Birmingham City v Aston Villa Match Thread

[Jimbo]

Not only does Gabby on the wing not work, but he has a record of scoring against these monkeys. Why, then, are we doing our best to minimise his threat by playing him in midfield? Sorry, but it's the manager's fault. It actually defies belief.

I don't think a track record of scoring against a particular team is that big an issue. I'm not GH's biggest fan but can't fault him for that.

Put it this way, when Robbie Fowler used to score against us for fun, I'd have been much happier if he'd played every game against us at centre half.

[citizenDJ]

Not only does Gabby on the wing not work, but he has a record of scoring against these monkeys. Why, then, are we doing our best to minimise his threat by playing him in midfield? Sorry, but it's the manager's fault. It actually defies belief.

I don't think a track record of scoring against a particular team is that big an issue. I'm not GH's biggest fan but can't fault him for that.

No, I think the tactics are about right, really. I think were Carew being a little more effective a a target man, he'd be able to bring Gabby into play more often. As it stands, the ball is just bouncing off him time and again, giving Birmingham more posession than is comfortable.

[VillaZogmariner]

Andy Townsend on Twitter -

"Derby day, and for my money the atmosphere of Birmingham v Villa is second to none. Only Liverpool v Everton will top it today"

How does that work?

[midnite]

Is it me or is clattenberg too busynwith trying to look like and be friends with David bentley than actually concentrate on refereeing??

Complete twat with a twat hair cut. And was was with him putting his arm around bentley too with their penalty decission??

Come on you villa boys. We can do this!!!

[hawkeye]

They have 3 against 2 in the centre because Downing is wandering around aimlessly

[citizenDJ]

Sooo....second to one, then?!

[TheSandman]

I'm a bit concerned.

We've had a few decent chances but failed to put them away. Going forward with the full backs and Albrighton we've looked bright to little avail.

Don't see why Cuellar isn't playing. The other two have looked shaky without dropping an error. Yet.

[ROBBO]

They have done their homework attacking down the right gabby not tracking back leaving Clark exposed. Negative from Houllier need gabby in the middle. Petrov has to be replaced, key midfielder done nothing and slows every move down. We are playing narrow giving their midfied far too much room.

[Bald Eagle]

We can win this if Downing grows a pair. A more gutless prick i have yet to see in a Villa shirt.

[Jimbo]

Come on now Villa.

[Fergal]

We can win this if Downing grows a pair. A more gutless prick i have yet to see in a Villa shirt.

He is a bit of a girl...

[Bad English]

Houllier has just tweeted "watching build-up to mighty Reds versus the Toffees, keep getting interrupted by Gary Mac, might have to put my headphones on."

[Fergal]

We need to get GH some glasses so he can see what the rest of the world can see

[Jimbo]

They should show Downing a few videos of Eamon Deacy.

[JUAN PABLO]

downing that is useless