Aston Villa v Stoke City Pre-Match Thread

[Legion]

It wasn't sarcasm. You'll probably find all ticket offices open.

[barrysleftfoot]

 I'd probably start with Heskey against Stoke, and N'Zog instead of Bannan if fit.Apart from that , probably the same starting line up.We have'nt really got anyone to play on the left.Maybe Albrighton, but Stoke probably is'nt the team to play him against.

 Their LB is very poor though, so maybe put N'zog there, and GG on the right.

[The Man With A Stick]

After last season's encounter, I shall be avoiding this one like the plague.

Narrow 1-0 home win, I reckon.

[Rip Van We Go Again]

I've just gone a bit peculiar and stuck a few quid on 1-0 to us.

Also had a punt on Warnock or Lichaj to score first.

[Des Little]

Another draw nearer safety.  0-0.

[Clampy]

Stoke struggled against Kightly on the flank at times yesterday so that's something we could look at.

[Rigadon]

If I were a neutral, this would be a fixture so uninspiring I'd run a mile.  Voted draw but hopeful of a win.  Much will depend on how we defend corners,  if Collins & Baker can stand firm we shouldn't have a problem but if we do our usual chaotic marking routine we'll need a couple of goals to get something. 

[darren woolley]

1-1 Ireland scoring for us.

[PaulTheVillan]

1-0 win.

Header from a Lichaj throw and Pulis to moan about it

[CT]

After last season's encounter, I shall be avoiding this one like the plague.

Yes - time wasting just a few minutes into the second half. Stoke were truly horrific that day and I see no great change from them - That's why I reckon a draw on Monday.

[Andy_Lochhead_in_the_air]

Not sure this will be one for the connoiseurs.

If Eric Lichaj can OutDelap Rory Delap, we may just have a chance.

[Vanilla]

A thorn in our side, who have sadly started playing more open football whereas we have taken their defensive mantle.

Feel that the pressure will be off a little after the 'pool result and other results going our way, so would pluck for 2-1 (we can't keep a clean sheet). Whatever the score is though, it won't be pretty.

[villanic]

I reckon it'll be a 1-1 draw. Gabby to get our goal.

Rubbish kick off time seems it's not on the
Box.

I ain't looking forward to this one can see it being a dog of a game.

[bilsim]

Is this one on TV?

[Legion]

I don't think so.