Heroes & Villains, the Aston Villa fanzine

Heroes & Villains => Match Threads & Player Ratings => Topic started by: PeterWithesShin on March 19, 2026, 10:17:31 PM

Title: Aston Villa v West Ham Pre-Match Thread
Post by: PeterWithesShin on March 19, 2026, 10:17:31 PM
Sun 22nd, 14.15 KO.

3-0
Title: Re: Aston Villa v West Ham Pre-Match Thread
Post by: PaulWinch again on March 19, 2026, 10:31:18 PM
Just find a way to win. After we scored, and for the first goal itself, there were signs of a bit of flow to our play. We have to bring that directness.
Title: Re: Aston Villa v West Ham Pre-Match Thread
Post by: brontebilly on March 19, 2026, 10:39:14 PM
Interesting team selection ahead. Martinez, Cash, Onana, McGinn, Rogers, Watkins only certs to start? Sancho and Lindelof might have done enough.
Title: Re: Aston Villa v West Ham Pre-Match Thread
Post by: Brazilian Villain on March 19, 2026, 10:42:48 PM
2-0 to Villa.
Title: Re: Aston Villa v West Ham Pre-Match Thread
Post by: Legion on March 20, 2026, 10:08:52 AM
4-0
Title: Re: Aston Villa v West Ham Pre-Match Thread
Post by: rob_bridge on March 20, 2026, 10:25:04 AM
3.1 to us
Title: Re: Aston Villa v West Ham Pre-Match Thread
Post by: Baldy on March 20, 2026, 10:36:38 AM
I hope Summerville is still out injured for them. Hit some form lately. A newspaper report on the 14th March said he is likely to miss our match and be back for their quarter final with Leeds. But who knows.

If he does play, I can see them being very defensive and going for the counter attack with Bowen/Summerville causing problems. 'Be prepared'.

Be difficult to break down but reckon we will manage it once.

1-0 to the villa. 
Title: Re: Aston Villa v West Ham Pre-Match Thread
Post by: brontebilly on March 20, 2026, 10:45:36 AM
Really hope a much braver team selection from Emery, that X1 v Man United screamed we were afraid of them. I think Lindelof has done enough to keep Konsa out but doubt Emery will see it that way. The fact Luiz played the 90mins + last night might suggest Barkley comes back in for him. For me if Barkley starts it's at 10 not 6.

On paper with Cash back it will be our strongest available squad in some time. Simply have to win.
Title: Re: Aston Villa v West Ham Pre-Match Thread
Post by: Deano's Mullet on March 20, 2026, 10:54:43 AM
3-1  A 30 yarder from Rico and two from Dalian.

In the real world.... nervy 2-1 but a win that sets us for decent end of season.
Title: Re: Aston Villa v West Ham Pre-Match Thread
Post by: AV82EC on March 20, 2026, 11:04:45 AM
Really hope a much braver team selection from Emery, that X1 v Man United screamed we were afraid of them. I think Lindelof has done enough to keep Konsa out but doubt Emery will see it that way. The fact Luiz played the 90mins + last night might suggest Barkley comes back in for him. For me if Barkley starts it's at 10 not 6.

On paper with Cash back it will be our strongest available squad in some time. Simply have to win.

My own feeling on Konsa is he’s been a bit off it for the past few games and doesn’t handle the responsibility and captaincy bit very well so I think that’s nothing more to it than having him a mental break last night. Hopefully that gets his head back in the game and he returns to the constant 7-8 out of 10 performances we’re used to.
Title: Re: Aston Villa v West Ham Pre-Match Thread
Post by: Hookeysmith on March 20, 2026, 11:52:48 AM
Really hope a much braver team selection from Emery, that X1 v Man United screamed we were afraid of them. I think Lindelof has done enough to keep Konsa out but doubt Emery will see it that way. The fact Luiz played the 90mins + last night might suggest Barkley comes back in for him. For me if Barkley starts it's at 10 not 6.

On paper with Cash back it will be our strongest available squad in some time. Simply have to win.

My own feeling on Konsa is he’s been a bit off it for the past few games and doesn’t handle the responsibility and captaincy bit very well so I think that’s nothing more to it than having him a mental break last night. Hopefully that gets his head back in the game and he returns to the constant 7-8 out of 10 performances we’re used to.

He has been ropey for a few games and has the new knack of Van Dykeitus where he is found wanting and instantly turns to blame others.

I would leave the Masked Marvel in place along with Torres
Title: Re: Aston Villa v West Ham Pre-Match Thread
Post by: eamonn on March 20, 2026, 12:04:17 PM
Crysencio Summerville opened for African Car Reverser in the Hare & Hounds some time back. A teen prodigy on the trombone apparently.
Title: Re: Aston Villa v West Ham Pre-Match Thread
Post by: Richard on March 20, 2026, 02:25:16 PM
Youri on the bench hopefully!? That would mean we have a full squad to choose from except Kamara and Allyson.
Title: Re: Aston Villa v West Ham Pre-Match Thread
Post by: Somniloquism on March 20, 2026, 02:42:35 PM
Quote
Youri Tielemans will be assessed ahead of Aston Villa’s Premier League encounter against West Ham United.

The influential midfielder has missed the last two months due to injury but returned to training with his team-mates on Friday, and Villa will make a decision on his availability prior to Sunday’s meeting with the Hammers (ko 2.15pm)

Matty Cash made his comeback as a second-half substitute in Thursday’s UEFA Europa League triumph over LOSC Lille.

Midfielder Boubacar Kamara remains a long-term injury absentee.

Asked about Tielemans at Friday afternoon’s pre-match media conference, Unai Emery said: “He has started to train with us, individually he did one progression until today.

“Today is the first time he trained with us and he’s feeling good.

“He’s important, I don’t know if he’s going to be in the squad for Sunday.

“In case he is, try to progressively get him again with us.”
Title: Re: Aston Villa v West Ham Pre-Match Thread
Post by: RamboandBruno on March 20, 2026, 03:52:29 PM
Wow wasn’t expecting that news about Tielemans, even having him on the bench would be a massive boost.

Martinez
Cash
Konsa
Torres
Mastsen
Onana
Luiz
McGinn
Watkins
Rogers
Sancho

No need to rest anyone with the international break coming up. Strong bench with Abrahams, Barkley, Bogarde, Bailey, Youri

Head says nervy 2-1, heart says 3-1 (Watkins, Rogers, Luiz pen).
Title: Re: Aston Villa v West Ham Pre-Match Thread
Post by: Rudy Can't Fail on March 20, 2026, 04:56:14 PM
Summerville not available
Title: Re: Aston Villa v West Ham Pre-Match Thread
Post by: cdbearsfan on March 20, 2026, 04:56:34 PM
NO. DO NOT DO IT.
Title: Re: Aston Villa v West Ham Pre-Match Thread
Post by: Rudy Can't Fail on March 20, 2026, 04:59:06 PM
Why?
Title: Re: Aston Villa v West Ham Pre-Match Thread
Post by: pauliewalnuts on March 20, 2026, 05:18:37 PM
Summerville not available

He left in the morning with everything he owns in a little black case
Title: Re: Aston Villa v West Ham Pre-Match Thread
Post by: CT Villan on March 20, 2026, 05:25:31 PM
NO. DO NOT DO IT.

cdbearsfan, run away, turn away, run away, turn away, run away. Run away, turn away, run away, turn away, run away :)
Title: Re: Aston Villa v West Ham Pre-Match Thread
Post by: DC1874 on March 20, 2026, 05:32:07 PM
"Crysencio Summerville opened for African Car Reverser in the Hare & Hounds some time back. A teen prodigy on the trombone apparently." - love this, African Car Reverser gave me one of the biggest belly laughs ever!
Title: Re: Aston Villa v West Ham Pre-Match Thread
Post by: Rudy Can't Fail on March 20, 2026, 05:33:41 PM
It's great that we're at Home Again.
Title: Re: Aston Villa v West Ham Pre-Match Thread
Post by: PeterWithesShin on March 20, 2026, 05:42:32 PM
NO. DO NOT DO IT.

Why not? Please tell me, don't leave me this way.
Title: Re: Aston Villa v West Ham Pre-Match Thread
Post by: BoVillan esq on March 20, 2026, 11:58:55 PM
Unai we are the best...............

&list=RDYxvBPH4sArQ&index=13
Title: Re: Aston Villa v West Ham Pre-Match Thread
Post by: Ads on March 21, 2026, 08:45:07 AM
Martinez

Cash
Konsa
Torres
Maatsen

Luiz
Onana

McGinn
Sancho

Rogers
Watkins

Title: Re: Aston Villa v West Ham Pre-Match Thread
Post by: Baldy on March 21, 2026, 09:09:35 AM
Why?

From Hammers website:

https://www.whufc.com/en/news/team-news-or-nuno-issues-summerville-availability-update
Title: Re: Aston Villa v West Ham Pre-Match Thread
Post by: Brazilian Villain on March 21, 2026, 09:18:24 AM
From Hammers website:

https://www.whufc.com/en/news/team-news-or-nuno-issues-summerville-availability-update

Could be Nuno playing mind games, so it ain't necessarily so.
Title: Re: Aston Villa v West Ham Pre-Match Thread
Post by: Baldy on March 21, 2026, 09:26:49 AM
From Hammers website:

https://www.whufc.com/en/news/team-news-or-nuno-issues-summerville-availability-update

Could be Nuno playing mind games, so it ain't necessarily so.

What a world we live in. Don't know our arse from our elbow these days.

But, I'm inclined to believe Nuno.
Title: Re: Aston Villa v West Ham Pre-Match Thread
Post by: LeeS on March 21, 2026, 09:28:57 AM
From Hammers website:

https://www.whufc.com/en/news/team-news-or-nuno-issues-summerville-availability-update

Could be Nuno playing mind games, so it ain't necessarily so.

What a world we live in. Don't know our arse from our elbow these days.

But, I'm inclined to believe Nuno.

Yeah this misinformation isn’t really a thing nowadays.
Title: Re: Aston Villa v West Ham Pre-Match Thread
Post by: Baldy on March 21, 2026, 10:31:26 AM
Crysencio Summerville:

(https://i.ibb.co/9kCgWB9Z/Bandages.jpg) (https://ibb.co/9kCgWB9Z)
Title: Re: Aston Villa v West Ham Pre-Match Thread
Post by: Clampy on March 21, 2026, 10:31:48 AM
From Hammers website:

https://www.whufc.com/en/news/team-news-or-nuno-issues-summerville-availability-update

Could be Nuno playing mind games, so it ain't necessarily so.


Oooh, you bugger. I'll have that in my head all day now.

'Jonah he lived in a whaaaaale'.
Title: Re: Aston Villa v West Ham Pre-Match Thread
Post by: Martyn Smith on March 21, 2026, 03:18:24 PM
From Hammers website:

https://www.whufc.com/en/news/team-news-or-nuno-issues-summerville-availability-update

Could be Nuno playing mind games, so it ain't necessarily so.


Oooh, you bugger. I'll have that in my head all day now.

'Jonah he lived in a whaaaaale'.

Playin' those miii-iiiind gaaaames, for ever...
Title: Re: Aston Villa v West Ham Pre-Match Thread
Post by: Martyn Smith on March 21, 2026, 03:19:24 PM
Ok...results have gone our way, yesterday and today...if we don't win tomorrow, no excuses...
Title: Re: Aston Villa v West Ham Pre-Match Thread
Post by: Martyn Smith on March 21, 2026, 03:22:31 PM
Why?

From Hammers website:

https://www.whufc.com/en/news/team-news-or-nuno-issues-summerville-availability-update

There's no injury as nobbling as a future injury...
Title: Re: Aston Villa v West Ham Pre-Match Thread
Post by: eamonn on March 21, 2026, 05:16:32 PM
Crysencio Summerville:

(https://i.ibb.co/9kCgWB9Z/Bandages.jpg) (https://ibb.co/9kCgWB9Z)

That's Geoff Tipps!
Title: Re: Aston Villa v West Ham Pre-Match Thread
Post by: Monty on March 21, 2026, 07:33:09 PM
Er ok so, we have to win this now. We have to. Man Utd draw and Liverpool and Chelsea lose. Come on. COME ON. DON'T LOSE. PLEASE WIN. PLEASE. PLEEEEEASE.
Title: Re: Aston Villa v West Ham Pre-Match Thread
Post by: RamboandBruno on March 21, 2026, 07:40:08 PM
Yep, its all gone our way. We really have to start with some purpose tomorrow, none of this containment malarky and please Unai play your best team! 
Title: Re: Aston Villa v West Ham Pre-Match Thread
Post by: Rudy Can't Fail on March 21, 2026, 07:55:38 PM
Why?

From Hammers website:

https://www.whufc.com/en/news/team-news-or-nuno-issues-summerville-availability-update

Woosh!

Title: Re: Aston Villa v West Ham Pre-Match Thread
Post by: cdbearsfan on March 21, 2026, 07:59:08 PM
I am very angry with everyone. Just so you know.
Title: Re: Aston Villa v West Ham Pre-Match Thread
Post by: olaftab on March 21, 2026, 08:14:38 PM
Ok...results have gone our way, yesterday and today...if we don't win tomorrow, no excuses...
We must stop looking at gift horses in the mouth.
Title: Re: Aston Villa v West Ham Pre-Match Thread
Post by: Pete3206 on March 21, 2026, 08:14:53 PM
No excuses. Just win, by any means necessary.
Title: Re: Aston Villa v West Ham Pre-Match Thread
Post by: wince on March 21, 2026, 09:11:06 PM
Lose this we truly deserve nothing
Title: Re: Aston Villa v West Ham Pre-Match Thread
Post by: BoVillan esq on March 21, 2026, 09:16:27 PM
Yep, its all gone our way. We really have to start with some purpose tomorrow, none of this containment malarky and please Unai play your best team!

We couldn't wish for a better leg up, real opportunity has just dropped straight in our laps, unreal results.

Going for a Thoroughbred total Villa victory and with purpose, here we go.

Villa 3 West Ham 1 
Title: Re: Aston Villa v West Ham Pre-Match Thread
Post by: dave.woodhall on March 21, 2026, 09:38:45 PM
I am very angry with everyone. Just so you know.

Tell me why?
Title: Re: Aston Villa v West Ham Pre-Match Thread
Post by: ldavfc4eva on March 21, 2026, 09:45:51 PM
Will be my youngest daughters first game tomorrow, 10 in April

So a win would be great, already been rehearsing a few songs with her

My first game was v Bolton, 95/96 a 1-0 win, so would take the same tomorrow
Title: Re: Aston Villa v West Ham Pre-Match Thread
Post by: walsall villain on March 21, 2026, 09:50:32 PM
Yep, its all gone our way. We really have to start with some purpose tomorrow, none of this containment malarky and please Unai play your best team! 
They won’t change how they play so don’t expect any first half drama, close win in the end is my guess
Title: Re: Aston Villa v West Ham Pre-Match Thread
Post by: Dave on March 21, 2026, 09:53:15 PM
Will be my youngest daughters first game tomorrow, 10 in April

Hope you both have a great time. Even if the result goes wrong, it'll still end up being one of your favourite games.
Title: Re: Aston Villa v West Ham Pre-Match Thread
Post by: Somniloquism on March 21, 2026, 10:08:19 PM
Will be my youngest daughters first game tomorrow, 10 in April

Hope you both have a great time. Even if the result goes wrong, it'll still end up being one of your favourite games.

Just bring us more luck then Dave's kids did.....
Title: Re: Aston Villa v West Ham Pre-Match Thread
Post by: Dave on March 21, 2026, 10:10:51 PM
Oi, the boy is fine. It's the girl who has been hexed by some sort of Villa-hating curse.
Title: Re: Aston Villa v West Ham Pre-Match Thread
Post by: ROBBO on March 22, 2026, 01:03:57 AM
No more excuses after yesterdays results, I hope we scrap the slow build up and put energy back into our game. Looked at Chelsea matches ahead and wondered how they are going to get enough points. Would like Lindeloft to get a start and Elliot must come in to contention after his cameo.
Title: Re: Aston Villa v West Ham Pre-Match Thread
Post by: Holte Antipode on March 22, 2026, 02:24:34 AM
I am very angry with everyone. Just so you know.

Tell me why?

He don't like Mondays.
Title: Re: Aston Villa v West Ham Pre-Match Thread
Post by: Holte Antipode on March 22, 2026, 02:32:08 AM
No more excuses after yesterdays results, I hope we scrap the slow build up and put energy back into our game.


Would love to see us with the shackles off too.
But Emery is stubborn, and the structure is everything. So cue boring pedestrian first half, Ezri with most touches on the pitch, then hopefully a scrappy 2-1 late in second half.
Bowen (inevitably) for Hamsters, midfielders for Us (since our strikeforce doesn’t often strike).
Title: Re: Aston Villa v West Ham Pre-Match Thread
Post by: andyh on March 22, 2026, 07:42:48 AM
We just cannot fuck up after the gifts of the weekend results.
Title: Re: Aston Villa v West Ham Pre-Match Thread
Post by: Rigadon on March 22, 2026, 09:11:04 AM
I’d love to see a rip roaring start to this game.  Just fucking go for it and blow them away rather than nervy, slow build up. 
Title: Re: Aston Villa v West Ham Pre-Match Thread
Post by: PaulWinch again on March 22, 2026, 09:21:24 AM
We just cannot fuck up after the gifts of the weekend results.

We absolutely can, but hopefully we won’t.
Title: Re: Aston Villa v West Ham Pre-Match Thread
Post by: tomd2103 on March 22, 2026, 10:02:13 AM
We just cannot fuck up after the gifts of the weekend results.

Yep, we've blown our chance of practically cementing a Champions League spot over the past month and are now in the kind of territory where we simply have to take these kind of chances when they come along. 
Title: Re: Aston Villa v West Ham Pre-Match Thread
Post by: Dave on March 22, 2026, 10:08:48 AM
We just cannot fuck up after the gifts of the weekend results.

Yep, we've blown our chance a practically cementing a Champions League spot over the past month and are now in the kind of territory where we simply have to take these kind of chances when they come along. 

You'd think though that with Chelsea struggling, two or three wins from somewhere should do it.

You wouldn't expect them to get much from Man Utd or Man City in their next two, if we can somehow get six from West Ham and Forest, that's nine points clear with six games to go.

Obviously that's a big if, but right now if feels as if 60 points might well be enough - which would be three wins from our final eight matches.
Title: Re: Aston Villa v West Ham Pre-Match Thread
Post by: SaddVillan on March 22, 2026, 10:33:43 AM
I've been monitoring radio, press and TV coverage of the weekend’s sporting fixtures and hsve concluded thst:

The only sporting event taking place to day is:

Carabao Cup Final
Arse v C115ty.

Don't expect to see anything on any TV or radio or channel about anything else.
Title: Re: Aston Villa v West Ham Pre-Match Thread
Post by: Des Little on March 22, 2026, 10:38:19 AM
I am very angry with everyone. Just so you know.

Tell me why?

He don't like Mondays.

Ha just shows musical tastes differ. You thought Boomtown Rats. I immediately thought Musical Youth!
Title: Re: Aston Villa v West Ham Pre-Match Thread
Post by: paul_e on March 22, 2026, 10:40:50 AM
I am very angry with everyone. Just so you know.

Tell me why?

He don't like Mondays.

Ha just shows musical tastes differ. You thought Boomtown Rats. I immediately thought Musical Youth!

Thankfully no-one went backstreet boys.
Title: Re: Aston Villa v West Ham Pre-Match Thread
Post by: Sexual Ealing on March 22, 2026, 10:44:59 AM
I've been monitoring radio, press and TV coverage of the weekend’s sporting fixtures

Thank you so, so much.
Title: Re: Aston Villa v West Ham Pre-Match Thread
Post by: cdbearsfan on March 22, 2026, 10:47:19 AM
Just popped CNN on, and the biased twats have hardly mentioned Clyde's magnificent victory against Forfar.
Title: Re: Aston Villa v West Ham Pre-Match Thread
Post by: ChicagoLion on March 22, 2026, 10:55:22 AM
Just popped CNN on, and the biased twats have hardly mentioned Clyde's magnificent victory against Forfar.
There has been a Loons media bias Forfar to long.
Title: Re: Aston Villa v West Ham Pre-Match Thread
Post by: cdbearsfan on March 22, 2026, 11:17:38 AM
I've just remembered it was actually Stranraer. I blame the media.
Title: Re: Aston Villa v West Ham Pre-Match Thread
Post by: Brazilian Villain on March 22, 2026, 11:23:51 AM
Just popped CNN on, and the biased twats have hardly mentioned Clyde's magnificent victory against Forfar.

And to think Partick Thistle fans used to call it the Clyde News Network back in the day.
Title: Re: Aston Villa v West Ham Pre-Match Thread
Post by: DB on March 22, 2026, 12:24:46 PM
I’d love to see a rip roaring start to this game.  Just fucking go for it and blow them away rather than nervy, slow build up. 

Yes, full on from k.o. please
Title: Re: Aston Villa v West Ham Pre-Match Thread
Post by: Monty on March 22, 2026, 12:29:41 PM
I've been monitoring radio, press and TV coverage of the weekend’s sporting fixtures

Thank you so, so much.

Trying to imagine how we'd react if we were in a cup final against Arsenal, say, and the media devoted even 30% of their coverage to a Man City home game against West Ham.
Title: Re: Aston Villa v West Ham Pre-Match Thread
Post by: aldridgeboy on March 22, 2026, 12:42:30 PM
Paul McGrath here today
Title: Re: Aston Villa v West Ham Pre-Match Thread
Post by: Dave on March 22, 2026, 01:03:30 PM
Youri back on the bench. You love to see it.
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