Stoke City v Aston Villa Pre-Match Thread

[The Man With A Stick]

1-0 Villa, Agbonlahor to get off the mark.

[usav]

He's already off the mark.

[j66acd]

Definitely need reo-Coker starting tonight. And as the midfield will probably small and a bit lightweight compared to Stokes might be worth playing heskey even if it's just for a physical presence. Big John doesn't put himself about, although he has got a decent record against them, scored three I think. Can see it being tight with just 1 goal in it can't make my mind up though.

[Blackcountry Villa]

I hope to god he doesn't play Downing. He's rubbish and a bottler at the best of times, he'll shit himself against Stoke.

[Phil from the upper holte]

Where's the poll?

Very hard faught draw

[Phil from the upper holte]

He's already off the mark.

Not in the league

[myf]

I have a bad feeling about this one - similar set up to Newcastle...

2 nil Stoke.

[asgpaul]

Does anyone know whether Ireland is fit to play?

[timeoutbigbar]

Want to be positive, but finding the best result that seems realistic in my opinion is a draw, because although most people can see the best formation for this game would be a 4-5-1 to attempt to retain possession, can't help but think we'll go 4-4-2.

1-1

[Matt C]

Ireland, Carew, Collins & Sidwell all fit for consideration apparently.

[pav]

  great news if above are fit

[Rudy Can't Fail]

I don't know about anybody else but the nerves are kicking in and have been all day. We really need the win today to sweep away all the bullshit of the last few weeks. I really hope the players are up for it big time tonight.

[asgpaul]

Ireland, Carew, Collins & Sidwell all fit for consideration apparently.

Thanks Matt.  Good news.

[Irish villain]

I'm going to say a hard fought 2-1 victory for villa.

Ireland and Gabby for us.

[Jonny Recession]

Can't wait for this. I'm expecting villa to be very cautious and invite pressure. Looking at the probable Stoke starting midfield I don't think we should be too worried if we play 5 in midfield. Take etherington out and bearing in mind that Pennant should start on the bench we can expect them to play down the left a lot. The other three midfielders are stoppers to try get around Ashley and Marc at every opportunity. Where Stoke will catch us I feel (and on more therm one occasion) is set pieces. If I was KMac I would be setting up with Luke right back to counter act Etherington and I'd play NRC very deep. I'd tell petrov to kick all round him which he seems to be getting good at and I'd play Ireland off the front man.

No way should Stewie get a start. I know Albrighton is young and at times shows his naivety but his work rate is in paralleled and we will need Ashley and him to put in as big an effort in our half as I'm sure they will in theirs.