Fulham v Aston Villa Pre-Match Thread

[KevinGage]

Why all the suggestions for playing Zoggy on the right and Hesky/Gabby on the left? Surely it makes sense to play them down the wings on their strongest foot. I know they can cut inside but wingers work better if going down the line to whip in a decent cross for Bent to thrive on.

Some of the Zog's best form for Wigan came when he was on the right cutting in, a la Downing.

Not sure I'd be crazy about Gabby on the left again though.  Or Heskey, for that matter. Both might 'do a job' (to borrow a hackneyed phrase) on a short term basis, but that's about it.

[KRS]

Yeah no doubting Zog's ability on either wing to be honest and no doubt he'll continue to score a few from there, but if our other options on the left are completely useless then makes sense to use Zog on the left. In an ideal world Albrighton will regain his form coming down the right, Zog on the left and use Heskey/Gabby as subs/back up for Bent.

[N'ZMAV]

I think we will win 1-0. Goal in 89th minute.

[darren woolley]

I'm going for 1-1 with Bent scoring.

[Hookeysmith]

Dont think Delph has done anything to justify his place in the team, and come to think of it neither has Albrighton

Defense has been pretty tight so it picks itself

The real key is how Eck wants to play - go for the attack minded option then

                               Makoun         Petrov
            Gabby                   Ireland                       NZog

Defensive option


       Gabby        Makoun         Petrov      Bannon    NZog

I do feel fitness wise they will be a lot sharper than us

2-0 Fulham and Eck critisised 1st game for being too cautious!

[QBVILLA]

I'd go with:

Given

Young  Dunne  Collins Warnock

Albrighton   Petrov  makoun   Nzogbia

Gabby Bent

[Merv]

I'd pick:

Given

Young Dunne Collins/Clark (Collins if fit) Warnock

          Makoun    Delph

Albrighton    Bannan     N'Zogbia

                   Bent

Subs: Guzan, Clark (if Collins fit), Petrov, Lichaj, Ireland, Agbonlahor, Gardner.

Beye goes on to the bench if Collins is unfit and Clark starts.

1-1, by the way.

[Villafirst]

It'll be 1-0 to us at H-T (Albrighton) .........then they'll score in the last second of the 94th minute, so 1-1.

[VillaAlways]

 Although Fulham have played more competitive games than us Jol was moaning how inadequate the pre season was for them due to the level of teams they have played.Have they played any English sides ?
2-0 Villa in 28 degree heat and a great day out

Bent 2 Clackers 67 and a great defensive display

[Des Little]

Villa to win 2-1 is my shout

[PaulTheVillan]

I think we'll win 1-0. NZogbia.

Given
Young Dunne Clark Warnock
Albrighton Makoun Petrov NZogbia
Ireland
Bent

[luke25]

I think we'll win 1-0. NZogbia.

Given
Young Dunne Clark Warnock
Albrighton Makoun Petrov NZogbia
Ireland
Bent

Thats the team i'd go for aswell, although reckon he'll go for N'zogbia on the right and Gabby on the left.

[cdbearsfan]

I'm willing to give Ireland a chance but let him earn his place by playing well for the reserves or when brought on as sub.

[pedro25]

I'd say Bannan deserves his place more than Albrighton, so I'd go N'Zogbia right and Bannan left, otherwise same as above, Ireland just shading Gabby in the hole due to being able to pick a pass far better.  Please no Heskey. 1-1, Bent.

[mistymopcap]

Fulham 3 - Villa 1.
After their successful Europa League performances and the drive of Joll they'll catch us cold.
Welcome to the new reality where we aspire to be as successful as clubs like Fulham, Stoke and Bolton.