Aston Villa v Blackburn Rovers Pre-Match Thread

[Clampy]

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

I agree, Bannan was excellent pre-season. I think he'll bring him on during the second half though if we're winning.

[PaulTheVillan]

Ireland played 15 minutes at Walsall then was unfit for the rest of it IMO.

[Clampy]

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

Cancer is a bit strong, but he's a bit mental. I see he's had a tattoo on his lower lip.

[ROBBO]

Did anyone else think Nzog was a little off the pace last week?

[brian green]

What does the tattoo on Ireland's lower lip say?   How's this for a pout?

[Mister E]

Same back 5 as last week.
Makoun, Petrov and Delph should form the central midfield.
N'Zog, Albrighton and Bent should start.

Petrov should give way after 60mins to allow Bannan on. At the same time - depending on the game's progress - Gabby replaces N'Zog or Alb.

Probably won't happen

[Can Gana Be Bettered!?!?]

Whatever you think, I'm sure I can't be the only one who's getting really excited again about approaching the Holte End, walking through the turnstiles, walking out to see the pitch, taking your seat, the players coming out and the whistle to get the game going and all the highs and lows that come througout a game - there's nothing else quite like it!

I'm really looking forward to it - I can't wait!

[Villanation]

Did anyone else think Nzog was a little off the pace last week?

You could say he needs a few minutes to settle in, however he is an experienced Premiership player, he was suffering from pre-season for me but most of all I think the misconception is that he was got in to replace Downing and or Young, therein lies the problem because I don't think he's quite the player Ashley Young is and you only have to look at how Young has slotted into Man Utd one of the world's best and looks like he's been a major part of there side for years, quality, for me N'Zogbia  still has a lot to prove and it could go either way.

[Clampy]

What does the tattoo on Ireland's lower lip say?   How's this for a pout?

It's the Superman logo.

[Villanation]

What does the tattoo on Ireland's lower lip say?   How's this for a pout?

It's the Superman logo.

Well at least he has a sense of humour....

[cdbearsfan]

9-0, Heskey (9).

[tom jennings IV]

Whatever you think, I'm sure I can't be the only one who's getting really excited again about approaching the Holte End, walking through the turnstiles, walking out to see the pitch, taking your seat, the players coming out and the whistle to get the game going and all the highs and lows that come througout a game - there's nothing else quite like it!

I'm really looking forward to it - I can't wait!

Wish I was there today, last week was good but nothing beats the first home game. Up the Villa!

[Villanation]

Whatever you think, I'm sure I can't be the only one who's getting really excited again about approaching the Holte End, walking through the turnstiles, walking out to see the pitch, taking your seat, the players coming out and the whistle to get the game going and all the highs and lows that come througout a game - there's nothing else quite like it!

I'm really looking forward to it - I can't wait!

Wish I was there today, last week was good but nothing beats the first home game. Up the Villa!

Huge game with a lot at stake, this is not just about the first home game of the season, or the fact that we need a win, we are playing one of the hottest tipped clubs for relegation, Wolves so proved that last week, Villa have to win this and McLiesh knows it.

[PeterWithesShin]

I'm so stupidly and childishly excited about getting down to VP again!

[eamonn]

Good. Glad someone is among all the miserable buggers these days.