Aston Villa v Stoke City Pre-Match Thread

[manic-road]

No doubt this will be a pig of a game to watch, but hopefuly Stoke have switched off now they are safe.

[Tom wintle]

Carlos and CNZ could be back but albrighton defiantly out.

[cheltenhamlion]

Freezing cold, shit kick off time and likely a dull draw.

I have spent two days in bed coughing, sneezing and intermittently going from being as cold as the wife at the idea of sex and boiling like a kettle.

Not the most inspiring to drag you off your sick bed I have to admit.

[Rip Van We Go Again]

From the desk of the camp one.

What a result for Aston Villa at Liverpool on Saturday but all that hard work will go to waste unless they secure three points against a Stoke side that has not won away from home for almost four months.

I was particularly impressed with the performances of James Collins and Shay Given at Anfield and that point will have given the dressing room a huge lift.

Villa's next game after this is Manchester United away - and they won't get anything from that.

That's why it is so important they overcome a Stoke side that huffed and puffed their way to victory over a doomed Wolves team on Saturday.

Villa's key to success in this fixture is overcoming the physical threat of their opponents - something I fully expect them to do.

Prediction: 2-1

[ozzjim]

3-0 Villa. For the first time this season pretty much, I am confident in us doing the job, Stoke have fitness issues with some of their players carrying knocks etc, and just think today is going to be our day.

Weimann, Gardner, NZogbia getting the goals, fitness permitting.

[pauliewalnuts]

against a Stoke side that has not won away from home for almost four months.

That's the sort of thng that scares me to death this season.

[Shrek]

-------------Given

Lichaj-Cuellar-Collins-Warnock

Carruthers-Herd-Ireland-N'Zogbia

---------Gabby

------------Weimann

This is what I would like, 4 changes which will keep us fresh. Injuries permitted, but if they are fit for the bench, they are fit to play in my opinion.

[Tom Sawyer]

We do seem to be the catalyst for rejuvenating dormant opposition this season. Arsenal haven't stopped winning since the cup game, Torres did against us what he couldn't do for six months. I'm only surprised Carroll didn't get a brace on Saturday. I'm still expecting a win today though.

[Tom Sawyer]

-------------Given

Lichaj-Cuellar-Collins-Warnock

Carruthers-Herd-Ireland-N'Zogbia

---------Gabby

------------Weimann

This is what I would like, 4 changes which will keep us fresh. Injuries permitted, but if they are fit for the bench, they are fit to play in my opinion.

That, under the circumstances, is a dream team. I'm really excited about Carruthers.

[TonyD]

A stirring score draw win

[Jimbo]

Tedious draw. Much-needed point.

[VillaSpen]

Everything about this game is telling me it will be absolutely horrendous to sit through. Two goals would win it for either side but I can't see us getting them. A vile 1-1 draw to "guarantee" us safety before getting our trousers taken down at Old Trafford.

[philthebar]

Just can't see our defence holding out against Stoke's type of attack.  Stoke to win by the odd goal.

[Archie]

Does anyone of you guys know what's happened to Super Mark? He had a great impact with Chelsea, serving a beautiful assist for Lichaj, then he disappeared and wasn't even in the bench at Anfield.

[Legion]

Injured. Did not travel with the squad to Liverpool.