Heroes & Villains, the Aston Villa fanzine
Heroes & Villains => Match Threads & Player Ratings => Topic started by: Smirker on January 18, 2022, 09:47:20 PM
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Time to post it I think 8)
Saturday 22nd January, kick off 12:30.
A bit disappointed that they sacked Benitez before this as they might be decent now, still backing us for a win though.
3-1 Villa, FTF.
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Everton have appointed Duncan Ferguson caretaker manager.
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Cursing our luck manager wise but we need to put that to one side. I would've backed us for the win but I think the situation will draw more from the Everton players and make it more difficult so despite my opening thought I see a draw and another...
2-2
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Duncan Disorderly.
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It's got to be a Villa win!
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2-0.
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2-0 to us with a Suarez double assisted by Coutinho to increase the unhappiness in the blue half of Merseyside. 8)
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Could do with taking El Ghazi back for this one. He likes getting stuck into the Toffees.
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Calvert-Lewin, Richarlison and Demarai Gray are their main threat. Not a lot else though really.
Should be looking to win this one. Think if we can keep them quiet for the first 20-30 minutes, we'll win.
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Duncan Ferguson brings literally nothing that they haven’t tried before. If anything he will try to park the bus, try and stop their rot and opt hit us on the break. They have no momentum, we have a lot by the way we ended the last game. We will revert to a 4-5-1 with SJM coming in for Watkins or Ings. Once we score they’re fucked. That fan base will turn on their side quickly if things start poorly. We have to start fast, push them back and they’ll break. I’m going for 3-0 and more misery for Everton fans
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We should be winning this and comfortably so. Even with the supposed "new manager bounce" we're better than them all over the pitch and an early goal will turn the crowd toxic. 4-0.
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I think we'll go behind. Then score a couple, then Duncan Ferguson will bring himself on to save the day, and get sent off for use of the elbow. 1-3.
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Judging by the comments and polling there's a lot of optimism about this one.
Totally understand why but think Ferguson will give them a boost. Calvert-Lewin is due a goal too...
1-1
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2-1 Villa win.
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I think we'll either slip to a lethargic, Brentford like defeat or absolutely wipe the floor with them, nothing in between.
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Dunc will have them tub-thumping, that's for sure. Reckon it will be a tougher game than if Rafa had still been in charge. Still think we'll have too much for them though.
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Dunc will have them tub-thumping, that's for sure. Reckon it will be a tougher game than if Rafa had still been in charge. Still think we'll have too much for them though.
Hope so. Will keep them in trouble and help Deano out too. 3-2: Ramsey with the winner.
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With Coutinho to come off the bench, I think we'll have enough to edge this one 1-0.
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Is Digne out due to a "gentlemens' agreement"? Ironic that his booking against Yanited should have seen him suspended for this but as he has changed clubs he's reprieved.
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There wasn't much gentlemanly about Digne's departure. Big Dunc "New Manager Bouncebackability" aside we are looking a decent team moving in the right direction, them a decent team in decline. Hopefully a week wasn't enough to right all the wrongs fo Rafa's reign of terror and we can get an early lead to burst any bubbles that might be forming. 3-1 to The Villa.
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I reckon we have the record for facing Clubs that have just got either a new Manager or Interim Manager.
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How many more trips have we got left to Goodison before they move to the Docks?
I've never been up there, I'd like to see a game in the famous old ground before it's knocked down. Might be better off going to a non-Villa Everton game though if the away end isn't up to much. Plus they're always whiney when we play them so I doubt I'd enjoy it too much.
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Is Digne out due to a "gentlemens' agreement"?
I don't think those are allowed.
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How many more trips have we got left to Goodison before they move to the Docks?
I've never been up there, I'd like to see a game in the famous old ground before it's knocked down. Might be better off going to a non-Villa Everton game though if the away end isn't up to much. Plus they're always whiney when we play them so I doubt I'd enjoy it too much.
My last visit was a few years ago now, and it was an absolute dump in the away end. If you think the service at Villa Park is bad.. It's a whole new world of rubbish.
Having said that I have very find memories of Sir Graham's last game, relentless chanting, oh what an atmosphere that was.
Anyway, please let's just win. Digne and Coutinho goals would be nice.
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It's not a great away end and if you get the back few rows, it's atrocious. But, I'll still miss Goodison Park.
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I've only ever been in the lower tier since the away fans were moved, the cup 1/4 final in 2000 we were right at the back and the view was awful.
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It's a great old ground but it's showing its age now.
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Was with my Dad in the end behind the goal when Tony Morley scored the goal of the season - coppers in them days were right nasty bastards with big sticks and never afraid to use them
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How many more trips have we got left to Goodison before they move to the Docks?
I've never been up there, I'd like to see a game in the famous old ground before it's knocked down. Might be better off going to a non-Villa Everton game though if the away end isn't up to much. Plus they're always whiney when we play them so I doubt I'd enjoy it too much.
It's a dump. A pain in the arse to get to, very difficult to park, and a really shit stand once you're in.
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Only been there once for a 2-2 draw. Carew with a late equaliser.
Great ground. Old? Yes. Faded? Yes.
Even so I'd take one Goodison for a dozen identikit, soulless modern stadia any day.
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How many more trips have we got left to Goodison before they move to the Docks?
I've never been up there, I'd like to see a game in the famous old ground before it's knocked down. Might be better off going to a non-Villa Everton game though if the away end isn't up to much. Plus they're always whiney when we play them so I doubt I'd enjoy it too much.
It's a dump. A pain in the arse to get to, very difficult to park, and a really shit stand once you're in.
I’d concur with this, been there a few times and have never really enjoyed the experience. It’s not as bad as Fratton Park but still down there as a shite away end.
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It's light years behind Villa Park.
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I'll go see them in the home end playing someone else then. Think they still have a couple of years left there.
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How many more trips have we got left to Goodison before they move to the Docks?
I've never been up there, I'd like to see a game in the famous old ground before it's knocked down. Might be better off going to a non-Villa Everton game though if the away end isn't up to much. Plus they're always whiney when we play them so I doubt I'd enjoy it too much.
It's a dump. A pain in the arse to get to, very difficult to park, and a really shit stand once you're in.
I’d concur with this, been there a few times and have never really enjoyed the experience. It’s not as bad as Fratton Park but still down there as a shite away end.
I always liked going there. Yeah, the stand is not great but I wouldn't call it a pain to get to.
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Has there been any news about Konsa?
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His views on Goodison are unknown.
But seriously, yeah, hopefully it was just a dead leg and he'll be fit for Everton.
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Good news. Thought it was his ribs the way he went down, so woud be great if hes fit.
As for Goodison, I like it. Everton are probably my favourite club behind Villa in the PL. I always feel we have quite a lot in common, historic big clubs, traditional ground, decent fans etc. Obviously I hope we pump them on Saturday but if I could pick a club to join us in the top 4 whilst ousting Man Utd etc, it would be them.
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Agree with that.
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Good news. Thought it was his ribs the way he went down, so woud be great if hes fit.
As for Goodison, I like it. Everton are probably my favourite club behind Villa in the PL. I always feel we have quite a lot in common, historic big clubs, traditional ground, decent fans etc. Obviously I hope we pump them on Saturday but if I could pick a club to join us in the top 4 whilst ousting Man Utd etc, it would be them.
Konsa was definitely holding side when he went back down the tunnel after trying to run before the second half started. Seemed more the hip area though.
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Has there been any news about Konsa?
50/50 for Sat. apparently so doesn't sound too serious.
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How many more trips have we got left to Goodison before they move to the Docks?
I've never been up there, I'd like to see a game in the famous old ground before it's knocked down. Might be better off going to a non-Villa Everton game though if the away end isn't up to much. Plus they're always whiney when we play them so I doubt I'd enjoy it too much.
It's a dump. A pain in the arse to get to, very difficult to park, and a really shit stand once you're in.
I’d concur with this, been there a few times and have never really enjoyed the experience. It’s not as bad as Fratton Park but still down there as a shite away end.
I always liked going there. Yeah, the stand is not great but I wouldn't call it a pain to get to.
Neither would I. Liverpool is a great city and Goodison is only a quick taxi ride or bus ride away from the centre. Admittedly it is trickier getting away and I have walked back in more than once, which is a long trek but manageable. In terms if the state of the ground, within reason I judge it by the games I've seen and I've seen some belters there
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I went once and Phil Neville scored. Ugh
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Any news on Ezri’s fitness ?
Hopefully no Ings in the starting lineup
Emi1
Cash
Konsa/Hause
Mings
Digne
Doug
SJM
JJ
Emi2
Carney
Ollie
Phil to come off the bench
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How many more trips have we got left to Goodison before they move to the Docks?
I've never been up there, I'd like to see a game in the famous old ground before it's knocked down. Might be better off going to a non-Villa Everton game though if the away end isn't up to much. Plus they're always whiney when we play them so I doubt I'd enjoy it too much.
It's a dump. A pain in the arse to get to, very difficult to park, and a really shit stand once you're in.
I’d concur with this, been there a few times and have never really enjoyed the experience. It’s not as bad as Fratton Park but still down there as a shite away end.
I always liked going there. Yeah, the stand is not great but I wouldn't call it a pain to get to.
Neither would I. Liverpool is a great city and Goodison is only a quick taxi ride or bus ride away from the centre. Admittedly it is trickier getting away and I have walked back in more than once, which is a long trek but manageable. In terms if the state of the ground, within reason I judge it by the games I've seen and I've seen some belters there
No it's not particularly difficult to get to at all. Parking is no worse than away fans trying to park for Villa Park either. I parked quite easily for Liverpool recently.
I remember going when we won the league and sitting in the main stand. They had an escalator and it seemed high tech back then, but admittedly it's faded now, but certainly not soulless.
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Martinez
Cash
Konsa
Mings
Digne
Luiz
Ramsey
McGinn
Buendia
Countinho
Watkins
Feel our mobility in midfield will be key here, especially if they go with 2 up top.
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I don't think Countinho will start.
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Big Duncan will have these fired up for this one - 1-1
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Ferguson has been part of their first team coaching staff for 8 years. There was nothing stopping him getting them fired up before now. We'll win, pretty comfortably too. They'll have a fair bit of the ball without really threatening, one or two of ours might feel they've things to make up for, and someone will put on their scoring boots for a change.
2-0 the Villa, Ramsey with one of them.
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Taking my nine year old lad to his first away game for this one. Any recommendations for parking?
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It's been years since I went but we used to park over by Anfield and go to an ace Chinese owned chip shop that used to put the most sensational gravy on pie and chips.
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Has there been any news about Konsa?
50/50 for Sat. apparently so doesn't sound too serious.
by Villa standards 50/50 usually means a 6 week lay-off
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Calvert Lewin will inevitably score now that he's getting up to speed. I think from being a no-draw team, we'll do back to back stalemates.
Are they letting Sigurdsson's contract just run out, by the way?
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Calvert Lewin will inevitably score now that he's getting up to speed. I think from being a no-draw team, we'll do back to back stalemates.
Are they letting Sigurdsson's contract just run out, by the way?
Looks like it. Safer that way
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Absolute nailed on away win.
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I really don't like it when the over confidence is exhibited on the pre match thread.
I met an Evertonian earlier, he said they will be right up for it.
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Cos of Big Dunc or cos they hate us ?
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Cos of Big Dunc or cos they hate us ?
I imagine because they've dumped a manager they all hated, and have a playing legend in temporary charge. They might not get a tactical/managerial boost, but I imagine the fans will be right up for it. I expect it to be loud.
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Duncan Ferguson brings passion. Passion alone won't win games unless we let it happen. And change of manager isn't any guarantee. See file named Kmac. I'm not dismissing there could be a reaction but it's still the same players and they suddenly have to be lot better than they have recently. We still have to perform ourselves but we have better players and more confidence after our last game. Do our thing and we will win. That's not overconfidence.
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We really could do with winning this. All the exciting stuff happening could do with being backed up on the pitch
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Everton fan I know (Lad that works for me that is a season ticket holder there) thinks they would have been nailed on to loose but is hopeful they will scrape a point now.
I reckon we will win comfortably.
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Taking my nine year old lad to his first away game for this one. Any recommendations for parking?
I always parked at Walton Hall Park sports centre and then walked
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How many more trips have we got left to Goodison before they move to the Docks?
I've never been up there, I'd like to see a game in the famous old ground before it's knocked down. Might be better off going to a non-Villa Everton game though if the away end isn't up to much. Plus they're always whiney when we play them so I doubt I'd enjoy it too much.
My only visit was "The Night of Young and Laursen's Celebration". I will never set foot in the place again. Especially as I was in with the Toffee fans.
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I think this will be tough. They’ve got players coming back and the fans will be right behind them.
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Anybody else not hsd their tickets yet?
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I think this will be tough. They’ve got players coming back and the fans will be right behind them.
Agreed, Paul. There are no easy games in the PL. Let's hope we're fully prepared and start on the front foot.
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Anybody else not hsd their tickets yet?
Going with two mates and their two lads and as of last night two tickets out of 5 have arrived!
If the tickets arrive, first time at Goodison since going twice in 99-2000, a 0-0 in the league in November (Carbone hitting the post) and 2-1 FA Cup quarter final win in the February.
With Ferguson coming in to rally the troops the first 20 mins is huge, keep the ball, shut the crowd up, get an early goal and we’ll win this.
3-1 (Watkins, Coutinho, Beundia).
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What a ridiculous time for k.o.! In my house, Saturday morning is for kids' sports, so I'll have spend the day avoiding the result until MOTD.
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Anybody else not hsd their tickets yet?
Going with two mates and their two lads and as of last night two tickets out of 5 have arrived!
If the tickets arrive, first time at Goodison since going twice in 99-2000, a 0-0 in the league in November (Carbone hitting the post) and 2-1 FA Cup quarter final win in the February.
With Ferguson coming in to rally the troops the first 20 mins is huge, keep the ball, shut the crowd up, get an early goal and we’ll win this.
3-1 (Watkins, Coutinho, Beundia).
1 of our tickets didn't arrive for Norwich but Villa contacted them and it was easy to pick up a duplicate at the ground. I suggest contacting the ticket office if they don't arrive.
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Anybody else not hsd their tickets yet?
At the moment no, waiting for post then I will have to contact ticket office
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Anybody else not hsd their tickets yet?
Going with two mates and their two lads and as of last night two tickets out of 5 have arrived!
If the tickets arrive, first time at Goodison since going twice in 99-2000, a 0-0 in the league in November (Carbone hitting the post) and 2-1 FA Cup quarter final win in the February.
With Ferguson coming in to rally the troops the first 20 mins is huge, keep the ball, shut the crowd up, get an early goal and we’ll win this.
3-1 (Watkins, Coutinho, Beundia).
1 of our tickets didn't arrive for Norwich but Villa contacted them and it was easy to pick up a duplicate at the ground. I suggest contacting the ticket office if they don't arrive.
Cheers, will do
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With all the feel good factor around the club at the moment we need to match this on the pitch and this is a game we should be winning if we are to show improvements.
Another draw or defeat and the gap above us in the league is becoming just too big to catch up so the season could peter out quite easily.
Wolves are 8 points ahead in 8th with same games played - Leicester ahead in 10th by 2 points but they have a game in hand on us. Although we are 10 points above bottom 3 we only want to be looking up
We really need to win
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Fancy us to win a hard fought game 2-1.
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People are underestimating Ferguson. He did well last time he was in charge. Set them up differently and showed he's more than a chest beating 'pashun' merchant.
That said, I'm going for a close 0-1 win to us. Mings header.
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People are underestimating Ferguson. He did well last time he was in charge. Set them up differently and showed he's more than a chest beating 'pashun' merchant.
That said, I'm going for a close 0-1 win to us. Mings header.
Agree with those sentiments but possibly a 2-1 to us.
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We're going to need to start well, as they'll be pumped up. The crowd will be as biased & as sensitive as ever. A good start is key, lets not give them any encouragement. An early goal will deflate them.
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People are underestimating Ferguson. He did well last time he was in charge. Set them up differently and showed he's more than a chest beating 'pashun' merchant.
That said, I'm going for a close 0-1 win to us. Mings header.
Agree with this, need to start really well and take the game from them, over 90 mins a Villa win
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Seems like they're going 442 with Richarlison floating in the pocket.
Weather the blood and thunder for 10-15 minutes, get a grip of the ball and we should dominate possession and slowly strangle the game.
Very winnable. Just need to be up for the commitment and hard work off the ball. The lads playing rugby at BMH suggests we know what we're up for.
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The key to this is playing well for both halves.
We generally have one good half and one bad half.
Two good halves and we will batter them.
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we'll win this. If Everton think Rafa going and Big Dunc shouting and balling his way to three points is going to work - nah, we need to frustrate the crowd, see off the first 20 mins then keep the ball tidy and take our chances. Easy.
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Just need to kill the early passion and then we should be ok.
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Early goal and then frustrate them. Easy win.
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3-1 Villa
I wonder if Coutinho will start
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Ings needs to be benched tomorrow. There are certainly options if Coutinho is a non-starter.
Carney alongside Buendia behind Ollie
Or
Ramsey alongside Buendia behind Ollie with Sanson covering for Ramsey in midfield.
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What sort of reaction will they give Digne ?
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I really don't like it when the over confidence is exhibited on the pre match thread.
I met an Evertonian earlier, he said they will be right up for it.
Agree, it never seems to end well. Both players and crowd will be fired up and sometimes that is enough.
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4-2 to them.
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A routine win please
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5 Bournemouth Lions heading North. Left house at 5.30, waiting for lift. Bloody Sky..
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5 Bournemouth Lions heading North. Left house at 5.30, waiting for lift. Bloody Sky..
Good work, have a safe trip
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5 Bournemouth Lions heading North. Left house at 5.30, waiting for lift. Bloody Sky..
Good fffort lads. Have a great day and lets hope they do the business for travelling villans.
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I really don't like it when the over confidence is exhibited on the pre match thread.
I met an Evertonian earlier, he said they will be right up for it.
Agree, it never seems to end well. Both players and crowd will be fired up and sometimes that is enough.
Not sure theres been that much over confidence, lots think we should win but not in a cock sure way. Ferguson will have them right up for it and Mings and Hause/Konsa are in for a game, but if we play our game from the off, ala Man Utd 2nd half or most of the game at old trafford, then we hopefully should be too good for them. Huge having McGinn back today, perfect man for the scrap Ferguson will try and make it. Hopefully Coutinhio is fit to start. Setting off in 5, cmon the lass!!
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Everton lost this exact fixture 2-1 in May last season - they've not lost back-to-back home league games against Aston Villa since March 1998.
Following their 3-0 win at Villa Park in September, Aston Villa are looking to secure their first league double over Everton since 2000-01.
Everton were joint-fifth in the clean sheet rankings in the Premier League last season, recording 12 shutouts overall. This season, only Newcastle and Watford have kept fewer clean sheets than the Toffees (3).
Everton have taken just five points in their last 12 Premier League matches (W1 D2 L9), the fewest they've won across a 12-game span since earning four points over 12 games between August and October 1994.
Aston Villa have conceded seven goals in their last three Premier League games (D1 L2), more than they had in their previous seven in the competition (6).
Everton have scored fewer first-half goals than any other Premier League side this season (5). The Toffees have failed to score before half-time in their last five games in the competition, last having a longer such run between December 2017 and January 2018 (6).
Everton have conceded the first goal in their last eight Premier League matches (W1 D1 L6), their longest run in Premier League history. Their previous longest was a seven game run between April and August 1997.
As a player, Aston Villa manager Steven Gerrard was on the winning side against Everton more often than he was against any other opponent in the Premier League (16) and lost just four of his 30 games against the Toffees. Only against Villa (12) did Gerrard score more Premier League goals than he did against Everton (9).
Jacob Ramsey had a hand in both of Aston Villa's goals against Manchester United last time out, scoring one and assisting Philippe Coutinho's equaliser. Ramsey had only been involved in two goals in his previous 39 Premier League appearances for the Villans (2 goals).
Philippe Coutinho scored in his first Premier League appearance for Aston Villa against Man Utd last time out, with only four players scoring in their first two games for the Villans in the competition: Dalian Atkinson (1992), Dion Dublin (1998), Ross Barkley (2020) and Danny Ings (2021).
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I really don't like it when the over confidence is exhibited on the pre match thread.
I met an Evertonian earlier, he said they will be right up for it.
Agree, it never seems to end well. Both players and crowd will be fired up and sometimes that is enough.
Not sure theres been that much over confidence, lots think we should win but not in a cock sure way. Ferguson will have them right up for it and Mings and Hause/Konsa are in for a game, but if we play our game from the off, ala Man Utd 2nd half or most of the game at old trafford, then we hopefully should be too good for them. Huge having McGinn back today, perfect man for the scrap Ferguson will try and make it. Hopefully Coutinhio is fit to start. Setting off in 5, cmon the lass!!
there was a lot of confidence when we played Man United
We were the better side for 75% of the games we played but won none of them
We need to be on it from the beginning knowing that this will be a very difficult game against an Everton side who will be pumped
If we’re not we won’t win even though we are the better side
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I'm looking forward to a a win in glorious 4k UHD. FTF!
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Been told by my Everton mates how the atmosphere will be electric and how they'll be bouncing. Big Dunc is going to do this and that. They're running around in training, Digne is going to get smashed etc.
We have to meet their intensity and dominate that ball. Strangle their effort and let our quality in the midfield push tell.
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I have a genuine worry about this game. They have some good players, if they get a bounce from a change this’ll be really tough. We need to stop starting poorly.
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Being a glass half-empty type of bloke I can definitely see us getting the backlash today - why couldn't they have sacked him next week?
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Been told by my Everton mates how the atmosphere will be electric and how they'll be bouncing. Big Dunc is going to do this and that. They're running around in training, Digne is going to get smashed etc.
We have to meet their intensity and dominate that ball. Strangle their effort and let our quality in the midfield push tell.
Reading their forum they seem to think that having that psychopathic simpleton in charge is the panacea to all their faults, it makes you wonder a) why they didn't give him the job in the first place and b) what he's been doing in his job as assistant for the last few years.
I also read someone suggest "they have better players in every position", lol.
The atmosphere will be red-hot to begin with, lots of chants of 'Everton' in the absence of any other song and lots of screaming at the ref. A nice early goal for us and they'll turn quickly.
I'm going for 3-1 us.
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If they still had Rafa and we got an early goal then the crowd would turn, now they'll be bang up for it.
If we were playing them a week ago I'd be confident of a win, not so sure now, and a loss wouldn't be a huge shock.
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It's all about starting well today. Do that and I think we could win, but I think a draw is the most likely result.
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Can see McGinn for Sanson being the only change today. Don't think Coutinho will be ready to start just yet and with Bailey and Traore still unavailable, I'm expecting both Ings and Watkins to start again.
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If they still had Rafa and we got an early goal then the crowd would turn, now they'll be bang up for it.
If we were playing them a week ago I'd be confident of a win, not so sure now, and a loss wouldn't be a huge shock.
I agree, they’ve also got Richarlison and Calvert-Lewin back which improves them considerably. We can’t afford another slow start.
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Chuckie to replace Ings, for me.
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I really, really hope Gerrard doesn't start with Ings and Watkins. It doesn't work, and means we always get off to a slow start. Start Coutinho then bring him off after an hour if need be.
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Being a glass half-empty type of bloke I can definitely see us getting the backlash today - why couldn't they have sacked him next week?
blame Dean Smith
6 2 villa
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A good start is essential, if we start like we did last Saturday, we could be a couple of goals down early on. Just going for a Villa win.
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Konsa fit, McGinn back in, Coutinho starts, Ings on the bench.
Just about our strongest possible line up, c'mon!
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Hope you’re all enjoying the Duncan Ferguson show on BT
Don’t get me wrong I actually like the big man and if Everton were playing anyone else I would probably want them to win
But the whole thing makes it harder for Villa today the timing couldn’t be worse
As others have said we have to match them today in effort intensity attitude first because we know technically we are the better side