Aston Villa v Arsenal Pre-Match Thread

[pedro25]

I think Carew scares them, I don't see us beating them at their own game with lots of small players and pretty passes, we need to be strong and direct.

[PaulTheVillan]

I think Carew scares them, I don't see us beating them at their own game with lots of small players and pretty passes, we need to be strong and direct.

Carew scares anyone, about 5 times a season.

[Holtenderinthesky]

Gabby out now?  FFS.  This is taking the piss.

[timeoutbigbar]

Had a quick look on the OnlineGooner site to see how they thought their chances were, and they're about as pessimistic as us!

[CJ]

Gabby out now?  FFS.  This is taking the piss.

Hope not - where does it say that?

[tom jennings IV]

Any news on Gabby? Happy for Delf to be given a chance but I really think Gabby could cause problems against this mob

[timeoutbigbar]

Saw on skysports that Gabby has been out for a few days with illness and Houllier isn't sure if he'll be able to play, supposed to be assessed this afternoon/evening.

[Rudy Can't Fail]

2-1 Villa with Ireland getting the winner.

[Matt Collins]

Yep, Gabby reported as a strong doubt with an illness. At least Carew is back, but I really don't think he suits the lone striker role. I'd still play him ahead of Delf as lone striker though.

GH hasn't played two up top since he joined us, so I don't see any real chance of that happening tomorrow.

[JJ-AV]

Would start Ireland tomorrow. Infact I'd keep starting him right up until January.

If he hasn't picked up and he still wants out then let him go. But there is potential brilliance there.

[JJ-AV]

---------------- Friedel
Young - Dunne - Collins - Warnock
----------------- Clark
Downing - Ireland - Bannan - Young
----------------- Gabby

Would be my team, hopefully get an hour out of Gabby before bringing Carew on. Their centre backs are shakey.

[Dave]

---------------- Friedel
Young - Dunne - Collins - Warnock
----------------- Clark
Downing - Ireland - Bannan - Young
----------------- Gabby

Would be my team, hopefully get an hour out of Gabby before bringing Carew on. Their centre backs are shakey.

Yup, that looks nice.

First game since West Ham for me. Hopefully a similar performance and scoreline.

[Matt Collins]

I'd much rather play Young and Downing on their proper sides. And Carew may need to play instead of Gabby. Otherwise, I still think that team looks good considering the horrendous injury list.

[N'ZMAV]

I'd also like to see Young on the Right and Downing on the Left

[Matt C]

A plucky draw.