West Ham v Aston Villa Match Thread

[bertlambshank]

I agree how long before Delph gets injured?

Fixed

Very good.

[gervilla]

I agree how long before Delph gets injured?

Fixed

12th minute

[PaulMcGrathsNo5Shirt]

----------------Given---------------
Lowton--Vlaar--Clark--Baker--
---------El Ahmadi--Delph--------
---N'Zogbia--Ireland--Holman--
-----------------Bent----------------

I like that line up, I can see the sense of Baker at LB as well as Saladice like to exploit the back post. If we keep it tight for the first 20 minutes and give their crowd nothing to shout about and manage to dominate possession I think their crowd will turn and we'll hopefully go on to win.

Come on the Villa Boys!

[N'Zimidy]

Very good line-up. Baker at LB is a good choice for this game but we really do need a new LB in for the rest of the season.

[AvFc4eVeR]

Come on Villa lets get off to a winning start!

[CJ]

Pretty inexperienced back four to face Allardyce's style of football, and a clear message from PL to Hutton and Warnock. Like the look of two in front of the defence then Holman,Ireland and CNZ to feed Bent. Can't remember what it was like to go away and look as though we want to attack and win the game rather than setting up not to lose (and failing)! I feel better already!

[OCD]

Surprised to see Baker at left back - Lichaj would have been a safer bet unless he's concerned about their set-pieces. Baker has impressed me when he's played centre back but never when he's played left back.

[garyshawsknee]

I like the look of the team,bench does show how stretched we are at the minute.

Get an early goal,let the West Ham fans turn on them,and we get a comfortable win. UTV.

[TheEgo]

0-0 for me. Oh shit it's a new season isn't it?! No ginger one. 2-1 villa. Bent and Holman to score. Excited just a little bit. COME ON!

[Pete3206]

Come on lads, wipe that smug grin off Tumnus' face today.

[ozzjim]

I think Baker has got the nod on set piece ability alone knowing Allardyce.

[OCD]

I think Baker has got the nod on set piece ability alone knowing Allardyce.

Even then I've seen Baker lose his man a couple of times - notably Cahill when he was at Bolton.

[TheEgo]

Watching it through a 42'' with a beer.Life is great Come on Villa.

You watching on villastreams? I have mine running through my iPad and sent through to tv via apple tv, awesome!

[Mister E]

Surprised to see Baker at left back - Lichaj would have been a safer bet unless he's concerned about their set-pieces. Baker has impressed me when he's played centre back but never when he's played left back.

Lichaj has also played CB and is strong in the air so PL obviously doesn't fancy him playing on the left.

I think the team is strong although how much N'Zog is up for it remains to be seen. I'm glad to see Delph back but fear for his disciplinary record. Who's the ref?

[OCD]

I wonder whether Lambert wants the option of going to a 3-5-2 with Delph moving to left wing back.