Sunderland v Aston Villa Match Thread

[Monty]

What's the word for a sense of disappointment which is made both worse and better by the fact that you completely expected it?

Heskey in midfield. That's not a team selection, that's a cry for help. It's like he wants to be caught.

[Legion]

Did Jenas get injured stepping off the coach?

[PaulTheVillan]

Heskey as a deep midfielder?

[Legion]

I feel sorry for Heskey.

[Chris Smith]

Why does N'Zogbia deserve to start?

He doesn't but neither does Albrighton and we're not over blessed with alternatives.

I'm pleased Herd has retained his place and other than Heskey for Bannan it's the team that started last week.

[dicedlam]

I just cant see this obsession that some mgrs seem to have with Heskey?



 

[CJ]

Heskey as a deep midfielder?

Probably more advanced so he can win flick-ons from Collins' hoofs

[CJ]

Surely with Herd and Petrov in midfield he could afford to start with Ireland? I just can't understand this obsession with Heskey - when he came on last week he ambled around and did the square root of fuck all.

[PaulTheVillan]

I thought Herd looked good last game. Petrov needs to learn how to pass forward.

[citizenDJ]

That's not a great team, is it?

Still, I suppose we can say that we did seem to do OK earlier in the season with Heskey playing........as an attacking midfielder.....

*shakes head sadly*

PS If there are any moderators around, could I have my name changed back to citizenDJ, please?

[PaulMcGrathsNo5Shirt]

Ireland needs a run of games if we are to get his crazy head working anything like a top Premiership midfielder, leaving him out behind Heskey is just fucking stupid.

How many have we taken up there does anyone know? Fair play to those who have travelled, i'm not sure whether you unbelievable loyal or downright stupid.

[Mister E]

I'd have played Clark instead of Heskey, with a forward-minded MF to come on in the second half ... but we have what we have on the pitch.

[Witton Warrior]

Is it me or is there a general lack of interest in the game?
Spent the night out with  Sunderland supporting mate and we couldn't even raise the banter above "we're more shit than you" and "our manager will be sacked before yours"

Heskey - ?

[Chris Smith]

Surely with Herd and Petrov in midfield he could afford to start with Ireland? I just can't understand this obsession with Heskey - when he came on last week he ambled around and did the square root of fuck all.

I suspect 4 conceded from corners in the last 2 games had an influence on his thinking.

[supertom]

Piss poor. To be perfectly honest, some of the teams we've put out this season have been arguably the worst since Taylors 2nd era. Hell it's that bad, we could probably do with Kinsella and Leonhardsen in the middle of the park right now. What's more, I'd have Useless De La Crap over Hutton too.

Though Sunderland aren't very good, I just can't see us winning this. It would be an ugly 1-0 win with Gabby or Bent nicking it, but I don't think we're resolute enough to keep a clean sheet. Dunne and Given can't do it all single handed.