Heroes & Villains, the Aston Villa fanzine
Heroes & Villains => Match Threads & Player Ratings => Topic started by: Dave on December 23, 2024, 07:16:44 AM
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December 26th, 3pm, live on Amazon Prime
2-1 them.
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A win would be fun
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1-3 villa win.
This terrible run at sty james has to end one day right?
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BTTS seems nailed on.
2-2
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2-4. We got this licked!
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1-1 Draw.
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We usually seem to save our worst performances of the season for this trip, that and the refs allowing them to all-in wrestle and our general Boxing Day ineptitude leads me to say I'd be delighted with a point from this.
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One away (top flight) win on Boxing Day in the last sixty years, none this century. Always shit at Newcastle. Yeah, I'd snatch your hand off for a draw here.
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Unlike Citeh, the barcodes do have good wingers both sides so the way we played Saturday could be nullified. Mings hopefully back to help with the inevitable crosses and to play at the ground where he had one of the worst days of his career. Not much else to change.
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One away (top flight) win on Boxing Day in the last sixty years, none this century. Always shit at Newcastle. Yeah, I'd snatch your hand off for a draw here.
Wow is our record that bad? Bloody hell. Thats awful
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2-0
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December 26th, 3pm, live on Amazon Prime
2-1 them.
Yup not our favourite place to go.
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Let me tell ya, I'd luv it if we beat them, luv it.
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Think Mings may be back in for this one.
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Think Mings may be back in for this one.
He might have a point to prove after the injury last year. They were booing the hell out of him before the injury and even booing when he went down injured like he was faking it
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They are a better version of Forest. They'll try & out muscle us. If the ref is soft, it'll be a struggle, if not we've got a chance. They had an easy game against Ipswich, we used a lot of energy to beat city, so a draw would be a good result.
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They are a better version of Forest. They'll try & out muscle us. If the ref is soft, it'll be a struggle, if not we've got a chance. They had an easy game against Ipswich, we used a lot of energy to beat city, so a draw would be a good result.
Having Onana and Kamara available together could make the difference in terms of physicality with these.
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Having to hoof it up to a "hotbed of football" on Boxing Day is shit but at least it's not an early or late KO for our fans.
26th December doesn't really hold many great memories in the last 20 years or so and that makes us approach with trepidation, but as Saturday proved, it's often misplaced these days. Having said that, both teams are inconsistent, the league is a funny one this year and I would be happy with a draw so that's where I'm going.
2-2
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They are a better version of Forest. They'll try & out muscle us. If the ref is soft, it'll be a struggle, if not we've got a chance. They had an easy game against Ipswich, we used a lot of energy to beat city, so a draw would be a good result.
Having Onana and Kamara available together could make the difference in terms of physicality with these.
Very good point.
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They are a better version of Forest. They'll try & out muscle us. If the ref is soft, it'll be a struggle, if not we've got a chance. They had an easy game against Ipswich, we used a lot of energy to beat city, so a draw would be a good result.
Having Onana and Kamara available together could make the difference in terms of physicality with these.
Very good point.
I thought it the summer signing Onana was Emery looking back at the games against Newcastle last season and thinking "Well that's not happening again.".
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Kill Isak and we will win. Let him live and we will lose.
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I thought we would lose against Man City so I’m more hopeful than I was about this game
The only problem is Newcastle tend to really go for it in an attack in sense which we find difficult to handle, so if we can control the game through the midfield we could get a result, might sound a bit negative but I would take a draw
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As others have said, the refereeing is going to be crucial. They are Wimbledon with a few very good players, so f the ref doe the whole 'letting the game flow' nonsense when their cloggers stop our attacks before they can start, we might struggle. I've gone with a draw, but... we are due a win up there and seem to have found our identity again, so you never know.
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Would take a draw all day every day as our record there is shite
Just don't collapse Villa please
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Kill Isak and we will win. Let him live and we will lose.
Someone's been to see Gladiator II at the Cineplex.
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I remember last season we started the game so well. Diaby was tearing them apart - then mings got injured and we completely collapsed. Barnes always seems to do us as well.
I remember the season before at villa park we absolutely battered them. So we know w ecan do it just need to start doing it there
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The treatment of Mings by the Geordies when he went down with what was obviously a serious injury was a disgrace. Lets hope he plays and is MOTM with a last-minute headed winner...
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Having Onana and Kamara available together could make the difference in terms of physicality with these.
... yes, and nullifying the Tonali / Guimaraes combo in their midfield.
Lots on Digne and Cash again.
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I’m another who thought we’d get beaten convincingly against City. I’ve a feeling we’ll get something from this game. That midfield trio was immense the other day, another performance like that will see us come away with something.
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Mings to score the winner from a towering header, surely?
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If we can be on the front foot and we show a desire to win, like on Saturday, we can beat anyone.
If we go passive and defensive then I'm not so sure.
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I'd take a point, all things considered.
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Yes, a point would be great. They’ll be at us on both flanks so keep it tight, frustrate them and then strike. They’re currently better organised than Man City. It will be tough.
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I'm not sure why we have struggled against them recently, same with Spurs. I back Unai to figure it out. We need to take the crowd out of the game early.
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Mings to score the winner from a towering header, surely?
His scoring prowess is as scary as our away Boxing day record so I am not that hopeful.
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I'm not sure why we have struggled against them recently, same with Spurs. I back Unai to figure it out. We need to take the crowd out of the game early.
Because of their pace and aggression in the press. Our central midfield hasn't been on it enough. I now think we may have the presence, and power as demonstrated by Kamara, Onana and Rogers when carrying the ball, on Saturday.
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I'm not sure why we have struggled against them recently, same with Spurs. I back Unai to figure it out. We need to take the crowd out of the game early.
Because of their pace and aggression in the press. Our central midfield hasn't been on it enough. I now think we may have the presence, and power as demonstrated by Kamara, Onana and Rogers when carrying the ball, on Saturday.
This is what concerns me about newcastle. We struggle against sides that do aggressive press and give us no time on the ball
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I'd be surprised and delighted with a point. One of the toughest places to get a result
3 nil them I fear
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I'd take a point, all things considered.
Like wise.
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I won't take a point. I'll take all three.
We're going to FTF.
4-1 Villa.
Trust me.
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With ramsey back thats a massive plus as hw twnds to cause them issues
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With ramsey back thats a massive plus as hw twnds to cause them issues
Is this more points in Scrabble?
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Team effectively picks itself
-------- Martinez ----------
Cash Konsa Mings Digne
--- onana -- Kamara----
McGinn ---------- Rogers
---- Tielemans ----------
--------Duran---------
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I don’t know Pau was pretty bloody good at the weekend.
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I don’t know Pau was pretty bloody good at the weekend.
Thought he did well . This won't be so easy . I think we need Mings strength and organisation in for this one .
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They’ve lost two at home in the league, to Brighton a while back and West Ham a few weeks ago. They’ve also won both of their last two league games 4-0, so they will be full of beans no doubt.
Still, almost 20 years since we’ve up there, the record needs to end sometime.
2-1 us (Duran, Rogers).
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Isak is on fire , in some ways it's unfair to throw Mings into this one (especially given what happened here to him last August ), but I think we need a strong organised back line and very much play on the counter .
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I don’t know Pau was pretty bloody good at the weekend.
Need to pick the right one for the right game.
I'd keep Torres for all UCL. Mings will play v spam in Cup.
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Isak is on fire , in some ways it's unfair to throw Mings into this one (especially given what happened here to him last August ), but I think we need a strong organised back line and very much play on the counter .
I wouldn't be averse to Mings starting although the fact that he sustained his injury there might be a factor. I also wouldn't mind Watkins starting this one (for 60 mins or so) with Duran to start against BHA.
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Isak is on fire , in some ways it's unfair to throw Mings into this one (especially given what happened here to him last August ), but I think we need a strong organised back line and very much play on the counter .
I wouldn't be averse to Mings starting although the fact that he sustained his injury there might be a factor. I also wouldn't mind Watkins starting this one (for 60 mins or so) with Duran to start against BHA.
Yes we should rotate where we have genuine like for like quality and those are 2 positions we do. With that midfield there is more natural protection for back4.
Interesting if Tielmans further forward how Barkley will play in 6/8 combo role when called upon.
Probably need to rotate Digne and Maatsen between games too.
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The team I think will be unchanged. We played against Man City throughout. The last second goal was just unlucky. Same side, shape and system. It will be really tough up there whatever side we put out.
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The difference for me by having Duran up top is if we are struggling through the midfield we can go long and he will definitely create chances. Isak may be 'on fire', but Duran is 'hotter than a four-peckered billy goat' right now and brimming with confidence. As others have said, the only change I would consider is Mings for Pau.
I fancy us to win, 0-2 (Onana and Duran)
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Hope Jhon bullies the feck out of their seven foot galoot.
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Incredibly its not just us who has a woeful boxing day record apparently newcastle have won one in their last 10 on that day. You know what that means.
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Incredibly its not just us who has a woeful boxing day record apparently newcastle have won one in their last 10 on that day. You know what that means.
We win at a canter?
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Incredibly its not just us who has a woeful boxing day record apparently newcastle have won one in their last 10 on that day. You know what that means.
It doesn’t mean anything if we’re both shit, does it?
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Incredibly its not just us who has a woeful boxing day record apparently newcastle have won one in their last 10 on that day. You know what that means.
It doesn’t mean anything if we’re both shit, does it?
Something has to give - ans we have a history of helping others...
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Incredibly its not just us who has a woeful boxing day record apparently newcastle have won one in their last 10 on that day. You know what that means.
Not sure.
Are you saying we've lost already or Newcastle have lost already?
Something tells me it's the former.
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I don't like the idea of resting Duran. He's 21 and last thing he needs is rest , he's on fire and will keep them guessing and on their toes all game . Tough game but if we can keep it clean for half hour and move on , grow into the game , like Arsenal Away last year. Happy Xmas UTV.
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Hard difficult game, I would play Mings, if anybody has the presence to help counter Isak Tyrone does, go for it.
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Hard difficult game, I would play Mings, if anybody has the presence to help counter Isak Tyrone does, go for it.
Yet Konsa Pau coped pretty well with Haaland.
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Incredibly its not just us who has a woeful boxing day record apparently newcastle have won one in their last 10 on that day. You know what that means.
Not sure.
Are you saying we've lost already or Newcastle have lost already?
Something tells me it's the former.
Im hoping its newcastle that give us a xmas gift and not the usual helping others to break their bad run . Although it was wonderful to pile the misery on citeh 😂
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Hard difficult game, I would play Mings, if anybody has the presence to help counter Isak Tyrone does, go for it.
Yet Konsa Pau coped pretty well with Haaland.
Both good choices, I think Mings would relish this and damper Isak, but yeah, both more than capable.
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Incredibly its not just us who has a woeful boxing day record apparently newcastle have won one in their last 10 on that day. You know what that means.
Not sure.
Are you saying we've lost already or Newcastle have lost already?
Something tells me it's the former.
Im hoping its newcastle that give us a xmas gift and not the usual helping others to break their bad run . Although it was wonderful to pile the misery on citeh 😂
We can nail this , you watch!
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The team I think will be unchanged. We played against Man City throughout. The last second goal was just unlucky. Same side, shape and system. It will be really tough up there whatever side we put out.
Yep, I think it will be an unchanged team
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The team I think will be unchanged. We played against Man City throughout. The last second goal was just unlucky. Same side, shape and system. It will be really tough up there whatever side we put out.
Although Citeh had no real threat from the wings, Newcastle do in Gordon and Murphy/Barnes. Also, as they proved last season, they are actually decent at set-pieces, so I would prefer at least Mings in to help out with those.
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The team I think will be unchanged. We played against Man City throughout. The last second goal was just unlucky. Same side, shape and system. It will be really tough up there whatever side we put out.
Although Citeh had no real threat from the wings, Newcastle do in Gordon and Murphy/Barnes. Also, as they proved last season, they are actually decent at set-pieces, so I would prefer at least Mings in to help out with those.
They also have pace in attack , so other than wing play, set pieces and pace up front, there is nothing to worry about. :(
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Will the team head to a hotel this evening before travelling up tomorrow morning?
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Don't they stay at a hotel the night before a home game? So I'm pretty sure they will before a schlep up to the barbarian wastelands of the frozen north.
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They'll probably fly up and stay over tonight.
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The risk with Mings is the mental side of being back where he got his injury, I'm not sure I'd risk it.
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The way he has come back there can be few mentally stronger than Tyrone.
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McGinn to put an early reducer on that permatan pillock coach who likes to referee games from the sideline. Job’s a good ‘un.
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Anyone knows where the game is on live in town tomorrow it would be very much appreciated
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Only one previous Boxing Day meeting, the omens are good.
26 Dec 1898, Villa 1-0 Newcastle, Villa Park
ON THIS DAY
Monday, 26 December 1898
Charlie Athersmith scores in the second minute after a superb Jack Devey run as Villa return to winning ways and reopen a two point lead at the top of the table with a game in hand on their title rivals.
(https://i.ibb.co/LZttfzV/2021-22-Matchweek-38.png) (https://ibb.co/LZttfzV)
https://www.avfchistory.co.uk/match/361
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So if we do win, we'll go on to win the league? And then retain it next season? Will take that tbh.
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The risk with Mings is the mental side of being back where he got his injury, I'm not sure I'd risk it.
Of all the players we have I see him as the one who would cope most in this situation. He might give it a thought, then, as you were.
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Only one previous Boxing Day meeting, the omens are good.
26 Dec 1898, Villa 1-0 Newcastle, Villa Park
ON THIS DAY
Monday, 26 December 1898
Charlie Athersmith scores in the second minute after a superb Jack Devey run as Villa return to winning ways and reopen a two point lead at the top of the table with a game in hand on their title rivals.
(https://i.ibb.co/LZttfzV/2021-22-Matchweek-38.png) (https://ibb.co/LZttfzV)
https://www.avfchistory.co.uk/match/361
I think we can safely say that’s a sign
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Did see that Newcastle have more Premier League losses than any other team. So not just Villa that usually ruin Christmas.
Our record up there is absolutely dreadful mind.
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This record is absolutely terrible
(https://i.ibb.co/Jv9kYs1/Screenshot-20241226-092023-Facebook.jpg) (https://ibb.co/Jv9kYs1)
That one under Mcdonald where we lost 6-0 was one of the worst performances ive ever seen from a villa team
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Hate this fixture.i know, I could look it up, but I genuinely cannot remember beating them up there. I have a feeling Milner was involved in it somehow, and that's all I've got.
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Hate this fixture.i know, I could look it up, but I genuinely cannot remember beating them up there. I have a feeling Milner was involved in it somehow, and that's all I've got.
It was the Bowyer/Dyer fight fixture
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Hate this fixture.i know, I could look it up, but I genuinely cannot remember beating them up there. I have a feeling Milner was involved in it somehow, and that's all I've got.
It was the Bowyer/Dyer fight fixture
Nearly 20 years ago in April 2005.
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I reckon they’ll put three or four past us. 4-0/4-1 them.
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They normally batter us up there and they’re in a good patch of form. We’ll need to hit the level we did on Saturday to have a chance of getting anything.
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They normally batter us up there and they’re in a good patch of form. We’ll need to hit the level we did on Saturday to have a chance of getting anything.
We need to go for the jugular from the first minute, like McGinn did last week and set the chance up for Duran.
Keep their fans quiet.
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Hate this fixture.i know, I could look it up, but I genuinely cannot remember beating them up there. I have a feeling Milner was involved in it somehow, and that's all I've got.
It was the Bowyer/Dyer fight fixture
Nearly 20 years ago in April 2005.
Ha! At least it was funny. Reckon we cursed the fixture with that banner though, unfortunately, next game was that ghastly 6-0 and it pretty much set the tone for the following decade plus.
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I fancy us today. I know our record up there is a tad shit but we seem to be hitting a bit of form ourselves.
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I fear a drubbing.
They have lots of threat from out wide and I don’t think we’ll handle it. Our record on Boxing Day away is awful. Our record at that ground is similarly awful, Boxing Day or not
And finally, Villa have fucked up so many Christmases in the past, that is just “what happens”.
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I fear a drubbing.
They have lots of threat from out wide and I don’t think we’ll handle it. Our record on Boxing Day away is awful. Our record at that ground is similarly awful, Boxing Day or not
And finally, Villa have fucked up so many Christmases in the past, that is just “what happens”.
I can't believe the negativity on here today. Is it a collective Christmas hangover? I say fuck the stats. This is a very different Villa team with an elite manager. And before it gets said I'll say it. Yes I know we got thumped up there last season but that was a freak result imo. Mings was really unlucky to cop a career threatening injury so early in the game which derailed the defensive plan on the day but I remember "old red nose" himself tipping us for big things because of what he saw. It will be tough of course but I'm still buzzing from the way we monstered the champions last week. We are more than capable of blowing the stats to bits. I'm going for a 3-1 Villa win with a brace from JD.
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I want to see some bottle from our players today because you have to be able to stand up to this Newcastle team. I’m more confident today than I have been for a while going into this one and I haven’t even touched the Boxing Day booze yet. With the midfield back in business we can beat anybody.
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If we really want to be in the CL places you have to take points under difficult circumstances.
We need what we did against Citeh and not what we did at Forest.
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One of my concerns this season is we are far too reliant on Watkins, Duran and Rogers for the goals, apart from Rogers, can't remember the last time a midfielder scored for us in the League.
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I likewise fear a drubbing - all omens point to it. But their defence isn’t great, if we want to get anything we have to get at them.
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I'm back to fearing no foe.3-1 to us
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Same starteres as last time except Carlos in for Cash or even Mings with Konsa at RB as we need secure robust defence for this one. Ramsey on the bench to come in for McGinn when he is starting to loose his energy. We have strong team but this can be uneasy - would be nice with a hard fought narrow win. Lets not leak that early goal we have often done this season.
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Got to win up there at some point. Might as well be today!
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Difficult game for sure , West Ham won here though for context.
Sitting back won't end well , think we need to just play our game and be clinical with our chances . And defend properly . Doubt we will get many decisions up there . Either way I'm not letting it ruin Boxing Day .