Stripey Filth v Aston Villa - Pre-Match Thread

[Witton Warrior]

Neither Villa nor Albion have won 2-0 this season (Wolves are the only team).
So we know what's coming - one of us will be two up and it'll finish 2-2.

Statistically it would seem we will go two up and they will equalise - we've dropped more points from a winning position than anyone else and they have clawed back more points than anyone from a losing pposition I think?

[Deano's Mullet]

I had a dream about this game last night - and strangely, Dean Saunders was upfront with Bent for some reason. Lots of Man United fans with cockney accents were stood in the street outside the Hawthorns asking if we were all West Ham fans. Fucking bizarre. The match ended 4-4.

[VillaAlways]

I see wee Barry's been recalled early from Leeds. Does this indicate some playing time, as we did look short of that sort of creativity against Stoke? I'd hope so.

Looks like it
http://www.avfc.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10265~2349351,00.htmlhttp://

[JUAN PABLO]

You cant believe with the likes of Young and Downing, we have no bloody creativity at times..  We need a Merson/Carbone type down VP for next season.

[Legion]

Bannan?

[Rip Van We Go Again]

Bannan is back in the squad

sportinglife.com

Aston Villa midfielder Barry Bannan has been added to the squad for Saturday's Barclays Premier League derby with West Brom at The Hawthorns.

The Scotland international has been recalled from a loan spell with Leeds United after having only restricted opportunities with the Championship club.

Bannan, 21, forced his way into the Villa side earlier in the campaign when they suffered a series of midfield injury setbacks.

Caretaker boss Gary McAllister - still deputising while manager Gerard Houllier recovers from a heart problem - has a full-strength squad available.

Villa could again be unchanged after collecting eight points from their previous four games to climb into the top half of the table.

Team

Aston Villa (from): Friedel, Walker, Collins, Dunne, Luke Young, Downing, Petrov, Bannan, Makoun, Ashley Young, Agbonlahor, Bent, Marshall, Clark, Heskey, Pires, Albrighton, Delph, Reo-Coker, Cuellar, Delph.

[Shrek]

I'd start Bannan behind Bent. I think it would be a massive boost to his confidence and show him we want him at Villa.

Freidel

Walker Cuellar Dunne Young

Downing NRC Petrov Young

Bannan

Bent.

That would allow Bannan to express himself and hopefully show what he is made of.

[Matt C]

An oddly low-key 1-1. Bent for us, obviously.

[Dave P]

There will be goals in this one.  2-1 Villa with Bent and Young scoring.  Obviously Odimwinge for them.

[WikiVilla]

Close out Brunt and Morrisson and the points are ours

[Monty]

Bloody excellent news. Bannan more than any of the other youngsters suffered from MON's mentality and prejudices and perhaps took some time to catch up to where he should be in his development. If they feel it's time to blood him, I think we could just be about to see some exciting football in the foreseeable future.

[Rudy Can't Fail]

I'd start Bannan behind Bent. I think it would be a massive boost to his confidence and show him we want him at Villa.

The most frustrating thing about Bannan is he's been played in such a deep midfield role, even when I've seen him with the Reserves. Like you, I'd like to see him play in a more advanced role, though not sure I'd have him that forward.

[pooligan]

Have we ever won a match with that idiot phil dowd in charge? all i can remember are defeats

[Shrek]

I'd start Bannan behind Bent. I think it would be a massive boost to his confidence and show him we want him at Villa.

The most frustrating thing about Bannan is he's been played in such a deep midfield role, even when I've seen him with the Reserves. Like you, I'd like to see him play in a more advanced role, though not sure I'd have him that forward.

The thing is with that role is he has the freedom to drift around where he likes and express himself.

He is the most skillfull player at Aston Villa and we need to try our best to make it work with him in our team.

[Nastylee]

Brunt out for them along with Thomas and Reid.