Given or Guzan?

[eastie]

When we got to the final the other year, Guzan had played all the cup games but Friedel was preferred in the final. If we continue with Given, Guzan misses out again and if we went with Guzan, it would be harsh on Given. Either way someone misses out so you have to just go with whomever would give us the best chance of winning - which for me would be Guzan.

It's a tricky one , but a nice problem to have.

[PeterWithesShin]

Given made a couple of cracking saves at 1-1 against Norwich so harsh to drop him, at the same time i'm more confident with Guzan in goal. So as eastie says, tricky but a nice problem to have.

[exiled on the wirral!]

Given is a pretty good all rounder. Brad's better at shot stopping and penalties, he lacks commanding the defense, struggles to dominate the box and flaps at corners. It's Shay for me, but only just, if Dunne wasn't starting they'd both be better off...

I used to think that about Guzan, but his commanding of the box has vastly improved this season, and takes a lot more responsibility in organising the defence. I always thought he was a good prospect, but he used to frighten the life out of me when he used to come for crosses. He has obviously worked hard on that aspect of the game, and for me, he is our no 1, and should start at wembley, if we get there.

[eastie]

Given made a couple of cracking saves at 1-1 against Norwich so harsh to drop him, at the same time i'm more confident with Guzan in goal. So as eastie says, tricky but a nice problem to have.

Agreed , he made 2 superb saves but he looked really edgy  in the 1st half and Guzan is now much more commanding on crosses and I think the defence look more at ease - I guess I'd be tempted to stick with shay as it would probably be his last big swansong, Guzan has the no1 spot so I'm sure he wouldn't be too upset if he misses out .

[Gerrin]

I honestly think MON would've given Guzan the final if he hadn't had such a nightmare game against Blackburn, certainly his worst hour in a Villa shirt.

[LeeB]

Given made a couple of cracking saves at 1-1 against Norwich so harsh to drop him, at the same time i'm more confident with Guzan in goal. So as eastie says, tricky but a nice problem to have.

Agreed , he made 2 superb saves but he looked really edgy  in the 1st half and Guzan is now much more commanding on crosses and I think the defence look more at ease - I guess I'd be tempted to stick with shay as it would probably be his last big swansong, Guzan has the no1 spot so I'm sure he wouldn't be too upset if he misses out .

Given had me shitting bricks at Norwich, I was convinced he was going to cost us the tie. The two saves were good, but I'd expect any top flight keeper to have saved them.

[Andy_Lochhead_in_the_air]

If we make the final, you go with the keeper who gives you the best chance regardless of it being tough luck on anybody.
If the final was the next game, then for me it would be Guzan. But maybe that will change between now and the final (if we get to it). It is up to Given to be ready at any moment to step in and seize his chance if and when Guzan is injured or has a dip in form. 

[Percy McCarthy]

Guzan for the semi-final too please Paul.

[Lobsterboy]

Given should play in the semi finals and once we have safely negotiated them then we can start to worry about who plays in the final

If Lambert sticks with Shay v Bradford then it's up to him to prove his worth over the two games to be in the mix for a spot in the final

[LeeB]

Guzan for the semi-final too please Paul.

Another one here please.

[SoccerHQ]

Interesting one this.

Given is the cup keeper at the minute and you'd imagine he'd be o.k against Bradford. Not sure on the final.

Maybe start Given and bring Guzan on if it goes to penalties as I'd back him to save more penalties than Shay would.

[Risso]

A Guzan from the top please Carol. 

[frank]

Guzan for both semis and the final

[Percy McCarthy]

The last thing we need in a potential banana-skin game like this is a dodgy keeper.

I'd say the most important quality for a 'keeper in a game like this is an ability to impart calm on the defence. Given doesn't do that.

I haven't seen much of Bradford, but I'd guess that, like most wannabe-giant-killers, they'll hope to get lucky off hopeful crosses and long balls that put the goalie under pressure. And if Given plays they probably will.

[Dave]

One keeper will end up feeling disappointed just as they did two years ago. I think then it was just about warranted that we changed to Brad the elder then and I think that it's even more warranted that we change this time.

Friedel wasn't the future of our goalkeeping then like Guzan is now. And Guzan was a better reserve keeper then than Given is now.

I wouldn't be devastated if Given plays (assuming we get through), but it's Guzan's turn now.