Heroes & Villains, the Aston Villa fanzine
Heroes & Villains => Match Threads & Player Ratings => Topic started by: richard moore on April 13, 2015, 04:53:33 PM
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Wembley, Sunday April 19th, 3pm
Not sure if reported on another thread but Sakho out for between 3 and 4 weeks and will miss the semi
Edit - as we're starting on team news, that seems like an opportune time to have a pre-match thread - Dave
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1992 in that yellow kit, 1996 and that early Fowler blitz....time for bad memories no more. Let's do this shower of gobshites.
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1992 in that yellow kit, 1996 and that early Fowler blitz....time for bad memories no more. Let's do this shower of gobshites.
God, that was bad wasn't it, the game was over before we'd even finished the first couple of songs
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It's our year.
(I hope).
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Us 3 Them 1.
It is our year.
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Damn butterflies already
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We owe them big time on so many levels. 2-0to our villa boys.
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It's time we won this bloody thing. 2-1 Villa.
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Villa win, 2-1, Delph (19) Benteke (89) and Coutinho (68)
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1-0 to us, Tony Daley to score
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1992 in that yellow kit, 1996 and that early Fowler blitz....time for bad memories no more. Let's do this shower of gobshites.
We're the 'home' team for this, so I assume we're in claret and blue? Which will either put them in their yellow away kit, or that monstrosity of black, grey and red.
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Ah, who knows. Just put a shift in, Villa. Anything can happen.
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If we had a fitter squad I'd have a gut feeling we might do this. Of all our injured players id want gabby, then Westwood, then Hutton to be fit.
I know a lot of people don't rate Sanchez but I think he could have been crucial against coutinho and sterling
I'm guessing we'll start to injury news on about Thursday?
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Guzan one of the best keepers in the league
Vlaar one of the best defenders at the world cup
Delph one of Englands best midfield prospects
Benteke one of Europes best strikers
The spine is there, the support is there. If the desire and commitment matches it we have every chance of being in the FA Cup final. Liverpool are decent, not good just decent and on our day we bloody well are too. I think we can do it, there's been something about this cup run, every game has felt important and an escape and we've clung to it. We're going to cling on a little longer and end a lot of years of FA Cup hurt.
Aston Villa 2 Liverpool 1
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Big if but if no one currently injured makes it I would go for
Given
Okore Vlaar Baker
Bacuna Cleverley Delph Richardson
N Zogbia Grealish
Benteke
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Us to win on penalties, with Gerrard missing his to seal it.
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Bacuna has proven me completely wrong. Going forward he creates goals and can score a few too.
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Bacuna has proven me completely wrong. Going forward he creates goals and can score a few too.
Just a shame he can't defend
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Bacuna has proven me completely wrong. Going forward he creates goals and can score a few too.
Just a shame he can't defend
If he could we'd have a £20m fullback on our hands.
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We're going to win.
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Sturridge a big doubt for them apparently, not playing tonight. You look at the team they have out tonight and you think 'we could seriously do this'
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Anyone know what kit we are wearing on Sunday ?
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The Mirror reckon Gabby had a scan on sunday and he'll probably be fit to play.
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Anyone know what kit we are wearing on Sunday ?
We won the toss and are in claret and blue
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The Mirror reckon Gabby had a scan on sunday and he'll probably be fit to play.
Good. Just need Sinclair, Westwood and Hutton back now. Plus Clark.
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Sturridge a big doubt for them apparently, not playing tonight. You look at the team they have out tonight and you think 'we could seriously do this'
Even at full strength they don't have a player as good as Benteke. I reckon that if the QPR version of Benteke turns up then we'll go through. Any other version and we probably won't.
I'd be a bit concerned with Given starting, but at least Liverpool aren't going to be crossing much with Sterling up front. Any corners into Cro-Magnon Skrtl will be a bit worrying though.
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Anyone know what kit we are wearing on Sunday ?
We won the toss and are in claret and blue
Superb !!! - Stripes at Wembley again - lucky omen?
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Big if but if no one currently injured makes it I would go for
Given
Okore Vlaar Baker
Bacuna Cleverley Delph Richardson
N Zogbia Grealish
Benteke
Even if none of our injured players make it back, it would be suicidal for us to play Nzogbia and Grealish together from the start. More chance of Cole and Weimann coming in. Cole has done ok as sub for us in the last couple of games and best to leave him for last 15 mins again.
Hutton and Gabby will start if fit and possibly Sinclair.
Really dont like when Westwood and Cleverley are paired in midfield so again Id leave him (Westy) on the bench even if he is back fit.
Always an option with starting Lowton and pushing Bacuna further up if needs be.
Stevie G is sure to start for Liverpool. Hopefully with Lucas so we can try and exploit their lack of pace in midfield.
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The bane of my footballing life, these c***s. Winning on Sunday will make up for an adolescence of misery at the hands of every sodding kid in Aldridge.
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I've gone for a villa win. If we don't, i hope we get a goal for the fans to enjoy. I heard somewhere that we haven't scored in our last 5 fa cup semi finals, or something like that.
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This won't be 0-0.
Can actually see this going all the way to penalties tbh, not sure if that favours us or not.
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The Shunammite will be in attendance:
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/teams/aston-villa/11532742/Aston-Villa-owner-Randy-Lerner-to-make-Wembley-appearance-for-FA-Cup-semi-final-against-Liverpool.html
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Watching Liverpool tonight, Benteke could destroy their defence.
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Seriously will Gerard be playing? Does he have some kind of injury as he hasn't appeared on the team sheet for some time.
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Seriously will Gerard be playing? Does he have some kind of injury as he hasn't appeared on the team sheet for some time.
Three match ban after his red card against ManYoo. Final one is tonight's game.
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Seriously will Gerard be playing? Does he have some kind of injury as he hasn't appeared on the team sheet for some time.
Three match ban after his red card against ManYoo. Final one is tonight's game.
Cheers Dave. So he won't be exactly match fit then... might mistime a tackle...might get another red card!
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Talkshite alluding to Sturridge missing for Sunday. Nice if true.
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Seriously will Gerard be playing? Does he have some kind of injury as he hasn't appeared on the team sheet for some time.
Three match ban after his red card against ManYoo. Final one is tonight's game.
Cheers Dave. So he won't be exactly match fit then... might mistime a tackle...might get another red card!
Then again, he manages to do that when he is at his peak fitness.
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It's laughable to think we have any chance.
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I've gone for a villa win. If we don't, i hope we get a goal for the fans to enjoy. I heard somewhere that we haven't scored in our last 5 fa cup semi finals, or something like that.
I've been to Wembley four times, only goal I've seen Villa score is Milner's pen in 2010 (not including Bolton penalty shoot-out).
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The more I think about this and watching Liverpool tonight the more tempted id be to try okore as DCM in training
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Is Skrtl still suspended?
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Is Skrtl still suspended?
Nope. Three match suspensions for both him and Gerrard finished tonight.
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Gerrard playing will be a bonus for us.
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Sturridge a big doubt for them apparently, not playing tonight. You look at the team they have out tonight and you think 'we could seriously do this'
Even at full strength they don't have a player as good as Benteke. I reckon that if the QPR version of Benteke turns up then we'll go through. Any other version and we probably won't.
Saturday's version at Spurs was pretty good.
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Sturridge a big doubt for them apparently, not playing tonight. You look at the team they have out tonight and you think 'we could seriously do this'
Even at full strength they don't have a player as good as Benteke. I reckon that if the QPR version of Benteke turns up then we'll go through. Any other version and we probably won't.
Saturday's version at Spurs was pretty good.
It was, I just don't see Skrtl being as accommodating as Chiriches or Coutinho being as toothless as Townsend though. So I think he'll still need to be better.
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The Shunammite will be in attendance:
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/teams/aston-villa/11532742/Aston-Villa-owner-Randy-Lerner-to-make-Wembley-appearance-for-FA-Cup-semi-final-against-Liverpool.html
Gloryhunter. Doesn't do it on a cold, wet night in Stoke.
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I've gone for a villa win. If we don't, i hope we get a goal for the fans to enjoy. I heard somewhere that we haven't scored in our last 5 fa cup semi finals, or something like that.
I've been to Wembley four times, only goal I've seen Villa score is Milner's pen in 2010 (not including Bolton penalty shoot-out).
Was at the Bolton and Chelsea games in 2000, and Chelsea in 2010. But not the Man U final in the same year, or Leeds in 96. It's depressing to think that I haven't seen us score a normal time goal at Wembley since 1994.
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I shall be there as well. I've got a 100% record of seeing us win at Wembley too.
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I shall be there as well. I've got a 100% record of seeing us win at Wembley too.
My record is 2 wins, 3 draws (won on pens) and a defeat.
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Really looking forward to this!
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Though liverpool looked very average tonight but still a lot depends on who we have available. Think this could be a great game going 3-2 villa win.
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Is this an omen? The initial letters of the four semi-finalists are:
A (Arsenal)
AV (Aston Villa)
L (Liverpool)
R ( Reading)
Those five letters can be rearranged to make the word VLAAR!
It must be our year!
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Vlarr own goal it is then.
2-0 to the Cheating Scum.
Seriously, I have serious doubts Sherwood will sort out a decent midfield, even though the worst player in the world is banned. More seriously, we have too many missing and it will probably go to extra time. If they don't get a penalty I'll watch Des eat another hat.
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Stuff all these modern formations and tactics - and worrying about the opposition - we won (and lost) the English Cup more times than anyone a century or so ago.
ASTON VILLA
(claret shirts, white knickers & stockings)
GK - Given
RB - Hutton LB - Baker
RH - Cleverley CH - Vlaar LH - Delph
OR - N'Zogbia IR - Gil CF - Benteke IL - Cole OL - Grealish
Subs: None
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Really looking forward to going down there on Sunday. Gabby has caused them problems with his pace in recent seasons, so it would be good if he is fit. I think we will need to play someone just in front of the back four to deal with Sterling and Coutinho when they drop in there. Apart from that, I'd go with pretty much the same as last weekend, with maybe Sinclair replacing Grealish in the free role if he is fit.
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Is this an omen? The initial letters of the four semi-finalists are:
A (Arsenal)
AV (Aston Villa)
L (Liverpool)
R ( Reading)
Those five letters can be rearranged to make the word VLAAR!
It must be our year!
Could also be:
A (Arsenal)
R (Reading)
A (Aston Villa)
L (Liverpool)
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Really looking forward to going down there on Sunday. Gabby has caused them problems with his pace in recent seasons, so it would be good if he is fit. I think we will need to play someone just in front of the back four to deal with Sterling and Coutinho when they drop in there. Apart from that, I'd go with pretty much the same as last weekend, with maybe Sinclair replacing Grealish in the free role if he is fit.
I think Gabbys over hyped reputation outside the midlands means Liverpool will be worried if he plays
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Is this an omen? The initial letters of the four semi-finalists are:
A (Arsenal)
AV (Aston Villa)
L (Liverpool)
R ( Reading)
Those five letters can be rearranged to make the word VLAAR!
It must be our year!
Could also be:
A (Arsenal)
R (Reading)
A (Aston Villa)
L (Liverpool)
That spells Lara backwards, great cricketer who played for Warwickshire, home ground in Edgbaston, which is in Birmingham. It must be our year!!
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Completely winnable and we are in a no lose situation of being able to fully enjoy the day.
I have a feeling this one could come down to the ref (like our last visits to new wembley) hopefully this time it will be in our favour.
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I shall be there as well. I've got a 100% record of seeing us win at Wembley too.
Lets hope you can still say that on Monday morning!!!....
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I shall be there as well. I've got a 100% record of seeing us win at Wembley too.
Lets hope you can still say that on Monday morning!!!....
Monday morning 1st June if possible please!
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Sterling has been pictured allegedly taking laughing gas.
By the time we've finished with them on Sunday they'll all need it.
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The pressure is all on Liverpool, the national media seem to have already decided that they're in the final and Stevie G will get his moment. Let's hope Liverpool buy into this and become complacent and we ruin their day.
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I honestly have no idea how this will go - if we can shut their two pacy players down (Sterling and Couthino) then we have a chance to pull it off. A containing performance from the central defence with not too many fuck ups by the backs and we can give them a game. Press them and get forward...
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the national media are having a thing for Gerrard, mainly ex football pundits
and obviously all the red scousers will want their team to win
but don't get thinking that all the whole nation is behind Liverpool,
everyone I meet wants us to win, we will be the nations favourites come sunday most nuetrals will be behind us in the semi,
I don't buy into this Gerrard thing as being as popular as people think, around here where I am no one can stand him and are desperate for him to be crying again
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but don't get thinking that all the whole nation is behind Liverpool
I don't think that anybody has thought that for a single second.
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but don't get thinking that all the whole nation is behind Liverpool
I don't think that anybody has thought that for a single second.
I would have though that apart from the likes of Small Heath and Smethwick fans the nation will be behind us. I would think that after United and possibly Chelsea Liverpool are everyone else's least favourite team. Ironically our good friends United, including their Brummie reds will probably be cheering us on more enthusiastically than most. I would also guess the rest of the non Liverpool supporting nation feels the same as us regarding the media desire for a dream send off for Saint Stevie.
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Absolutely everyone in Britain will be behind the Villa, with the exception of Liverpool fans, Bluenoses, Bitters, Spurs fans who hate Sherwood, the Red punditocracy and people with bets the other way.
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but don't get thinking that all the whole nation is behind Liverpool
I don't think that anybody has thought that for a single second.
Apart from Liverpool and Blues fans, journos wanting a story and people who do those montages set to a Snow Patrol/Coldplay soundtrack I don't think anybody is wanting Liverpool to win.
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but don't get thinking that all the whole nation is behind Liverpool
I don't think that anybody has thought that for a single second.
Apart from Liverpool and Blues fans, journos wanting a story and people who do those montages set to a Snow Patrol/Coldplay soundtrack I don't think anybody is wanting Liverpool to win.
Housewives, some England fans and Phil Collins will want Liverpool to win.
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the national media are having a thing for Gerrard, mainly ex football pundits
and obviously all the red scousers will want their team to win
but don't get thinking that all the whole nation is behind Liverpool,
everyone I meet wants us to win, we will be the nations favourites come sunday most nuetrals will be behind us in the semi,
I don't buy into this Gerrard thing as being as popular as people think, around here where I am no one can stand him and are desperate for him to be crying again
That's the thing with the national media, they seem to be incapable of realising that the rest of us, non Liverpool fans, don't see Gerrard as some sort of departing hero to be waved off with a white hankie.
Same when "English" teams play in the CL. They always seem to assume the nation is behind these teams because they play in our league, whereas actually, the default setting of fans of other PL clubs should be to want them to fail, as the better they do, the more money they rake in, and the bigger the financial gap gets.
Try explaining that to the media, though, when you have morons like Tydlesley creaming his pants at Liverpool playing some Bulgarian side and buying into that "the whole nation is behind you" bullshit.
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I think it will go to extra time and we end up losing to a dodgy penalty decision.
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the national media are having a thing for Gerrard, mainly ex football pundits
and obviously all the red scousers will want their team to win
but don't get thinking that all the whole nation is behind Liverpool,
everyone I meet wants us to win, we will be the nations favourites come sunday most nuetrals will be behind us in the semi,
I don't buy into this Gerrard thing as being as popular as people think, around here where I am no one can stand him and are desperate for him to be crying again
That's the thing with the national media, they seem to be incapable of realising that the rest of us, non Liverpool fans, don't see Gerrard as some sort of departing hero to be waved off with a white hankie.
Same when "English" teams play in the CL. They always seem to assume the nation is behind these teams because they play in our league, whereas actually, the default setting of fans of other PL clubs should be to want them to fail, as the better they do, the more money they rake in, and the bigger the financial gap gets.
Try explaining that to the media, though, when you have morons like Tydlesley creaming his pants at Liverpool playing some Bulgarian side and buying into that "the whole nation is behind you" bullshit.
Absolutely no-one at work understands why I come in after another night of CL fiascos pissing myself laughing instead of declaring 2 hrs of official mourning.
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the national media are having a thing for Gerrard, mainly ex football pundits
and obviously all the red scousers will want their team to win
but don't get thinking that all the whole nation is behind Liverpool,
everyone I meet wants us to win, we will be the nations favourites come sunday most nuetrals will be behind us in the semi,
I don't buy into this Gerrard thing as being as popular as people think, around here where I am no one can stand him and are desperate for him to be crying again
That's the thing with the national media, they seem to be incapable of realising that the rest of us, non Liverpool fans, don't see Gerrard as some sort of departing hero to be waved off with a white hankie.
Same when "English" teams play in the CL. They always seem to assume the nation is behind these teams because they play in our league, whereas actually, the default setting of fans of other PL clubs should be to want them to fail, as the better they do, the more money they rake in, and the bigger the financial gap gets.
Try explaining that to the media, though, when you have morons like Tydlesley creaming his pants at Liverpool playing some Bulgarian side and buying into that "the whole nation is behind you" bullshit.
Danny Baker has been going on about this lately. It's because the media, advertisers and those running the game are so sheilded from the real world in their corporate style universe. No interaction with supporters whatsoever, a seperate, steralised existance away from the £56 seat in front of a roof support, away from the bile and abuse batted back and forth between rival fans, with no memory at all of aberrations by the players that they laud, of the twisted hypocrisy of so many managers and turning a blind eye towards the direction in which the game travels, gerrymandered by the adminstrators to reflect the fantasy world created in the name of money. Where we all love the game above our clubs, where the EPL is king, where half and half scarves become the norm and where everyone wants Stevie G to lift the FA Cup.
Fuck them.
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Top rant Nev.
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I'm going for a win too. Anything can happen and I know we will give it a good go now. I (like a lot of others my age 50+) need this for 'the set'. How cool would it be to say I have seen them win everything!
I'm guessing theres a few on her 58+ who can already claim that eh.
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2-1 Villa. Benteke & Clark for us someone else for them.
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2-1 Villa. Benteke & Clark for us someone else for them.
Is Clark not likely to be sitting this one out?
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After this morning's news I've a terrible foreboding that Monday's headlines will be: STERLING HAS THE LAST LAUGH
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I'm going for a win too. Anything can happen and I know we will give it a good go now. I (like a lot of others my age 50+) need this for 'the set'. How cool would it be to say I have seen them win everything!
I'm guessing theres a few on her 58+ who can already claim that eh.
For all we moan about the state of the club, football in general anyone in their mid 40s will probably only be missing the holy grail to complete the set, and have seen us win more than most top flight clubs in our lifetimes.
Even someone who started in the 90s has seen us win 2 league cups which is more than most clubs have achieved in their entire history.
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the national media are having a thing for Gerrard, mainly ex football pundits
and obviously all the red scousers will want their team to win
but don't get thinking that all the whole nation is behind Liverpool,
everyone I meet wants us to win, we will be the nations favourites come sunday most nuetrals will be behind us in the semi,
I don't buy into this Gerrard thing as being as popular as people think, around here where I am no one can stand him and are desperate for him to be crying again
That's the thing with the national media, they seem to be incapable of realising that the rest of us, non Liverpool fans, don't see Gerrard as some sort of departing hero to be waved off with a white hankie.
Same when "English" teams play in the CL. They always seem to assume the nation is behind these teams because they play in our league, whereas actually, the default setting of fans of other PL clubs should be to want them to fail, as the better they do, the more money they rake in, and the bigger the financial gap gets.
Try explaining that to the media, though, when you have morons like Tydlesley creaming his pants at Liverpool playing some Bulgarian side and buying into that "the whole nation is behind you" bullshit.
Danny Baker has been going on about this lately. It's because the media, advertisers and those running the game are so sheilded from the real world in their corporate style universe. No interaction with supporters whatsoever, a seperate, steralised existance away from the £56 seat in front of a roof support, away from the bile and abuse batted back and forth between rival fans, with no memory at all of aberrations by the players that they laud, of the twisted hypocrisy of so many managers and turning a blind eye towards the direction in which the game travels, gerrymandered by the adminstrators to reflect the fantasy world created in the name of money. Where we all love the game above our clubs, where the EPL is king, where half and half scarves become the norm and where everyone wants Stevie G to lift the FA Cup.
Fuck them.
When I was on a YTS college training scheme after leaving school there was always a copy of The Sun and The Star knocking around at lunchtime. This was 1987/1988. They both turned into Liverpool fanzines for a while around that time. Two page specials everyday talking about 'Aldo' and 'Beardo' and 'Barnesy'. I think Liverpool must have also changed their name for a year or two back then because all the headlines said things like 'Houghton signs for The Kop' or 'The Kop made it four wins in a row'. For all the talk about the London press the media don't seem to expect us all to be chuffed when Chelsea or Arsenal win something but if United or Liverpool do we are all supposed to be part of the celebrations for some reason.
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If ever there are a bunch of supporters / people who conform to their stereotype its this lot. In my time they have more "out of town" tourist fans that Man United and the London clubs combined. A bigger sense of entitlement you will not find amongst even the most obnoxious of United and Chelsea fans than 'The Mighty Reds YNWA' fans and the cheeky scouser with the GSOH is in itself a parody of what they are actually like.
For every tragedy like Hillsborough they can claims was someone else's fault they seem very mute about the deaths they did cause in Hysel not to mention the endless muggings and slashings of fans around the country
Only Manchester United bring out a larger loathing for a football club as this lot
Hope we knock the bollocks out of them
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Those of us who grew up in the 70s and 80s and thus had year after year of Liverpool winning almost everything, whilst also being the single JAMMIEST club on earth, to the sound of a loving media will always harbour a hate for Liverpool.
I've also always loathed Man United, but even the Sky-driven two decade long Man United love-in paled in comparison to Liverpool back then.
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Those of us who grew up in the 70s and 80s and thus had year after year of Liverpool winning almost everything, whilst also being the single JAMMIEST club on earth, to the sound of a loving media will always harbour a hate for Liverpool.
I've also always loathed Man United, but even the Sky-driven two decade long Man United love-in paled in comparison to Liverpool back then.
True dat.
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I'm going for a win too. Anything can happen and I know we will give it a good go now. I (like a lot of others my age 50+) need this for 'the set'. How cool would it be to say I have seen them win everything!
I'm guessing theres a few on her 58+ who can already claim that eh.
For all we moan about the state of the club, football in general anyone in their mid 40s will probably only be missing the holy grail to complete the set, and have seen us win more than most top flight clubs in our lifetimes.
Even someone who started in the 90s has seen us win 2 league cups which is more than most clubs have achieved in their entire history.
The problem is those 2 League cup wins were 19-21 years ago; so to remember Villa's last proper trophy, you'd have to be in your mid-late 20s.
I think I'm right in saying that this is the longest trophy-less streak in our history.
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I'm going for a win too. Anything can happen and I know we will give it a good go now. I (like a lot of others my age 50+) need this for 'the set'. How cool would it be to say I have seen them win everything!
I'm guessing theres a few on her 58+ who can already claim that eh.
For all we moan about the state of the club, football in general anyone in their mid 40s will probably only be missing the holy grail to complete the set, and have seen us win more than most top flight clubs in our lifetimes.
Even someone who started in the 90s has seen us win 2 league cups which is more than most clubs have achieved in their entire history.
The problem is those 2 League cup wins were 19-21 years ago; so to remember Villa's last proper trophy, you'd have to be in your mid-late 20s.
I think I'm right in saying that this is the longest trophy-less streak in our history.
In fairness to Lerner, we did go from the Big Bang to 1874 without winning anything either, and that was an even longer period.
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37 years between cup wins in 1920 and 1957. Less the war years.
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Ok, our post-war history!
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The FA Cup final is the day after the 30th anniversary of Heysel.
Should the unthinkable happen on Sunday it will be interesting to see if a player's birthday gets more attention.
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Will the new owners in waiting be sitting next to Randy?
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If ever there are a bunch of supporters / people who conform to their stereotype its this lot. In my time they have more "out of town" tourist fans that Man United and the London clubs combined. A bigger sense of entitlement you will not find amongst even the most obnoxious of United and Chelsea fans than 'The Mighty Reds YNWA' fans and the cheeky scouser with the GSOH is in itself a parody of what they are actually like.
For every tragedy like Hillsborough they can claims was someone else's fault they seem very mute about the deaths they did cause in Hysel not to mention the endless muggings and slashings of fans around the country
Only Manchester United bring out a larger loathing for a football club as this lot
Hope we knock the bollocks out of them
And yet, for reasons I am not entirely sure of, most of their supporters I have met are usually well disposed towards the Villa.
See also Man Citeh.
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Will the winners on Sunday automatically qualify for Europe, assuming Arsenal beat Reading and also finish in the top 4?
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Will the winners on Sunday automatically qualify for Europe, assuming Arsenal beat Reading and also finish in the top 4?
I can't see why this isn't correct but don't want to say for sure in case someone bigger and cleverer explains how it's wrong...
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Will the winners on Sunday automatically qualify for Europe, assuming Arsenal beat Reading and also finish in the top 4?
Nope.
"From the 2015-16 UEFA Europa League season, however, UEFA will not allow the runners-up to qualify for the Europa League through the competition."
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2-1 Villa. Benteke & Clark for us someone else for them.
Is Clark not likely to be sitting this one out?
Why? He's not suspended I don't think, is he one of the walking wounded?
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2-1 Villa. Benteke & Clark for us someone else for them.
Is Clark not likely to be sitting this one out?
Why? He's not suspended I don't think, is he one of the walking wounded?
He went off injured at the weekend.
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Ah, yes, lost count of them after a while!
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Will the winners on Sunday automatically qualify for Europe, assuming Arsenal beat Reading and also finish in the top 4?
Nope.
"From the 2015-16 UEFA Europa League season, however, UEFA will not allow the runners-up to qualify for the Europa League through the competition."
You'd best sticky that,
I asked the same question then realised it had been asked a million times before
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Given his form at the moment it's really important we find a way of stopping Coutinho.
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Can anyone recommend anywhere to park? Happy to get the tube in to Wembley but really need to drive, early start the next day and all that.
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I didn't want to put a prediction on here just in case I jinx it but I will all the same 1-0 Villa.
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Historically (in My Villa supporting lifetime) We generally do pants against these fuckers in the FA cup, I remember the heartbreak of the quarter final at Anfield and also the 3-0 semi at Mould trafford, If I've forgotten any (don't remind me) Surely they can't do us again? I'm saying now is the time to rise up and stamp on these orrible red wankers, I'm voting now is the time!
Aston Villa 4-1 come on
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Can anyone recommend anywhere to park? Happy to get the tube in to Wembley but really need to drive, early start the next day and all that.
Last time I went we parked at harrow and Wealdstone and got the tube into Wembley, that was dead easy
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We've only had 2 FA Cup Semi wins in the last 91 years. So while history is hardly on our side, the law of averages says we must have a good chance of making the final this year.
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3 FA Cup games against this lot in my time, 3 defeats and 0 goals scored. Sunday is the day all that changes.
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Will the winners on Sunday automatically qualify for Europe, assuming Arsenal beat Reading and also finish in the top 4?
Nope.
"From the 2015-16 UEFA Europa League season, however, UEFA will not allow the runners-up to qualify for the Europa League through the competition."
Even if we were to win the thing I'd like us not to compete in the Europa league next season if at all possible.
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Isn't it something daft like 20 games to win it?
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I can't stand the negative attitude towards the Europa League. The format is shit, everyone knows that, but I'd still love to be in a European competition. It's not like it'll get in the way of our challenge for the title.
Anyway, that's a discussion for another time. I think we'll beat Liverpool, they haven't been playing well recently and Benteke is in devastating form.
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3 FA Cup games against this lot in my time, 3 defeats and 0 goals scored. Sunday is the day all that changes.
had a quick look and it is something like this in my lifetime....
1967 Villa loss - 1-0
1985 Villa loss - 3-0
1988 Villa loss - 2-0
1992 Villa loss - 1-0
1996 Villa loss - 3-0
doesn't make great reading but it's time we changed it :)
UTV
The Doc
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3 FA Cup games against this lot in my time, 3 defeats and 0 goals scored. Sunday is the day all that changes.
had a quick look and it is something like this in my lifetime....
1967 Villa loss - 1-0
1985 Villa loss - 3-0
1988 Villa loss - 2-0
1992 Villa loss - 1-0
1996 Villa loss - 3-0
doesn't make great reading but it's time we changed it :)
UTV
The Doc
Make it 4 for me, i'd completely forgotten about 1985. It will still all change Sunday!
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We can definitely have this lot. One goal will get their heads down, and Sterling has unsettled the whole squad. I hope Emre Can is fit for them, because he's suffered a lot when a big striker has targeted him.
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Fuck the Norwegian fuckers.
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Benteke: Nothing achieved yet
Aston Villa striker Christian Benteke has warned against complacency as the renaissance under new manager Tim Sherwood continues.
Christian Benteke: Wary of 'risky' complacency
The Belgium striker scored the game's only goal on Saturday as Villa claimed a 1-0 win at Tottenham to move six points clear of the relegation zone - but Benteke is urging his team-mates to take one game at a time, starting with Sunday's FA Cup semi-final against Liverpool.
Benteke said: "I think it's risky to say we can take three points and we're finished. We have to try to win every game.
"Saturday was a massive three points because now we're six points clear of QPR so it's very important for us to be far off them."
Asked if Sunday represented the biggest game of his career, the 24-year-old added: "For the moment, yes. It (missing the World Cup) was hard but now it's in the past, I'm looking forward to playing the semi-final.
"Liverpool are a good team but the thing with the FA Cup is it's still something special. It's 50-50 for me but some will say they are favourites.
"Wembley is something good and special because it's a semi-final, it's close to the final and we have to do everything to be there again."
On being deployed alongside the pacy Gabriel Agbonlahor by Sherwood, Benteke said: "He said to the team we have to play to our strengths, to play with me and Gabby.
"He helped me to destroy the defenders, with two we're always better than one. I'm comfortable, it's a good partnership."
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3 FA Cup games against this lot in my time, 3 defeats and 0 goals scored. Sunday is the day all that changes.
had a quick look and it is something like this in my lifetime....
1967 Villa loss - 1-0
1985 Villa loss - 3-0
1988 Villa loss - 2-0
1992 Villa loss - 1-0
1996 Villa loss - 3-0
doesn't make great reading but it's time we changed it :)
UTV
The Doc
Make it 4 for me, i'd completely forgotten about 1985. It will still all change Sunday!
Exactly the same for me: went to the last four of those but had completely forgotten about 1985.
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3 FA Cup games against this lot in my time, 3 defeats and 0 goals scored. Sunday is the day all that changes.
had a quick look and it is something like this in my lifetime....
1967 Villa loss - 1-0
1985 Villa loss - 3-0
1988 Villa loss - 2-0
1992 Villa loss - 1-0
1996 Villa loss - 3-0
doesn't make great reading but it's time we changed it :)
UTV
The Doc
Yep only Man U have knocked us out more times since we last won it.
I'll get my anorak.....
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Got to love that line:
"He helped me to destroy the defenders, with two we're always better than one. I'm comfortable, it's a good partnership."
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Villa win 3 1
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Villa to win on penalties, with Gerrard missing his, adding to his slip up last season. How I would just absolutely love that
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I think it will go to extra time and we end up losing to a dodgy penalty decision.
Who is Ref ?
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I think it will go to extra time and we end up losing to a dodgy penalty decision.
Who is Ref ?
Referee: Michael Oliver
Assistant Referees: Stuart Burt & John Brooks
Fourth Official: Lee Mason
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Averages about 4 yellows a game, not too trigger happy on reds.
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At least it's not Mason, a homer of a ref and always favours the Sky 4.
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At least it's not Mason, a homer of a ref and always favours the Sky 4.
4th official though !
He will hold the board up that says 8, if we are winning on 90 .
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Regardless of who it is, the referee is a w*nker
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Can anyone recommend anywhere to park? Happy to get the tube in to Wembley but really need to drive, early start the next day and all that.
Uxbridge if you're going on the M40. Stanmore if you're going on the M1.
I prefer Uxbridge as there's some nice pubs there too. Both offer a direct tube to Wembley Park.
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I think it will go to extra time and we end up losing to a dodgy penalty decision.
Who is Ref ?
Referee: Michael Oliver
Assistant Referees: Stuart Burt & John Brooks
Fourth Official: Lee Mason
He's refereed 3 of our games this season:
Crystal Palace (a) W1-0
Leicester (a) L0-2 - sent of Clark and one of theirs in the 90th min
Hull (a) L0-2
He also sent Clark off a couple of seasons ago, against Everton.
He's refereeed Liverpool 4 times:
Man City (a) L1-3
WBA (h) W2-1
Arsenal (h) D2-2 sent off Borini in the 90th min
Chelsea (a) L0-1
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Danny Baker has been going on about this lately. It's because the media, advertisers and those running the game are so sheilded from the real world in their corporate style universe. No interaction with supporters whatsoever, a seperate, steralised existance away from the £56 seat in front of a roof support, away from the bile and abuse batted back and forth between rival fans, with no memory at all of aberrations by the players that they laud, of the twisted hypocrisy of so many managers and turning a blind eye towards the direction in which the game travels, gerrymandered by the adminstrators to reflect the fantasy world created in the name of money. Where we all love the game above our clubs, where the EPL is king, where half and half scarves become the norm and where everyone wants Stevie G to lift the FA Cup.
Fuck them.
Someone I know who works in events management, conversationally mentioned that part of his role is to maintain segregation. He meant keeping the human attractions away from the paying punters. Don't think it's anything new, it's probably we have a greater awareness of celebrity in this day and age.
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It's that Chelsea game for Liverpool that keeps jumping out at me. Where Costa stamped on Emre Can & stood on Skrtel and Oliver didn't give anything. I just hope that's not in his mind at all as otherwise there could be a soft/harsh decision. That aside he seems like at decent ref.
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Just go for it Villa, god knows what team he will be able to put out, but whatever, they will not like a team going for their throats, They have players that can do us damage, but we have players who can do it to them, get rid of the stench that Lambert left around the club.
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To be fair to Lambert he seemed pretty good at getting us going against Liverpool.
Come on you Villa boys!!
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We need to protect ourselves against courinho and sterling
But I agree the best chance we have is to go for the jugular against this Liverpool defence. It's a bit ironic that lambert actually had Rodgers number tactically in games away from home at least
It doesn't look like gabby will be fit but he could be vital if he is. Their weakest positions are full back and a lack of pass in front of the back four and at centre back. We need to be direct and positive and for me that means we play three out of benteke, gabby, Sinclair and nzogbia if we can.
Shwrwood has talked of tweaking the way we play. I wonder what he has in mind?
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To be fair to Lambert he seemed pretty good at getting us going against Liverpool.
Come on you Villa boys!!
Can we reinstate him for one game only?
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To be fair to Lambert he seemed pretty good at getting us going against Liverpool.
Come on you Villa boys!!
Can we reinstate him for one game only?
and Peter McParland for two?
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We need to protect ourselves against courinho and sterling
But I agree the best chance we have is to go for the jugular against this Liverpool defence. It's a bit ironic that lambert actually had Rodgers number tactically in games away from home at least
It doesn't look like gabby will be fit but he could be vital if he is. Their weakest positions are full back and a lack of pass in front of the back four and at centre back. We need to be direct and positive and for me that means we play three out of benteke, gabby, Sinclair and nzogbia if we can.
Shwrwood has talked of tweaking the way we play. I wonder what he has in mind?
If all are fit, I would play Benteke and Gabby up front with Sinclair just in behind. Grealish has started the last two games there, but I think Sinclair could offer a bit more pace and threat playing there.
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I really hope Gabby can get fit for this one. Some of his best games of recent times have been against this lot at Anfield.
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The crucial win last weekend sets us up perfectly for this one and all the pressure is on them as I don't see them getting top four now so their season is fucked if they go out here. We have nothing to lose so have a good chance of turning another poor season into at least a memerable one with a Cup Final to look forward.
Realistically I think they will win, but at least with Sherwood I can see us giving it a bit of a go. Which ever way it goes lets just do ourselves justice :)
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The crucial win last weekend sets us up perfectly for this one and all the pressure is on them as I don't see them getting top four now so their season is fucked if they go out here. We have nothing to lose so have a good chance of turning another poor season into at least a memerable one with a Cup Final to look forward.
Realistically I think they will win, but at least with Sherwood I can see us giving it a bit of a go. Which ever way it goes lets just do ourselves justice :)
I too honestly think that if their "better" players turn up then they should win. The most important thing to me is we all travel down there knowing our Manager will have them fired up, motivated and ready to have a proper go at them. After that what will be will be on the day
Really getting excited now
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If anyone's interested (I am based on what to wear coat wise for Sunday - dislike being too hot), the weather forecast for London on Sunday is 14C, and dry but not sunny. I don't do ages in advance excitement but starting to now.
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Can anyone recommend anywhere to park? Happy to get the tube in to Wembley but really need to drive, early start the next day and all that.
Uxbridge if you're going on the M40. Stanmore if you're going on the M1.
I prefer Uxbridge as there's some nice pubs there too. Both offer a direct tube to Wembley Park.
I'm going to Uxbridge, half an hour on the tube to Wembley.
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I'm not going to make a prediction. All I will say is that with your usual vocal backing and 110 per cent effort from each and every one of the players I am sure we will get the right result.
That is all.
Enjoy Wembley - I'll be watching from a pub in Singapore.
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If anyone's interested (I am based on what to wear coat wise for Sunday - dislike being too hot), the weather forecast for London on Sunday is 14C, and dry but not sunny. I don't do ages in advance excitement but starting to now.
I see Sunny Spells on BBC
Villa tee-shirt with fleece top and showerproof jacket in reserve carrier bag (from Villa Shop of course) all set off with a large claret and blue chequered flag should do it...
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Benteke seems to have regained his taste for destroying defenders so a cheeky little 10-0 to the Villa.
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Rumours that Clark will miss the rest of the season. Hope it's not true.
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Rumours that Clark will miss the rest of the season. Hope it's not true.
That'd be a shame. I've been amongst his biggest critics, but he's been very good this season.
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Rumours that Clark will miss the rest of the season. Hope it's not true.
That'd be a shame. I've been amongst his biggest critics, but he's been very good this season.
Statistically, the second most dangerous job in the world is lumberjack. The first is playing in Aston Villa's defence.
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http://www.redandwhitekop.com/forum/index.php?topic=320748.0
This is actually quite funny if you remember the 1970's
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If anyone's interested (I am based on what to wear coat wise for Sunday - dislike being too hot), the weather forecast for London on Sunday is 14C, and dry but not sunny. I don't do ages in advance excitement but starting to now.
I see Sunday as a day for layering as its looking like one of those typical spring hot/cold type day.
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If Clark is out I'd go with Okore for his pace.
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It's likely to be a straight forward change of one left footer for another. Vlaar and Baker didn't do much wrong against Spurs either. It's unfortunate for Okore as he's done nothing wrong but he may be part of a first choice pairing next season and will be a year more experienced.
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Vlaar and baker were excellent. But there will be far fewer balls in the air and lots more balls in behind. I think it could be a game for okore though I think he'll go with baker
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Given should play which will help with organisation.
Strong spine - Given - vlaar - Delph - Benteke
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If Clark's out I'd be gutted - he's been our best defender this season.
Okore should come in for him if so, even though Baker was great on Saturday at WHL...but 'The Mighty Reds YNWA' ain't gonna be launching any high balls in to whoever they're playing up front on Sunday.
Cardboard Ron owes us a WorldCupesque series of performances and he could start on Sunday.
I like what Sanchez gives us, so I do feel we will miss his holding play and flair...but not his occasional spells of bonkersness!
Some interesting selections possible which will get us all going about 2pm on Sunday.
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Can't see anything anywhere about Clark being out for the season, hopefully just a rumour? Definitely our player of the season so far.
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Can't see anything anywhere about Clark being out for the season, hopefully just a rumour? Definitely our player of the season so far.
Hope he'll be back. It seemed to be his knee he did in. If is back this season I'd be surprised. Thankfully we've actually got cover in that position.
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Just noticed on the FA website that the winner of the tie gets 900,000 quids. Not to be sneezed at.
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If Westwood is out I'm really not sure what he'll do in midfield. He could maybe play okore there but that doesn't feel a very sherwood thing to do
So we might be back with the Delph and cleverley shared 'Hoover combo'?
I think gabby is apparently the one of our injured players with the best chance of playing.
Think 442 would be ridiculous though. So maybe
Given - bacuna okore vlaar Richardson - cleverley Delph - nzogbia Grealish agbonlahor - benteke ?
That doesn't feel good enough to me but let's hope.
Given - bacuna vlaar baker Richardson - okore - cleverley Delph - Grealish - gabby benteke
That looks stronger to me.
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Just noticed on the FA website that the winner of the tie gets 900,000 quids. Not to be sneezed at.
WARNING!! PERSPECTIVE CHECK!! - Would pay Rooneys wages for about 5 weeks!!
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Just noticed on the FA website that the winner of the tie gets 900,000 quids. Not to be sneezed at.
WARNING!! PERSPECTIVE CHECK!! - Would pay Rooneys wages for about 5 weeks!!
Great! Can we get him in on loan for the run-in then?
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Just noticed on the FA website that the winner of the tie gets 900,000 quids. Not to be sneezed at.
WARNING!! PERSPECTIVE CHECK!! - Would pay Rooneys wages for about 5 weeks!!
You're a little ray of sunshine, aren't you. It could also be an extra few bob in the wage packets of the ground staff etc.
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Just noticed on the FA website that the winner of the tie gets 900,000 quids. Not to be sneezed at.
WARNING!! PERSPECTIVE CHECK!! - Would pay Rooneys wages for about 5 weeks!!
You're a little ray of sunshine, aren't you. It could also be an extra few bob in the wage packets of the ground staff etc.
I don't care how much we get as long as we win and spoil Stevie Me day.
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3-2 to them AET.
They have overall more quality in midfield. And more attacking options.
That said if we play to our best and they don't we can win.
5 years ago, despite a couple of decisions going against us, you knew that once they scored their first we were not likely to respond. This Liverpool team are not in the class of Ancelotti's Chelsea
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Just noticed on the FA website that the winner of the tie gets 900,000 quids. Not to be sneezed at.
WARNING!! PERSPECTIVE CHECK!! - Would pay Rooneys wages for about 5 weeks!!
isn't Rooney on 300,000 per week? I think that was the latest contract he signed
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I see early goals.
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Just noticed on the FA website that the winner of the tie gets 900,000 quids. Not to be sneezed at.
If we win we should be sharing that out to the ticket office staff!
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I see early goals.
This was the tagline for the much less successful sequel to "The Sixth Sense."
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They have overall more quality in midfield. And more attacking options.
Their midfield will probably be Allen - Lucas - Henderson. It's not a bad midfield, but I don't see why Delph and Cleverley shouldn't have the measure of it.
And they might have more attacking options, but they don't have anybody as good as Benteke, and Gabby seems to save his good games for Sunderland and Liverpool. They have more cause to be worried about our attack than we do about theirs.
Given is still my main concern. I see a lot of free-kicks and corners being swung in to their central defenders.
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It's who partners Delph and cleverley that is the problem surely. Richardson, okore, Grealish or perhaps nobody
Plus gabby might not be fit
If we can get one of two genuinely match fit it would make such a difference
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I think we could go 3-5-2 for this one with Baker-Vlaar-Okore at the back and Richardson and Bacuna as 2 wing backs.
It would easily become 5-3-2 when were under pressure.
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Fortunately I can't remember the Liverpool side of the 70s and 80s winning everything.
I do remember them going 1-0 and constantly passing back to Grobbelar. Notable that they've never won the league since the pass-back rule was invented.
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Fortunately I can't remember the Liverpool side of the 70s and 80s winning everything.
I do remember them going 1-0 and constantly passing back to Grobbelar. Notable that they've never won the league since the pass-back rule was invented.
Good point
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I really hope the sycophantic press get their wish and Stevie G plays as I think our fast and direct style will bypass him and he'll look like he's wearing lead boots in a sea of treacle :)
I think we'll win as long as Richardson isn't isolated at left back.
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Had a bet on Villa to win it during the extra time period, 18-1.
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Had a bet on Villa to win it during the extra time period, 18-1.
I don't think we'll score that many goals!
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Had a bet on Villa to win it during the extra time period, 18-1.
I don't think we'll score that many goals!
Probably not, but no going back now ;)
Just seen that Chris Woakes is going to be at Wembley on Sun, top man: http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/cricket/32338393
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They have overall more quality in midfield. And more attacking options.
Their midfield will probably be Allen - Lucas - Henderson. It's not a bad midfield, but I don't see why Delph and Cleverley shouldn't have the measure of it.
And they might have more attacking options, but they don't have anybody as good as Benteke, and Gabby seems to save his good games for Sunderland and Liverpool. They have more cause to be worried about our attack than we do about theirs.
Given is still my main concern. I see a lot of free-kicks and corners being swung in to their central defenders.
On a given day, I'd pick Delph and any 2 of their 3 ahead of any of the rest of ours. If we play with 2 v their 3 it would be suicidal.
Likewise they have Coutinho, Sturridge and Sterling. Again I'd have Benteke ahead of those 3 but I'd pick any 2 of those 3 ahead of the rest of ours.
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I am very fearful of the referee and his assistants .
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I am very fearful of the referee and his assistants .
Why, has he threatened you?
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I am very fearful of the referee and his assistants .
Why, has he threatened you?
excellent :)
UTV
The Doc
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I am very fearful of the referee and his assistants .
Why, has he threatened you?
I point you in the direction of out last semi at wembley
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lol...
(https://scontent.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xpt1/v/t1.0-9/11165226_751350978313545_8226804791501884251_n.jpg?oh=784f2c3a3a7369e1131a1b7e6c558e67&oe=55DD8E71)
UTV
The Doc
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Have they announced black armbands yet ?
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Likewise they have Coutinho, Sturridge and Sterling. Again I'd have Benteke ahead of those 3 but I'd pick any 2 of those 3 ahead of the rest of ours.
Apparently Sturridge is unlikely to be fit.
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That's a shame....
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Fortunately I can't remember the Liverpool side of the 70s and 80s winning everything.
I do remember them going 1-0 and constantly passing back to Grobbelar. Notable that they've never won the league since the pass-back rule was invented.
i can remember giving them some right dickings, apparently, the only time anyone ever saw the magnificent Bob Paisley (and he was) lose his temper was when they came in at VP 5-1 down at half time, and I was there, thank the Lord.
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A guy has setup a stall (flag seller) like the one on match day outside the North Stand on Kingstanding Circle. Not a half & half scarf in sight , well done that man.
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Any news on Gabby being fit? Are Villa keeping quiet on this ?
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Have made 10 trips to Wembley with Villa. 71,75,77,82,94,96,00 x 2 and 10 x 2. 4 wins, 2 draws and 4 defeats. Without doubt 94 was the best occasion, beating United 3-1, with goals from Dalian Atkinson and 2 from Dean Saunders. In the United side that day was Bruce, Keane, Ince, Giggs, Cantana and Hughes, and we stuffed them.
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Have made 10 trips to Wembley with Villa. 71,75,77,82,94,96,00 x 2 and 10 x 2. 4 wins, 2 draws and 4 defeats. Without doubt 94 was the best occasion, beating United 3-1, with goals from Dalian Atkinson and 2 from Dean Saunders. In the United side that day was Bruce, Keane, Ince, Giggs, Cantana and Hughes, and we stuffed them.
Sorry 81 not 82
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That's a shame....
The question is would we want a half fit Sturridge or a fully fit Lambert? I think Mario's back too but even he can't be fully fit yet either.
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I think they'll all be fit come Sunday afternoon, with the exception of Clark.
I would hope Cissoko will be fit, I thought he returned to training 2 weeks ago, maybe Hutton & Sinclair.
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Come the 16th Cissokho wouldn't of featured in over 2 months, are we really missing him?
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I expect Sturridge will recover and play as will their talisman Gerrard. I hope to see Gabby , Sinclair & Clark out there too along with Cleverly.
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We're gonna need more than hope to get all them back, maybe a miracle.
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What I want is for Villa to take the game to Liverpool with a vengance. I expect Cleverley to move the ball forward at pace. I hope Ron Vlaar will take his Tottenham form into this game. I want Delph to be blasting at their goal every chance he gets. I don't think Sturridge will start, I think possibly, against Brendan Rodgers better judgement, he will start with Balotelli.
We have every chance. We have Benteke snorting fire through his nostrils.
We will win!!!!!
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Cometh the hour
Cometh the man
Cometh the beast
Oooooh Christian benteke
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I can not see how Liverpool can win this one. OK let me think again....no I can't see it.
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I would love Paul McGrath to be at Wembley Sunday, amongst the Fan
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I'm terrified at the lack of Brummie pessimism on this thread.
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I would love Paul McGrath to be at Wembley Sunday, amongst the Fan
I don't think he has attended enough games this season..bit like Randy
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I think you can file the myth of Brummie pessimism alongside the great Scouse sense of humour.
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You'll be astonished to learn that Lawro is predicting a Liverpool win.
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I'm terrified at the lack of Brummie pessimism on this thread.
Don't worry, I have enough Forester pessimism to counter that
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You'll be astonished to learn that Lawro is predicting a Liverpool win.
Never.....well the world has turned on its axis this morning.
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Ridiculously optimistic about this, they are playing us at the wrong time.
My ticket is in 538, family in 531, think it's a shared concourse so we can have a few beers together. Am I right?
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Robbie Fowler hatrick by half time. Just can't imagine us winning this one.
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In fairness, they *should* beat us. They are objectively better than us. On the other hand, we have a striker who is absolutely twatting them in at the moment, and they do not have the defence to stop him if he's in the mood. That, and demented Sherwoodian positivity, will pose a huge threat to them and they know it.
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Benteke has played 6 times against the dippers and scored 4 goals
They must be scared on him
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I don't believe we're doing this, but we're going to get the train in to Wembley from Gerrard's Cross.
If there's some sort of prediction in there, it could be bad or good.
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I don't believe we're doing this, but we're going to get the train in to Wembley from Gerrard's Cross.
If there's some sort of prediction in there, it could be bad or good.
Yeah, it's the beginning of an uncompleted sentence. The question is, will it finish 'from which Sturridge heads it in' or 'on which he's crucified by the press after another hilarious mistake'?
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I don't believe we're doing this, but we're going to get the train in to Wembley from Gerrard's Cross.
If there's some sort of prediction in there, it could be bad or good.
Mind you don't slip over on the platform
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I can not see how Liverpool can win this one. OK let me think again....no I can't see it.
I'm terrified at the lack of Brummie pessimism on this thread.
We have absolutely nothing to lose - give it 110% and roar the boys home. Even if Pool take the lead, keep believing and fighting. There is no room and no reason for pessimism. Villa fans plus Villa players is an almighty, unbeatable, force.
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I don't believe we're doing this, but we're going to get the train in to Wembley from Gerrard's Cross.
If there's some sort of prediction in there, it could be bad or good.
Gerrard's cross after the game.
It's in the stars, I tells ya.
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Is Westwood going to make it?
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Iv'e only just realised that Jordan Ibe will not be playing. Another bonus for our chances. He looked very good earlier this season.
I expect Gabby will be passed fit to line up though. The Liverpool fansites are worried about Benteke and with good reason I should think!
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I don't believe we're doing this, but we're going to get the train in to Wembley from Gerrard's Cross.
If there's some sort of prediction in there, it could be bad or good.
Gerrard's cross after the game.
It's in the stars, I tells ya.
Gerrard's Cross. Into the arms of Guzan. An unproductive day for the nation's favourite player. They'll be no fairy tale.
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I read this morning that the last time we scored (not won, just scored) against Liverpool in an FA Cup Fixture was 6 games ago in 1897! My calendar doesn't go back that far so one can only summise it was a bloody long time ago!!
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This is the start of BBC article -
"The FA Cup final? A no-brainer - Liverpool v Arsenal.
"Their semi-final opponents - Aston Villa and Reading - are last-four fodder for the big boys."
It's time to think again.
Now even though the article suggests that we might win I'm pretty annoyed that we're being belittled. Would it be that big an upset if we beat Liverpool? Arsenal vs Reading yes ok. But we fucking beat Liverpool at Anfield earlier this year. Aston Villa are not a small club.
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Wankers all of them. Let's stick it back up their ******* on Sunday!
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Bloody tickets haven't arrived despite buying them on the night of the QPR game. Took a morning off work so I could phone ticket office if the the posty came empty handed. Ticket office very good at issuing duplicates and saying that Villa ticket staff will be on hand at Wembley.
Now really looking forward to Sunday. UTV
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Is Westwood going to make it?
I'm taking hope from the fact that neither he or Gabby have been ruled-out yet. That said, it makes sense for Sherwood to keep his cards as close to his chest for as long as he possibly can.
As others have said, I really think we need to play someone in the holding role against Liverpool as they have carry so much threat through 'the number 10 position' (as I like to call it - sorry). Ciaran Clark would have been the next best choice to Sanchez or Westwood, but as a curve-ball what about playing Lowton there? He's decent on the ball and not bad positionally.
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Is Westwood going to make it?
I'm taking hope from the fact that neither he or Gabby have been ruled-out yet. That said, it makes sense for Sherwood to keep his cards as close to his chest for as long as he possibly can.
As others have said, I really thing we need to play someone in the holding role against Liverpool as they have carry so much threat through 'the number 10 position' (as I like to call it - sorry). Ciaran Clark would have been the next best choice to Sanchez or Westwood, but as a curve-ball what about playing Lowton there? He's decent on the ball and not bad positionally.
BFR picked Fenton to bolster midfield and play higher up the park, somewhat negating Keane and Ince's influence.
I like your thinking.
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Just watched the preview show on BT Sport and alongside Ray Houghton and CB giving forth with their view of the game was Woodhall, sprawled all across the Holte steps.
I was so angry I put my foot through the TV and sent Busby the bill.
In the eighties.
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During the course of the last few days all that is coming into my head is Benteke scoring a header and a piledriver. I really feel we're going to do this.
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This is the start of BBC article -
"The FA Cup final? A no-brainer - Liverpool v Arsenal.
"Their semi-final opponents - Aston Villa and Reading - are last-four fodder for the big boys."
It's time to think again.
Now even though the article suggests that we might win I'm pretty annoyed that we're being belittled. Would it be that big an upset if we beat Liverpool? Arsenal vs Reading yes ok. But we fucking beat Liverpool at Anfield earlier this year. Aston Villa are not a small club.
Given that they have 25 more points than us and a goal difference of 11 compared to our minus 21 it is not really an outrageous claim to suggest that they are clear favourites.
I reckon we have a good chance but from a pundit's point of view the logical outcome is a Liverpool win.
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This is the start of BBC article -
"The FA Cup final? A no-brainer - Liverpool v Arsenal.
"Their semi-final opponents - Aston Villa and Reading - are last-four fodder for the big boys."
It's time to think again.
Now even though the article suggests that we might win I'm pretty annoyed that we're being belittled. Would it be that big an upset if we beat Liverpool? Arsenal vs Reading yes ok. But we fucking beat Liverpool at Anfield earlier this year. Aston Villa are not a small club.
Given that they have 25 more points than us and a goal difference of 11 compared to our minus 21 it is not really an outrageous claim to suggest that they are clear favourites.
I reckon we have a good chance but from a pundit's point of view the logical outcome is a Liverpool win.
I'd suggest that this table - http://www.footballformguide.net/form/barclays-premier-league - is more important than the league table. We're not the team we were 2months ago so form is much more indicative of where we are. On that basis they'd be slight favourites but if their only genuine goalscorer is out and ours in the form striker in the country it balances things up.
Press conferences are on soon (Sherwood at 1 and Rodgers at 2) so we might have a better idea of who is and isn't fit soon which will make a big difference.
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This is the start of BBC article -
"The FA Cup final? A no-brainer - Liverpool v Arsenal.
"Their semi-final opponents - Aston Villa and Reading - are last-four fodder for the big boys."
It's time to think again.
Now even though the article suggests that we might win I'm pretty annoyed that we're being belittled. Would it be that big an upset if we beat Liverpool? Arsenal vs Reading yes ok. But we fucking beat Liverpool at Anfield earlier this year. Aston Villa are not a small club.
Given that they have 25 more points than us and a goal difference of 11 compared to our minus 21 it is not really an outrageous claim to suggest that they are clear favourites.
I reckon we have a good chance but from a pundit's point of view the logical outcome is a Liverpool win.
I'm not saying that they're not favourites, but lumping us in as basically being the same as a team who are mid-table in the Championship is pretty demeaning.
-
This is the start of BBC article -
"The FA Cup final? A no-brainer - Liverpool v Arsenal.
"Their semi-final opponents - Aston Villa and Reading - are last-four fodder for the big boys."
It's time to think again.
Now even though the article suggests that we might win I'm pretty annoyed that we're being belittled. Would it be that big an upset if we beat Liverpool? Arsenal vs Reading yes ok. But we fucking beat Liverpool at Anfield earlier this year. Aston Villa are not a small club.
Given that they have 25 more points than us and a goal difference of 11 compared to our minus 21 it is not really an outrageous claim to suggest that they are clear favourites.
I reckon we have a good chance but from a pundit's point of view the logical outcome is a Liverpool win.
Yep especially when the pundits include Lawro, Owen, Fowler, Hamman, McMannaman, Phil Thompson,Colin Murray, DJ Spooney, Alan Green - those types of pundits with incredible whit and objectivity.
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Bloody tickets haven't arrived despite buying them on the night of the QPR game. Took a morning off work so I could phone ticket office if the the posty came empty handed. Ticket office very good at issuing duplicates and saying that Villa ticket staff will be on hand at Wembley.
Now really looking forward to Sunday. UTV
SligoTom's ticket didn't arrive either and he ordered it in the first week of sales
-
This is the start of BBC article -
"The FA Cup final? A no-brainer - Liverpool v Arsenal.
"Their semi-final opponents - Aston Villa and Reading - are last-four fodder for the big boys."
It's time to think again.
Now even though the article suggests that we might win I'm pretty annoyed that we're being belittled. Would it be that big an upset if we beat Liverpool? Arsenal vs Reading yes ok. But we fucking beat Liverpool at Anfield earlier this year. Aston Villa are not a small club.
Given that they have 25 more points than us and a goal difference of 11 compared to our minus 21 it is not really an outrageous claim to suggest that they are clear favourites.
I reckon we have a good chance but from a pundit's point of view the logical outcome is a Liverpool win.
Yep especially when the pundits include Lawro, Owen, Fowler, Hamman, McMannaman, Phil Thompson,Colin Murray, DJ Spooney, Alan Green - those types of pundits with incredible whit and objectivity.
I wonder if Sky will have an ex Villa player on the panel or will it be Carragher and Redknapp and Henry giving a balanced view?
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Will there be any "local" radio coverage? BBC WM ?
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Gabby touch and go, Clark out
Not sure about t'others
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Given definatley starts says Timothy.
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This is the start of BBC article -
"The FA Cup final? A no-brainer - Liverpool v Arsenal.
"Their semi-final opponents - Aston Villa and Reading - are last-four fodder for the big boys."
It's time to think again.
Now even though the article suggests that we might win I'm pretty annoyed that we're being belittled. Would it be that big an upset if we beat Liverpool? Arsenal vs Reading yes ok. But we fucking beat Liverpool at Anfield earlier this year. Aston Villa are not a small club.
Given that they have 25 more points than us and a goal difference of 11 compared to our minus 21 it is not really an outrageous claim to suggest that they are clear favourites.
I reckon we have a good chance but from a pundit's point of view the logical outcome is a Liverpool win.
Yep especially when the pundits include Lawro, Owen, Fowler, Hamman, McMannaman, Phil Thompson,Colin Murray, DJ Spooney, Alan Green - those types of pundits with incredible whit and objectivity.
I wonder if Sky will have an ex Villa player on the panel or will it be Carragher and Redknapp and Henry giving a balanced view?
On BT so Owen as co-commentator, he makes Phil Neville look like Richie Benaud. Probably Spicey McMannaman in the studio.
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I think ir would be fair to say that we have a better chance of beating Liverpool than Reading do of beating Arsenal.
Far better!
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Sinclair and Westwood both passed fit.
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Westwood being back is important and Sinclair as well if Gabby is struggling.
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Sinclair and Westwood both passed fit.
good news...
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What about the full backs? I suspect Sherwood might keep Richardson at LB so if Hutton's back, maybe Bacuna is the third midfielder (him or Westwood). Really sucks that Sanchez is missing meaning that we won't have a genuine holding player at the base of either a diamond or a 4-3-3. Between Sinclair, N'Zogbia and Andi we should have just enough attacking support for Benteke but obviously it'd be a big boost if Gabby is available.
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Sinclair and Westwood both passed fit.
good news...
I'd go as far as to say great news. At the risk of sounding sensationalist this could well be a career-defining game for Westwood, which hopefully he'll realise and seize the opportunity.
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Will there be any "local" radio coverage? BBC WM ?
Yes , with John Gregory as a guest commentator .
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Given definatley starts says Timothy.
Why does he need to tell Liverpool that two days beforehand?
I hate it when our manager gives out team news and injury updates before the game, can't he just fend off the questions?
With the injuries and suspension it was an ideal opportunity to keep Liverpool guessing about key areas of our game and formation. Would we have played the diamond in midfield again had Westwood not been declared fit for instance.
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Will there be any "local" radio coverage? BBC WM ?
Yes , with John Gregory as a guest commentator .
Cheers FrankyH - I'll tune in via the iPad if that works
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Given definatley starts says Timothy.
Why does he need to tell Liverpool that two days beforehand?
I hate it when our manager gives out team news and injury updates before the game, can't he just fend off the questions?
With the injuries and suspension it was an ideal opportunity to keep Liverpool guessing about key areas of our game and formation. Would we have played the diamond in midfield again had Westwood not been declared fit for instance.
I wouldn't have thought Brendan Rogers and his backroom staff are on tenterhooks and deferring planning their team and tactics until they know whether it is Given or Guzan in goal.
If Westwood plays then James 'Mrs Paul Lambert' Nursey will have egg on his face as he was predicting a Wembley snub and a summer exit for him.
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Does anyone know what blocks in Wembley have been allocated to which sets of fans? Got hold of some tickets and not sure who I'm going to be amongst :-X
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Does anyone know what blocks in Wembley have been allocated to which sets of fans? Got hold of some tickets and not sure who I'm going to be amongst :-X
we are in the West Side of the ground if that helps...
UTV
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Tru Dat, Blap Blap
(http://cdn.meme.am/instances/400x/56126793.jpg)
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:)
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Big up da Westwide Cru - Ahh-iiii
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What about the full backs? I suspect Sherwood might keep Richardson at LB so if Hutton's back, maybe Bacuna is the third midfielder (him or Westwood). Really sucks that Sanchez is missing meaning that we won't have a genuine holding player at the base of either a diamond or a 4-3-3. Between Sinclair, N'Zogbia and Andi we should have just enough attacking support for Benteke but obviously it'd be a big boost if Gabby is available.
That's probably Westwood's best position.
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Does anyone know what blocks in Wembley have been allocated to which sets of fans? Got hold of some tickets and not sure who I'm going to be amongst :-X
we are in the West Side of the ground if that helps...
UTV
I'm in block 234 so looks good 8)
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Is Hutton fit?
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Is Hutton fit?
No but Kylie is
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I'm in block 535 upper tier and have turned down 2 tickets for the playboy executive box
I was in the box for the 2010 semi and watched in awe of our support that day 3-0 down and still drowning out the chavskis.
Come on sing your hearts out for the lads
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I've got Cup Fever.
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We shouldn't need extra motivation as supporters to want to win this, but having to listen to Scousers at work talk about how they might struggle for final tickets has really got me fired up.
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To be fair, Ads, they have a point. I doubt many are Villa season ticket holders.
Anybody heard anything about Stan leading the team out tomorrow? I know it was suggested to Sherwood a few weeks back and he said it was a nice idea but have yet to hear anything since.
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I've got Cup Fever.
What time will you be at the pub?
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Hutton out is a blow. You need experience in these sort of games. We do seem to get a lot of soft tissue muscle injuries. Perhaps the medical team and strength and conditioning coach positions need to be looked at for next season?
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I've got Cup Fever.
What time will you be at the pub?
I might camp outside it on Saturday night, be the first in on Sunday morning
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I'm thinking of heading down Saturday and booking a hotel in Harrow or nearby , anybody know of any villa meeting up to watch the Saturday night game in a pub? We had a great night before the Final in 2010 - I have a couple of teenage sons with me, but would good to find a group of villa to start off the weekend in a good way.... any info gratefully received.
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Gabby out. :(
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Oh.
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Source?
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Tim Sherwood insists Villa aren't going to Wembley for a day-out, roaring: "We're there to win the game and get through to the FA Cup final."
Sherwood is relishing the prospect of this weekend's visit to the national stadium for the last four clash with Liverpool.
But the boss is adamant his players are heading to the capital with the focused mindset of seeing off the Reds.
He said: "It's a very exciting game. It's a great opportunity for this club to get to a FA Cup final.
"It won't be a very good feeling if we lose. I have lost a few FA Cup semi-finals before myself. It's not a great feeling.
"We go in there with a positive frame of mind. It's not the relegation stakes on Sunday, it's about us maybe getting some glory for the football club.
"It's the same mindset as always - impose ourselves and win the game. That's what we intend to do.
"We think we're capable. We've got a good blend of players - they can play and then they can also go direct at times. We're prepared to mix it up.
"We have a plan and we hope we can affect Liverpool.
"It's a great opportunity for any of these guys to be a hero.
"It's been a long time since Aston Villa got to an FA Cup semi-final and then won the FA Cup - that's the aim really.
"No-one will ever remember the team that lost in the semi-final of the FA Cup.
"So this is the chance for someone to be a hero and take this club to the final and then win it.
"I think the lads have every reason to look forward to the game. The momentum has been with us. We have picked up some good results. It's definitely a game we can win.
"The fans are entitled to be excited. We will do everything we can to make sure they go back there in May. That's our aim and we want to achieve that.
"It's about preparing the team now. It's a big occasion and it's about knowing what that brings.
"We need to keep the players calm and make sure they apply themselves well and don't get beaten by the occasion.
"There are a lot of regrets if you lose semi-finals. I don't want them to have any regrets.
"We're confident. We have a lot of travelling fans coming down to support us at Wembley - the home of football.
"We have to do a job, impose ourselves on a very good Liverpool side.
"It's a great occasion but we're not going there for a day out. We're going there to win the game.
"We will certainly be professional enough to play the game not the occasion."
Sherwood has every reason to be optimistic heading into the Reds clash, with his claret and blue troops picking up ten points from the previous six games in the Barclays Premier League, including fantastic wins over West Brom, Sunderland and Tottenham.
However, the boss is very respectful of the quality his team will face this weekend.
He added: "Liverpool have a good rhythm.
"I get on very well with Brendan. I have a lot of respect for him.
"I think he's done a good job there. It's a transition period for him at Liverpool and I think he's done very well.
"I think they overachieved last season in finishing second. Then everyone expects them to emulate that every year. It's a tough league. It's not possible.
"I am sure Liverpool and Brendan Rodgers will be higher in that Champions League spots come the end of the season - and in seasons to come.
"His Liverpool team like to play a nice passing game. They like to dominate the football.
"We just have to make sure we get the ball off them and keep it ourselves.
"We can't keep giving them the ball back because you tend not to see it for a long period of time.
"It's a big pitch - Wembley - it's a different environment to what everyone is used to but we are confident we can keep the ball from them and hurt them."
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I'd rather play Sinclair off Benteke than Weimann.
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Source?
My elder son has just tweeted; he's on a coach just about to arrive at Golders Green where my younger son lives. Can't get hold of him to ask source but hope it's wrong!
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Ah. Twitter. Sorry, but I'll hold fire on this. No disrespect meant to your offspring.
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https://instagram.com/p/1libCvm7-_/?taken-by=ga11official
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Bugger.
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Hopefully it means he's just a little tired.
Fingers and everything else crossed.
Any news on that Spanish lad we signed?
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Still nothing official though. Clutching at straws maybe but I'll cling to it for now.
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I'd definitely not play Weimann. We need pace. I'd play nzogbia with benteke or Sinclair and nzogbia either side
Hopefully it's a bluff though. I thought they'd leave it a bit later before making a decision given what TS was saying earlier
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Let's hope it's a bluff
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My prediction is, if it's a dramatic game that we end up winning
I wouldn't be surprised to see people on the pitch again
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Anyone stupid enough to go on the pitch at Wembley will deserve the banning order they'll be given.
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My prediction is, if it's a dramatic game that we end up winning
I wouldn't be surprised to see people on the pitch again
Almost impossible to invade the playing area at Wembley.
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My prediction is, if it's a dramatic game that we end up winning
I wouldn't be surprised to see people on the pitch again
Almost impossible to invade the playing area at Wembley.
I'm Gona run on now just to prove you wrong
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They're debating it on TalkSport now.
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I'm Gona run on now just to prove you wrong
Haha ...if you do I will come and bail you out of Wormwood Scrubbs!
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A bloke called Dave apparently Villa fan just said we will win 2-1 on talksport just now.
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My prediction is, if it's a dramatic game that we end up winning
I wouldn't be surprised to see people on the pitch again
Not sure it's possible. Bad idea anyway.
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May as well put it here as well.
Adam_LFC
Villa fans are some of the most self-entitled I've met. He could actually stop them from going down but they would want rid of him. Didn't want Rafa. Call themselves a massive club.
Not even the best team in Birmingham.
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The school bully at his Dublin/Oslo/Hounslow school must have been a Villa fan. Poor love.
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I've got Cup Fever.
bit excited mate? I've reserved a flt for 27th may, should we progress. Don't have to pay til May 1st, so hopefully won't jinx us
What time will you be at the pub?
I might camp outside it on Saturday night, be the first in on Sunday morning
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May as well put it here as well.
Adam_LFC
Villa fans are some of the most self-entitled I've met. He could actually stop them from going down but they would want rid of him. Didn't want Rafa. Call themselves a massive club.
Not even the best team in Birmingham.
Gotta love RAWK
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May as well put it here as well.
Adam_LFC
Villa fans are some of the most self-entitled I've met. He could actually stop them from going down but they would want rid of him. Didn't want Rafa. Call themselves a massive club.
Not even the best team in Birmingham.
Gotta love RAWK
Hes probably a Brummie who backed the wrong horse when setting out on the gloryhunting trail, upset at being sneered at the poor love.
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Literally every sentence of that comment can be pulled apart, which is quite an achievement.
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May as well put it here as well.
Adam_LFC
Villa fans are some of the most self-entitled I've met. He could actually stop them from going down but they would want rid of him. Didn't want Rafa. Call themselves a massive club.
Not even the best team in Birmingham.
Gotta love RAWK
To be fair although RAWK is utterly deluded and pro Liverpool the "Brookside vs Crossroads" idea is pretty funny.
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Please be gentle as the "riter"is probably "frum a it's our rite" entitlement household and suffering from sense of injustice over not one but several issues.
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Its the opening sentence that gets you. He clearly cannot see the irony in what he's typing.
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Sherwood said Gabby is ''very close'' to fitness and a decision would be taken at the last minute on Sunday, so I don't think it's decided yet whether he plays or not....
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Sinclair and Gabby being available would be a big boost.
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Sinclair and Gabby being available would be a big boost.
It would be mahoooosive. Only danger is playing someone not 100% who then pulls up on 20 mins for example who simply cannot give his all.
The bin dipping tramps will have the same dilemma with ex villa academy gem and villa fan Sturridge
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Its the opening sentence that gets you. He clearly cannot see the irony in what he's typing.
He probably thinks irony is something his Mom does to his shirts.
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On my way down as I type. I'm like a kid and very excited. Last two times I've been Withe the Villa 2000 final and semi v Chels not good. Cmon boys lets upset everyone outside B6.
Meeting up with a few Villa in Covent Garden this afternoon if anyone's about.
UTV
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Please be gentle as the "riter"is probably "frum a it's our rite" entitlement household and suffering from sense of injustice over not one but several issues.
I've got a feeling that the "riter" is probably from the West Midlands and owns a half and half scarf with Liverpool and either the noses or Albion on it.
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Plenty of aging overweight Zulus sharing our train down, they shook our hands and wished us all the best as they thought it was good to see a Midlands team get to a semi final.
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The older Zulus seem ok to me PeterWithe it's the younger ones you need to watch
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"Zulus"? Good grief.
The correct terms are knuckle dragger, blue nose or filth.
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Just had a chat with a Liverpool 'fan' on Colmore Row. He used to support Villa. His son used to be a Manure fan but now supports Arsenal. I shit you not.
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Great Villa feature on today's Football Focus.
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Just had a chat with a Liverpool 'fan' on Colmore Row. He used to support Villa. His son used to be a Manure fan but now supports Arsenal. I shit you not.
Good grief.
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Great Villa feature on today's Football Focus.
Wonderful, Villa are invisible to the BBC. Just hope we stick it right up Liverpool tomorrow.
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Great Villa feature on today's Football Focus.
Wonderful, Villa are invisible to the BBC. Just hope we stick it right up Liverpool tomorrow.
Maybe Franksy's influence in that organisation is more far reaching than we think!!
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I normally don't care what tat we sell to help swell the coffers, but Villa are selling these in the club shops. Am I the only one that thinks it makes us look small time as it's the kind of thing someone like Wigan or Bradford would do? It's only a semi-final!
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v436/EnglishPride2004/_57b_zpsxrec46xl.jpg)(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v436/EnglishPride2004/_57d_zpsx2otz2gm.jpg)
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Did you know the Final will be Gerard's last game for Liverpool.
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Just had a chat with a Liverpool 'fan' on Colmore Row. He used to support Villa. His son used to be a Manure fan but now supports Arsenal. I shit you not.
These are the kind of folk the football industry makes its money from.
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Did you know the Final will be Gerard's last game for Liverpool.
I would love it if he scored an own goal in injury time that gave us the win and injured himself in the process, so that his last moment as a Liverpool player was knocking them out the FA Cup at Wembley.
I'm not too mean though, just a minor injury that stops him playing again this season.
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Just had a chat with a Liverpool 'fan' on Colmore Row. He used to support Villa. His son used to be a Manure fan but now supports Arsenal. I shit you not.
He's a True Blue Gunner Gooner. BANG!
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I normally don't care what tat we sell to help swell the coffers, but Villa are selling these in the club shops. Am I the only one that makes us look small time as it's the kind of thing someone like Wigan or Bradford would do? It's only a semi-final!
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v436/EnglishPride2004/_57b_zpsxrec46xl.jpg)(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v436/EnglishPride2004/_57d_zpsx2otz2gm.jpg)
WTF is that !
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Half and half scarves.
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Fucking dreadful. Sort it out, Villa
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And they wonder why people don't bother any more. Dearie fucking me.
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I cringed when I saw it on display in the window of the club shop in town.
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That is gut - wrenchingly tacky.. should not be allowed.
Absulutely disgusting ...
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My only hope is that they don't sell one, or at least only sell a handful. Maybe then they'll get it.
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Well I'll be wearing one and it will go well with my face paint, jester hat and FA Cup I've made out of cardboard and tin foil.
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Buy a foam one from the club.
(http://d2hatremgvh27k.cloudfront.net/cms_media/images/380x450_fitbox-c13002808_h.jpg)
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And they wonder why people don't bother any more. Dearie fucking me.
Bang on, I thought they got it, they dont
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That's so small time.
Little things like that are good indicators of how the club views itself these days.
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Anyone seen wearing one of those abominations tomorrow will certainly get a volley of abuse from me (tempered slightly if they are under 10)
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Omen time.Falkirk are through to the Scottish Cup Final.Last time they won it ?
1957
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That's modern football.
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Did you know the Final will be Gerard's last game for Liverpool.
No it won't. His and Liverpools season ends the week before the final.
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Right that's it folks
Had my brekkie today in the shadow of Wembley
Had a coffee outside Stamford bridge
Lucky jeans underpants socks t shirt hat all laid out boots polished
8-30 train to Canary Wharf for brekkie in all bar one then jubilee line to Wembley
See you all in the green Man
Sing your hearts out for the lads for 90 minutes
It's written in the stars
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That's modern football.
What, Falkirk making a final
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Unfortunately the youngest generation have been growing up only seeing us struggle. Playing at Wembley in a semi final is a real highlight for those. It's a reflection of the Houllier/TSM/TSM II (latter Lerner) era.
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Unfortunately the youngest generation have been growing up only seeing us struggle. Playing at Wembley in a semi final is a real highlight for those. It's a reflection of the Houllier/TSM/TSM II (latter Lerner) era.
Kind of have to agree, see pitch invasions in QF.
It's all pent up over 3-4 years .
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Unfortunately the youngest generation have been growing up only seeing us struggle. Playing at Wembley in a semi final is a real highlight for those. It's a reflection of the Houllier/TSM/TSM II (latter Lerner) era.
We were at Wembley twice 5 years ago, had a semi-final a couple of years ago, it's hardly been decades of dross in the lower leagues.
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Unfortunately the youngest generation have been growing up only seeing us struggle. Playing at Wembley in a semi final is a real highlight for those. It's a reflection of the Houllier/TSM/TSM II (latter Lerner) era.
Kind of have to agree, see pitch invasions in QF.
It's all pent up over 3-4 years .
And what was the reason for a pitch invasion against Inter in the FIRST round of the UEFA cup?
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Unfortunately the youngest generation have been growing up only seeing us struggle. Playing at Wembley in a semi final is a real highlight for those. It's a reflection of the Houllier/TSM/TSM II (latter Lerner) era.
We were at Wembley twice 5 years ago, had a semi-final a couple of years ago, it's hardly been decades of dross in the lower leagues.
We actually won our last semi final outing.
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Unfortunately the youngest generation have been growing up only seeing us struggle. Playing at Wembley in a semi final is a real highlight for those. It's a reflection of the Houllier/TSM/TSM II (latter Lerner) era.
Kind of have to agree, see pitch invasions in QF.
It's all pent up over 3-4 years .
And what was the reason for a pitch invasion against Inter in the FIRST round of the UEFA cup?
I also remember a few years in the mid to late 80s when we used to invade the pitch at the end of the last home game of the season, pretty much every time.
Of course, there were usually about 17,000 of us in the ground, so it was hardly a bobbing mass of humanity out there, but it was a bit nawty.
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Unfortunately the youngest generation have been growing up only seeing us struggle. Playing at Wembley in a semi final is a real highlight for those. It's a reflection of the Houllier/TSM/TSM II (latter Lerner) era.
Kind of have to agree, see pitch invasions in QF.
It's all pent up over 3-4 years .
And what was the reason for a pitch invasion against Inter in the FIRST round of the UEFA cup?
Did we ? Was that the Phil King night ?
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Omen time pt. 2
I was in Waitrose this savo, and Reading are sponsored by......Waitrose.
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Unfortunately the youngest generation have been growing up only seeing us struggle. Playing at Wembley in a semi final is a real highlight for those. It's a reflection of the Houllier/TSM/TSM II (latter Lerner) era.
Kind of have to agree, see pitch invasions in QF.
It's all pent up over 3-4 years .
And what was the reason for a pitch invasion against Inter in the FIRST round of the UEFA cup?
Did we ? Was that the Phil King night ?
No.
It was Kent Neilsen Stringy Spit night.
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Unfortunately the youngest generation have been growing up only seeing us struggle. Playing at Wembley in a semi final is a real highlight for those. It's a reflection of the Houllier/TSM/TSM II (latter Lerner) era.
Kind of have to agree, see pitch invasions in QF.
It's all pent up over 3-4 years .
And what was the reason for a pitch invasion against Inter in the FIRST round of the UEFA cup?
Did we ? Was that the Phil King night ?
Yes.
(http://cache1.asset-cache.net/gc/455634539-cup-football-aston-villa-v-inter-milan-ugo-gettyimages.jpg?v=1&c=IWSAsset&k=2&d=GkZZ8bf5zL1ZiijUmxa7Qe9%2Bj1Yq2VXhMmhnEZr9XohUGqx3k8XEpqofK4SSDsxy7prS1wSQ43nrJCNQ8ie9rA%3D%3D)
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I don't care how small time we appear for getting overly excited about a Semi-Final. We have had precious little to enjoy the past few years.
I had assumed the next time we would be at Wembley was a Championship playoff. So this is a massive bonus. We can enjoy the game regardless of result.
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I'll fucking hate it if we don't win. I'll leave enjoying just being there for the likes of Albion.
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Team arriving at Wembley.
PWS: Fixed
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I can see,
Given, Steer,Vlaar, Okore, Baker, Bacuna, Richardson, Cleverley, Sinclair, Cole , Gabby, Gil, Westwood, Delph, Benkete, Gabby, Grealish, Hepburn-Murphy (total 18) One person missing because don't you usually take 19 to a game? I couldn't see Lowton/Guzan/Weimann/N'Zogbia
Missing Clark (knee) Hutton (Ankle/Foot Injury) Senderos (Calf/Shin Injury) Kozak (Broken leg), Cissokho (Calf/Shin Injury), Sánchez (Ban)
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I can see,
Given, Steer,Vlaar, Okore, Baker, Bacuna, Richardson, Cleverley, Sinclair, Cole , Gabby, Gil, Westwood, Delph, Benkete, Gabby, Grealish, Hepburn-Murphy (total 18) One person missing because don't you usually take 19 to a game?
Weimann ?
Where is TS ?
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I can see,
Given, Steer,Vlaar, Okore, Baker, Bacuna, Richardson, Cleverley, Sinclair, Cole , Gabby, Gil, Westwood, Delph, Benkete, Gabby, Grealish, Hepburn-Murphy (total 18) One person missing because don't you usually take 19 to a game?
Weimann ?
Where is TS ?
Maybe that's him behind Grealish not Steer (just after Sinclair gets out)
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I didn't see Grealish or Weimann get off.
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I didn't see Grealish or Weimann get off.
See 24 seconds in the background
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Gil spotted! Smile on his face, knows he is picked. 2 assists and a goal at Wembley coming up ! :)
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Is that hotel on the wembley complex ? Can't picture it ? Surely not the ibis or Accor ?
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Oh yeah nice one.
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Edit, looks like the Hilton Wembley
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I bet Rushian must be really buzzing. Ok he probably won't get on the pitch, but to be going to Wembley as a player of a semi final at that age must be a real thrill.
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I bet Rushian must be really buzzing. Ok he probably won't get on the pitch, but to be arriving at Wembley as a player of a semi final at that age must be a real thrill.
Incredible. At 16 it's unreal. His mom probably packed his bag for him.
I'd love him to get on when we're 3 up just for the last 20 mins for the experience
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Of no significance, I've just put our tickets in my handbag. They were in a 'safe place'. Fortunately I remembered where said safe place was - could just imagine the mega panic tomorrow morning looking for the tickets, blaming one another.
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Of no significance, I've just put our tickets in my handbag. They were in a 'safe place'. Fortunately I remembered where said safe place was - could just imagine the mega panic tomorrow morning looking for the tickets, blaming one another.
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Lizz ?
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Of no significance, I've just put our tickets in my handbag. They were in a 'safe place'. Fortunately I remembered where said safe place was - could just imagine the mega panic tomorrow morning looking for the tickets, blaming one another.
Heh I know that feeling.
Whenever I am going to a game I am like that bit from AbFab where she walks out the door going on vacation saying "Yes, yes I have got everything." then bursts back in 2 minutes later screaming "tickets!?, money!?, passport!?"
:)
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I still haven't looked at my ticket due to superstition. So I still don't know what seat or row i'm in.
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I still haven't looked at my ticket due to superstition. So I still don't know what seat or row i'm in.
What ticket?
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I still haven't looked at my ticket due to superstition. So I still don't know what seat or row i'm in.
What ticket?
For all I know that bag is empty!
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May 30th, Cup final day is Libor Kozak's birthday fook off Stevie, Libor to get the winner in the Final!
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Meant to amend my post to change tablets to tickets, ended up quoting it instead. Can't even blame alcohol (yet).
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After we win the cup, it all goes steeply downhill for Wembley stadium - Foo Fighters then Ed Sheeran.
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I'll fucking hate it if we don't win. I'll leave enjoying just being there for the likes of Albion.
Same here, it's win or nothing.
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Ladies and Gents if you want ridiculously good odds on a bet, at Paddypower, it's 80-1 for villa to win 1-0 and Benteke to score.
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After we win the cup, it all goes steeply downhill for Wembley stadium - Foo Fighters then Ed Sheeran.
Christ almighty, poor Wembley. That is truly horrific.
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After we win the cup, it all goes steeply downhill for Wembley stadium - Foo Fighters then Ed Sheeran.
Christ almighty, poor Wembley. That is truly horrific.
Sheeran incredibly is not a single show, it's 3 whole nights .
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Ed sheeran fuck that off he dire
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After we win the cup, it all goes steeply downhill for Wembley stadium - Foo Fighters then Ed Sheeran.
Christ almighty, poor Wembley. That is truly horrific.
Sheeran incredibly is not a single show, it's 3 whole nights .
It gets worse! #jesuiswembley #pray4wembley
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I'm told Sturridge hasn't travelled with the 'The Mighty Reds YNWA' squad? Great if true...
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I'm told Sturridge hasn't travelled with the 'The Mighty Reds YNWA' squad? Great if true...
Source ?
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I'm told Sturridge hasn't travelled with the 'The Mighty Reds YNWA' squad? Great if true...
Source ?
My 'The Mighty Reds YNWA' mate who is close to tears. Will find a link and be right back
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Ladies and Gents if you want ridiculously good odds on a bet, at Paddypower, it's 80-1 for villa to win 1-0 and Benteke to score.
Cheers for that, just stuck a bet on. 80-1 seems ridiculous? Not that unlikely is it!?
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Ed sheeran fuck that off he dire
Is his video the one where he ballet dances with a woman, or something like that? Don't watch the music channels much but seen something along those lines a few times recently.
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Anyone got a spare ticket for the game :-(
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Ladies and Gents if you want ridiculously good odds on a bet, at Paddypower, it's 80-1 for villa to win 1-0 and Benteke to score.
Cheers for that, just stuck a bet on. 80-1 seems ridiculous? Not that unlikely is it!?
Well I'd have thought that if we win that's a reasonably likely outcome.
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Ladies and Gents if you want ridiculously good odds on a bet, at Paddypower, it's 80-1 for villa to win 1-0 and Benteke to score.
Cheers for that, just stuck a bet on. 80-1 seems ridiculous? Not that unlikely is it!?
Of course it is, Benteke is going to get more than that.
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I think CNZ is the key tomorrow. If he has a worldly we will win. If he heads up the culms sacs we be fecked.
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The bells are ringing for the claret and blue........ (Next line gents)
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I reckon they'll start Balotelli. So for me the game will be decided by who has the better game, him or The Beast.
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I think CNZ is the key tomorrow. If he has a worldly we will win. If he heads up the culms sacs we be fecked.
I think he's the key as well, if he plays we are fucked if he doesn't we might win
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I think CNZ is the key tomorrow. If he has a worldly we will win. If he heads up the culms sacs we be fecked.
I think if we ever find ourselves in a situation where we're relying on CNZ, we're in a difficult place.
I like him - when he produces - but he's so erratic, it's untrue.
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Sherwood kept pausing around tactics and selection when woodward was talking to him with a "well we will see" dropped in every few answers. I think we will be playing something a bit new. Possibly pack the midfield and leave tekkers alone up top.
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I think CNZ is the key tomorrow. If he has a worldly we will win. If he heads up the culms sacs we be fecked.
I think he's the key as well, if he plays we are fucked if he doesn't we might win
^This
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I can see the Wembley arch from my kitchen. Hope it is shining claret and blue tomorrow night.
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Benteke is the match winner, if he plays well we have a real chance.
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Just Fking win. We are Aston Villa, we have more tradition, class and history than those whinging and maudlin Red Scousers.
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I can see the Wembley arch from my kitchen. Hope it is shining claret and blue tomorrow night.
[/quote hope you have a top day out mate- hopefully catch up in May for the final!
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This is no time be up on a Sunday!
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One thing is for certain,
no matter what the result we will make more noise and outsing the scousers
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In the words of President Kennedy
'Let Us Begin'
Comevon Villa
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Up and bouncing! Meeting fellow Villa fan and Chichester resident, Rob, my companion through many a drubbing on Sky in the pub near us, at the station and then up to London. Collecting my ticket outside Wembley. Hoping not to meet too many gloryhunting scousers from this part of the world - 'my uncle was born in Liverpool' types!
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Up and buzzing now will leave ours at 1030 so be at Wembley parked up by 130pm latest I'd have thought.
Keep sterling and continuo quiet (assumes Sturbridge out) and we've got this won.
Come on me babbies .
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Morning all. Let's do this. Glory awaits.
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Right Villa let's get some pay back for that fucking Robbie Fowler hat trick.
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Nearly time to leave to get picked up. Feck me i'm hyper!
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Leaving at 10.30, hopefully parked by by 12.30, a few pints then walk to the ground.
Do us proud.
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On way.
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On train from Leeds, there are a lot of over confident Liverpool supporters on board.
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19 years to settle a score.
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Moor St is a nightmare by all accounts. Nodge et al have decided to drive instead.
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On train from Leeds, there are a lot of over confident Liverpool supporters on board.
Snap!
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Waiting for 11 when the Old man and my brother turn up to collect me - getting very, very jittery and just want to be there now. Hoping there'll be some space in the pubs around 1 when we rock up!
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My Gooner mate said we're missing out on quality drinking time with us having a KO time at 3pm but he failed to realise we had 24 hrs more drinking time - as beautifully demonstrated by this guy who came past us at Vauxhall next to the Thames at about midday yesterday
https://twitter.com/alanclarke84/status/589432335654879232
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Luckily not my picture, but Moor Street is looking bad!
(http://i.imgur.com/IIIQnNt.png)
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Casting my mind back to the dark days of mid-winter I'm quite content to say whatever will be, will be, que sera sera and accept Liverpool are favourites. However, there is also something in me that thinks we are going to sneak this.
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Hopefully I'll miss that as coming in from Stourbridge. Imagine platform will be just as jammed though.
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Come on Villa!
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Villa takeover at Oxford Services
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Luckily not my picture, but Moor Street is looking bad!
(http://i.imgur.com/IIIQnNt.png)
Just been stood in that queue for nearly 2 hours before just getting on a train now. Absolute chaos with very little organisation.
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Latest from coach D. Table of four Liverpool supporters leaving at half time if they are 4 up to go drinking, loudest annoying bloke on train is a Mansfield season ticket holder in a Villa shirt talking about all the Mansfield games he's been to/going to.
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Guzan one of the best keepers in the league
Vlaar one of the best defenders at the world cup
Delph one of Englands best midfield prospects
Benteke one of Europes best strikers
The spine is there, the support is there. If the desire and commitment matches it we have every chance of being in the FA Cup final. Liverpool are decent, not good just decent and on our day we bloody well are too. I think we can do it, there's been something about this cup run, every game has felt important and an escape and we've clung to it. We're going to cling on a little longer and end a lot of years of FA Cup hurt.
Aston Villa 2 Liverpool 1
Guzan isn't playing but I hope the rest applies.
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Oh it would be so nice just to have to luck go our way for once.
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My Gooner mate said we're missing out on quality drinking time with us having a KO time at 3pm but he failed to realise we had 24 hrs more drinking time - as beautifully demonstrated by this guy who came past us at Vauxhall next to the Thames at about midday yesterday
https://twitter.com/alanclarke84/status/589432335654879232
That's quality, shared on facebook.
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Luckily not my picture, but Moor Street is looking bad!
(http://i.imgur.com/IIIQnNt.png)
Queued for an hour. Orderly enough from my perspective.
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It's 6.15am in Toronto. Can't sleep. Wishing all traveling Villa fans a safe and enjoyable day and much to celebrate around 5pm!! We can do this. We can absolutely do this today!!
BELIEVE
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Match kicks off at Midnight in Oz. Been nervous all day but strangely confident considering we're the underdogs, similar to how I felt last week against Spurs.
Come on you Lions.
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Come on you Villa boys!!
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To paraphrase H. Solo, I have a good feeling about this. COYL
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Got in the pub 10.30am at Watford, plenty of Villa , it's full of 'The Mighty Reds YNWA' now.time for Wembley me thinks
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Just met up some friends in the Volunteer in Baker Street. Renamed The Villanteer for the day.
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Setting of at 2 to watch at Natura Beach Sports Bar in Playa Blanca with Mrs OT and Mr & Mrs YoungTimers.
Hope you all have a great day and we are able to progress
Come on You Lions...........get the roar going
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Just met up some friends in the Volunteer in Baker Street. Renamed The Villanteer for the day.
In the Royal Oak in Harrow. Same, but struggling for a pun....
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Am in Singapore hope to catch us somewhere of all the weekend s
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Just met up some friends in the Volunteer in Baker Street. Renamed The Villanteer for the day.
In the Royal Oak in Harrow. Same, but struggling for a pun....
I imagine Stoke had a cracking time when they were there.
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Who is the ref today. For once a ref being fair at Wembley would be nice.
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Michael Oliver.
He's alright usually.
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Lucas out
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Police say all pubs round Wembley full.
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Sent Clark off against Leicester when James was in the wrong. Either has great games or really poor ones. Let's hope an early stevie g bath is in order.
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Police say all pubs round Wembley full.
Is that definite? Close to the stadium now, we'll just drink in there if so
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Any update on the gabster? Pace against their defence is definitely our main weapon
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Parked up at wembley. It's feckin freezing.
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Today is bringing back memories of when I was villa mascot in a 4th round fa cup tie versus Liverpool at villa park in 1988.
Had to name my favorite player: Paul Birch
Had a prematch kick around on the turf.
Terry weir took some great pics of me with Garry Thompson, Allan McInally, etc and one with a packed holte End (standing).
Hoping for a different result today.
Think we can do it!
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Any update on the gabster? Pace against their defence is definitely our main weapon
Looked to be limping when he got off the team coach, probably yesterday at the hotel.
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Any update on the gabster? Pace against their defence is definitely our main weapon
I would say Benteke is our main weapon against any defence.
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No Gabby.
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@LFC: Confirmed #LFC team v @AVFCOfficial: Mignolet, Can, Skrtel, Lovren, Moreno, Allen, Henderson, Gerrard, Markovic, Coutinho, Sterling
Is that 3 at the back? Markovic or Henderson RWB?
I'm encouraged by that side. Let's see who villa have got in. Feeling pretty nervous!
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Grealish starts.
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Yes 3 at the back with Moreno and Markovic as wing back I think and Countinho and Sterling as a floating front two.
Main thing for me is Sturridge is out- he always scores against us.
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Grealish starts.
Hope the occasion dosen't get to him and he's marked out of the game too easily as he won't get as much space as in previous games.
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If Liverpool are going 352 I really hope we don't play the diamond. As per the QPR game it's the worst formation to play against 352. Especially when your full backs aren't great
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Gabby out. Westwood and N'zogbia starting.
Sinclair probably isn't match fit so I'd assume it will be Grealish and N'zogbia supporting Benteke and dropping back into midfield as and when.
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@Squawka: Aston Villa XI vs. Liverpool: Given; Bacuna, Baker, Vlaar, Richardson; Westwood, Delph, Cleverley; Grealish, N’Zogbia, Benteke. #AVFC
433 or possibly a diamond w nzogbia up top
But if Liverpool do play 352 it has to be 433
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Any chance Westwood taking a corner or free kick today that doesn't go to an opponent or out of play? he owes us a performance.
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Think they will target our full backs
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Balmy Autumn day in Jhbg, Doing lots of things that do not need doing, to while away the moments !
Come on you Lions
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I reckon he will give n'zog and Grealish free roles...get close to Benteke and win the second ball
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Nzogbia must owe us many more. Westwood is much better on the ball than Sanchez but not so great at the defensive side. Albion went 3 at the back and struggled against us so not certain Liverpool won't. Lovren has been poor
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God I'm bricking it. Off to watch it with two Liverpool fans. One is from Plymouth the other North London. Ho hum. Please Villa. Just this one (for now).
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BT Sport taking the piss. 3 Liverpool and Savage on their panel.
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Just had a text from a mate to say Alan Green is commentating for Five Live. No Liverpool bias there then.
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Talksport have Stan commentating.
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commentators or pundits thoughts and perceived bias doesn't affect anything that matters. Villa to lose in the media and win on the pitch is fine by me.
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Good to see Robbie Savage getting a nice hello from the villa fans.
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Oh yes yes yes