Bristol Rovers v Aston Villa (F.A. Cup 3rd round): Pre-Match Thread

[Bottom Right 89]

Have just read that the man in charge will be Howard Webb.

Oh well there's always next year

[ez]

We'll be full strength i reckon. McLeish wouldn't dare lose this one. The fa cup is his chance of salvation. The longer he's in it the more time he buys himself. 2-0 us.

[gervilla]

I think we'll squeeze through this one, just about.
We'll be 2 up and concede with 5 minutes to go and manage to survive despite a late onslaught.
Gabby & N'Zogbia for us.
Collins O.G. for them.

[Villanation]

Villa 4-0, Bent 2, Gabby 1 and me 1, I'm taking me boots.

[Matt C]

Is this on ITV or ESPN?

[garyshawsknee]

ESPN.

[UK Redsox]

ESPN.

Yep............ Bristol, England meets Bristol, Connecticut

[UK Redsox]

Pitch news from Rovers..............

http://www.bristolrovers.co.uk/page/LatestNews/0,,10328~2568057,00.html

In the lead up to tomorrow's third round FA Cup clash against Aston Villa staff at the Memorial Stadium have been working hard to protect the pitch from the elements.

On Monday the MacLeod Cover System was put in place to help keep the pitch covered during the heavy rain.

Bristol has also been buffetted by strong winds, but the covers were able to be inflated for periods to help the ground dry out.

A team from Sports & Stadia Services arrived at the Memorial Stadium on Monday to put the cover in place and it will be taken down this afternoon.

The Memorial Ground....... sorry, Stadium pitch has some bare patches so it'll be classic FA Cup conditions

[UK Redsox]

Rovers v Villa thro' history (from Rovers' website)

Part 1 - http://www.bristolrovers.co.uk/page/LatestNews/0,,10328~2565896,00.html

Part 2 - http://www.bristolrovers.co.uk/page/LatestNews/0,,10328~2566252,00.html

Part 3 - http://www.bristolrovers.co.uk/page/LatestNews/0,,10328~2567327,00.html

Part 4 - http://www.bristolrovers.co.uk/page/LatestNews/0,,10328~2568082,00.html


Also, there'll be a minutes silence prior to the game due to the passing of former Rovers Chairman, Denis Dunford.

He was at the helm during the period when I was going to a dozen or so Rovers games each season.

[Newquay_AVFC]

Erm, we gotta win really. 6-1 Villa. A goal down early on followed by goals from Gabby, Ireland, Bent x 2, Bannan and Petrov.

[TonyD]

Going to this one and on the lash all day..

Come on you Lions...........................

[Hoppo]

Where do you recommend for a tot?

[UK Redsox]

Where do you recommend for a tot?

Depends on how you're getting there.

Also, I've never had to go looking for an "away" pub at Rovers, so I'm not sure which pubs welcome visiting fans.


From Rovers' OS

PUBS
 
There are many, many pubs along Gloucester Road and its surrounding areas that declare themselves as "football friendly zones" on Saturday afternoons and weekday evenings. The Wellington is always very busy and often sees crowds of supporters standing outside drinking when the weather isn't too bad. Other pubs include The Anchor, The Foresters and The Ashley Arms. As an area of the city that is popular with students, there is no shortage of pubs in all directions.

[dave.woodhall]

From WMP:  if by train Weatherspoons @ waterfront or if by car the Annexe (sportsman pub) both welcome away fans on match days.

[Rick_avfc]

Looks like Clark may be rested for this game according to Mat Kendrick.  Delph and Heskey are in contention to make the squad :-(