Braga Match Thread.

[Bent Neilsens Screamer]

1-1 Zog got the equaliser

We were decent, good passing play, but the usual last-ditch defending and route one bollocks is still there.

Best: Makoun - a real gem in the middle. Worst: didn't hear Heskey doing too much - he was out on the wing.

Cheers, when I looked at the team it was quite attacking with Zog, Gabby, Heskey and Bent. You would expect come Fulham for an extra midfielder to come in and Zog to replace either Heskey or gabby out wide if thats how they were set up today.

Glad Makoun had a good game as when he gets to grips with the pace of play in England he will be better, he just does the simple thigs well, retains possession and is always available to receive the ball. I hope he gets a run of games in the side. From what I can make out from reading a few comments this game again highlighted the fact that we need legs and presence in the midfield.

[Matt C]

Bent not in England squad - did he come off injured today?

[Michel Sibble]

Not from how he came off. Maybe Fabio doesn't fancy him atm.

[timeoutbigbar]

I know it might go against some opinion but I thought although we defended alright as a unit, we lacked the advantage Collins gives us in terms of height at centre back.  Collins does have his moments, but there aren't too many CB's that are consistent first team regulars that are quite so young as Clark, because generally you do need the experience.  I'd have to say I think in terms of set pieces, Collins is far more of an aerial weapon to have, and with Warnock at fullback your always going to give away free kicks in dangerous places.  Collins does tend to get on the end of quite a few, whereas I think Clark was caught out by that a bit today, and Braga are certainly no Bolton/Stoke.

[Marlon From Bearwood]

Bent not in England squad - did he come off injured today?

It appears he has just been left out. A recent England squad had about 5 Villa players didn't it? This latest squad has none!

[eric woolban woolban]

Seven players who've played for the Villa in the squad.

[ozzjim]

Capello treats players with no finesse at all. Scored in 3rd of the last 4th then dropped for a man united reserve. Strange.

[timeoutbigbar]

Capello treats players with no finesse at all. Scored in 3rd of the last 4th then dropped for a man united reserve. Strange.

Welbeck i'm assuming?  Although i'm pretty happy he's not in the squad so won't risk injury (as long as he isn't already), that is quite funny.

[Michel Sibble]

Warnock's frustrating to watch, great most of the time, until he either gets caught out or fancies giving his opponents some luck in free kicks. AM should put the shits up him if decides to throw a barney.

Clark for me looked assured, he does need to cut out some of his errors though, it could cost us a goal if he doesn't concentrate fully.

[eamonn]

Any word on why Delph didn't travel?

[Michel Sibble]

Delph's been rested (according to Mat Kendrick)

[ozzjim]

Warnock's frustrating to watch, great most of the time, until he either gets caught out or fancies giving his opponents some luck in free kicks. AM should put the shits up him if decides to throw a barney.

Clark for me looked assured, he does need to cut out some of his errors though, it could cost us a goal if he doesn't concentrate fully.

Warnock should be told that is a grand fine for every free kick he gives away diving in around our box. It is why GED dropped him last season, we conceded too many from his stupid set piece handouts. Here you did not score last time, but have another. I want to wring his neck for it. Never been so frustrated watching a full back 'defend' as Warnock and his insane diving in moments. Stay on your fucking feet and close the man down. How hard is it? He is a professional footballer, who has played full back for England FFS!!! How can he not know that diving in and giving free kicks away is a needless way of inviting pressure???

[Villafirst]

I was very impressed with Charles N'Zogbia tonight. I must admit I was fed up of Young's antics last season: diving, over hitting crosses - I think the Zog will be more effective, he's got great poise on the ball and always looks dangerous to opposing defences.

[KRS]

The combination of Zog, Ireland and Bannan with Bent leading the line could potentially be brilliant with quick incisive passing, but we still urgently need some grit in the midfield to add balance to the team.

[Shrek]

For me my strongest line up is:

................Given
 
Young Collins Dunne Warnock

............Delph Makoun

......Zoggy Ireland Bannan

.................Bent