Arsenal v Aston Villa F.A. Cup 4th Round Pre-Match Thread

[Mazrim]

Who said anything about surrendering midfield? I think Keane and Ireland link midfield and Keane is more of a forward than Ireland so links Bent and Ireland for instance. Playing the 3 is an option with 3 midfielders behind them (Petrov, Clark and Gardner, for instance.
I'm not saying that's what I'd do but its an option, with N'Zogbia, Gabby and Albrighton ready to change it.

[eamonn]

Isn't Charlie injured for the foreseeable future? I thought I read something about him having to see a specialist on a heel injury.

[brontebilly]

Keane isn't an option up front by himself or on the right. He most certainly is not that type of player. Big decision but it should be Keane ahead of Ireland. Albrighton just about did enough to hold onto the left wing space I reckon. Can't see McLeish dropping Gabby but I'd go for Nzogbia if fit or Gardner on the right.

Anyway to have the likes of Gabby and Ireland on the bench finally gives us decent options

[pooligan]

1-1 Villa will take the lead and then sit back and the arse will draw level  and we will settle for the replay.

[CJ]

Isn't Charlie injured for the foreseeable future? I thought I read something about him having to see a specialist on a heel injury.

Yeah - heel injury with no return date according to Physioroom

[WALTERS WARRIORS]

Good sign that we have a dilema with a couple of players. But for me Keane has got to be in the starting eleven. Keane has set the benchmark after the Wolves game and now Ireland and Nzogbia have got  to reach the levels he has set .......

Ireland has beeen our best player recently, he has legs, keane does not, if you play Keane it has to be for Bent, if we give Arsenal the space we gave wolves we will be down by 3 by half time

I don't see how you can play Keane as the lone front man. I too would put him on the bench, ready to come on for the last half hour and start Wednesday. I'd play the same side as against Chelsea, but with Bent for CNZ and Gabby wide.

`

Did not say play Keane up front on his own. I said he has to be in the starting eleven. Keane scored both goals in the second half so i dont see how you can say he has not "got the legs". Ireland has come off with cramp recently and after this period out will be less fit. Nzogbia is not in contention. Bent plays on the centre halfs shoulder and Keane plays deep so that gives us a good balanced attack force. With Gardner, Petrov and Clark behind Bent, Keane and Albrighton/Gabby. There defence can be exploited ........

[jeowje]

Can't help but be quietly confident- no massive pressure on us, Arsenal in stuttering form, us looking almost good away from home at times, and that knack we have of getting results at the emirates... and of course it's our year.

Can't remember playing Arsenal in the FA Cup in my time as a Villa fan (since about 1986).

[Lizz]

Some part on Fighting Talk on R5 fears for Villa tomorrow, he thinks Arsenal are due to thrash someone.

[Lizz]

Meant to say prat not part.

[Pete3206]

See ITV will be doing the 5th round draw before the match. Is there nothing they won't fuck up?

[VillaAlways]

Aston Villa FC-Official Facebook page has just posted

Click'Like if you think the Villa will win today

Lol

They've very quickly removed After a hundred odd people liked it

[robbo1874]

Anyone watching in Brisbane? - Couldn't be a worse kickoff time than Monday 02.00, when you're in work that day. Don't have setanta, so not sure where its being shown?

All that aside, I still reckon it will be a legendary away win - not been this excited about a match all season

Come on you Lions!

[Matt Collins]

I don't understand why so many people think Keane can play in a front 3. Isn't the fact he was forced to play wide at Liverpool one of the main reasons he failed there?

[ez]

I think a draw is the best we can hope for. We'll score but we'll concede too. 2-2

[preston28]

I'm going for a 2-1 win for the Villa.  If we get that result only Chelsea, Spuds and Liverpool left of the top 6 six in the PL so it would be a good chance of winning the FA cup!!