Blackpool v Aston Villa Pre-Match Thread

[Concrete John]

Sticking NRC in for this one is far from the worst idea I've ever heard. 

Explain.... Something in front of the back 4 would work and playing without Petrov would play into his hands.

Explain....what?

NRC has the best defensive attributes of all our midfielders and in what is likely to be a 'derby-like battle' I think he'd be very useful.

NRC would/could be that something infront of the back 4 and not playing Petrov would play into who's hands?

Also don't get your other post about me wanting him out of position?  I'm suggesting he plays in central midfield.

[WikiVilla]

You just know Harewood will score, as will DJ Campbell. But we'll get 3

[Irish villain]

Where has our defence gone wrong? last year they were pretty good, we've got the same players availeable. The only thing i can think of is Milner has been missed as an extra defender.

I think GH prefers zonal marking and our boys can't get the hang of it. We have conceded a lot of bad goals through slopy play at the back. I think that's part of the reason. In addition, GH also likes his defenders to be good on the ball, ours are better when they're last ditch defending i.e hoofing it away, sticking a head or a foot on it. Being asked to pass it out of defence probably takes adjusting too and was probably a bit unnerving at the start of the season. We seem to be getting the hang of it now though.

[Irish villain]

As for the game, I see this as a must win. If we only get a point we have really stalled again and will be looking over our shoulder at the teams behind us with a game in hand. Three points are essential here.

I think Bent can fire us to victory so long as things are tight at the back and solid in midfield.

[The Left Side]

1 - 1, I reckon as both sets of strikers will miss chances galore!

[brontebilly]

they are really crap at full back so 2 from Downing, A Young and Albrighton wide. Bent up top. Reo Coker, Makoun and Bannan in midfield. same back 4 and keeper. Since our players wont be back at the club until Thursday id take a 1-0 win.

[Comrade Blitz]

2-5 come from behind win to piss off Golloway

[alanclare]

0 - 2 to Villa. Bent and Heskey (he's got to score eventually)

[Simon Ward]

3-2 to us, Bent hat trick hopefully!

[Toronto Villa]

GH is going to privately very motivated to stick it to Gollum. 3-1 to the All Blacks. Bradley to have a stormed and Bent to bag a brace.

[WikiVilla]

Anyone know if RL & Krulak are jetting in for a weekend on the lash at the seaside

[paulcomben]

5-4 to Villa after being 0-1 down then 5-1 up.  Could GH please sort out the defence ;-(

[Jimbo]

A high-scoring game, but we'll come off worse. They'll keep it going to the bitter end and nab it in the last few minutes. 3:2 to them, Bent 2.

[eastie]

Surprised a few people are leaving Bradley out of their team selections, I think he will start , just seen makoun withdrawn from cameroon squad tonight , hope it's not too serious!

[VillaAlways]

Surprised a few people are leaving Bradley out of their team selections, I think he will start , just seen makoun withdrawn from cameroon squad tonight , hope it's not too serious!

It's just a precaution as has slight calf strain.Should be fit for Sat