Aston Villa v Manchester City Pre-Match Thread

[Rudy Can't Fail]

Clever words from McLeish. Gardner is one of the few players that come along every few years that despite his young age and lack of experience can start making an impression in the Premier League. Good luck to the lad, he really can be as great as he wants to be.

[Compass]

2-1 win (please)

[VancouverLion]

1-1  Bent 56, Dzeko 11

Spirited fight back from the lads and a cracking atmosphere, please!!
Just want to watch a home game and not be totally pissed off & miserable after at 9am (games are on tv early here)!

Up the mighty Villa!

[Dave Clark Five]

Yes PaulWinch, interesting he's now being discussed in these terms - should see more of him from now on I'd imagine.  For those who can't be arsed to look AM says this (bit odd about 'the looks' bit)   :

Now McLeish wants Gardner to transfer that authority into first team training on a more regular basis.

He said: "Gary is a massive fan favourite - and he's also a manager's dream.

"We're all looking for Gary to make the grade here. The signs are very good.

"He's maturing very well and as a person, he's a terrific guy to have around. He is so respectful and he respects the club he plays for too. He will go through brick walls for the club.

"He has everything. He has the looks, the ability, the stature, the physique.

"It's up to the big fella to take the reins from here.

"He is unfazed and I like that. I have told him to come into training and not be a passenger.

"I said 'don't take the easy way out, try things'. I have told him to get the tackles in and not be frightened of putting the boot in to one of the senior lads.

"I don't mean that in a nasty way. I have told him to put himself about.

"I did that as a youngster and you get a lot of respect from the senior players for doing that.

"We're looking for Gary to be a Villa star now and in the future."

I put that on another thread and got cross-examined. Up the Villa. Good luck McLeish.

[Dave Clark Five]

2-1 win (please)

That would kill off that stupid protest wouldn't it?

[Dave Clark Five]

Villa 1-6 Man City

Eck to walk.

Fucking disgraceful comment.

[Steve R]

...
"I said 'don't take the easy way out, try things'. I have told him to get the tackles in and not be frightened of putting the boot in to one of the senior lads.
...

I could supply a list if it helps.

Let's face it we're going to get royally tanked in this game, just like we were last yea..

[Rigadon]

DaveM5, you've got to read between the lines.  He might, on the surface, be saying how he wants to develop GG into a top player, but what he REALLY means is "SOTV, I'm an incompetent agent of filth here to relegate your shit club you c****".

Dazzy G says it's so. 

[UK Redsox]

Dear Dave,

Please, please, please, please let me sell outside the Trinity Road Gates with Greg for this match.

I will be available for bodyguard duties. However, at the first sign of trouble I'm hiding behind PeterWithesShin.

[PaulTheVillan]

Villa 1-6 Man City

Eck to walk.

Fucking disgraceful comment.

True. He'll never walk.

[Axl Rose]

2-1 to the Villa. Bent and Hutton.haha...yes, Hutton

[villasjf]

Warnock for them?

[pooligan]

1-1 Dunne for them Ireland for us.

[godzvilla]

Lawro says....some complimentary things about us..., can it be true ?!.......Godzvilla !

Aston Villa v Man City (1600 GMT)
I was quite impressed with Villa in their 2-1 defeat by Newcastle last weekend - I thought they should have got something from the game.

Robbie Keane is proving pretty elusive to pick up in that deeper forward role they use him in, behind Darren Bent.

Keane is enjoying his football and I wouldn't be surprised if he is ruing his decision to go back to Los Angeles Galaxy at the end of the month because he has convinced himself and everybody else over the last few weeks that he is good enough to play in the Premier League for another 18 months, especially in that position.

Bent has started scoring again too, but I just fancy Manchester City here. They should be too strong for Villa in every department and, with Yaya and Kolo Toure both back soon from the Africa Cup of Nations, we might just see them kick on now after a difficult few weeks.

Speaking of players returning, I'm still convinced there is a part to play for Carlos Tevez for City between now and the end of the season. He has been registered as a player again, so it's a possibility.

Prediction: 1-2

[Rick_avfc]

0-3 to city im afraid - Silva, Dzeko, Milner