West Ham United vs. Aston Villa: Pre-Match Thread

[PaulWinch again]

If he doesn't make it that is a huge boost.

[WikiVilla]

Looks like Scott Parker will miss this one.

That's a massive boost for us, he carries them.

He'll be fit, lets not be naive here

[LeeB]

I remember lots of times when we should have been breaking but instead played redundant triangles in our own half

I don't.

[WikiVilla]

I remember lots of times when we should have been breaking but instead played redundant triangles in our own half

I don't.

Sunderland, Wolves, Tottingham, Dippers, & plenty more games

[hartman_1982]

I remember lots of times when we should have been breaking but instead played redundant triangles in our own half

I don't.

Sunderland, Wolves, Tottingham, Dippers, & plenty more games

That proves it then

[WikiVilla]

agree

[Michel Sibble]

A lively 3-2 win.

Collins
Downing
Young (pen)

[myf]

I'm surprisingly confident for this one.  3-1 win for us.  Some positive soundings from the players this week and Martin Allen will have done Houllier a favour.

Thats said, I'd be satisfied with a draw.

[nicardinho]

Mark Halsey is now the referee, replacing Michael Oliver at late notice.

Halsey's last Villa game saw us victorious over West Brom, while he last visited Upton Park when Liverpool were the visitors, as the reds lost 3-1.

The assistants are unchanged, leaving Simon Long (yellow flag) and Mike Cairns (chequered) with Andy D'Urso 4th official.

[The Left Side]

Mark Halsey is now the referee, replacing Michael Oliver at late notice.

Halsey's last Villa game saw us victorious over West Brom, while he last visited Upton Park when Liverpool were the visitors, as the reds lost 3-1.

The assistants are unchanged, leaving Simon Long (yellow flag) and Mike Cairns (chequered) with Andy D'Urso 4th official.

Uh oh Halsey!

[rob_bridge]

Too many comments regarding referee(s). Too many excuses in advance. Jeeps even I think we will win this one - not with a clean sheet mind.

NRC should start - with Petrov and maybe Delph. Cuellar in at right back and Bent to rip them a new backside with help from our wantaway wingers.

If Parker doesn't play then 4-4-2 is ok - note this is not the stupid 4-4-1-1 that Cluesless likes from his beloved Liverpool days. Rumour has it Dyer (and he has been) is playing. 

[hartman_1982]

our two wantaway wingers?

[rob_bridge]

Young is on his way regardless of what happens this season. Anyone who thinks otherwise is deluded. We'll get the upfront fee + add ons back. Downing is the modern day Mark Walters - looks good with some eye catching goals but overall contribution to the team? Sub optimal. I think he will be gone too - to Liverpool I reckon.

[hartman_1982]

Young may leave, but it was a very bizarre comment considering neither has said they actually want to go. Do you know them both well? How can they be wantaway if neither has said they want to leave? Downing has been one of our better players this year, if not the best. I would be willing to bet you anything you can afford he will still be here by September 1st.

[Mazrim]

Young is on his way regardless of what happens this season. Anyone who thinks otherwise is deluded. We'll get the upfront fee + add ons back. Downing is the modern day Mark Walters - looks good with some eye catching goals but overall contribution to the team? Sub optimal. I think he will be gone too - to Liverpool I reckon.

Thanks, Russell Grant.
Load of cobblers about Downing by the way. Our best player this season, easily.