Aston Villa v Newton Heath Pre-Match Thread

[richard moore]

Great day of sport with us and then England vs Australia in the rugby...even though we will probably lose both!

Always evokes memories of big clashes with Man Ure back in the 70s, 80s and 90s. Used to love the atmosphere of those matches when I lived in Brum
 
Stuck some money on Villa at 7/2 as you never know...

[Blackcountry Villa]

Anyone know how many tickets we've sold?

I reckon it will be around the 40k mark, theres still tickets left in all areas of the ground. Not surprising when some tickets are up to £45, disgusting price. £43 for away fans aswell when we used to charge around £30 just a few years ago, how can the club justify such a price increase in such a short space of time when we haven't won or done anything?

[JUAN PABLO]

sky presenter askes Andy Gray " Is it good for Houlier to be  playing these young players"


he aint go no choice you twat  ........

[peter w]

i think 4-5-1 is the way to start the game and then go from there. The midfield is going to be the crucial area and the good thing for us is that we are playing Man U. If that doesn't give the likes of Clark, Bannan, Delfouneso a lift then nothing will. Injuries or not Man U are still one of the better teams that they will face this season.

It depends on how Gabby has looked in training, and if Houllier thinks that him getting at the Man U back line will be best for us today. But But if we have to make a change I'd rather Gabby come on than Delfouneso. In saying that I think Gabby came on on Wednesday with half an hour to go with today's game in mind. But I think Houllier will go on gut feeling for today and what he has seen in training since the midweek game.

Surprisingly its our back line that is worrying. Warnock was targetted at Fulham and Gera was giving him a torrid time in the first-half. He improved a lot in the 2nd half but sounds like he was back to his worst against Blackpool. We neede the back 5 to be at their best today because iof the youngsters are struggling, or even getting over-exuberant, then we need the experienced players to get them through.

The winning of the game is in Ash. He's picked it up in the last game or two and if he scores once I think that will give him a huge lift. he hasn't actually been taking players on in his new role and needs to do it. if he starts well then we will, and we tend to start games very well. Get an early goal and then who knows.

[PaulWinch again]

sky presenter askes Andy Gray " Is it good for Houlier to be  playing these young players"


he aint go no choice you twat  ........

Which is basically what Gray said!

[JUAN PABLO]

If Ash has a MOM game expect Fergie to sign him in summer ....       

[JJ-AV]

Anyone know how many tickets we've sold?

I reckon it will be around the 40k mark

Suppose that's decent. It will be the third time in seven league games we'll have broke 40k, with Arsenal and West Brom as the next two home games, and then Spurs on boxing day should all be around or over 40k.

If we add one or two in January and continue to progress our season average could be pretty decent yet.

Agree on the ticket prices complaint though, although the slow rise is something I've not been aware of as I pay upfront - it is pretty suprising when you see it laid out like that.

[peter w]

sky presenter askes Andy Gray " Is it good for Houlier to be  playing these young players"


he aint go no choice you twat  ........

Its a win win win situation for Houllier.

If we lose then he can rightly point to our injuries and how many youngsters are playing.

If we win we get 3 points, the youngsters are lauded as is Kev Mc, Sid, and our academy programme.

And whatever the result our kids have got more matches in the Prem under their belt which will be ultimately invaluable and without the injuries wouldn't have been possible.

[timeoutbigbar]

If Ash has a MOM game expect Fergie to sign him in summer ....       

He's got Nani (who i'm sure Fergie thinks will turn into the new Ronaldo at some point), Park, Valencia and Obertan.  I don't see him looking for a new winger in the near future

[Blackcountry Villa]

sky presenter askes Andy Gray " Is it good for Houlier to be  playing these young players"


he aint go no choice you twat  ........

Its a win win win situation for Houllier.

If we lose then he can rightly point to our injuries and how many youngsters are playing.

If we win we get 3 points, the youngsters are lauded as is Kev Mc, Sid, and our academy programme.

And whatever the result our kids have got more matches in the Prem under their belt which will be ultimately invaluable and without the injuries wouldn't have been possible.

It will be how we lose though. If we surrender meekly or play ultra negatively and lose/draw then he will be rightly slagged off no matter how many injuries we've got. If we go out and have a go but lose then the fans will understand and be sympathetic and think we gave it a good go.

[peter w]

True. But the point being that Houllier has got an excuse already on offer. Not saying that he is looking to use it though.

[timeoutbigbar]

Talkshite saying Gabby to start.  No surprise really.

[berneboy]

Hogg starts!

[timeoutbigbar]

Hogg starts!

What!?

[berneboy]

VILLA: Friedel; Young, Dunne, Collins, Warnock; Albrighton, Bannan, Hogg, Downing; Young, Agbonlahor. Subs: Guzan, Lichaj, Delfouneso, Osbourne, Herd, Lowry, Johnson.