Sunderland v Aston Villa Pre-Match Thread

[rob_bridge]

A 2-2 draw, probably enough to confirm the rot duly stopped but not enough to dispel the worries overall.

Agbolahor and Clark for us.

Ah, just seen that Clark is suspended for this one! Agbolahor and Benteke, then....

Baker as our only recognised CH?
Sounds bad. We may have to rush Vlaar back regardless of whether he's 100%.

Baker is a recognised CH? Bold statement.

We should play Steve Sims and Allan Evans

[Steve kirk]

Just got a feeling we might pinch the 3 points today, 2-1 Villa

[aj2k77]

Benteke and Vlaar will play. Gut feeling.

[Clampy]

Benteke and Vlaar both start.

[Dribbler]

We really need 3 points today to put a bit of space between us and the relegation zone and give us a bit of a lift. If we can do that, get a couple of players in as soon as possible, and get players back from injury, it could be the turning point of our season.

Alas, i think the best we will manage is a draw, and as i don't think we'll keep a clean sheet, i'll go for 1-1 and a massive 33% possession.

[Clampy]

Donacein on the bench.

[Ian.]

Benteke and Vlaar both start.

Great news for our first game in 2014! Lets hope they are up for this one and our season kicks off again.

[Irish villain]

Benteke and Vlaar both start.

Feeking much more optimistic now...

[silhillvilla]

Aston Villa FC ‏@AVFCOfficial5s
#AVFC Guzan, Lowton, Vlaar, Baker, Luna, Westwood, Bacuna, Weimann, Delph, Agbonlahor, Benteke. #AVFCLIVE

[Rudy Can't Fail]

Donacein on the bench.

Great to see.
Strongest line up we could have hoped for. No excuses. Let's start the new year with three much needed points.

1-3 Villa

[astonvillan]

Excellent news. Just a shame we've got to contend with Fletcher rather than that donkey Altidore. Sunderland fans are annoyed that Ji is starting. Let's hope he's as crap as they seem to think.