Heroes & Villains, the Aston Villa fanzine

Heroes & Villains => Match Threads & Player Ratings => Topic started by: Legion on November 29, 2018, 05:47:27 PM

Title: Middlesbrough vs Aston Villa: Pre-Match Thread
Post by: Legion on November 29, 2018, 05:47:27 PM
Saturday 1st December 17:30 KO (A)
Title: Re: Middlesbrough vs Aston Villa: Pre-Match Thread
Post by: Legion on November 29, 2018, 05:47:57 PM
3-5 away win.
Title: Re: Middlesbrough vs Aston Villa: Pre-Match Thread
Post by: PeterWithesShin on November 29, 2018, 05:52:19 PM
Nailed on to be 0-0 after all this.
Title: Re: Middlesbrough vs Aston Villa: Pre-Match Thread
Post by: Ads on November 29, 2018, 06:29:26 PM
Boro don't attack with the same page or movement as Forest. It will be percentage football and crosses in.

I'm hoping we will have more cover in thst midfield.

They may have scored just 22 but they've only conceded 13. I fancy the latter to take a knocking.

I feel if we score first, with the way we attack, dominate possession and break that a goal cushion would properly spanner up Pulis.

Beauty v Beast.

First goal key. But I really fancy us to rattle a few in.
Title: Re: Middlesbrough vs Aston Villa: Pre-Match Thread
Post by: Matt Collins on November 29, 2018, 06:51:38 PM
A real clash of styles

I fear that a combination of tiredness after two epic games and our terrible defending of set pieces will be too much to overcome

But then I look at our attacking threat and fancy them to score against anyone in this league. Forest had been watertight and we genuinely could have had 8 goals last night
Title: Re: Middlesbrough vs Aston Villa: Pre-Match Thread
Post by: WALTERS WARRIORS on November 29, 2018, 08:53:27 PM
I also think that our strike force and new attacking strategy will shock boro and their attempt to defend will allow us to pin them in. Bolasie is now a major threat and now El Ghazi has been introduced to the DS first team we have options 1-3 ......
Title: Re: Middlesbrough vs Aston Villa: Pre-Match Thread
Post by: Toronto Villa on November 29, 2018, 09:15:47 PM
Middlesbrough Elephants 30-43 Aston Villa Roaring Lions

Touchdowns and field goals galore. Boro’s scores all coming from long bombs over the top of our free cornerback Chester; free safety Nyland not providing any real security as a last line of defence.
Title: Re: Middlesbrough vs Aston Villa: Pre-Match Thread
Post by: Lastfootstamper on November 29, 2018, 09:20:05 PM
Easy day for our defence, dealing with nothing more technical than lumps straight at them. Our attack, however, will be successfully frustrated for an hour and a quarter.

4-0 us. McGinn (2), Abraham, Bolasie.
Title: Re: Middlesbrough vs Aston Villa: Pre-Match Thread
Post by: Pete3206 on November 29, 2018, 09:25:52 PM
I fancy us to win 2-1
Title: Re: Middlesbrough vs Aston Villa: Pre-Match Thread
Post by: walsall villain on November 29, 2018, 09:27:06 PM
Imagine boro will score from a set piece but we will have too much for them, 1-2
Title: Re: Middlesbrough vs Aston Villa: Pre-Match Thread
Post by: Axl Rose on November 29, 2018, 09:34:50 PM
3-2 us.
Title: Re: Middlesbrough vs Aston Villa: Pre-Match Thread
Post by: garyshawsknee on November 29, 2018, 09:48:00 PM
They're always happy to concede possession, so with the quality we have now, this should work out in our favour, narrow win for us as we pick off the teams above us.UTV.
Title: Re: Middlesbrough vs Aston Villa: Pre-Match Thread
Post by: andyh on November 29, 2018, 10:11:47 PM
Well, we are obviously going to score 6.
Its a question of how many we let them score.
Title: Re: Middlesbrough vs Aston Villa: Pre-Match Thread
Post by: olaftab on November 29, 2018, 10:23:13 PM
Against Pulis's hod carriers we will win the match if we score more than one.
Title: Re: Middlesbrough vs Aston Villa: Pre-Match Thread
Post by: SoccerHQ on November 29, 2018, 11:08:59 PM
Hopeful for a point but going to be turning off the TV whenever Boro get a corner I think!

They won't stretch us as much as Forest did at least. Also got a few injuries, Downing didn't play their last game and Gestede went off injured against Preston.

This is a game I wish John Terry could come out of retirement and play one final time as it's not like he'd do a huge amount of running, just heading practice.

We didn't actually concede a goal v Boro in any of the four games last season, problem is we simply don't have the grit at the back we did last year.
Title: Re: Middlesbrough vs Aston Villa: Pre-Match Thread
Post by: PeterWithesShin on November 30, 2018, 12:12:35 AM
Title: Re: Middlesbrough vs Aston Villa: Pre-Match Thread
Post by: tomd2103 on November 30, 2018, 01:00:14 AM
Hopeful for a point but going to be turning off the TV whenever Boro get a corner I think!

They won't stretch us as much as Forest did at least. Also got a few injuries, Downing didn't play their last game and Gestede went off injured against Preston.

This is a game I wish John Terry could come out of retirement and play one final time as it's not like he'd do a huge amount of running, just heading practice.

We didn't actually concede a goal v Boro in any of the four games last season, problem is we simply don't have the grit at the back we did last year.

Jedinak was a key part of that and got the goal up there which won us the semi final.  I don't see him fitting in the current style of play, but he is very effective in the defensive midfield role against long ball teams.
Title: Re: Middlesbrough vs Aston Villa: Pre-Match Thread
Post by: CT Villan on November 30, 2018, 01:54:24 AM
It has been noticeable, especially of late, that Axel and Chester don't win many headers so I am a little concerned with Boro's route 1 stuff.

If we can hold it together defensively, we have the fire-power to win. I'm going 4-6 to the Villa.
Title: Re: Middlesbrough vs Aston Villa: Pre-Match Thread
Post by: tomd2103 on November 30, 2018, 02:08:50 AM
It has been noticeable, especially of late, that Axel and Chester don't win many headers so I am a little concerned with Boro's route 1 stuff.

If we can hold it together defensively, we have the fire-power to win. I'm going 4-6 to the Villa.

I think Tony Pulis' head would explode on the touchline if that happened.
Title: Re: Middlesbrough vs Aston Villa: Pre-Match Thread
Post by: Matt Collins on November 30, 2018, 06:04:51 AM
Last season we'd have had Hutton at left back and jedinak in midfield who are both good in the air. Taylor and hourihane / Whelan aren't. While tuanzebe is taller but less good in the air than Terry. And nyland is worse than Johnstone

It's pretty obvious what Pulis will be focusing on

Our best tactic is to dominate the ball and avoid giving away set pieces as much as possible

We do have a great record at Boro I think?
Title: Re: Middlesbrough vs Aston Villa: Pre-Match Thread
Post by: Matt Collins on November 30, 2018, 06:28:53 AM
Although I've just checked our boro's home form:

Swansea 0-0
Forest 0-2
Rotherham 0-0
Derby 1-1
Wigan 2-0

I can't see a similar stalemate here, but that's a lot less strong than I'd imagined
Title: Re: Middlesbrough vs Aston Villa: Pre-Match Thread
Post by: Perthvillan on November 30, 2018, 06:34:29 AM
Think they might grind out a 1-0 win, hope I'm wrong mind.
It will probably be very different to our last three games though.
Title: Re: Middlesbrough vs Aston Villa: Pre-Match Thread
Post by: Ads on November 30, 2018, 07:08:48 AM
They won't grind anything out against us.
Title: Re: Middlesbrough vs Aston Villa: Pre-Match Thread
Post by: Toronto Villa on November 30, 2018, 07:59:52 AM
They won't grind anything out against us.

They’re a typical boring bastard Pulis team that will try and get the lead and keep it. While we’re not exactly ace at the back no less is safe against us now. In a battle of who scores most we’ll win.
Title: Re: Middlesbrough vs Aston Villa: Pre-Match Thread
Post by: TonyD on November 30, 2018, 08:08:08 AM
2.6.  I might check out the odds on that score.  Worth a fiver.
Title: Re: Middlesbrough vs Aston Villa: Pre-Match Thread
Post by: PaulWinch again on November 30, 2018, 08:11:49 AM
I fear for us against a side that is just going to pump the ball into the box.
Title: Re: Middlesbrough vs Aston Villa: Pre-Match Thread
Post by: Dr Butler on November 30, 2018, 08:23:03 AM
a BIG ask I grant ya, but if we keep a clean sheet we will win easily....3-0 Villa...if we keep a clean sheet that is

UTV
THe Doc
Title: Re: Middlesbrough vs Aston Villa: Pre-Match Thread
Post by: Risso on November 30, 2018, 09:32:42 AM
I never thought I'd say it, but this might be a game for Jedinak to sit in front of the defence.
Title: Re: Middlesbrough vs Aston Villa: Pre-Match Thread
Post by: darren woolley on November 30, 2018, 09:38:11 AM
1-1 Draw for me.
Title: Re: Middlesbrough vs Aston Villa: Pre-Match Thread
Post by: chrisw1 on November 30, 2018, 10:01:42 AM
I think we will struggle at corners and set pieces.  Blues looked like they would score from every corner and Boro will be focused on this. I think we'll concede a couple.  Whether we can outscore them will decide the game.  I'm going 2-2.
Title: Re: Middlesbrough vs Aston Villa: Pre-Match Thread
Post by: Duncan Shaw on November 30, 2018, 10:25:02 AM
I never thought I'd say it, but this might be a game for Jedinak to sit in front of the defence.
Absolutely this!
All those saying about the set-pieces - of the 5 on Wednesday night none were set-pieces, we dealt with them OK.  It was runners pouring through midfield that killed us, and Boro ain't gonna do that.
Title: Re: Middlesbrough vs Aston Villa: Pre-Match Thread
Post by: chrisw1 on November 30, 2018, 10:35:35 AM
I never thought I'd say it, but this might be a game for Jedinak to sit in front of the defence.
It would help but I don't think he's fit so unfortunately not an option. I think Whelan may play.
Title: Re: Middlesbrough vs Aston Villa: Pre-Match Thread
Post by: UK Redsox on November 30, 2018, 11:20:12 AM
Yep, if Jedi is fit, this would be one of the few games in which he should start.
Title: Re: Middlesbrough vs Aston Villa: Pre-Match Thread
Post by: simon ward 50 on November 30, 2018, 12:06:56 PM
10 defenders  on the pitch for this one?
Title: Re: Middlesbrough vs Aston Villa: Pre-Match Thread
Post by: CJ on November 30, 2018, 01:00:20 PM
Tiny Penis knows we're vulnerable to hoofballs through the middle, aren't great in the air defensively and that we've got a dodgy 'keeper. Expect loads of route 1 balls and long throw-ins into the box . On the upside we can score against anybody. I'm going for 2-2
Title: Re: Middlesbrough vs Aston Villa: Pre-Match Thread
Post by: mallo on November 30, 2018, 01:13:01 PM
Initially I thought we would struggle with PenisBall, but then thinking about it, it's like us under Bruce vs super Brentford on steroids up front - they won't risk running at us and try to pick us off at set pieces but we'll be all over them and they will sit back. Put Jedinak on for Hourihan and we've got a good chance.
Title: Re: Middlesbrough vs Aston Villa: Pre-Match Thread
Post by: Drummond on November 30, 2018, 01:32:00 PM
Gestede is out thankfully. Wing (attacking midfielder, if like me you didn't know)was ill in midweek but may be back. Shotton may be on bench.
Title: Re: Middlesbrough vs Aston Villa: Pre-Match Thread
Post by: The Man With A Stick on November 30, 2018, 01:38:29 PM
Jedinak is still out til next week (according to Smith), we could maybe have done with him tomorrow.  Still, 1-2 away win here I reckon.
Title: Re: Middlesbrough vs Aston Villa: Pre-Match Thread
Post by: achilles on November 30, 2018, 01:40:06 PM
Middlesbrough have in their last 3 home games drawn 2, won 1, scoring 3 goals conceding 1 goal, currently 6th equal with Villa in the form table over the last 6 games,so it should be a very tight game with a draw a very strong possibility!
Title: Re: Middlesbrough vs Aston Villa: Pre-Match Thread
Post by: usav on November 30, 2018, 04:44:22 PM
3 tough games in 6 days, nailed-on loss.

I'll go 2-0 to Villa ;-)
Title: Re: Middlesbrough vs Aston Villa: Pre-Match Thread
Post by: Damo70 on November 30, 2018, 04:59:35 PM
I think it will be a draw. 0-0 or 1-1. But we could well win of we score first as chasing a game doesn't suite Boro.
Title: Re: Middlesbrough vs Aston Villa: Pre-Match Thread
Post by: ChicagoLion on November 30, 2018, 05:53:38 PM
Pullis must be having kittens thinking about this one.
Knowing he will be playing a keystone cops defense with a keeper that might as well wear oven gloves, (do i attack or do I rely on set pieces and defensive organisation?).
They will be lobbing the ball down the middle and in the channels at every opportunity, soak up the attacks with men behind the ball and counter.
Defence v attack, I think we will do well to get a point.
Title: Re: Middlesbrough vs Aston Villa: Pre-Match Thread
Post by: Holte132 on November 30, 2018, 06:39:04 PM
If we can continue the pattern of November we'll score 6! If.
Title: Re: Middlesbrough vs Aston Villa: Pre-Match Thread
Post by: SoccerHQ on November 30, 2018, 08:31:14 PM
I never thought I'd say it, but this might be a game for Jedinak to sit in front of the defence.

Still injured isn't he? Think Whelan will get that role as he knows how Pulis teams operate.
Title: Re: Middlesbrough vs Aston Villa: Pre-Match Thread
Post by: villa `cross the mersey on November 30, 2018, 08:57:39 PM
Tough game tomorrow especially after the effort put in on Wednesday - a draw would be a good result
I expect SHA to narrow the gap after their unexpected win at the New Den
Title: Re: Middlesbrough vs Aston Villa: Pre-Match Thread
Post by: wittonwarrior on November 30, 2018, 10:15:35 PM
Take a point but if we gab the game like we did at derby could be 2 or 3 nil to us
Title: Re: Middlesbrough vs Aston Villa: Pre-Match Thread
Post by: Nelly on December 01, 2018, 02:06:07 AM
With our makeshift, worrisome defensive unit, I worry they might have some joy against us. But we will score.

Also, how nice is it to know that we will be the team playing it on the deck for once! Whatever happens I know we'll give it our best and that's fine by me. (Villa win).
Title: Re: Middlesbrough vs Aston Villa: Pre-Match Thread
Post by: Risso on December 01, 2018, 07:24:07 AM
Worried about this one. Think we’ll come unstuck, as Pulis will exploit our weaknesses in the keeper and defence positions.
Title: Re: Middlesbrough vs Aston Villa: Pre-Match Thread
Post by: john e on December 01, 2018, 08:19:53 AM
Clash of styles

been waiting a long time to hear that

1-2
Title: Re: Middlesbrough vs Aston Villa: Pre-Match Thread
Post by: Lastfootstamper on December 01, 2018, 08:34:56 AM
He can try, Risso! Yeah, a clean sheet's unlikely to say the least, but I know we'll have worked on and talked about cancelling out their threats without detracting from our own play. Pulis will be like a spider today; you won't be able to tell by looking at him, but he's far more scared of us than we are of him.

The two lads on the bench Wednesday, where do they play? I know we've been a little hamstrung of late with our choices on the bench through unavailability, but he's going to start one sometime. Today?

And according to my phone, this game's in Leicester. I think that it might be mistaken.
Title: Re: Middlesbrough vs Aston Villa: Pre-Match Thread
Post by: Steve67 on December 01, 2018, 08:38:06 AM
They will rely on set pieces. Tough to call but if we harbour ambitions of going up...............
Title: Re: Middlesbrough vs Aston Villa: Pre-Match Thread
Post by: Lastfootstamper on December 01, 2018, 08:40:35 AM
And from what I can tell, a Smith side has never lost to one of Tiny's.
Title: Re: Middlesbrough vs Aston Villa: Pre-Match Thread
Post by: TopDeck113 on December 01, 2018, 09:08:36 AM
Who knows? I will though be surprised if the second part of final score reads Aston Vilie nil.
Title: Re: Middlesbrough vs Aston Villa: Pre-Match Thread
Post by: Rigadon on December 01, 2018, 09:22:35 AM
We score lots, we concede some.  They will be the usual dross that Pulis serves up, but much will depend on how resolute we can be from corners etc. 
Title: Re: Middlesbrough vs Aston Villa: Pre-Match Thread
Post by: Clampy on December 01, 2018, 09:59:15 AM
These will be harder to break down than other teams but we can still beat them. 1-3 to us. Whelan to come in for Hourihane I reckon.
Title: Re: Middlesbrough vs Aston Villa: Pre-Match Thread
Post by: Ads on December 01, 2018, 10:17:13 AM
I really think if we start the quicker and with the intent to attack then getting that first goal is key.

Regardless of how porous (or not, 3 clean sheets in 7) I feel the way Boro set up, you score one then you don't lose and if you score 2 then you probably win.

Our attack, like the Albion's, is probably bottom half Premier League quality. I don't think there's a defence thst can cope.
Title: Re: Middlesbrough vs Aston Villa: Pre-Match Thread
Post by: Richard E on December 01, 2018, 10:26:50 AM
Not confident about this one. I’d take the draw. 1-1.
Title: Re: Middlesbrough vs Aston Villa: Pre-Match Thread
Post by: Rudy Can't Fail on December 01, 2018, 10:52:21 AM
After the recent goal fest this will be a 0-0 bore.
Title: Re: Middlesbrough vs Aston Villa: Pre-Match Thread
Post by: ez on December 01, 2018, 11:12:06 AM
2-1 to us. Interesting to see if he drops Nyland.
Title: Re: Middlesbrough vs Aston Villa: Pre-Match Thread
Post by: Toronto Villa on December 01, 2018, 11:34:06 AM
2-1 to us. Interesting to see if he drops Nyland.

Not a chance. He publicly defended him. The last thing he’ll now do is drop him. And even if it was on his mind the other two are even worse.
Title: Re: Middlesbrough vs Aston Villa: Pre-Match Thread
Post by: Bad English on December 01, 2018, 12:04:45 PM
Take a point but if we gab the game like we did at derby could be 2 or 3 nil to us
I will take nothing but the summary funeralling of Middlesborough FC ta very much. Also Gab is gone. Get over it!
Title: Re: Middlesbrough vs Aston Villa: Pre-Match Thread
Post by: Sexual Ealing on December 01, 2018, 12:54:51 PM
Who knows? I will though be surprised if the second part of final score reads Aston Vilie nil.

I guarantee that it won't!
Title: Re: Middlesbrough vs Aston Villa: Pre-Match Thread
Post by: Gregorys Boy on December 01, 2018, 02:03:02 PM
Doubt it'll be raining goals today! ;) Will go 1-2 to the Villa!  Connor and Chester to get ours. 
Title: Re: Middlesbrough vs Aston Villa: Pre-Match Thread
Post by: Villa Lew on December 01, 2018, 03:00:51 PM
According to Sky SJM doubtful, which is not entirely unexpected, didn't look 100% on Wednesday and probably the after effects of the tackle from Forest's left back. Going 2 - 3 El Ghazi coming on in last 10 minutes to hit the winner.
Title: Re: Middlesbrough vs Aston Villa: Pre-Match Thread
Post by: JJ-AV on December 01, 2018, 03:02:19 PM
It’s not in Deano’s nature to be negative but we really don’t want to lose this. I’m gonna go for a draw again, 2-2 or something, I think we’re going to struggle with them airially.
Title: Re: Middlesbrough vs Aston Villa: Pre-Match Thread
Post by: Ads on December 01, 2018, 03:18:41 PM
Very bleak on the 62. But it is Yorkshire so par for the course.

Feeling not so much optimistic about the result, but that we're going to attack. And attack some more. And then, for a change, attack.

I'm very confident we'll score at least two.

Nyland

Taylor
Chester
Tuanzebe
Elmo

Whelan
McGinn

Kodjia
Grealish
Bolasie

Tammy.
Title: Re: Middlesbrough vs Aston Villa: Pre-Match Thread
Post by: ChicagoLion on December 01, 2018, 03:42:22 PM
It’s not in Deano’s nature to be negative but we really don’t want to lose this. I’m gonna go for a draw again, 2-2 or something, I think we’re going to struggle with them airially.
Which would suggest the completely ineffective Hourihane again.
Title: Re: Middlesbrough vs Aston Villa: Pre-Match Thread
Post by: Villafirst on December 01, 2018, 04:31:21 PM
Deano said Mcginn came through ok on Wednesday. He was taken off due to tiredness apparently.
Title: Re: Middlesbrough vs Aston Villa: Pre-Match Thread
Post by: leylandalbion on December 01, 2018, 04:34:01 PM
El ghazi for kodja, right thing it rotating front 3 , keep em all interested
Title: Re: Middlesbrough vs Aston Villa: Pre-Match Thread
Post by: Ads on December 01, 2018, 04:34:15 PM
El Ghazi starts. As does Hourihane.
Title: Re: Middlesbrough vs Aston Villa: Pre-Match Thread
Post by: kippaxvilla2 on December 01, 2018, 04:36:37 PM
What an open line up that is!
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