Pre-season Friendlies Match Thread

[Monty]

I wouldn't say he's bad, is Luke, but I think his absence has made Villan's hearts fonder on this one. If he were to suddenly jump in ahead of Cuellar, many regulars at VP would be noticing his lack of positioning sense.

[richard moore]

I don't know why, but i really like the look of Weimann.Have only seen glimpses, but he always looks like scoring to me.

Me too. He's got this kind of aura that talented young players sometimes have. It might be his balance and his movement off the ball, they're both really very good indeed for his age.

Yes, thirded. I saw him come on this time last year in the second half against Colchester in a friendly and he completely transformed the game, scoring our first goal when we were two down and just upping the tempo all round with his pace and movement. That was the same Colchester who put five past Norwich away a couple of weeks later...

[TheSandman]

The issue for me with Luke Young is not really that he's Cafu or even Maicon. It's that he's a decent enough solid pro in a position where there are very few decent players going wrong.

Our best option is to give Lichaj a chance probably.

[PaulWinch again]

I think Lichaj has the potential to be good, hopefully he'll come on this season.

[eastie]

Luke deserves a move to anfield and Im sure they will appreciate him-another o neill cock up I'm afraid!

Our loss would be Liverpool gain.

[eastie]

Anyone Been following the game on sky sports news? How gorgeous does millie clode look in that top?

[olaftab]

Anyone Been following the game on sky sports news? How gorgeous does millie clode look in that top?

How about out of it?

[richard moore]

Anyone Been following the game on sky sports news? How gorgeous does millie clode look in that top?

Right, I shall be there for the 10pm SSN headlines! Believe it or not, my wife thinks our daughter looks just like Millie Clode....and don't start PM'ing me you lot!

[Karl Bridges]

That Mail article

ROOKIE right-back Eric Lichaj has hailed Luke Young as a perfect role model as he prepares to take the unwanted defender’s place again at Walsall tonight.

With Young still in Martin O’Neill’s bad books, and Curtis Davies and James Collins carrying knocks, Lichaj is expected to continue in the No.2 position this evening.

The American youngster has started Villa’s friendlies at Basingstoke, Peterborough and Bohemians and given encouraging glimpses of his potential.

And Lichaj has thanked Villa’s senior defenders for their support, particularly transfer listed Young, who was left out of last week’s trip to Ireland.

Young has been training with Villa at Bodymoor Heath, but has been left on the periphery during pre-season as he seeks a move away from Villa Park.

Luke Young helps me a lot,” said Lichaj. “He talks to me a lot so that is good. Him and Nicky Shorey.

“We played the other Sunday at Basingstoke,. I was playing centre back and they were just telling me different stuff during the game.

“In training if Luke Young is by me and I do something wrong, he would just correct me a little bit in different things.

“It is nice to have someone like that supporting you.”

Lichaj also revealed that he is studying Villa’s central defensive duo Richard Dunne and Collins for tips on improving his heading.

“I can play central defence if I really need to as well but sometimes I am not as good in the air as other people,” said Lichaj.

“Of course I’ve been working on that with Richard Dunne and James Collins, but it is hard to compare because they are three or four inches taller than me as well!”

[peter w]

Sounds promising. I wonder if Man City want him? £15m.

[dave.woodhall]

Collins calf injury not serious but probably not going to Portugal

[TheTimVilla]

Memories are made of Bobby McDonald, John Robson, John Gidman, Kenny Swain, Colin Gibson, Gary Williams, Earl Barrett, Alan Wright, Gary Charles, Fernando Nelson....and, yes, I realise they weren't all right backs!

Oh yes, and Gagey!

And me main man, Dariusz Kubicki.

[Olneythelonely]

Good run out tonight and we played som nice football, albeit against an average Walsall side. I've always thought him capable but Albrighton was superb, he annihilated both their fullbacks time after time and his final ball is excellent. Bannan and Weimann were both very good, the latter has excellent movement and a natural instinct.

Carew was awesome, although a little greedy at times. Looks very sharp and fit. Sidwell was more involved than I've ever seen him in a Villa game and showed a bit of quality at times.

Defensively we looked pretty shakey.

Was O'Neill there? I couldn't see him.

[Legion]

Albrighton and Bannan impressed. Carew was superb. Good little run out. Friendly natives.

[SoccerHQ]

Collins getting injured 10 seconds after kick off was the quickest injury I've ever seen, wierd one.

Davies still looked dodgy to me, Lichaj had a decent game against Jones.

Albrighton was excellent, one lovely cross to Sidwell early on. He can't do more than have another good pre season so up to MON to trust him with more minutes in the league.

Wiemann could've had more than two goals. Not sure his overall game is up to scratch yet so would expect him to go out on loan shortly.

Decent night.