Heroes & Villains, the Aston Villa fanzine
Heroes & Villains => Match Threads & Player Ratings => Topic started by: Smirker on February 14, 2023, 12:17:58 AM
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Saturday, kick off 12:30pm.
Let's forget about the weekend and look forward to this.
Onwards and upwards 8)
FTF.
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Think we'll get a positive result. Whether that's a draw or a win may well depend on what happens on Wednesday night.
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Bloody amateur. Where’s the poll?
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A meeting between the two most 'Villa' (i.e. defeat-from-the-jaws-of-victory merchants) teams in the league. The ones who aren't Villa will win.
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What is our record in these early fixtures at our place?
From my failing memory, the atmosphere is usually subdued. The drinking section of the support, which I estimate to be much higher than most people realise, is hung over and needing a pint or three. The cokeheads will be fine, but they can't carry a song and often break down in mid chant.
With 110% effort from the players and 70% from the support, I am sure we can get a result.
It is what it is, and we have to deal.
Mings should be back, so there is that. We don't need that Chambers groove thang.
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The corresponding game last season, also an early Saturday kick-off (as was the fixture two seasons ago, early Watkins winner) was awful. We didn't lay a glove on Arsenal who sat on their 1-0 lead. We mustered a Coutinho shot right at the end. Not dissimilar to Citeh on Sunday.
I'm expecting a much-improved performance and result. Otherwise Emery has the same record after 10 as Gerrard had, albeit with tougher games but c'mon, Unai is far smarter than that Scouse bonehead, so it's time to start showing it again. 3-0 Villa.
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They'll be far too good for us.
They'll get away with murder.
Arteta will look more and more like a Thunderbird as the match progresses.
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If Mings plays we win, not usually this confident but we will bounce back.
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I have a rather positive feeling about this but I don't really know why. As things stand they should come away with the the points but, and I say this with a good deal of hope, they have hit a flat spot and the Manager cuts a rather frustrated figure lately. We should capitalise on that but whether we do or not remains to be seen. There is no getting away from it, we have a rather thin squad so we will need our best players, playing to the best of their ability.
2-2
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I’m thinking 2-2 I think we’ll get something from the game but I hope we don’t persist with Bailey and give Duran a go.
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Arsenal have a tough game midweek against Man City so hoping they pick up key injuries for the weekend, I think we could nick this as Arsenals performances haven't been as good as late.
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Arsenal have a tough game midweek against Man City so hoping they pick up key injuries for the weekend, I think we could nick this as Arsenals performances haven't been as good as late.
But they do play the friendly villa points fairy so not got much hope
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If we can we get a team on the pitch without Ramsey and Bailey and Mings doesn’t drop a clanger, you never know but I suspect an Arse win.
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I think this will be another battering that we'll have to put down to experience and move on from. Our defence and organisation has gone right to pot and the Arse will have too much movement and pace for us. 3 or 4 for them, 1 for us.
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It depends what attitude we take. If our midfield stands off and let's them play which I expect and fear then we'll lose.
If we get about them as Everton did then who knows?
0-2
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They'll be far too good for us.
They'll get away with murder.
Arteta will look more and more like a Thunderbird as the match progresses.
Nah, the Thunderbird boys were clean and wholesome. Methinks you are referring to Arteta's uncanny resemblance to Captain Black, evil protagonist and Mysteron agent in Captain Scarlett and the Mysterons fame.
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Strangely I was more optimistic (ahead of seeing the starting line-up) for the sh*tty game than I am for the arses! Our home form hasn’t been as good as our away form under Unai, however we’re capable of beating scab 6 teams with him as manager.
Mings defo has to return! I’d swap Young and Digne out for Cash and Moreno. I’d rest Ramsey for McGinn and swap Bailey out for Duran. That would freshen things up nicely! The arses are having a wobble. Let’s take advantage. UTV!
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Would look to shake things up and make a number of changes for Saturday. Mings, Moreno, McGinn, Coutinho and Duran all to start for me in place of Chambers, Digne, Ramsey, Buendia and Bailey.
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They'll be far too good for us.
They'll get away with murder.
Arteta will look more and more like a Thunderbird as the match progresses.
Nah, the Thunderbird boys were clean and wholesome. Methinks you are referring to Arteta's uncanny resemblance to Captain Black, evil protagonist and Mysteron agent in Captain Scarlett and the Mysterons fame.
Haha. Think you're right, fella.
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I just can't see Emery making a lot of changes. Mings to come in if fit obviously, I'd suggest Ramsey maybe make way for McGinn and Coutinho in for Bailey. Duran off the bench.
Martinez
Young Konsa Mings Digne
Kamara Luiz
McGinn Coutinho
Buendia Watkins
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I just can't see Emery making a lot of changes. Mings to come in if fit obviously, I'd suggest Ramsey maybe make way for McGinn and Coutinho in for Bailey. Duran off the bench.
Martinez
Young Konsa Mings Digne
Kamara Luiz
McGinn Coutinho
Buendia Watkins
Yep, but I'd have Moreno for Digne (they both seem lacking defensively and Moreno looks better going forward) and Duran in for Buendia.
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Please no Leon Bailey starting!
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Unai will really want to win this (revenge) and Villa players will be up for it.
Hard fought 1-1 draw.
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They'll be far too good for us.
They'll get away with murder.
Arteta will look more and more like a Thunderbird as the match progresses.
Agreed. At best it will be an another hard luck story.
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I do not agree, Everton showed you can get amongst them , but if we play like we did first half
Sunday we wont stand a chance
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Yep, Everton showed how to beat these. Stay compact, press like fook, and hit them on the break.
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They'll be far too good for us.
They'll get away with murder.
Arteta will look more and more like a Thunderbird as the match progresses.
Nah, the Thunderbird boys were clean and wholesome. Methinks you are referring to Arteta's uncanny resemblance to Captain Black, evil protagonist and Mysteron agent in Captain Scarlett and the Mysterons fame.
I guess you’d know all about Thunderbirds, Virgil.
Send my regards to Scott, Alan, Gordon and John 😃
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I just can't see Emery making a lot of changes. Mings to come in if fit obviously, I'd suggest Ramsey maybe make way for McGinn and Coutinho in for Bailey. Duran off the bench.
Martinez
Young Konsa Mings Digne
Kamara Luiz
McGinn Coutinho
Buendia Watkins
Yep, but I'd have Moreno for Digne (they both seem lacking defensively and Moreno looks better going forward) and Duran in for Buendia.
Buendia was our best player v Leicester, with the ball anyway.
To have any chance in this game we need Mings back and a tactical change in midfield. If we let Saka attack either of Digne/Moreno with Buendia/Coutinho in theory providing cover ahead of them we will be destroyed on that flank yet again on the counter attack. Young would be ideally suited to countering Saka coming in field but I thought Grealish had him looking very weary at the weekend. Time to give Moreno a go against a top class opponent and Cash also on the far side. At least they are both quick anyway.
-----------Martinez
Cash, Konsa, Mings, Moreno
----------Luiz, Kamara
McGinn, Buendia, Ramsey
------------Watkins
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I’d play Coutinho over Ramsey
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Arsenal are a really good team at the moment. I think we'll lose, but hopefully that will be the end of our bad run.
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Arsenal looking for a win to get back on track. Welcome to Villa Park.
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0-2.
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Poll added.
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Please no Leon Bailey starting!
Fingers X
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Please no Leon Bailey starting!
Fingers X
He'd be out for a month if he tried that
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2-1 Arsenal win.
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If this was away, I'd feel somewhat hopeful. Since it is not I fear an easy win for Arsenal. We are just really unconvincing at home (Scum aside).
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I think Arsenal will need to go balls out tonight, so I can see some sort of positive result for us on the weekend.
Saka seems to play well against us, so that's one threat we'll need to nullify.
I really home Emery ditches Bailey and Buendia for this one, and goes for Duran and Coutinho.
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They'll be far too good for us.
They'll get away with murder.
Arteta will look more and more like a Thunderbird as the match progresses.
Nah, the Thunderbird boys were clean and wholesome. Methinks you are referring to Arteta's uncanny resemblance to Captain Black, evil protagonist and Mysteron agent in Captain Scarlett and the Mysterons fame.
You need to get out more ...
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1-1, no reason just optimism
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I can’t bear Man City, so an Arse win tonight will mean we’ll be able to beat them on Saturday knowing they’ll still have a six point lead - and we will beat them, 2-1.
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I’m going for Man City to smash Arsenal tonight and the choke will be on. They then come to Villa Park and take another kicking vs their old boss. Arteta to run up and down the touchline complaining at everything as he does watching the wheels fall off.
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Them playing tonight does us a huge favour.
I think we’ll get something from the game as long as we go at them from the off and don’t let them settle.
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Them playing tonight does us a huge favour.
I can't remember the last time it ever worked in our favour. When they beat us it will be a case of "they played mid-week so were more match fit than us."
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I can’t bear Man City, so an Arse win tonight will mean we’ll be able to beat them on Saturday knowing they’ll still have a six point lead - and we will beat them, 2-1.
I'm with you on Man City, but actually I think a Man City win could be better for us. If Arsenal win tonight, they will be full of confidence.
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Risso, spot on. However, if it was us playing the midweek match then our little darlings would be too tired!
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Them playing tonight does us a huge favour.
I can't remember the last time it ever worked in our favour. When they beat us it will be a case of "they played mid-week so were more match fit than us."
It’s not just that they have a game it’s the opponents they are playing. Lose and they’ll be shattered and will be there for the taking. Win and they’ll be a different proposition entirely.
I get what you mean though, who else would you choose to play if you need 3 points?
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It’s not just that they have a game it’s the opponents they are playing. Lose and they’ll be shattered and will be there for the taking. Win and they’ll be a different proposition entirely.
I get what you mean though, who else would you choose to play if you need 3 points?
They'll probably have too much for us whatever the result tonight. Win, and the pressure will be off Arsenal a bit, and they'll play with a freedom against us that we won't be able to live with. Lose, and they'll be doubly determined to get back on track, and will bully us all over the pitch. We'll have more of a chance if we drop underperforming players like Ramsey and Bailey, but Emery seems as determined to stick with them as he is wedded to his 4-4-2, so I'm not hopeful.
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It’s not just that they have a game it’s the opponents they are playing. Lose and they’ll be shattered and will be there for the taking. Win and they’ll be a different proposition entirely.
I get what you mean though, who else would you choose to play if you need 3 points?
They'll probably have too much for us whatever the result tonight. Win, and the pressure will be off Arsenal a bit, and they'll play with a freedom against us that we won't be able to live with. Lose, and they'll be doubly determined to get back on track, and will bully us all over the pitch. We'll have more of a chance if we drop underperforming players like Ramsey and Bailey, but Emery seems as determined to stick with them as he is wedded to his 4-4-2, so I'm not hopeful.
We’ve been bullied ever since we came back up.
It’s a huge bugbear of my’n and I just don’t get why we haven’t addressed it. Newcastle are full of 6ft plus players all over the pitch and they aren’t all that as players but physically they are able to win the ball. Until we sort this we will always get bullied.
I’m still going for us to get something though, probably a 1-1 draw based purely on hope that they are tired.
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It’s not just that they have a game it’s the opponents they are playing. Lose and they’ll be shattered and will be there for the taking. Win and they’ll be a different proposition entirely.
I get what you mean though, who else would you choose to play if you need 3 points?
They'll probably have too much for us whatever the result tonight. Win, and the pressure will be off Arsenal a bit, and they'll play with a freedom against us that we won't be able to live with. Lose, and they'll be doubly determined to get back on track, and will bully us all over the pitch. We'll have more of a chance if we drop underperforming players like Ramsey and Bailey, but Emery seems as determined to stick with them as he is wedded to his 4-4-2, so I'm not hopeful.
unless they have injuries to a few key players Saka being the most dangerous, then I cant see it working out.
The selection is crucial, If I see Bailey starting then the game its pretty much thrown.
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They're peaking as a team and coming to the top of their cycle, whereas we are trying to kickstart ours, so no shame or despondency if we lose.
I'd like to see Ramsay dropped, he's been anonymous for a few games now. McGinn might give us some extra bite in midfield which might help Kamara too.
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Apparently Partey is out of tonight's game so let's hope he doesn't recover in time for Saturday.
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Please no Leon Bailey starting!
Fingers X
Not sure Bailey will know what a cross is.
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We’re going to get tonked I suspect.
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There for the taking on Saturday
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Looks like Arsenal will definitely need all 3 points on Saturday. Will we oblige..you’re darn sure we will.
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There for the taking on Saturday
Or they'll want to bounce back ala Partridge.
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1-0 Villa, no particular reason, than Id rather feel optimistic on a Wednesday night that pessimistic/realistic. Watkins to carry on his scoring run.
Martinez
Cash
Konsa
Mings
Morena
Kamara
Luiz
McGinn
Beundia
Duran
Watkins
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It would be nice if we actually got within 5 yards of one of their players unlike much of the same fixture last season.
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Arsenal, 1 point from possible 9. Who would you want to play when you’re on a bad run like this?
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Villa’s points gift card in play now. We need to be not soft as shit on Saturday
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Arsenal, 1 point from possible 9. Who would you want to play when you’re on a bad run like this?
Southampton at home.
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There is a chance to win this one considering it's not expected.
I wonder if Ginny will be back in the team?
I'll go 2-1 Villa Watkins x2
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There is a chance to win this one considering it's not expected.
There's always a chance to win, but you were coming out with this bollocks last week, and look how that turned out.
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I'm optimistic about this weekend.*
*Because I've got a friend coming in from out of town and it'll be fun - the match will be hell.
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Friend with benefits?
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Friend with benefits?
Well, he's richer than me and likes to pay for top wine, I'd call that a benefit.
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Fair enough so
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I think we can get a draw out of this if we defend o.k. Big IF as we'll concede 3 comfortably if we do what we did at home to Liverpool.
They put so much into last night and were very deflated at the end so that's not easy to get back on with less than 72 hours recovery.
Emery managed a few of them and getting sacked from any job is never great so he'll be pretty motivated.
Imagine it will be a case of packing the midfield as we can't give Odegaard yards of space as he's a magnificent passer of the ball.
I'm coming round to Duran starting. He looked lively enough in his cameo last week, nearly scored and Arsenal won't know much about him. Can't have Ollie too isolated so a direct option like him would be interesting prospect for an hour.
I fancy a 1-1 to get us back on track.
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There is a chance to win this one considering it's not expected.
There's always a chance to win, but you were coming out with this bollocks last week, and look how that turned out.
I'm optimistic about this weekend.*
*Because I've got a friend coming in from out of town and it'll be fun - the match will be hell.
Some Signs here
The appointment of Ref Simon Hooper is a positive one for us. Never lost at Villa Park in 7 matches when he's been officiating including this season where Villa drew 1-1 with Man City.
Overall in 13 matches won 8 drawn 3 lost 2.
Awarded us 3 pens (all in championship) all scored.
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I still shudder at the memory at the 12.30 game at home to Arsenal last season where Saka tore through us. At least the early kick-off will get the misery over and done with.
1-3. Duran to score to give us (brief) hope. ;)
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I am hoping after they were ran into the ground last night and we will have had 6 days rest we should be up for this.
We have to dictate the pace and be at them from the off
We can do these as they looked bang average last night and their co9nfidence must of taken a hit
2-1 Coutinhio & Konsa
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Villa’s points gift card in play now. We need to be not soft as shit on Saturday
So you would like a constipated performance?
I think the result last night bodes well for us. They will be demoralised after seeing their 8 point lead disappear and their rival doing them at home, but you are right last Sunday we were pathetic in the first 45.
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There is a chance to win this one considering it's not expected.
There's always a chance to win, but you were coming out with this bollocks last week, and look how that turned out.
I'm optimistic about this weekend.*
*Because I've got a friend coming in from out of town and it'll be fun - the match will be hell.
Some Signs here
The appointment of Ref Simon Hooper is a positive one for us. Never lost at Villa Park in 7 matches when he's been officiating including this season where Villa drew 1-1 with Man City.
So what you’re saying is we’re overdue for our first defeat at home with this ref ?
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2-1 Villa (Save a Prayer and Phil for us, Saka for them)
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There is a chance to win this one considering it's not expected.
There's always a chance to win, but you were coming out with this bollocks last week, and look how that turned out.
I'm optimistic about this weekend.*
*Because I've got a friend coming in from out of town and it'll be fun - the match will be hell.
Some Signs here
The appointment of Ref Simon Hooper is a positive one for us. Never lost at Villa Park in 7 matches when he's been officiating including this season where Villa drew 1-1 with Man City.
So what you’re saying is we’re overdue for our first defeat at home with this ref ?
Emery has an unbeaten record vs Arsenal played 4 won 1 drawn 3.
The one win came at home 2-1 for Villareal semi finals europe
All the signs are there.
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Arteta record as manager of Arsenal at Villa Park 3 matches 2 defeats. So loses more than he wins!
Overall 6 matches played 3 wins 3 defeats.
As I say all the signs.
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Please stop.
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There is a chance to win this one considering it's not expected.
There's always a chance to win, but you were coming out with this bollocks last week, and look how that turned out.
I'm optimistic about this weekend.*
*Because I've got a friend coming in from out of town and it'll be fun - the match will be hell.
Some Signs here
The appointment of Ref Simon Hooper is a positive one for us. Never lost at Villa Park in 7 matches when he's been officiating including this season where Villa drew 1-1 with Man City.
So what you’re saying is we’re overdue for our first defeat at home with this ref ?
Emery has an unbeaten record vs Arsenal played 4 won 1 drawn 3.
The one win came at home 2-1 for Villareal semi finals europe
All the signs are there.
So he's due a loss?
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Well no not due a loss
I will stop now as Risso is one I take note as a guardhouse, so if he says stop I shall.
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Omly messing with you Footy. But the only 'sign' I want to see is the electronic scoreboard at the end that has "Aston Villa 2 - Arsenal 0" on it.
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Omly messing with you Footy. But the only 'sign' I want to see is the electronic scoreboard at the end that has "Aston Villa 2 - Arsenal 0" on it.
This exactly, it’s the only sign that matters. I don’t buy any of the “signs” still a draw for me though
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Well no not due a loss
I will stop now as Risso is one I take note as a guardhouse, so if he says stop I shall.
Guardhouse, huh? Who let the dogs out, who, who, Houllier...etc.
*yeah, it's "led the Reds out" but Kopites are gobshites, so screw that.
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Omly messing with you Footy. But the only 'sign' I want to see is the electronic scoreboard at the end that has "Aston Villa 2 - Arsenal 0" on it.
This exactly, it’s the only sign that matters. I don’t buy any of the “signs” still a draw for me though
I saw the sign, and it opened up my eyes.
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Villa’s points gift card in play now. We need to be not soft as shit on Saturday
So you would like a constipated performance?
I think the result last night bodes well for us. They will be demoralised after seeing their 8 point lead disappear and their rival doing them at home, but you are right last Sunday we were pathetic in the first 45.
I would like us to have runs in the box!
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I think Arsenal will be well up for this. They've still got a game in hand on Man City, and play in the earlier game, so a chance to go three points above them and keep the pressue on. Hopefully Partey is still out injured, as Luiz and Kamara have given us all the strength and support in midfield of a wet flannel.
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Will be tough tomorrow, hoping that we don't lose a 3rd game in a row - 2-2 draw
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Think Arsenal will be a bit more anxious for the win which will play into our hands.
3-1 us.
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a clean sheet please Villa...
UTV
The Doc
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Villa’s points gift card in play now. We need to be not soft as shit on Saturday
So you would like a constipated performance?
I think the result last night bodes well for us. They will be demoralised after seeing their 8 point lead disappear and their rival doing them at home, but you are right last Sunday we were pathetic in the first 45.
I would like us to have runs in the box!
I remember when Ginny use to do that.
Those were the halcyon days of Super John!
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Will be tough tomorrow, hoping that we don't lose a 3rd game in a row - 2-2 draw
2-2 is my favourite scoreline in football matches not involving Villa
It often has it all and is high on entertainment, drama and thrills.
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Will be tough tomorrow, hoping that we don't lose a 3rd game in a row - 2-2 draw
2-2 is my favourite scoreline in football matches not involving Villa
It often has it all and is high on entertainment, drama and thrills.
I love them too but not as much as 3-3s. Don't get me started on 4-4s.
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A draw tomorrow will be a good result for us. It’s taken time but Arteta has built a really strong squad but I’m sure Emery will have them up for this one.
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I'm convinced we'll beat them tomorrow. They've just played their socks off and lost, we've had a week's rest and should be up for this one.
COME ON.
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Hoping Duran starts.
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Hoping Duran starts.
Me too. Bailey, Ramsey and Buendia to make way for McGinn, Duran and Coutinho.
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A draw tomorrow will be a good result for us. It’s taken time but Arteta has built a really strong squad but I’m sure Emery will have them up for this one.
Agree. They will want to bounce back so it will be a tough game.
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According to that bloke from the Daily Mail, Mings was only maybe due back in training today, so may still be a doubt for tomorrow.
If he is fit I'd go:
Martinez
Cash Konsa Mings Digne
McGinn Kamara Luiz Coutinho
Duran Watkins
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According to that bloke from the Daily Mail, Mings was only maybe due back in training today, so may still be a doubt for tomorrow.
If he is fit I'd go:
Martinez
Cash Konsa Mings Digne
McGinn Kamara Luiz Coutinho
Duran Watkins
Yeah I’d go with that. A little unsure about chucking Duran in but fuck it, he looked great last week and 1 good game in 10 Bailey can go back to the bench.
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I bet Bailey starts.
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That's the thing with a rational manager, he's picked Bailey and expects him to come through his current rough patch. Admirable, but I'd drop him after his last few performances, but that could shatter any confidence he has left...
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That's the thing with a rational manager, he's picked Bailey and expects him to come through his current rough patch. Admirable, but I'd drop him after his last few performances, but that could shatter any confidence he has left...
ooooh let's not shatter his confidence eh? His Dad will get all upset.
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That's the thing with a rational manager, he's picked Bailey and expects him to come through his current rough patch. Admirable, but I'd drop him after his last few performances, but that could shatter any confidence he has left...
He's certainly shattered any confidence in him that I had!
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I don't expect mass changes with all the subs from last week suddenly being in the starting team. I can't see them reading too much into a half of football when Manchester City were playing in their slippers.
I'd say Mings will be back, McGinn for Ramsey and then maybe a Moreno or Coutinho in. Nothing more than that. Hopefully Bertie on the bench
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I’d definitely play Duran instead of Bailey as the latter just seems to be a waste of a player right now.
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I bet Bailey starts.
I also think he will but maybe with Duran primed to come on earlier than in previous games.
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Omly messing with you Footy. But the only 'sign' I want to see is the electronic scoreboard at the end that has "Aston Villa 2 - Arsenal 0" on it.
This exactly, it’s the only sign that matters. I don’t buy any of the “signs” still a draw for me though
I saw the sign, and it opened up my eyes.
All the 'signs' references were Footy-Vill dropping heavy hints about Tyrone's new contract ahead of tomorrow. We were just too blind to see it. :(
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He's like our very own M. Night Shyamalan
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We could do with something from this one. We are able to do it. Arsenal are clear favourites according to the odds. 2-2. I was watching Ars - City; commentators making a point about how city was prepared to close down Saka - interesting to see how we can do that - he might their main threat. I m hoping Mings is back and having a god game. Can be a change or two in our starting line up after the city game (Mcginn, Couthino and Moreno pressing on for starting places).
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I’m going for a Desmond. 2-0 down at HT… roaring back to a 2-2 draw second half.
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I've been infected with a nasty bout of optimism lately, but I've managed to shake it off and am feeling my usual self again.
0-3 it is, then.
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Leon dropped.