Aston Villa v Fulham Match Thread

[Dante Lavelli]

Albrighton delivers a wicked cross but he's lacking a trick or two at the moment.  However we don't really have anyone to replace him.  Do we?

[Toronto Villa]

Right let's hope Mcleish doesn't have one of his customary half time disaster team talks.

Last week, I think our midfield ran out of gas. I don't think he told then to go and defend. Coupled with a fragile confidence we witnessed the inevitable.

They did, but then after that you hope he will learn the lesson and change things early if need be.

I think we lack that type of player on the bench to relieve Herd or Petrov. We need a full time replacement for Stan that calms the play and runs all day. Bannan isn't that player. Herd has become the player that breaks up plays and we have nobody else like that. I'm convinced McLeish will address that in the summer.

[timeoutbigbar]

Albrighton off, Gabby wide and Weimann on for me.

[PaulMcGrathsNo5Shirt]

With a combination of more luck and composure in the last third we could be 3-0 up, or...almost 0-1 down.

COME ON VILLA!

[PaulWinch again]

Just win Villa please.

[Matt Collins]

10-15 minutes more with this side, then Weimann for Albrighton for me. Ireland's not at his best on the right, but he can drift with Gabby pulling wide and Hutton bombing on. Hutton has been very good today, as have Collins and Petrov.

CNZ looks a threat, but he's frustrating isn't he! Gabby looks short of confidence and the quality we know he can produce. Ireland playing well too. I'm not sure we're getting enough men in the box though

And we're fucking awful at corners!!

[olaftab]

What can I say. Been lucky enough sitting in Witton End that the ball has not been 30 yards away from goal line all half. We just need to be a bit more ruthless  and precise. If Fulham turn up in the second and manage to sneak something it will be an injustice!

[Matt Collins]

Ireland with a 95% pass completion rate . .

[berneboy]

A match thread with less than 3 pages speaks of ennui!

[Steve R]

Just like last week first half. We've moved the ball around quickly and there's only been one team playing

No real goal opportunities though.

We do need a midfield runner to get forward into the box when we have the ball on the flanks. Gary Gardner for Petrov when the  energy levels drop - 10 to 15 minutes in.

[Boz]

Right let's hope Mcleish doesn't have one of his customary half time disaster team talks.

He was clapping as he walked off

That's because Villa are drawing, AM's favourite result   

[Rudy Can't Fail]

Anybody found thesmselves jumping for that Ireland cross?

Come on Villa!

[Dante Lavelli]

After 15 minutes I'd put Gardner on for Petrov and Weimann on for Albrighton.
That'll increase/maintain the energy levels.

I'd also like to see Gabby given a bit of a break as we'll need him to be reasonably fresh for future matches.

[eamonn]

A match thread with less than 3 pages speaks of ennui!

Or Emule thankfully.

[Edvard Remberg]

Commentator just said that "Mcleish let the players shout out at each other at half-time at Blackburn". Yes - brag about that - fucking success...