Stoke City v Aston Villa Match Thread

[manic-road]

So we're going to settle for heading the ball out of our own box for 90 minutes?

Don't recall saying 90 minutes

[taylorsworkrate]

I'm a villa fan and I'm not excited

Corrie seems like a much more palatable prospect tonight. 

[TonyD]

The decision to bring back the mule is a disgrace. Pure and simple.

[PaulWinch again]

It'd be nice if we tried to impose ourselves like we did against Arsenal and play it around them. Oh well maybe they'll surprise me, come on Villa.

[olaftab]

That's twice on the BBC today this game has been completely belittled.

Not sure why anybody is offended by it. It will be shit.

I read that. It was sarcastic rather that patronising but out of order as the game is likely to be exciting in it's own way!

[avfc_1874]

That line-up looks like we're playing for a draw.

[Chris Smith]

The one thing that didn't work last week was Gabby on his own up front. To leave him isolated against their centre halves would be asking for trouble.

[Legion]

Live stream

Use of above link not condoned or authorised. Too many bloody adverts!

[PaulWinch again]

Michael Gray has just been saying the style we adopt in trying to counter attack is a disservice to our players and if we played on the front foot with the players we have we'd be a lot better off. He's right, because that's essentially what we did against Arsenal.

[Legion]

Ugo also speaks sense.

[Witton Warrior]

Michael Gray has just been saying the style we adopt in trying to counter attack is a disservice to our players and if we played on the front foot with the players we have we'd be a lot better off. He's right, because that's essentially what we did against Arsenal.

Attack! Attack! AttackAttackAttack!!!

[Witton Warrior]

Mr Green says we would struggle if there weren't worse sides than us in the league...

I hate him but he ain't wrong

[SO Villa]

So we're going to settle for heading the ball out of our own box for 90 minutes?

Don't recall saying 90 minutes

Sorry mate, I don't recall you saying anything. It's just my opinion.

[boboonthecorner]

I can't see where bent would go. He isn't top 4 standard and I don't know who else could afford him.

I think this was an ideal opportunity to stick with the same formation as last week, get hold of the ball a bit and play around their straight lines with mobility and good passing. I think gabby can do the hold up play bit. I really find it embarrassing when heskey plays in midfield.

Anyway, enough grumbling, let's hope we can do it.

Exactly, he isn't good enough for the top 4. Spurs sold him when he was in similar form so who's going to sign him? 3-0 Stoke, we won't cope with their set pieces.

[Mister E]

This game should not be the late televised one. They should have selected a game with more entertainment potential and one where the away fans would have had a long journey to attend.

Not surprised the mule is back: he can - apparently - defend corners.