Bolton Wanderers v Aston Villa Pre-Match Thread

[ozzjim]

Nearly all the 2's on your post count Mark. I must not be as big a fan as everyone else cause I am just not bothered about the team selected last night Mark. I was referring to Mr Smith, as for the first time in one of these situations I can see the point of view. If we had been battered by Fulham 4-0 in the way Spurs were through rotation then I would be upset, but it was a bogey team, away from home, with most of our already creaky back 4 out injured and a certainty that they do not concede many goals full stop, let alone at home. Just think people are looking for excuses to take shots at Houllier, who has done ok since Christmas for me and deserves time and a full season next time to have a good shot at the job, not to be outed by knee jerks.

[Legion]

Just 10,000 to go.

[Rudy Can't Fail]

Nearly all the 2's on your post count Mark. I must not be as big a fan as everyone else cause I am just not bothered about the team selected last night Mark. I was referring to Mr Smith, as for the first time in one of these situations I can see the point of view. If we had been battered by Fulham 4-0 in the way Spurs were through rotation then I would be upset, but it was a bogey team, away from home, with most of our already creaky back 4 out injured and a certainty that they do not concede many goals full stop, let alone at home. Just think people are looking for excuses to take shots at Houllier, who has done ok since Christmas for me and deserves time and a full season next time to have a good shot at the job, not to be outed by knee jerks.

Whisper it but a lot of the knee jerk reaction is partly due to the Rags winning on Sunday. GH has done well since the new year, last night he messed up but hopefully we'll get over it. Bolton will be a huge test, if we get a win up there I'll be more than delighted. I just hope he can get the players up for it as I'm sure a few of the players must be questioning the team selection. Hopefully once they're out on the pitch, all will be forgotten. As I said, it's a huge game, now for more than one reason.

[darren woolley]

2-1 to us with Bent and A.Young scoring then watch us rise up the table.

[ozzjim]

It is, and I sincerely hope we win and it somewhat vindicates his decision. It is a very difficult place to go though, and I fear they will go with the 2 big men up top to bully Clark at the back. I agree re the Blues thing having a big part, but if we are measuring ourselves on their success this week then we have got a very frail mental attitude. It is like having a peeing contest - we have been diddling over the wall for years and they just reached the bottom of it, as such their success should be tolerated as they are not a threat and short of sharing the same city, have nothing to do with us. It annoyed me for a few hours on Sunday, and I became completely neutral to it by monday, and happily discussed the game etc with a couple of Blues mates last couple of days without a twinge of jealousy. We had our opportunities last season in the cup, but were so knackered through non rotation we were pretty pathetic on both occasions, did not hold onto the ball at all and ran out of ideas when plan a failed. At least with Houllier there is a sense of trying different things and working towards a future way of playing that may be a bit more varied.

Anyhow, still think 2-2 - hope for more.

[Rudy Can't Fail]

That's a nice thought, Darren. We really could do with Bent turning up big time for this one. My worry is how our defence will cope with Sturridge. He's been very impressive since his loan move there.

[TopDeck113]

Recent history suggests that on the weekend after throwing in the towel on a cup competition, we'll race into a 2-0 lead and then surrender two points in injury time.

Bent and Downing for us, Sturridge and Davies for them.

[swiss1968]

Will get there nice and early so will be to drunk to notice !!! lol.

[Legion]

Will get there nice and early so will be to drunk to notice !!! lol.

What's the point in going then?

[Blackcountry Villa]

Just a note, the usual away fans pub The Beehive will be closed for refurbishments on saturday.

Oh and we'll lose.

[swiss1968]

Will get there nice and early so will be to drunk to notice !!! lol.

after many year's of away games it numb's the pain.

[swiss1968]

Will get there nice and early so will be to drunk to notice !!! lol.

after many year's of away games it numb's the pain. and after seeing the usual pub's shut that plan's gone out the window..

[JJ-AV]

At the risk of looking a prat, Sturridge won't score again.

[Lobsterboy]

Bolton a decent side; we are hopeless away from home so best I can see us doing is a 1-1 draw.

Bent for us, Sturridge for them

[WikiVilla]

Is Elmander still getting a game ?