Pre-match thread: Rapid Vienna v Aston Villa

[Toronto Villa]

The one thing for me that makes me feel confident about this and other European games is the style of football associated with KMac. It's all about keeping the ball, being patient when necessary and creating the chances, basically 21st century football. It'll be a good test, especially after West Ham and ideal preparation for Sid James Park.

MON's team may have been dull and one dimensional but they were excellent at grinding out results. My only doubt is when we are really tested can KMac get us to defend like lions for 85 minutes and still sneak a win.

I'll go for a 1-0 Villa win.

I agree, this is a big test. A lot of eyebrows have been raised after the weekend. MON teams were very good away from home, and found a way to get results. We can't play open football all the time, so I'd like for us to retain some of the counter attacking aspects of our game from the MON era.

[Ads]

I don't think we'll need to defend like Lions against this lot. They weren't much cop last year don't forget.

[Rudy Can't Fail]

I wasn't referring to Thursday Ads, just in the future. I'm delighted Mike Bassett has gone and believe we'll finally start playing to our potential. It was great to see a Villa team turn up for more than 45 minutes on Saturday. The senior players seem to want to compete in the Europa League, I just hope we don't just use the competition for giving some of the younger players experience. It will be a tough game but I'm sure we'll have too much for them.

[Ads]

I think if we can keep it tight early on (remembering last year!) then we'll be able to weather what they throw at us. Last year it felt like an FA Cup tie at their place. Their fans were well up for it too and the atmosphere built on the promise of their early goal.

[Matt Collins]

NRC in for Milner for this one I reckon.

Any news on the injury front? Collins and Gabby are presumably not match fit anyway?

[joe_c]

Just realised this is a stupid o'clock kick off. Is it being shown on TV anywhere?

[Monty]

Just realised this is a stupid o'clock kick off. Is it being shown on TV anywhere?

ITV 4.

[joe_c]

Just realised this is a stupid o'clock kick off. Is it being shown on TV anywhere?

ITV 4.

Cheers.

[Simon Ward]

A "weakened" squad travelling to Vienna according to BBCWM on twitter!

[Mr Diggles]

When is the squad announced? Can't be far off as they should be travelling out today.

[TopDeck113]

Carew and Young not travelling (plus also Dunne as he is suspended) according to 5 Live.

[Hookeysmith]

Bugger thats a bit of a blow

Guzan
Young L
Beye
Clark
Warnock
Albrighton
Petrov
NRC
Downing
Bannan
Fonz

that is a pretty weak set up if that all we have

[Mazrim]

That should be strong enough. Its a good team.

[JJ-AV]

Heskey and Fonz uptop I reckon.

[damon loves JT]

Good enough not to get hammered and to nick a goal. That's what counts as an away win in Europe, apparently