Stoke City v Aston Villa Pre-Match Thread

[eamonn]

Spurs were jammy enough to win there thanks to monkey man's belter and the ref not seeing the ball cross the line for Stoke. Not sure we'll be so lucky.

[TimTheVillain]

Heeeeeeeeeres Lawro:

MONDAY

Stoke v Aston Villa (2000 BST)

 
I fancy Stoke here. They've struggled so far, but they've made a few good signings and they look like they're going to be a better side - playing a little more football, but still retaining that physical element that causes so many problems for visitors to the Britannia Stadium.

It is, of course, Gerard Houllier's first match in charge of Villa - but this is a real tough start for him.

The Frenchman is a decent appointment for Villa. He's experienced and has a great knowledge of players across European football. Yes, he bought a few duds when he was at Liverpool, but maybe he'll bring in a few gems now he's at Villa.

It will all take a while for this to settle in, though, and I think it will be very difficult for Villa to maintain their position as top-six regulars this campaign.

Prediction: 2-0

[Fin Feds Dad]

....................................Friedel.................................................
Young............Dunne..........Collins.............Warnock.................
........................Petrov........Reo-Coker.....................................
Albrighton....................Ireland......................Young.................
.......................................Gabby...............................................

Best starting 11 for us up there. We need players who are goingto put a shift in - which leaves
Carew and Downing way down the pecking order.

Would be happy with a draw - but they have not had a great start and if we get the first goal I would
hope to pick up all 3 points.

(On a final point , time to get behind the team, the new manager and the club again now. MON well and truly fucked us over
leaving the way he did - and no matter how good your wedding day was , if later your Mrs fucks off with your kids you are always going to hate her)

Come on you lions !! 

[PaulTheVillan]

Good side and close to the one I'd play but I think Collins is injured and so Cuellar should start.

[Bunny@Stoke]

thought Carew was the best attacking player on the pitch in last season's bore-fest at The Brit (where Cuellar chucked it long as many times as Tessa/Fatima).

His height is also useful at both ends of the pitch too.

I've changed my opinion on the score. We might be stuck between two footballing stools after buying better quality.

0-1 sh** game. 

[luke25]

thought Carew was the best attacking player on the pitch in last season's bore-fest at The Brit (where Cuellar chucked it long as many times as Tessa/Fatima).

His height is also useful at both ends of the pitch too.

I've changed my opinion on the score. We might be stuck between two footballing stools after buying better quality.

0-1 sh** game. 

even though you've signed some good technical players recently I still think you'll adopt the physical approach for this game, Tony Pulis is a coach I rate and he would've noticed how we got totally bullied up at Newcastle and embarrasingly crumbled, i fully expect you to play the same way

[manic-road]

A tough game, but we may get a point in a 1-1 draw.

[Holtenderinthesky]

Ireland is out for this game isn't he?  Anyway, 1-1. Gabby to equalise late on.

[WALTERS WARRIORS]

Mac remember what happened at Newcastle. Play five in midfield with gabby up front and Ireland and ash pushing up to help Gabby. We need at least a point and need to hold onto the ball longer ............

[TimTheVillain]

Ireland is out for this game isn't he?  Anyway, 1-1. Gabby to equalise late on.

Ireland out News to me ...............

[hilts_coolerking]

So who is actually in charge for this game? Is MacDonald acting on Houllier's instructions or is he doing it all himself?

[Rudy Can't Fail]

Kevin Mac in charge.

[nick harper]

So who is actually in charge for this game? Is MacDonald acting on Houllier's instructions or is he doing it all himself?

I expect the general state of limbo the club are in will be reflected on the pitch. God knows what MacDonald must be thinking about the situation he's still in - probably feeling sulky and lacking motivation.

No idea whether Ireland is fit, but we will be in serious trouble if he plans to play the same side as he would have done if Ireland hadn't gone lame pre-match against Everton.

[Matt Collins]

Yes, we're in danger of being bullied in this one. It points to a 5 man midfield, or certainly not a 4 man one with Downing, Albrighton and Ireland in it!

[Somniloquism]

So who is actually in charge for this game? Is MacDonald acting on Houllier's instructions or is he doing it all himself?

I expect the general state of limbo the club are in will be reflected on the pitch. God knows what MacDonald must be thinking about the situation he's still in - probably feeling sulky and lacking motivation.

No idea whether Ireland is fit, but we will be in serious trouble if he plans to play the same side as he would have done if Ireland hadn't gone lame pre-match against Everton.

I expect he will be so demotivated that he will stay in the dug out and not come near the pitch shouting instructions to the players. I also expect him to not change the team even when it is obvious what needs to be done and make the wrong subs even when he does make them.