Heroes & Villains, the Aston Villa fanzine
Heroes & Villains => Match Threads & Player Ratings => Topic started by: Martyn Smith on February 23, 2025, 03:59:23 PM
-
Selhurst Park, Tue 25 Feb, 19:30
-
Our last three PL away games have been won, drawn and lost, in that order. Will we go back to the top of that cycle? I think so. 1-2
-
Handy hint by the way for those travelling from Brum/north generally by train. Get the Northern Line to London Bridge then a fast train to Norwood Junction. It's not much further a walk to the away end than Selhurst and it saves spending a lifetime on the crawler from Victoria
-
We dont have a great record there. We got spanked 5-0 there last season and it was a pretty dreadful amd cant be arsed performance. Was very embarrassing. The fans who went did themselves proud to make it a party atmosphere despite that
Hopefully we put that right Tuesday night
-
2-1 to us with the away fans applauding the drumming skills of the locals.
-
We dont have a great record there. We got spanked 5-0 there last season and it was a pretty dreadful amd cant be arsed performance. Was very embarrassing. The fans who went did themselves proud to make it a party atmosphere despite that
Hopefully we put that right Tuesday night
I think a big asterisk needs to be put up against that match. The game almost didn't seem to matter. We practically put out a reserve side
-
Any chance of Kamara or Onana being back in the squad? McGinn and Tielemans have a lot of minutes played of late, hard to expect another 90mins + out of both of them. Assume Cash and Mings will be out. Rogers and Watkins looked very tired last night so might be best from the bench.
Martinez
Garcia, Disasi, Konsa, Digne
McGinn, Tielemans
Bailey, Asensio, Rashford
Malen
-
2-1 to us with the away fans applauding the drumming skills of the locals.
Palace fans include some of the biggest twats in football. Namely those from the ultras who don't watch the game but take it upon themselves to conduct the singing. Utter spoons
-
Any chance of Kamara or Onana being back in the squad? McGinn and Tielemans have a lot of minutes played of late, hard to expect another 90mins + out of both of them. Assume Cash and Mings will be out. Rogers and Watkins looked very tired last night so might be best from the bench.
Martinez
Garcia, Disasi, Konsa, Digne
McGinn, Tielemans
Bailey, Asensio, Rashford
Malen
Rogers looked more than tired for me. I haven't heard an update but I wonder if he'll even be a sub
-
Go a goal up and their fans will start moaning and transmit it to the players. Their home form is wank.
-
We rarely ever play well down there and in a season where our away form has been shit, it won’t be any easier. But we have to get something and stay in touch with 5th. Disasi and Konsa at CB, Digne back at LB with Cash at RB. Start Rashford and Malen. Need to keep Mateta and Eze quiet and we have a chance to win.
Optimistically 2-1 us. Rashford with his first, SJM the other. He needs a goal. Someone for them because inevitably there will be someone scoring for them.
-
2-1 to us with the away fans applauding the drumming skills of the locals.
Palace fans include some of the biggest twats in football. Namely those from the ultras who don't watch the game but take it upon themselves to conduct the singing. Utter spoons
That tosser with the drum needs hitting over the head with it so his head goes right through it cartoon style.
-
I can recall two wins here, the 1-0 when Benteke got the winner in about 2014 perhaps, and then when we had a new manager bounce and the false dawns of all false dawns under Stevie G. If there are any others I can’t remember them.
With that overall record, our away record this season, the amount of games we are playing, it all points to a loss.
But feck that load of old nonsense.
2-1 us (Rashford, Tielemans)
Martinez
Garcia
Konsa
Disasi
Digne
McGinn
Tielemans
Malen
Rashford
Ascensio
Bailey
-
We're winning 4-0.
FTF.
-
Palace are ine of those sides we never seem to play well against, like Watford and Manure.
-
Tough this, but their home form hasn’t been great.
-
Tough game, we have struggled to break them down in the two home games against them this season.
-
Palace on the back of a very good win at Fulham , this is going to be a tough game , especially as I assume Mings won't be fit so someone will need to deal with the physical side of Mateta .
--------- Martinez --------
Garcia Konsa Disasi Digne
--- Tielemans-- McGinn ----
Ramsey ----------- Rogers
--- Rashford -- Watkins ----
-
I would have thought Desasi would start this.
-
I would have thought Desasi would start this.
Of course , apologies I forgot him
-
Handy hint by the way for those travelling from Brum/north generally by train. Get the Northern Line to London Bridge then a fast train to Norwood Junction. It's not much further a walk to the away end than Selhurst and it saves spending a lifetime on the crawler from Victoria
Can also just walk from Euston to St Pancras and get the thameslink down to Norwood Junction, 25 minutes.
Selhurst Park is the worst ground in the prem but the transport links aren't as terrible as they used to be from central London.
As for the game...our record is terrible down there considering they've never been a big player in the prem. Only two Villa managers to win there since 1997 are Lambert and Gerrard amusingly.
We never won there much when Wimbledon were groundsharing.
Given all the results from the weekend we need to be turning up, putting in 100% and winning this. Palace are in excellent form...away from home. They've lost 2-1 at home to Brentford and Everton in the last month.
I think it will be 2-2 again though as we struggle against their front three. I assume we're bringing Disasi straight back in as him and Mateta will be a good battle.
-
Not optimistic about this
Bit of abogey team tend to be physical and bully us.off the ball
Last year we were on the beach and they whacked us
Lost in the LC this year
Portents are not great
-
Not another away match.
-
Tough this, but their home form hasn’t been great.
Yep, tough fixture especially given the run of games we're now in. Could have really done without it and being able to focus on Cardiff in the Cup, but there you go.
-
2-0
-
We need to follow up yesterday with another win.
-
A narrow, hard fought win.
-
This is traditionally the easiest game Palace have all season. Please let us change the narrative this time.
-
Is there any chance that Kamara Barkley Mings can take part?
-
I personally think Rogers will sit either this or Friday out. For his benefit as much as ours. With absolutely no disrespect to Cardiff, I feel it will be Friday.
-
This is traditionally the easiest game Palace have all season. Please let us change the narrative this time.
Need to match them physically but looking through our available players it's going to be a struggle.
Kevin Keegan type 424 might be our best bet.
-
Is there any chance that Kamara Barkley Mings can take part?
Not from what Emery said
-
It's not a 'six pointer' or a 'must win', but it feels like this game is absolutely vital to win in the context of the season, to really give us the momentum and apply the pressure to those around us in the league.
We're the team to be feared in the run in, the ones that know what's needed to get over the line and it's time to get moving.
-
We've done it for the last two seasons - you can look at it either way though. We have the experience to do it again - or we've had the rub of the green and a bit of luck to do it.
-
We've done it for the last two seasons - you can look at it either way though. We have the experience to do it again - or we've had the rub of the green and a bit of luck to do it.
We have the manager, that's the key. And it looks like he has a full array of tools this time.
-
Is there any chance that Kamara Barkley Mings can take part?
Not from what Emery said
How about Rogers?
-
It's not a 'six pointer' or a 'must win', but it feels like this game is absolutely vital to win in the context of the season, to really give us the momentum and apply the pressure to those around us in the league.
We're the team to be feared in the run in, the ones that know what's needed to get over the line and it's time to get moving.
Honestly I think this one is a must win. We need to build some momentum and start putting pressure on the teams around us. Given we have Brighton and Forest to play after the international break I want to go into those 2 with 3 wins behind us.
-
Edit
-
Them 1 Us 3
-
I'd be inclined to give Rogers a rest if we can. When he's on it he brings so much to the team. He needs a rest either tomorrow or Friday.
-
Horrible ground to visit any time of the year!
-
I felt that the last minute winner on Sat signalled the start of a league revival and good run to finish in the European places.
So where next? Selhurst fucking Park where dreams go to die once you actually bastard well get there.
So my misanthropic approach would see me happy with a point, particularly with the ongoing defensive crisis.
1-1
-
Horrible ground to visit any time of the year!
Particularly on a wet Tuesday night in February. 3 points would make it less horrible.
-
I think my favourite Benteke goal was in a 0-1 at Palace, his future club at the time.
Amazing centre forward play, robbing a defender near the halfway line, carrying the ball with purpose and a finish of caressed beauty. I can actually envision Rashford doing something like this (insight? Roddy Forsyth?.
-
I think my favourite Benteke goal was in a 0-1 at Palace, his future club at the time.
Amazing centre forward play, robbing a defender near the halfway line, carrying the ball with purpose and a finish of caressed beauty. I can actually envision Rashford doing something like this (insight? Roddy Forsyth?.
I was working down in London that week and managed to get myself a ticket, great night and Benteke despite only having just come back from injury was magnificent.
-
We dont have a great record there. We got spanked 5-0 there last season and it was a pretty dreadful amd cant be arsed performance. Was very embarrassing. The fans who went did themselves proud to make it a party atmosphere despite that
Hopefully we put that right Tuesday night
I think a big asterisk needs to be put up against that match. The game almost didn't seem to matter. We practically put out a reserve side
It was the best away day I've been on for many a year! No-one, players and Unai included, gave a flying f*ck about the on pitch performance.
-
We dont have a great record there. We got spanked 5-0 there last season and it was a pretty dreadful amd cant be arsed performance. Was very embarrassing. The fans who went did themselves proud to make it a party atmosphere despite that
Hopefully we put that right Tuesday night
I think a big asterisk needs to be put up against that match. The game almost didn't seem to matter. We practically put out a reserve side
It was the best away day I've been on for many a year! No-one, players and Unai included, gave a flying f*ck about the on pitch performance.
Yep, it was a great day out. My best away game; by a long way.
-
Mings and Morgan will be assessed before the game tomorrow. Pau on his way back in the next couple of weeks.
https://www.avfc.co.uk/news/2025/february/24/team-news-for-crystal-palace-trip/
-
I would have preferred a time frame for Kamara instead of Pau.
-
Any updates on Onana and Barkley feels like they've been out ages
-
This will be a tough one. We don't often get a result down there and Glasner seems to have sorted them out now. Mateta is in really good form too.
2-2 (Sarr Mateta - Rashford Watkins)
-
I would have preferred a time frame for Kamara instead of Pau.
The good thing about Pau coming back is he’s not going to weaken our defence (it’s already not very good) but he really adds to our game in possession.
Plus his return could see the return of the only combination of defenders that has been functional over the last 18 months (2CBs, Konsa @ RB).
-
We dont have a great record there. We got spanked 5-0 there last season and it was a pretty dreadful amd cant be arsed performance. Was very embarrassing. The fans who went did themselves proud to make it a party atmosphere despite that
Hopefully we put that right Tuesday night
I think a big asterisk needs to be put up against that match. The game almost didn't seem to matter. We practically put out a reserve side
It was the best away day I've been on for many a year! No-one, players and Unai included, gave a flying f*ck about the on pitch performance.
Yep, best since Everton and Sir Graham.
-
I would have preferred a time frame for Kamara instead of Pau.
The good thing about Pau coming back is he’s not going to weaken our defence (it’s already not very good) but he really adds to our game in possession.
Plus his return could see the return of the only combination of defenders that has been functional over the last 18 months (2CBs, Konsa @ RB).
do you have any stats to back that up ? ;)
-
Perce, don't you want Andrés to have a go and try and best the Konsa stats?
-
Any updates on Onana and Barkley feels like they've been out ages
This: https://shorturl.at/H6bDT
Not looking good. I wonder if he'll ever start a game for us again
-
We dont have a great record there. We got spanked 5-0 there last season and it was a pretty dreadful amd cant be arsed performance. Was very embarrassing. The fans who went did themselves proud to make it a party atmosphere despite that
Hopefully we put that right Tuesday night
I think a big asterisk needs to be put up against that match. The game almost didn't seem to matter. We practically put out a reserve side
It was the best away day I've been on for many a year! No-one, players and Unai included, gave a flying f*ck about the on pitch performance.
Yep, best since Everton and Sir Graham.
The 3-3 , the Graham taylor chant started at HT and carried on til after the FT whistle
-
I really enjoyed Liverpool away when Weimann and Benteke took the piss and we completed the whole of 12 days of Christmas with Paul McGrath being the only gift.
-
I would have preferred a time frame for Kamara instead of Pau.
The good thing about Pau coming back is he’s not going to weaken our defence (it’s already not very good) but he really adds to our game in possession.
Plus his return could see the return of the only combination of defenders that has been functional over the last 18 months (2CBs, Konsa @ RB).
do you have any stats to back that up ? ;)
I’m hoping some people might remember our games a bit better than others.
It could be in vain though. I was listening to a pod earlier, on which the host comes across as a bit of a smart-arse. Last week he mentioned ‘Duran’s two goals against Leipzig’
This week he was worrying about having to go to Anfield in the second leg, and how our point against Liverpool in the 3-3 draw last season got us into the Champions League.
And that’s someone who bothers their arse making at least one podcast a week. You’d think he’d remember stuff.
-
Perce, don't you want Andrés to have a go and try and best the Konsa stats?
Maybe if we had a solid central defence. We’ll soon see if Disasi and Pau shape up.
It’s obvious to all but the terminally stupid that we have have barely kept a clean sheet playing with two conventional full-backs, whereas we kept quite a few (relatively) with ‘the dreaded Konsa experiment’.
-
I like playing Palace because it reminds me of their excellent badge. Best in the league, IMAO.
-
Sheffield United have the best badge. But they've just lost to Dirty Leeds so they can get fucked.
-
This will be really tough. Game 4 of 5 in 14 days with the same midfield pairing for all of the games. That’s before you consider our dreadful record in South London!
-
I would have preferred a time frame for Kamara instead of Pau.
The good thing about Pau coming back is he’s not going to weaken our defence (it’s already not very good) but he really adds to our game in possession.
Plus his return could see the return of the only combination of defenders that has been functional over the last 18 months (2CBs, Konsa @ RB).
do you have any stats to back that up ? ;)
I’m hoping some people might remember our games a bit better than others.
It could be in vain though. I was listening to a pod earlier, on which the host comes across as a bit of a smart-arse. Last week he mentioned ‘Duran’s two goals against Leipzig’
TBF he did score two, just one was called back as Cash was just offside.
-
I like playing Palace because it reminds me of their excellent badge. Best in the league, IMAO.
Something that nobody said about it in 1972 when they were ‘The Glaziers’. Still, it is a cool badge now and a good bit of rebranding by the club. When they had that eagle flying around their ground before kick off 10 or 15 years ago was also cool too.
-
Our away form is diabolical. If we want a shot at Champions League places we are going to need to significantly improve it. We’re normally rubbish against Palace, need to buck that trend.
-
Apart from Everton and Seagulls the two teams with most draws are Palace and Villa. They have only won two at home this season, we have only won once away since mid October. Draw written all over it.
But, we have Unai. He will use the 5 subs wisely and maximise our energy levels to the full.
1-2 to the Villa.
89th minute winner off McGinns left buttock.
-
Our away form doesn't give me much confidence that we'll get anything from this game.
But if we want top 5 we're going to need to put together a few back to back wins, starting tonight.
-
We just need to get at them. Konsa on Eze. Mings or Disasi on Mateta.
Let the forwards do their thing and just fucking win.
-
Handy hint by the way for those travelling from Brum/north generally by train. Get the Northern Line to London Bridge then a fast train to Norwood Junction. It's not much further a walk to the away end than Selhurst and it saves spending a lifetime on the crawler from Victoria
There are fast trains from Victoria to Selhurst that take around 15 minutes.
-
Is Rogers out injured?
-
As reported earlier, Emery stated Roger and Mings were being assessed before the match. Although Rogers might not be missed as much and can do with a rest if he misses out.
-
Yeah, Rashford - Asensio - Bailey behind Malen, with Watkins to get half an hour at the end wouldn't be the worst thing in the world.
-
And if both Konsa and Disasi play, it frees up Bogarde for midfield which means Tielemans or McGinn can be further up the field as well if Asensio doesn't start / tires.
-
Be watching it tonigth with my Palace season ticket holder father in law , as he is 80 he is really struggling to get to the games in midweek , he says the transport system is getting worse and he cant keep getting hotels etc on bank holidays and mid week and its starting to take its toll , he asked me If he should give it up .
He has a soft spot for villa , as his grandson obviously picked Villa over Palace , we both bought him kits when he was born and he always goes on about Villa lending Palace their kits back in the day , another reason he likes Villa , not that i know that full story.
Its going to be a tough game but we have the quality to sneak a 2 -1 win here , expect Hughes to get his booking and Pete loves Mateta , so be careful of him and Eze of course .
Rashford and malen to score for us and keep another dream alive.
-
Rashford and Asensio to start, Rashford out left, Malen inside right, Watkins up front, Asensio, just behind Watkins, give Rogers a rest, bring him on about 60 mins to really add the pressure.
Digne, Disasi, Konsa, Garcia. back line.
4-1 Villa
-
Yeah, Rashford - Asensio - Bailey behind Malen, with Watkins to get half an hour at the end wouldn't be the worst thing in the world.
Can't see Watkins being rested for a league game but maybe on Friday in the Cup.
-
Rashford and Asensio to start, Rashford out left, Malen inside right, Watkins up front, Asensio, just behind Watkins, give Rogers a rest, bring him on about 60 mins to really add the pressure.
That's what I was thinking, but Unai may start Bailey instead of Malen.
-
Rashford and Asensio to start, Rashford out left, Malen inside right, Watkins up front, Asensio, just behind Watkins, give Rogers a rest, bring him on about 60 mins to really add the pressure.
That's what I was thinking, but Unai may start Bailey instead of Malen.
If he does I'll be disappointed, particularly after he himself was lauding them as a physical team yesterday.
-
I like playing Palace because it reminds me of their excellent badge. Best in the league, IMAO.
Something that nobody said about it in 1972 when they were ‘The Glaziers’. Still, it is a cool badge now and a good bit of rebranding by the club. When they had that eagle flying around their ground before kick off 10 or 15 years ago was also cool too.
They must have had more different coloured first choice kits than any other club! And relatively recently as well!
-
I like playing Palace because it reminds me of their excellent badge. Best in the league, IMAO.
Something that nobody said about it in 1972 when they were ‘The Glaziers’. Still, it is a cool badge now and a good bit of rebranding by the club. When they had that eagle flying around their ground before kick off 10 or 15 years ago was also cool too.
They must have had more different coloured first choice kits than any other club! And relatively recently as well!
I used to like their kit when it was plain white with the blue/red slanted band going from shoulder to hip. Think the away kit was the same but yellow top.
-
I like playing Palace because it reminds me of their excellent badge. Best in the league, IMAO.
Something that nobody said about it in 1972 when they were ‘The Glaziers’. Still, it is a cool badge now and a good bit of rebranding by the club. When they had that eagle flying around their ground before kick off 10 or 15 years ago was also cool too.
They must have had more different coloured first choice kits than any other club! And relatively recently as well!
I used to like their kit when it was plain white with the blue/red slanted band going from shoulder to hip. Think the away kit was the same but yellow top.
I always thought they looked like a Thunderbirds homage.
Would definateley go with Malen wide and Bailey later on. Play Watkins and rest him against Cardiff
-
Im going to put my neck on line here - tonights the night we keep a clean sheet
-
Rashford and Asensio to start, Rashford out left, Malen inside right, Watkins up front, Asensio, just behind Watkins, give Rogers a rest, bring him on about 60 mins to really add the pressure.
That's what I was thinking, but Unai may start Bailey instead of Malen.
If he does I'll be disappointed, particularly after he himself was lauding them as a physical team yesterday.
Yes. Bailey, away v a team who are a bit industrial... Not a good match up!
-
I think this is one of our most important league games so far this season. Continuing to play in the Champs League is critical if we want to carry on getting the likes of Disasi, Rashford and Asensio to play for us. We've been hanging around the bottom of the European spots most of the season, now is the time to start putting a run of wins together if we want to get 4th or 5th. A point just isn't good enough now, we urgently need wins.
-
Im going to put my neck on line here - tonights the night we keep a clean sheet
It’s not implausible considering their poor goal scoring record at home.
Statement away win incoming.
0-3 Villa.
-
I think this is one of our most important league games so far this season.
Yeah we really need to win it, even if it's an Everton style just grind it out type of performance.
-
I think this is one of our most important league games so far this season.
Yeah we really need to win it, even if it's an Everton style just grind it out type of performance.
Agreed. Need to back up the last two cracking results and put Forest, Chelsea and Newcastle under more pressure.
-
Looking at the fixtures in the next two nights , a few teams around us could easily lose their games as they have hard matches so a win would be massive here.
Forest, Man 115 , Bournemth and Magpies could all lose , Chavski probably the only ones with an easy game.