Manchester City v Aston Villa Pre-Match Thread

[Monty]

What would you do tonight, Monty?

And by the way, I agree on NRC at RB - never again (shudders at the memory of that afternoon at Anfield.... 'he's got in behind you again, Nigel! Nooooooooo!'

Indeed, I still have nightmares about that punt from Reina to Riera, Nigel's positioning being not so much suspect as tried and convicted.

Tonight, I would play a 4-3-3/4-2-3-1, with Delph at left-back (not only because Warnock would definitely be rubbish and Delph only might be, but also because Delph has the pace and athleticism to potentially account for the inevitable positional errors), with Petrov and NRC holding, Young in the free role etc. Predictable, perhaps, but it strikes me that our best chance against City will be Young and Gabby using their pace on the break (plus Ash's ability to run with the ball at speed must scare the shit out of opposition defenders). I would try Downing on the right and Albrighton on the left for much of the match, though, not only because they looked good there on the weekend, but also with losing Bent's superior finishing and movement, the 'inside-out' wingers might be able to cut inside and get more shots off to compensate.

[garyshawsknee]

I think id rather have Downing at lb than Nrc at Rb. Its not his fault,but he's shocking in that position,and anyway we need him protecting the back four.

[Lambert and Payne]

1-1 draw last minute goal for them. We'll then beat em in the replay, win the cup, finish 7th with Sandwell and SHA relegated returning for a brief stint in 10 years time. Back to todays game!
We need a result tonight, the FA cup means so much to us all and would make this season one of the best ever following Villa. Well, if my above prediction comes through, it will be the best ever season

[WikiVilla]

We just need to frustrate them for as long as possible and look to hit on the break, I'd play gabby tonight For his pace

[Merv]

Makes sense. I put forward that 3-5-2 as a point for discussion as much as anything else and if we had another CB to put in the back three allowing Walker to play as a RWB I'd be tempted. But I do think in a situation like this, the less pulling players out of position, the better. As it stands, Delph at LB means only one player being used differently, and at least he had 45 mins or so there on Saturday. And Delph does have the attributes to cope there; and he won't really be facing a right-winger with pace, I don't think.

Petrov's days as a starter are numbered but I'd put him in for this one; we'll need his composure and experience at Eastlands.

[TonyD]

I think is the sort of game where we don't have the luxury of accomodating Young, Downing and Supa MA on the pitch at the same time.  I would play only two of the three.  Maybe Downing + Young first half with Supa MA coming on second to run them ragged when they tire - 4-5-1 with Gabby up front.

[frank]

 I've been following the England cricket disaster on the way to Manchester. Could this be the week of the underdog? Blues - Arsenal, Reading - Everton, Ireland - England, Villa - Citeh...

[Monty]

I think is the sort of game where we don't have the luxury of accomodating Young, Downing and Supa MA on the pitch at the same time.  I would play only two of the three.  Maybe Downing + Young first half with Supa MA coming on second to run them ragged when they tire - 4-5-1 with Gabby up front.

Actually Young is possibly the hardest working player in the side, along with MA, and Gabby presses very well high up the pitch, so there could be an argument for playing all three BECAUSE we need to press the ball more.

[PeterWithesShin]

I want us to win tonight so much it fucking hurts! But then we'd get a home QF, and that never happens. So I still think we'll lose just to sum up an awful few days.

Please Villa, win this one for the Shinster.

[5ft811st2 Durham]

I want us to win tonight so much it fucking hurts! But then we'd get a home QF, and that never happens. So I still think we'll lose just to sum up an awful few days.

Please Villa, win this one for the Shinster.

In my lifetime Villa have never played at home in the 6th round of the Cup and I'm 44. You need to be well over 50 to remember such an event.

   

[TopDeck113]

About to set off.  The longer the day has gone on, the more pessimistic I've felt...

[The Left Side]

About to set off.  The longer the day has gone on, the more pessimistic I've felt...

Keep the faith Top Deck!

[WikiVilla]

Got a feeling Milner is going to terrorise us down the right wing

[TonyD]

I want us to win tonight so much it fucking hurts! But then we'd get a home QF, and that never happens. So I still think we'll lose just to sum up an awful few days.

Please Villa, win this one for the Shinster.

In my lifetime Villa have never played at home in the 6th round of the Cup and I'm 44. You need to be well over 50 to remember such an event.

   

Didnt we Liverpool at home in the 6th round in the 80's?   Seem to remember they scored from a quickly taken free kick when Spink wasnt ready.

[KevinGage]

Just shrugged the shoulders for this one when the draw was made "Ok, we're out. Might be for the best with our dire league position."

I've now gone from thinking we have no chance to thinking a win is unlikely, But this is the week for shocks: B-lose, Ireland - so maybe.

The amount of games they've had to face looks like it's catching up with them. Shame. I really couldn't care if we beat an understrength or half injured citeh side, anything that puts us through to the QF will be OK in my book.