0 Villa
Confidence is high. We aren't playing Barcelona !
3 times in 10 days would be a bit much.
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This is the key-game to staying up. Its really the only winnable away-game and we need one of those and 3 at home for 12 points to avoid the drop.
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Massive game for us, let's just hope we turn up for more than 45 minutes. I get the feeling an early Villa goal will kill them off and the crowd turn on them. We need to be completely focused and if we can show the levels of confidence and drive as we did in the second half against the Baggies Tuesday night, we should have too much for them.
Hopefully Delph can now start to live up to his potential and lead our midfield. It would be ideal to have Benteke back too but even if we don't, providing we attack in numbers, there's goals throughout the team.
1-3 Villa
It would be good if he could follow up his goal last week with a few more in the coming games. He's certainly got the ability to do it.
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I may be wrong but got the impression that Delph has been told to move forward and I agree he has goals in him.
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2 - 0 Villa
Confidence is high. We aren't playing Barcelona !
3 times in 10 days would be a bit much.
Exactly. This is Villa we are talking about here. We don't "do" 3 wins in a row.
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Fuck the fuckers.
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When was the last time we won three on the bounce? I don't recall Lambert managing it. McLeish certainly didn't. Houllier probably didn't. We must be talking O Neill era.
Man City, Wigan, Blackburn (FA cup) - Jan 2011 just after signing Bent under Houllier.
Ah yes. Pires' best game if I recall.
Was that the one when we got a corner and he managed to run up the pitch and get into the box before it was actually taken?
I would like to see 0-3 but I just know it will be 1-3. Come on you Villa boys!
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Just about to leave and confident of a good result today.
Come on you Villa boys!
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0-3
Delph, Agbonlahor (2)
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0-4 lets put the Mackems to the sword.
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When we win, On the pitch
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Just seen Sherwood on SSN. He certainly sounds positive.
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Supertom, what is your prediction? You seem to be on the money of late. I fancy having a flutter after Cheltenham week.
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Exactly. This is Villa we are talking about here. We don't "do" 3 wins in a row.
[/quote]I may be wrong but got the impression that Delph has been told to move forward and I agree he has goals in him.
I get the impression everyone has been told to move forward !! Sherwood wants to eliminate the mentality of passing across the pitch. He wants the ball in areas that hurt the opposition .........
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1-1
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Supertom, what is your prediction? You seem to be on the money of late. I fancy having a flutter after Cheltenham week.
Gabby could be a good bet on first scorer I reckon. I quite fancy 2-0 as a result. I've not seen any tempting offers at the bookies yet though.
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Match is the live commentary on R5 this afternoon
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Match is the live commentary on R5 this afternoon
Second half? First half on 5Live Extra?
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Fuck the fuckers.
Word
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Match is the live commentary on R5 this afternoon
Second half? First half on 5Live Extra?
Yes, correct, sorry for not being more specific
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Guzan, Lowton, Okore, Clark, Bacuna, Delph (c), Cleverley, Sinclair, N’Zogbia, Benteke, Agbonlahor.
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Subs: Given, Gil, Sanchez, Kinsella, Weimann, Westwood, Hepburn-Murphy.
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Hm. Looks a bit like a wide 4 in midfield. We'll see how it works - Benteke back should help everything out a bit!
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Why is Gil hardly playing?
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Benteke back should help everything out a bit!
Let's just hope we don't start hoofing it up to Benteke again.
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Benteke back should help everything out a bit!
Let's just hope we don't start hoofing it up to Benteke again.
That would undermine the benefits of his return somewhat.
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Looking really thin on the bench - Hepburn-Murphy??
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Bloody hell that's an attacking side! Delph and cleverley in midfield and four forwards
It's a risk with our defence of late not looking consistently good
Suspect might be a mistake but should give us some goal threat
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16 year old on the bench. Giving the youth a chance. Must have impressed in training. Fair play
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Looking really thin on the bench - Hepburn-Murphy??
Son of Audrey Hepburn and Eddie Murphy.
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Rushian Hepburn-Murphy - born in 1998.
Christ, my Amazon password is older than him.
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Anyone prepared to risk the jinx of starting a match thread?
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Bloody hell that's an attacking side! Delph and cleverley in midfield and four forwards
It's a risk with our defence of late not looking consistently good
Suspect might be a mistake but should give us some goal threat
I worry that unless we get an early goal Sunderland will boss the midfield, find the confidence they so lack and make the game so much harder. With that selection I can't see Delph being given a licence to roam forward. It appears we've gone for a very static 4-4-2. Still, at least Timmy can change it and give his world saving talk at half time.
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Hepburn-Murphy is a striker if anyone was wondering.
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Concerned about two in midfield. We looked awfully shite when we tried that against Stoke.
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Poor selection imo. Not one of those midfielders is comfortable going backwards and Sanchez should be in there.
Baker, Vlaar, Senderos, Richardson, Cissokho and Cole still injured I presume?
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Why is Gil hardly playing?
Apparently Sherwood says he needs to impress him more in training. At the moment he is not.
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I think maybe I should start every pre-match thread between now and the end of the season.
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I think maybe I should start every pre-match thread between now and the end of the season.
Make it so.