Heroes & Villains, the Aston Villa fanzine
Heroes & Villains => Match Threads & Player Ratings => Topic started by: Ads on May 09, 2018, 10:03:50 PM
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So here we are. Bruce v Tiny Penis round one.
No away goals which may have an effect on how we approach it. Doubt there will be many goals.
I'm going 1-0 Villa.
Team I'd start with would be;
Johnstone
Hutton
Terry
Chester
Elmo
Jedinak
Snoddy
Hourihane (unlucky Onomah)
Grealish
Albert (lucky boy Albert)
Grabban
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Away win. That is all.
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0-2
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Didn't fancy adding the poll Ads?
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1-1
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I agree with your side Ads. Put Jedinak in there to protect the defence from any long ball barrage. Get Hutton to tonk Adama Traore early on, I actually fancy Traore to get himself all wound up and sent off. I expect a tight, professional performance and hope for the best in terms of goals. Really nervous about the play offs. A tough one to call in terms of the score.
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Didn't fancy adding the poll Ads?
Whoops. I'll sort now if somebody could sticky it.
Hmmmm. Can seem to get the poll option?
Would a kindly Mod please pop one in for me please?
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Poll added.
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So here we are. Bruce v Tiny Penis round one.
No away goals which may have an effect on how we approach it. Doubt there will be many goals.
I'm going 1-0 Villa.
Team I'd start with would be;
Johnstone
Hutton
Terry
Chester
Elmo
Jedinak
Snoddy
Hourihane (unlucky Onomah)
Grealish
Albert (lucky boy Albert)
Grabban
I'd go with that. The only question mark is the defensive midfield spot, I reckon he'll pick Whelan.
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Just go there to win. None of this playing the percentages nonsense. Grabban brace to set us up for a routine home leg on Tuesday.
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Thank you.
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We invariably turn into Brazil '82 when we go up there, and into Villa 2015/16 in the home games against them. 2-0 win up there, and then a 2-1 home defeat.
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I'd happily settle for that PWS!!
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I've gone with Jedi because as Newby says, they'll be hoofing like mad.
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Now this thread has opened, the fecking butterflies have started.
I’m going 1-1,with us controlling the game, conceding a silly goal but scoring late on.
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Thank you.
My pleasure. For future reference you just need to edit your original post.
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I couldn't find the option on the dashboard.
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I've gone with Jedi because as Newby says, they'll be hoofing like mad.
Jedinak gives us some threat in their box too, whereas Whelan seems to be the oppositions best attacker if the Cardiff game is anything to go by!! I just think we look a better side with Jedinak in there protecting the gaps. Hopefully, we can get plenty of Grealish on the ball and Snoddy and Albert have much better games than late. A bench of Bunn, Samba, Onomah, Kodjia, Hogan, Whelan and Lansbury. Although I might prefer Davis to Hogan.
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Just click "new poll" when starting a pre-match thread. The poll option is there and then you can add your predictions etc as usual.
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Thank you.
My pleasure. For future reference you just need to edit your original post.
Not sure non mods can add a poll, even to a thread they started. I think it has to be the "new poll" option.
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Aaaah lesson learnt there. Cheers ears.
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Now this thread has opened, the fecking butterflies have started.
I’m going 1-1,with us controlling the game, conceding a silly goal but scoring late on.
Haha yes, I didn’t feel nervous until this thread started.
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2-0 win
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I've gone with Jedi because as Newby says, they'll be hoofing like mad.
Dont be so sure about the hoofing - they'd be stupid to do that and cut out Adama - and to a (much) lesser degree, Downing. Long ball perhaps - but on the ground, trying to get Speedy behind our defence
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2-2
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They'll be lumping it into the channels and looking for the percentage ball from corners and set pieces. Its where they're effevtive from.
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Thank you.
My pleasure. For future reference you just need to edit your original post.
Not sure non mods can add a poll, even to a thread they started. I think it has to be the "new poll" option.
This is correct. As is my prediction of 1-3 to us.
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I know it’s a two leg game but I still think the first goal could be crucial. Our record when we score first is incredible (won 22 of 24 or something, and one of those fails was the first game of the season). Whereas our record when the oppo score first is one win all season. Though we’ve come from behind to draw a couple of times I think.
I’d play Jedinak away and Whelan at home.
I’d also be very tempted to play Barny and / or Onomah, with hourihane and / or Adomah the fall guys.
Think we need to handle the set pieces (hence Jedinak) have a plan for Adama and be combative in midfield. Think hourihane and jack in a three is too much of a luxury away from home at the moment. We’ve been poor in 4 of our last 5 away games
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We be only dropped four points from a winning position all season. #gamemanagement.
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0-0
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Agree with Matt. When we lead we win and when we go behind we usually lose. Turning games around has not been a strength as testified by 11 defeats. So yes on Saturday first goal is very important.
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I just don't want to jinx it by making any prediction at all. Nervous as hell already!
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I know it’s a two leg game but I still think the first goal could be crucial. Our record when we score first is incredible (won 22 of 24 or something, and one of those fails was the first game of the season). Whereas our record when the oppo score first is one win all season. Though we’ve come from behind to draw a couple of times I think.
I’d play Jedinak away and Whelan at home.
I’d also be very tempted to play Barny and / or Onomah, with hourihane and / or Adomah the fall guys.
Think we need to handle the set pieces (hence Jedinak) have a plan for Adama and be combative in midfield. Think hourihane and jack in a three is too much of a luxury away from home at the moment. We’ve been poor in 4 of our last 5 away games
Hourihane is still one of our main goal threats and for that reason alone is almost certain to start. Adamoah better able to help Hutton keep tabs on Traore.
They have a decent side on paper but we should have enough in both games. 1-2 to the Villa with a rested up Snodgrass key.
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Went for a draw. I reckon they're going to throw the kitchen sink at us so i hope Bruce doesn't go into "play for a draw" mode because i don't think we're good enough to defend for 90 minutes
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I don't think its Pulis way to throw the kitchen sink as he'd be worried about our quality on the counter. Wouldn't surprise me if they sit in and try and hit us with a set piece to take a 1-0 lead to sit on at Villa Park.
I think with Jedi screening, we will win a lot of those aerial duels and keep decent possession via Jack.
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I don't think its Pulis way to throw the kitchen sink as he'd be worried about our quality on the counter. Wouldn't surprise me if they sit in and try and hit us with a set piece to take a 1-0 lead to sit on at Villa Park.
I think with Jedi screening, we will win a lot of those aerial duels and keep decent possession via Jack.
Well i thought that too at first but when you think about it, there's no reason for Pulis to be cagey in the home leg. They need to win at home with away goals playing no part at all. I'm expecting them to have a real go at us with them targeting the likes of Grealish early on for rough treatment. Reckon a yellow card for them in the first 10 minutes is guaranteed
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I reckon Bruce will keep it tight away, then look to bury them at Villa Park.
Johnstone
Elmo Chester Terry Cafu
Whelan
Snodgrass Grealish Hourihane Onomah
Grabban
Chuck on Albert and Kodjia from the bench if we need to chase it later on.
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Go there to win, that's all we ask.
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IIRC, didn’t Bruce’s Hull team win the first leg of the play off semi 3-0 away to Derby, two years ago?
So maybe he’ll pleasantly surprise us by trying to get the tie won on Saturday rather than playing for a draw.
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I reckon Bruce will keep it tight away, then look to bury them at Villa Park
That would be pretty dumb, bearing in mind we always do well up there while they always do well at Villa Park.
We are a much better side when we play for a win. Many of our more talented attacking players have had a nice rest and should be fresh. Go and attack the twats.
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Blueprint to success #1.
Reduce Boro to 10 men by tackling Downing hard within two minutes, you won't see him touch the ball again, we all know that. That's a captain's role so over to you John Terry.
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Blueprint to success #2
FTF up there then bring them back to VP and FTF again.
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I'm going for a 1-1 draw at there place and beat them at Villa Park.
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1-1 aswell.
All to play for at VP.
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Refs announced.
1st leg Bobby Madley.
2nd leg Mike Dean.
www.gazettelive.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/championship-play-offs-premier-league-14634227
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Is Mike Dean the prick who celebrated Spurs scoring against us?
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Is Mike Dean the prick who celebrated Spurs scoring against us?
No, that was Harry Kane.
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He gives a lot of penalties.
Gave that joke one for West Brom v Arsenal.
Also gave us a very dodgy one v West Ham in a Boxing day game a few years back.
Get your bets on...
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Mike Dean does whatever necessary to ensure that Mike Dean is the centre of attention.
Be it controversial penalties, red cards, goal celebrations etc...
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I'm getting scared now.
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Mike Dean is a ****** of the Highest Order
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Is Mike Dean the prick who celebrated Spurs scoring against us?
The very same. Boro fans are well chuffed that he's reffing the game at villa park. (I popped in on one of their forums and I have a relation who is a big Boro fan)
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Is Mike Dean the prick who celebrated Spurs scoring against us?
The very same. Boro fans are well chuffed that he's reffing the game at villa park. (I popped in on one of their forums and I have a relation who is a big Boro fan)
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Messed up again! I blame this crap fkn phone
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When I first read the headlines Villa hit with injuries I was worried for a minute
Villa finished the regular season seven points clear of Boro, but they head into the two-legged tie with a handful of injury problems to contend with.
Axel Tuanzebe missed Villa’s final day defeat at Millwall with an ankle injury and manager Steve Bruce admitted that he will be lucky if he plays for the club again this season.
Neil Taylor could also be unavailable after he was sidelined for the clash against the Lions with a hamstring injury
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In the words of a variety of Star Wars characters "I have a very bad feeling about this!. 1-0 Boro I feel. If Thor is fit I'd play him instead of Jedi.
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Not really nervous about the semis-
Think we’ll have enough to go through over 2 matches. VP midweek 2nd leg is a big advantage, I think.
Bit concerned about probably Fulham in the final. Or I was, til they shit it against Blues.
If the preparation is bang on and we don’t too many injuries- we’ve got a good chance. Villa and Fulham have showed they can bottle it. Who goes up will depend on who bottles it more I think.
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Is Mike Dean the prick who celebrated Spurs scoring against us?
The very same. Boro fans are well chuffed that he's reffing the game at villa park. (I popped in on one of their forums and I have a relation who is a big Boro fan)
You're not wrong!
but the really amazing news is the away leg we've got riverside mike dean so we've pretty much won lads.
I take it they've been beneficiaries of his decisions in the past.
Don't matter. Win the first leg of the semi 1-0, see out the second 0-0, and off to Rotterdam Wembley on the 26th.
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Win please Villa.
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Just win baby.
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This is where was wanted to be as a minimum so now here do not f*ck it up
Steve
We are better than these in every department so make sure you get into the players heads and we go for the win up there. If they have to come to VP needing to play catch up with 1 or 2 goals we will pick them off.
We have the fire power to destroy anyone of the teams we play - it is all about the mentality and set up
a controlled 1-0 us
Johnstone
Hutton
Chester
Terry
Elmo
Jedinak
Snodgrass
Grealish
Hourihanne
Albert
Grabban
Subs:
Bunn
Samba - if needing to kill off last few mins
Onomah
kodja - for Adomah
Whelan - to tighten up if needed
RHM - to run at them if needed
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Mike Dean, the referee that truly is a wanker.
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I'll go for a tight 1-1 in the first leg; Grabban for us and Bamford for them.
Wouldn't disagree with the Johnstone, Elmo, Chester, Terry, Hutton, Jedi, Hourihane, Snodgrass, Adomah, Grealish and Grabban line up a few have gone with but think he'll go for a more defensive looking bench away from home.
Would expect Bunn, Bree, Samba, Whelan, Lansbury, Onomah and Kodjia
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just smash these fuckers Villa
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I think it's best to attack in the away leg. Away goals don't count double or anything but to shut them up at their place and then bring them back to a full Villa Park would be perfect.
Not many seats left now by the looks of things for the game at ours so the atmosphere will overwhelm their supporters.
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Is Mike Dean the prick who celebrated Spurs scoring against us?
The very same. Boro fans are well chuffed that he's reffing the game at villa park. (I popped in on one of their forums and I have a relation who is a big Boro fan)
You're not wrong!
but the really amazing news is the away leg we've got riverside mike dean so we've pretty much won lads.
I take it they've been beneficiaries of his decisions in the past.
Don't matter. Win the first leg of the semi 1-0, see out the second 0-0, and off to Rotterdam Wembley on the 26th.
Yeah that's one of the posts I read. Riverside Mike Dean? Fuck me what's that about does anyone on here know why they like him so much?
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1-1 for me, we don’t do things easy
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Is Mike Dean the prick who celebrated Spurs scoring against us?
The very same. Boro fans are well chuffed that he's reffing the game at villa park. (I popped in on one of their forums and I have a relation who is a big Boro fan)
You're not wrong!
but the really amazing news is the away leg we've got riverside mike dean so we've pretty much won lads.
I take it they've been beneficiaries of his decisions in the past.
Don't matter. Win the first leg of the semi 1-0, see out the second 0-0, and off to Rotterdam Wembley on the 26th.
Yeah that's one of the posts I read. Riverside Mike Dean? Fuck me what's that about does anyone on here know why they like him so much?
He sent off a Brighton player in the semi two years ago. And from what I can garner from a quick mooch, they've never lost a game he's reffed.
They're clutching at straws. They know we're coming to ftf.
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Compared to many of the referees we have seen this season Mike Dean is world class ......
He recently did the Cardiff v Wolves game and had an excellent match ..... two pens right at the end which were spot on
Also the linesmen will be his "normal" team which will be good
Sensible appointment for the game
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1-1 I reckon.
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This is where was wanted to be as a minimum so now here do not f*ck it up
Steve
We are better than these in every department so make sure you get into the players heads and we go for the win up there. If they have to come to VP needing to play catch up with 1 or 2 goals we will pick them off.
We have the fire power to destroy anyone of the teams we play - it is all about the mentality and set up
a controlled 1-0 us
Johnstone
Hutton
Chester
Terry
Elmo
Jedinak
Snodgrass
Grealish
Hourihanne
Albert
Grabban
Subs:
Bunn
Samba - if needing to kill off last few mins
Onomah
kodja - for Adomah
Whelan - to tighten up if needed
RHM - to run at them if needed
Agree with that starting XI for this game, but it would be a tight call between Jedinak and Whelan in the defensive midfield spot. Onomah and Kodjia would also be in contention for starting spots, though it might be worth keeping them back to add a bit of energy in the closing stages.
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I'd go with Hookeysmith's team as well and Bjarnnason would get the nod on the bench over Lansbury.
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May not affect many travelling up, but just in case here is some info Boro have posted about travel near the stadium.
Click me (https://www.mfc.co.uk/news/matchday-information-boro-v-aston-villa-play-off-home-leg)
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Who's picking up Traore?
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The physio will be, about 3 minutes in.
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I know it’s a two leg game but I still think the first goal could be crucial. Our record when we score first is incredible (won 22 of 24 or something, and one of those fails was the first game of the season). Whereas our record when the oppo score first is one win all season. Though we’ve come from behind to draw a couple of times I think.
I’d play Jedinak away and Whelan at home.
I’d also be very tempted to play Barny and / or Onomah, with hourihane and / or Adomah the fall guys.
Think we need to handle the set pieces (hence Jedinak) have a plan for Adama and be combative in midfield. Think hourihane and jack in a three is too much of a luxury away from home at the moment. We’ve been poor in 4 of our last 5 away games
Hourihane is still one of our main goal threats and for that reason alone is almost certain to start. Adamoah better able to help Hutton keep tabs on Traore.
They have a decent side on paper but we should have enough in both games. 1-2 to the Villa with a rested up Snodgrass key.
I wonder if Bjarnason is less of a goal threat on a goal per minute played basis?
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Albert's been poor since xmas imo, odd good game here and there but nowhere near his consistant level in first half of the season. Maybe playing his old club will spark him into life but I'd seriously consider starting Kodjia as I like him and Grabban in same 11.
Unless the plan is to play him at home. I like Matt's thinking on Jedinak and Whelan rotating between legs.
Going to be a tight one, would be amazed if either team has this tie wrapped up on Saturday.
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Nice to have an option as good as Kodjia from the bench. Gives the oppo something else to worry about.
I'm not sure Albert is quite the same sort of impact player. Agree he's been off colour for a few months now.
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I don’t think Kodjia looks ready to start, nor does green and I don’t trust hogan. So Grabban up top for me
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I don’t think Kodjia looks ready to start, nor does green and I don’t trust hogan. So Grabban up top for me
Got to agree with that
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Reluctantly I also agree - my favourite current Villa player but those two serious back to back ankle injuries look like they've robbed him of mobility and understandably, confidence. Having said that, my recurring Villa dream for several months has him scoring the winner at Wembley.
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Reluctantly I also agree - my favourite current Villa player but those two serious back to back ankle injuries look like they've robbed him of mobility and understandably, confidence. Having said that, my recurring Villa dream for several months has him scoring the winner at Wembley.
Id start Grabban but Kodjia is a bloody good one to bring off the bench if we need a goal.
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Away ticket sorted, cannot bloody wait!
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I do worry that Kodjia's injuries may have robbed us of a great player. Fingers crossed it's just time he needs to find his form again though.
Got to start Grabban regardless. He's the man in form
Would have no hesitation is using Green or RHM in these games either mind, i feel both wouldn't let us down at all so i'd definitely have them on the bench.
Albert has been poor for a good while now, but hopefully he can re find his mojo over these next 2, maybe 3 games and show us why many of us had him down as our player of the season
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Albert against his old team? Hat-trick.
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Pre match nerves have truly kicked in today
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I'm going to be in Derby tomorrow for a gig. Can anyone recommend a city centre pub to watch the game in please? Thank goodness we got Middlesbrough!
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A little concerned with Bruce's pre-match comments about 'staying in the tie' that we'll just defend for 90 minutes. As others have pointed out, the first goal is utterly huge. If we go 1-0 up tomorrow, I'd definitely back us to qualify.
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I think its just 'game management' - Tiny said yesterday we had the best squad in the League bar none.
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Who's picking up Traore?
I' m not, he can get to the ground himself 😀😀
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Take a draw now. We’re beat them at Villa park. Must be our biggest game for nearly 30 years. Bigger than any cup final during that period
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For the club it is, I just can't get excited, nervous or anything over it. It's massive for the club to go up, we need to go up, but for some reason I just can't get worked up like I do before a big cup game etc.
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The way pulis sets them up as long as we don't gift them a goal I think we'll get through.
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Take a draw now. We’re beat them at Villa park. Must be our biggest game for nearly 30 years. Bigger than any cup final during that period
I'd take the draw also - glad you got your ticket sorted buddy - it's all very nerve wracking isn't it
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Just picked up the hire car. Four of us from Bournemouth making the long trip to Boro. UTV
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Just picked up the hire car. Four of us from Bournemouth making the long trip to Boro. UTV
Have a safe journey and give em a cheer from me and jnr
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Middlesbrough will be bloody tough, we struggle to break defensive teams down.
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Hope we go on the front foot and not try and stifle a 0-0.Time for Bruce to not revert to type.
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For the club it is, I just can't get excited, nervous or anything over it. It's massive for the club to go up, we need to go up, but for some reason I just can't get worked up like I do before a big cup game etc.
I'm the same. I'm looking forward to following the three preceding games on the radio, and I'll be there Tuesday cos it's a Villa home game, and I haven't got far to travel.
But as for Wembley, *shrugs*. I might ask my brother if he fancies using my ticket to take his lad.
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I'm excited as these are hugely significant games. But at the same time it won't feel so much like achieving promotion as correcting a huge mistake.
It's a bit like elbow dislocation. It's easier than you think to pop out, very hard to get back in, but once it is, it's a huge relief, but then it shouldn't have been halfway down your forearm in the first place.
I speak from experience.
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You have it there Ads, for me it will be a relief if we're promoted, not a celebration.
As an aside if we win through I really hope we don't do a pitch invasion.
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Home game sold out
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I dreamt 1-8 last night, although the team had a foreign name.
So I'm going 1-3.
Fulham had to win their home leg 3-0 in the same dream.
It was also one of those dreams that have you dashing from toilet to toilet only to find them occupied, doors off, or open to crowds.
Maybe this should be in Off Topic
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They're playing well, especially at home. I think this is going to be a really tough game, not many goals in it....1-0 them.
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1-0 them. A goal in the last twenty minutes after a painfully bad first 70.
We'll do them in the second leg though.
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I'm excited as these are hugely significant games. But at the same time it won't feel so much like achieving promotion as correcting a huge mistake.
It's a bit like elbow dislocation. It's easier than you think to pop out, very hard to get back in, but once it is, it's a huge relief, but then it shouldn't have been halfway down your forearm in the first place.
I speak from experience.
I'm impressed you know your arse from your elbow ............ only kidding :)
Hope you and the others have a great day tomorrow and we end up with a result leaving us with a great chance getting to Wembley ......I will be happy with a draw and totally ecstatic with any kind of win .....look out for Witton Warrior and say hi to him
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For the club it is, I just can't get excited, nervous or anything over it. It's massive for the club to go up, we need to go up, but for some reason I just can't get worked up like I do before a big cup game etc.
Yep, me too, Though I'm going on Tuesday..
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For the club it is, I just can't get excited, nervous or anything over it. It's massive for the club to go up, we need to go up, but for some reason I just can't get worked up like I do before a big cup game etc.
Yep, me too, Though I'm going on Tuesday..
I feel a little bit the same, but more because we're Aston Villa, it's almost below us? We will win though.
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For the club it is, I just can't get excited, nervous or anything over it. It's massive for the club to go up, we need to go up, but for some reason I just can't get worked up like I do before a big cup game etc.
We spent time out of the top flight in the 50s, 60s, 70s and 80s
We’ve fallen badly and I don’t feel it’s beneath us at all
Yep, me too, Though I'm going on Tuesday..
I feel a little bit the same, but more because we're Aston Villa, it's almost below us? We will win though.
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Take a draw now. We’re beat them at Villa park. Must be our biggest game for nearly 30 years. Bigger than any cup final during that period
Nah FA cup final is miles bigger.
We'll get up eventually whatever happens over next few days.
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For the club it is, I just can't get excited, nervous or anything over it. It's massive for the club to go up, we need to go up, but for some reason I just can't get worked up like I do before a big cup game etc.
We spent time out of the top flight in the 50s, 60s, 70s and 80s
We’ve fallen badly and I don’t feel it’s beneath us at all
Yep, me too, Though I'm going on Tuesday..
I feel a little bit the same, but more because we're Aston Villa, it's almost below us? We will win though.
I'm on about play offs, it's more of a last chance saloon. We're better than that! IMO.
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Villa have a decent overall record at Riverside.
I much hope for an Ipswich type performance rather than the Norwich one. Perhaps somewhere in between.
Some things to note :
villa have least yellow cards overall in the season 56 cards in 46 matches.
Villa have scored 17 goals by headers most in league.
Have conceded least amount of late goals both home and away and therefor overall.
Fact is in last 15 mins (after 75 mins) we only conceded 1, yes Once, in 23 away matches.
And in 46 matches overall 4 times after 75 minutes mark conceded a goal. (3 times at villa park)
Thus the defence and organisation can be totally trusted and proven this season to unlikely conceded a goal late on.
Villa 3rd best record away from home at getting points when conceded first . (after Preston and Ipswich)
I think as its a case of taking chances with the goal scored really can have a positive result for second leg.
Scored of 1-1 0-0 or 1-0, 2-0 villa.
Also then there are chances of a headed goal and that boro will have more bookings than villa.
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Don’t think our reliance on crosses will work too well v boro. All of their back four are six footers
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Don’t think our reliance on crosses will work too well v boro. All of their back four are six footers
Based on most of this year it won't stop us trying, not that Elmo or Albert have had their crossing boots on recently.
We'll need a few special performances tomorrow. We can do it, we've done it before I just wonder if we can do it again. Really can't predict this one. I can see every scenario from a 2-0 defeat, a 0-0 draw and a 3-1 Villa win.
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Jack to give us a worldy(as the yut say) 1-0 Villa.
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Jack to give us a worldy(as the yut say) 1-0 Villa.
Knowing Bruce, tomorrow could be a boring game. But I reckon Jack will do the biz on Tuesday and then again like he did the last time at Wembley.
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Jack to give us a worldy(as the yut say) 1-0 Villa.
Knowing Bruce, tomorrow could be a boring game. But I reckon Jack will do the biz on Tuesday and then again like he did the last time at Wembley.
;D ;D ;D
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Slightly worried that we might have to go with Bunn in goal tomorrow. Pulis will have them shooting from everywhere if Johnstone is out.
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Slightly worried that we might have to go with Bunn in goal tomorrow. Pulis will have them shooting from everywhere if Johnstone is out.
Why would Johnstone be out?
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Slightly worried that we might have to go with Bunn in goal tomorrow. Pulis will have them shooting from everywhere if Johnstone is out.
Why would Johnstone be out?
I thought Bruce said earlier he was with his girlfriend expecting his first baby?
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He is expected to start regardless of whether the baby is born or not.
Boss Steve Bruce said:
“Sam Johnstone is sitting by his girlfriend’s bedside at the moment
“We hope that comes along quickly.”
(It’s bloody tomorrow, I don’t know why they’d be so confident it will arrive in the next 24 hours. If Bunn is playing I’ll be gutted)
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Ah that's a problem we could do without.
I assume his GF is based in Cheshire so will be a struggle to get him to Boro if he hasn't travelled up with us.
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Mark "double save from a penalty" Bunn will do for me
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Slightly worried that we might have to go with Bunn in goal tomorrow. Pulis will have them shooting from everywhere if Johnstone is out.
Why would Johnstone be out?
I thought Bruce said earlier he was with his girlfriend expecting his first baby?
It would be awkward if it was a Bunn in the oven.
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Bloody hell this would be really bad news
Even if the baby does arrive, he might be absolutely knackered
Bunn is shit
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No worries as there is not a great deal of difference between two of them.
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Are you serious?
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Their pace is really a big worry.
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Their pace is really a big worry.
Few players move quickly, or at all, after they've been Huttoned.
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No worries as there is not a great deal of difference between two of them.
I think there is a difference in quality and also there would be a difference in sharpness/match fitness.
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No worries as there is not a great deal of difference between two of them.
I think there is a difference in quality and also there would be a difference in sharpness/match fitness
Bunn also has the amazing knack of making himself so very small and the net so very big apart from Penalties.
Can we not just bring him on if it’s deadlock in extra time ?
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No worries as there is not a great deal of difference between two of them.
I think there is a difference in quality and also there would be a difference in sharpness/match fitness.
Bunn is one of the worst keepers I've seen play for us
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From the Boro OS
This will be the 143rd overall meeting between the teams. We have won 39 of the league games, Villa 59, with 32 draws.
The other 12 meetings have been in the FA Cup, League Cup and Zenith Data Systems (or Full Members) Cup, with Boro reaching Wembley for the first time by beating Villa over two legs in the ZDS Cup semi-final in 1990.
We played Villa twice away earlier this campaign, both matches within a week at Villa Park back in September. By Tuesday evening, we will have faced off five times in a single season - the last time that happened to Boro was against Arsenal in 2003/04.
Our home league game in December was the 130th meeting in the league. It was only the eighth time this fixture has been played in the second tier, and the first for 30 years. It was also Tony Pulis' first game as Boro manager.
The last time the teams met at this level, in 1987-88, both teams were promoted. We had identical goal differences but Villa had scored five more goals, one of the narrowest promotion margins in Football League history.
Villa went up automatically, Boro via the Play-Offs after beating first Bradford City, then Chelsea.
Our visitors' 10 away wins this season is their highest figure since then.
The first-ever penalty at Ayresome Park came against Villa, scored by Boro’s Joe Blackett in a 2-0 win in November 1903.
The first opposition player sent off in the Premier League at the Riverside was Villa’s Steve Staunton in May 1997.
The first opposition hat-trick at the Riverside came from Villa’s Luke Moore in February 2006. Micky Fenton and David Mills have scored hat-tricks for Boro against The Villans.
Middlesbrough sealed Villa’s last league title for them in 1981 by beating the only team who could catch them, Ipswich, on the final day. Despite losing at Arsenal the same afternoon Villa were champions. This season has seen Villa’s best points and wins total since then.
Stewart Downing joined Villa at the end of his first Boro spell, while Rudy Gestede and Adama Traore moved to Teesside from the Midlands club.
When Adama arrived, Albert Adomah headed in the opposite direction. The Ghanaian - Villa's top scorer this season with 15 goals - scored three against Boro while at Bristol City.
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Ah that's a problem we could do without.
I assume his GF is based in Cheshire so will be a struggle to get him to Boro if he hasn't travelled up with us.
No it won't. Helicopter would cover the distance in no time and plenty of places to land near Boro.
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So the first of the big days is finally upon us. Following the awful few weeks that Steve Bruce has been through domestically, coupled with the way that he has gone about turning around the shipwreck of a football club that he first encountered when he joined us, nobody will deserve promotion more than him. Not Pulis, not Rowett, not Jokanovic !
Let’s get the job done for Brucie, come on you Lions 🦁
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In Paris today anybody know a bar that might be showing the game?
Thanks in advance.
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Worried. I think if we get to Wembley we'll win. However, Pullis is the type of manager that could get his team to win the home leg 1-0 and then defend it away. We need a result.
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Loads of bars show whatever is live on Skysport. Google O’Sullivans in Montmartre you should be ok there from memory.
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I’m very nervous about this. Come on Villa please just batter them.
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I'm starting to feel properly 'jumpy' as kick off looms. I can't think of the last time that a Championship Play Off Semi' was effectively decided after the opening leg: and I can't see anything changing today. I've voted for the draw (1-1), but a goal either way wouldn't be the end of the world for either side - or, indeed, a huge surprise. I just hope we bring our A Game to both legs and find a way to overcome another dogged Pulis side that will doubtless be difficult to open up. Fingers crossed eh?
UTV
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I feel Adomah is a must to play and can help Hutton defensively on the left against adama traore . Also will help push Traore back. The one thing about adama traore is his lacking consistency on his final delivery. However there will be times when he just speeds past players like not there so having Hutton and say Kodjia or Grabbs or even Onomah on left I think wouldnt be so wise.
Albert can do defence work and of course provides a threat going forward. He can be up for this even more as its his old club.
Do people think Whelan and Jedinak will both start?? It would indicate what intentions are if both started. That said Jedinak offers the ariel support in defence quarters but if you look at the team boro are starting even if jedi doesn't start I think an organised and disciplined Villa can cope.
I do think playing both for this leg against their midfield would be a good option.
Besic is a bit of enforcer in midfield and can drive forward but not much of a goalscorer. (think a fabian Delph type)
Clayton is pretty basic and likes battle (aka foul) and I imagine we can draw fouls and both are yellow card potential.
Howson has a decent shot from range and has scored against villa in past.
Their combative midfield of course must be matched but villa aren't an aggressive side and have least bookings in league.
We re up against this team that drew against Ipswich.
Randolph
Shotton
Ayala
Gibson
Friend
Howson
Clayton
Besic
Traore
Assombalonga
Downing
Ayala is a major threat from set pieces since pulis came in so needs to be marked.
Shotton is another basic player but has a long throw which they love.
I think Jedinak and Whelan could both play.
So my villa line up is
Johnstone
Elmo
JT
Chessie
Hutton
Jedinak
Whelan
Adomah
Snodgrass
Grealish
Grabban
In big games you want your big players to turn up and today our experience in play offs can certainly show.
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No worries as there is not a great deal of difference between two of them.
I have to challenge that but respectful of your view.
SJ has been a match saver with his keeping this season. Numerous occasions has been extraordinary whereas I find reserve bunn a mere ordinary in nets
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A little concerned with Bruce's pre-match comments about 'staying in the tie' that we'll just defend for 90 minutes. As others have pointed out, the first goal is utterly huge. If we go 1-0 up tomorrow, I'd definitely back us to qualify.
Maybe just reverse psychology on Pullis. Bruce has loads of experience in this type of scenarios as manager and player
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Its quite simple today ....Whelan to crunch Downing in first tackle ...you wont see him again and Hutton to put Traore into row Z ..he wont fancy it then ...both can be done with totally fair tackles too
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Its quite simple today ....Whelan to crunch Downing in first tackle ...you wont see him again and Hutton to put Traore into row Z ..he wont fancy it then ...both can be done with totally fair tackles too
I like the way your mind works ;)
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We really need Albert to turn up today.
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We really need Albert to turn up today.
As well as the rest of the squad. It would be a bit difficult if he had to play them all on his own.
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My previous laissez-faire attitude has just gone up a notch to nervously concerned.
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We really need Albert to turn up today.
the whole squad need to turn up and put in a shift today - I'd like to think our lot want it more than Boro,Fulham and Derby -this is where Terry can earn his coin by making sure they all give 100%
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Ah that's a problem we could do without.
I assume his GF is based in Cheshire so will be a struggle to get him to Boro if he hasn't travelled up with us.
No it won't. Helicopter would cover the distance in no time and plenty of places to land near Boro.
A helicopter to Middlesbrough?! Do you think we have James Bond's budget or something?
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Boro are best of mental state compared to the other 3 teams in the playoffs. Derby were in auto position and then slipped badly and just about recovered to make it whilst ourselves and Fulham have regrets about missing out. Boro must be delighted at having made it with the late run so momentum is with them and we have to take care of that tonight.
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Loads of bars show whatever is live on Skysport. Google O’Sullivans in Montmartre you should be ok there from memory.
Montmartre? Rip-off. Google Paris bar sky sports (https://www.google.cz/search?source=hp&ei=K7T2WqD8OcGVsAeq5bzgBg&q=paris+bar+sky+sports&oq=bar+paris+skysports&gs_l=mobile-gws-wiz-hp.1.0.0i22i30.1663.13936..14915...13....238.3490.4j20j1......0....1.......3..0j35i39j0i131j0i67j0i20i263j0i131i20i263j0i131i67j33i160j0i8i13i30.FJrpqREg2PI%3D) and there are quite a few to choose from. You should be able to get them to put Skyports Football or Main Event on a screen.
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My previous laissez-faire attitude has just gone up a notch to nervously concerned.
I'm in the same boat.
If Grealish plays well, we will win.
And I think he will, so I'm revising my earlier prediction of a 2-2 draw.
2-1 Villa. Grealish with the winner
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No worries as there is not a great deal of difference between two of them.
I have to challenge that but respectful of your view.
SJ has been a match saver with his keeping this season. Numerous occasions has been extraordinary whereas I find reserve bunn a mere ordinary in nets
Did we worry when a young kid came on at the start of an important game after probably the best keeper in England was injured?
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Loads of bars show whatever is live on Skysport. Google O’Sullivans in Montmartre you should be ok there from memory.
Montmartre? Rip-off. Google Paris bar sky sports (https://www.google.cz/search?source=hp&ei=K7T2WqD8OcGVsAeq5bzgBg&q=paris+bar+sky+sports&oq=bar+paris+skysports&gs_l=mobile-gws-wiz-hp.1.0.0i22i30.1663.13936..14915...13....238.3490.4j20j1......0....1.......3..0j35i39j0i131j0i67j0i20i263j0i131i20i263j0i131i67j33i160j0i8i13i30.FJrpqREg2PI%3D) and there are quite a few to choose from. You should be able to get them to put Skyports Football or Main Event on a screen.
Yes but if we are 2-0 down he can always slip off to other "viewing" establishments nearby ;)
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My previous laissez-faire attitude has just gone up a notch to nervously concerned.
I'm in the same boat.
If Grealish plays well, we will win.
And I think he will, so I'm revising my earlier prediction of a 2-2 draw.
2-1 Villa. Grealish with the winner
Stay strong fella, keep off saki, stay awake.
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Good news: I dreamt we won one-nil. Bad news: Jasper Carrott scored the winner. That seems mildly unlikely.
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FWIW, amongst my usual attire I'm wearing my self-proclaimed lucky charms- favourite earrings and watch. Home win.
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I wish everyone a safe journey travelling there and back today - give them an extra shout from me and VCTM jnr
C'mon the Villa don't mess this up !!!!!
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No worries as there is not a great deal of difference between two of them.
I have to challenge that but respectful of your view.
SJ has been a match saver with his keeping this season. Numerous occasions has been extraordinary whereas I find reserve bunn a mere ordinary in nets
Did we worry when a young kid came on at the start of an important game after probably the best keeper in England was injured?
I wasn't born but know the story well! Not exactly the same but OK well I hope Bunn will do the nets well if he's playing. I prefer Johnstone though Bunn has been a bit of a servant to villa.
Or how about if Bunn had to go off injured and the young reserve GK came on there the story!
I guess my view of Bunn is tainted as he only seemed to play in seemingly defeats in prem but that was at a low time with a poor defence.
Perhaps right as our defence this season is immense its just that the times been breached SJ has saved one on one.
He may well be left holding the baby so I hope bunny holds on to the ball!
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Does anyone think Jedi and Whelan would both start then?
And leave the front 4 to do the attacking whilst rest defend.
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For some reason, I am very nervous. My sphincter has seized up already.
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I just think 4 - 2-3-1 would be beneficial .
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For some reason, I am very nervous. My sphincter has seized up already.
I wish mine would, been shitting like an old Alsatian dog all morning.
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If we get a decent result this evening considering how good our home form's been this season I think it'll give us a good chance of going through in the second leg. 1-1. Chester to get ours.
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I like idea of 2 holding midfielders and that would allow wing play and full backs involved.
A Lewis Grabban goal and getting greedy a goal late on while boro push for equaliser.
Quietly confident of a positive win result. Otherwise its a 1-1 or 0-0
Utv!
Good luck to all going and all of us supporting!
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Any truth that Bunn is playing instead of Johnstone?
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I like idea of 2 holding midfielders and that would allow wing play and full backs involved.
A Lewis Grabban goal and getting greedy a goal late on while boro push for equaliser.
Quietly confident of a positive win result. Otherwise its a 1-1 or 0-0
Utv!
Good luck to all going and all of us supporting!
Can I just say mate, your stat posts of late have been really interesting and it’s good to have you back on the site.
And I can’t wait for your transfer suggestions this summer when we clinch our inevitable promotion via the play offs. I reckon Jay spearing could be prised away from Blackpool for starters.
UTV indeed.
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If he is i'm worried. Not because i think he's that crap, but because he's not going to having the same understanding with the defence that Johnstone has. Mind you, a knackered 'keeper who's spent all day at his wife's bedside isn't ideal either.
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No worries as there is not a great deal of difference between two of them.
I have to challenge that but respectful of your view.
SJ has been a match saver with his keeping this season. Numerous occasions has been extraordinary whereas I find reserve bunn a mere ordinary in nets
Did we worry when a young kid came on at the start of an important game after probably the best keeper in England was injured?
I think that’s called an exception to the rule
I still remember Blackburn when that kid came on. Adam something?
Obviously bunn isnt a kid. But he is a bit rubbish
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Does anyone think Jedi and Whelan would both start then?
And leave the front 4 to do the attacking whilst rest defend.
I really hope not. They’re identical. Just Jedi because he can assist with the Tiny Penis hoofs upfield.
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No worries as there is not a great deal of difference between two of them.
I have to challenge that but respectful of your view.
SJ has been a match saver with his keeping this season. Numerous occasions has been extraordinary whereas I find reserve bunn a mere ordinary in nets
Did we worry when a young kid came on at the start of an important game after probably the best keeper in England was injured?
I think that’s called an exception to the rule
I still remember Blackburn when that kid came on. Adam something?
Obviously bunn isnt a kid. But he is a bit rubbish
Adam Rachel. It was never a sending off in the first place, but that was against Blackburn at a time they were big enough to get refereeing decisions.
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I'm starting to feel properly 'jumpy' as kick off looms. I can't think of the last time that a Championship Play Off Semi' was effectively decided after the opening leg: and I can't see anything changing today. I've voted for the draw (1-1), but a goal either way wouldn't be the end of the world for either side - or, indeed, a huge surprise. I just hope we bring our A Game to both legs and find a way to overcome another dogged Pulis side that will doubtless be difficult to open up. Fingers crossed eh?
UTV
Two years ago SB's Hull went to Derby and won 3-0.
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Does anyone think Jedi and Whelan would both start then?
And leave the front 4 to do the attacking whilst rest defend.
Have they actually started a game together as a combination....if anything screams anti football.
We should be o.k with just Jedinak as obviously Boro will have more set piece chances at home. Would then start Whelan second leg.
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They both started away at Brentford and had rings ran around them
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On 83 minutes tonight with the score at 0-0 time will stand still for a few seconds. A poor cross from Albert will be partially cleared to 30 yards out. Standing there will be Mr Hutton who will hit the sweetest volley of his life. A split second of silence followed by delirious celebrations by villa fans as the ball lashes into the back of the net. Don't forget...you read it here first.
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Good news: I dreamt we won one-nil. Bad news: Jasper Carrott scored the winner. That seems mildly unlikely.
Fool! That wasn't Jasper Carrott it was Glenn Whelan.
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In Paris today anybody know a bar that might be showing the game?
Thanks in advance.
I'll be in the Erdington area, so I'm in a similar quandary. Can anyone help out?
How I wish the internet had some sort of search engine facility.
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Ah that's a problem we could do without.
I assume his GF is based in Cheshire so will be a struggle to get him to Boro if he hasn't travelled up with us.
No it won't. Helicopter would cover the distance in no time and plenty of places to land near Boro.
A helicopter to Middlesbrough?! Do you think we have James Bond's budget or something?
Yep.
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Quick quote on one site for a return trip is £8k. So not much in the grand scheme of a footballer's pay
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They both started away at Brentford and had rings ran around them
Okay maybe scrap that then!! Though Brentford have a different style to boro. Just don't want to lose out in the midfield combating their enforcers.
I feel there is an edge to Whelan that Jedinak doesn't have but he is very forceful in the air.
Hourihane goes awol in matches and then scores a goal I just don't know a match of this magnitude Bruce be mindful.
I do feel it's Grabban grealish Snoddy and Adomah as the attacking players. Something we all perhaps agree on.
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I can't watch this game as I'm going to a winemaker's 50th. Starts at 16.30 hrs your time. I'm not missing a winemaker's 50th birthday party. Fuck that! ;-)
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I like idea of 2 holding midfielders and that would allow wing play and full backs involved.
A Lewis Grabban goal and getting greedy a goal late on while boro push for equaliser.
Quietly confident of a positive win result. Otherwise its a 1-1 or 0-0
Utv!
Good luck to all going and all of us supporting!
Can I just say mate, your stat posts of late have been really interesting and it’s good to have you back on the site.
And I can’t wait for your transfer suggestions this summer when we clinch our inevitable promotion via the play offs. I reckon Jay spearing could be prised away from Blackpool for starters.
UTV indeed.
Spearing would have done a job last season! Not so much now haha.
Enjoy the game and I'll be scouting at the world cup for potential.
I just hope we ll be in the big league.
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I think the first thing Pulis is going to do is test our full-backs, and Jedinak has to be in there for me. However, Whelan, while he seems to have at least one brain-fart per game, breaks up play with the minimum of fuss. He does the basics well and that's what today will be - basic as hell. Middlesbrough aren't going to become Barcelona because we're all a bit nervous. They will play as they always do and we have that bit extra, so I'd go with a dull, functional pair in Whelan and Jedi and let Jack and Snod do their stuff.
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Speaking of stats and maybe debunking this cliche of being organised boro seem terribly ill disciplined and get a lot of cards.
In their matches the average is higher than most fir cards.
Seemingly they like professional fouls, breaking up play and disrupting and getting stuck in.
Middlesbrough in 23 home matches have had 44 yellow cards. Average 1.91 a game.
So we are looking at least 2 yellows for them
In 23 away matches the gentle villa have received 33 yellows. Average at 1.43
In this basis I would have card count higher for Boro.
I also think as the facts indicates boro are far more ill disciplined that the players we have.
Ryan Shotton 9/4 to be booked is someone who will be lucky to stay on field if Albert and grealish go at him.
Besic is quite a hot head too and hope he's as ineffective. He plays with an edge and liable due to lack of maturity be a hinderance despite all his good drives.
And that's just 2. I mention basic Clayton for a yellow (9/4)
And he's serial fouler actual 2 main offenders are Clayton and George friend.(7/2 good price for a yellow) Both the most frequent with 10 bookings.
A little bit of fun but 66 /1 and 60 /1 on either getting sent off.
Bobby maddley ref averages 3.4 cards a match.
I wouldn't be surprised if boro have a player sent off and would look at the main offenders.
Some more important trends to note
Boro matches at Riverside have a high involvement of goals being scored on first 15 minutes.
As well as in general second only to Derby
In fact middelsboro conceded 4 times and 5 times have scored in the first 15 mins of matches at home.
Away from home villa have only conceded 1 time in first 15 mins of a match!!
We have scored 2 times within opening quarter our of 23 matches.
One thing to be weary is 13 of 23 matches away conceded first however we have 3rd best record of rescuing points.
Boro have conceded first 9 times in 23 at home
(4 of those coming within first 15 mins of a match)
8 if villas away 23 matches scored first!
Okay make of that what you will but very interesting to note that bookings for Boro are a standard practice.
Whilst villa don't get bookings and are the least yellows in the league. Good discipline sees us through!!
I just it's recognised therefor that Bruce organise a team well yet its pulis who gets plaudits for organising
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I expect Bruce to go into the game like he always does against the better sides in the division Not to win but to not lose.Hope i am wrong but i think Boro will win a close game 1-0
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Anyone in the British Oak in Stirchley? Was going to head there but may not if it's already packed.
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Anyone else starting to feel a bit sick and uneasy?
*paces around room*
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Anyone else starting to feel a bit sick and uneasy?
*paces around room*
Yep!
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team as expected Jedinak in
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Anyone else starting to feel a bit sick and uneasy?
*paces around room*
Paid for the wife and kids to go out for dinner just so that I can either shout at the TV in disgust or dance around it if we win!
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My previous laissez-faire attitude has just gone up a notch to nervously concerned.
I'm in the same boat.
If Grealish plays well, we will win.
And I think he will, so I'm revising my earlier prediction of a 2-2 draw.
2-1 Villa. Grealish with the winner
Stay strong fella, keep off saki, stay awake.
Haha.
Already slightly inebriated, but doing well mate.
Ready for the match. Wide awake and looking forward to an away win mate.
All the best and up the Villa! We shall be victorious.