Pre-match thread: Rapid Vienna v Aston Villa

[PaulTheVillan]

I think we'll win 1-0 with a mega impressive Friedel display.

[BedsVillain]

........................Friedel.....................

L.Young....Dunne....Clark....Warnock

Albrighton...NRC....Petrov...A.Young

..............Weimann...........................

..................................Carew...........

Subs: Guzan, Lichaj, Cuellar, Downing, Bannan, The Fonz, Gabby

I think again a nice mix of experience and youth. Give Weimann a start against his old club, I'm sure he'll be up for it. I think Luke should keep his RB spot, hopefully to make him realise where his future lays. Bring in NRC if Milner doesn't feature and hopefully Gabby will be fit enough to play some part.

I predict 1-2 Villa!

[avfcpg]

Just depends how much we (The Club) wants this. I would be interested to know who is calling the shots for this game as in how we are treating this comp'. Kevin Mac all on his own? Or has Randy had a word in his shell like to the effect of "Oi, we actually wanna win this cup this time".

I think it will be a fairly strong team, keep the momentum going. Draw away, win at home...job's a good 'un.

[PaulTheVillan]

......................Friedel

Young....Dune...Clark...Warnock

Albrighton..NRC...Petrov..Downing

.................Young
................Carew

Basically the team from Saturday with NRC in for Milner

[Ads]

I'd start Milner.

[Toronto Villa]

We can't mess with too much inexperience in this round. We need to get through this into the group stage and then we will have a number of games where we can mix and match. I'd keep the same side as Saturday, or if Milner's gone, then play NRC as the holding midfielder with Petrov playing further forward.

[Monty]

I'd start Milner.

If he's still at the club, I'd start him without a shadow of a doubt.

[cheltenhamlion]

Would starting Milner make him cup tied? And is anywhere in Brum showing this game on TV as I am due to get off a train about ten minutes before kick off.

[Pete3206]

RV 1 AV 2

[TaxDodger]

We'll nick it 1-0. Milner 42.

[avfcpg]

We'll nick it 1-0. Milner 42.

Might wanna rethink the scorer now....;-)

[TaxDodger]

We'll nick it 1-0. Milner 42.

Might wanna rethink the scorer now....;-)

Ireland 42

[Toronto Villa]

We'll nick it 1-0. Milner 42.

Might wanna rethink the scorer now....;-)

Ireland 42

Not registered

[mozza]

Milner won't be playing in this one unless of course he fails the medical

[Rudy Can't Fail]

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.