Aston Villa v Blackburn Rovers Pre-Match Thread

[citizenDJ]

I quite like the 4-2-3-1 formation as it seems well-suited to the players we currently have. So, if it were up to me, I'd go for:

                     Given

Young    Collins    Dunne    Warnock

             Petrov    Delph

Albrighton    Ireland    N'Zogbia

                    Bent

Subs: Guzan, Clark, Lichaj, Makoun, Bannan, Agbonlahor, Heskey

That seems to me to give us a few options should we need to change personnel or formation. For example, Bannan on for Ireland if he is out in space somewhere, Makoun or Clark for Petrov should he look particularly knackered late on, Agbonlahor for Albrighton, maybe, if we need to inject some pace. We could also switch to 4-4-2 pretty easily too, with Gabby or Heskey on to partner Bent.

It looks like they'll actually have centre-backs playing for them today, although one of them is Ryan Nelson, so they'll be a bit more solid than they were against Wolves, sadly.

I think we'll win 2-0.

[Matt Collins]

We'll win with a more attacking line-up.

Short of sticking Delfouneso in for Given I don't think you could get a more attacking lineup than we had last week.

I'd say that we'd better be far better off with a
more pragmatic lineup like Maz suggests above
rather than just throwing every striker we own on
the pitch at once.

Putting fwds on the pitch can still allow you to start from a defensive formation. We still only had one playing up front

And it certainly doesn't make you creative. That side is utterly reliant on an unfit n'zogbia for creativity. I'd bring in at least one probably two more creative players: Ireland, bannan, albrighton, makoun.

But very undecided on the right mix. Would probably go: Ireland, petrov, delph - n'zogbia, bent, gabby

[Chris Smith]

I'm surprised so many people want Ireland in the side. Bannan has done more in pre season to earn a place.

[Dave]

We'll win with a more attacking line-up.

Short of sticking Delfouneso in for Given I don't think you could get a more attacking lineup than we had last week.

I'd say that we'd better be far better off with a
more pragmatic lineup like Maz suggests above
rather than just throwing every striker we own on
the pitch at once.

Putting fwds on the pitch can still allow you to start from a defensive formation. We still only had one playing up front

But the lineup and the formation are two different things.

I agree that it was a very defensive formation against Fulham, but it was a very attacking lineup.

It also wasn't a very good one.

[Matt Collins]

My alternative would be bannan and n'zogbia wide, but not on the touchlines, gabby running the channels off bent.

[spirit of 82]

I agree we need more creativity in the side,certainly dont need Heskey or gabby playing on the wings.I favour a 4, 3 2 1 line up.

[Chris Smith]

My alternative would be bannan and n'zogbia wide, but not on the touchlines, gabby running the channels off bent.

I think that's we'll see today but perhaps Gabby playing slightly deeper if they go with an extra man in the middle.

[Phil from the upper holte]

Heskey will be one of the first names down on the teamsheet
Really hope Ireland is nowhere near the squad, he is a cancer on our club

He wasn't the best last year his head clearly wasn't in it and he fell out with houllier. He's since moved house and said he wants to make a go of it. To call him cancer is a bit strong in my opinion

[PaulTheVillan]

After sleeping on it, I think we'll go for the same team as we did v Fulham.

[brian green]

Ireland has done nothing I have seen or heard about to deserve preference to Barry Bannan except talk the talk.   Ireland is a busted flush in my opinion.

The first name on the team sheet will be Heskey.

We will play with 10 men for a lot of the game and come back with a late 2 - 2 equalizer scored by Darren Bent.

The jury considering their verdict on Alex McLeish will remain out.

[django]

My prediction 1-1 (and an H&V meltdown)

[Matt Collins]

Kendrick reckons we'll stick with 4231. I reckon albrighton for gabby the only change.

[PaulWinch again]

Kendrick reckons we'll stick with 4231. I reckon albrighton for gabby the only change.

I don't mind that formation as long as we get the right players in the right positions.

[BC54 VFC]

Kendrick reckons we'll stick with 4231. I reckon albrighton for gabby the only change.

I don't mind that formation as long as we get the right players in the right positions.

Spot on, and especially the front four.

[Villa'Zawg]

4-1 and a hatrick for Agbonlahor.