Southampton v Aston Villa Pre-Match Thread

[Nastylee]

I'd stick with Bent. People are quick to write him off but he's four games into a season after a lenghty lay off with injury. Add to that the fact that he's contributed quite well in the last two games. Yes, he needs a goal but he's not going to get one sat on the bench. I'd be more inclinded to stick with him since he'll come good.

As for Ireland, he was bloody good against Newcastle and although things didn't come off against Swansea we won the game. People want to write players off too quickly. I'd probably be looking at bringin Benteke in for AW, but that's about it.

[VILLA MOLE]

Lawro is a spaz.

What's worse is that he's made a living at it ...

Oh, and I wish he'd make up the mind on the colour of his grey hair !

Hansen is on 500k a year so I imagine Lawro , tosser is on similar unbelievable

[maidstonevillain]

Looking forward to going to this tomorrow even though I'm in the home end. I think we'll do well.

May see you Paul though I am in the away end...

Well if you see someone getting a kicking it's probably me! I shall attempt to be discreet though.

You might be next to me. Sorry I wont be able to help. I've been instructed to keep a low profile.

[damon loves JT]

If you see him getting a shoeing, better join in to be on the safe side.

[mr woo]

Southampton got a battering from Arsenal last week and are bottom of the table without a point but, as with Stoke, you have to remember who they have played this season, and Saints have already faced both Manchester clubs this season.
The difference between the two clubs is that Stoke chairman Peter Coates has been around football for a long time and he knows that, win or lose, you don't get carried away. I am not sure you can say the same thing about Nicola Cortese, his counterpart at St Mary's.

Adkins led Saints to back-to-back promotions
Saints boss Nigel Adkins is a good manager and has not suddenly become a bad one but he seems to be under pressure and he really needs a win.
To get one on Saturday would be a massive result for Adkins and would stop the murmurings about his future.
We are hearing rumours about Rafa Benitez and Harry Redknapp being lined up to take over and the papers will not stop talking about Adkins being on his way out while Saints are struggling.
I have a feeling they might get a positive result against Villa, though. Paul Lambert has a lot of young players in his team and that means they will be up and down.
Lambert has had a difficult start as Villa boss but I think his side's fans know he has inherited a bit of a mess and he will not get any problems from them.
For Villa, going forward, the partnership up front between Darren Bent and Christian Benteke holds the key. It looks promising and if they hit it off then it will buy the young players in their team some time. That's what Villa need.

Prediction 2-1

So to sum up.....

"Southampton are poor and without a win and Villa are improving with a very promising forward line" equals the prediction 2-1 to Southampton.

And the prick gets paid to write this shit?

Well I hope the bookies take his word for it cuz I'm on a Villa win. Prob by one goal. 3-2 at a push.

[danlanza]

It's 3-1 to Villa.
End ov. Bent, Bentake 2.

[danlanza]

Everymember of this site have a great day in Southampton Tomorrow, you lucky feckers.

    UTV, Cannock Villa, Kiddy Villa, Stourbridge Villa and all who make the trip.
                                                      UTV

[brontebilly]

I'm looking forward to Lambert's team selection. Persisting with Lichaj at left back has a touch of the MON's about it so would like to see Bennett get a start and either Lichaj or Lowton for right back. Other than that Banna deserves to stay in the side and Ireland is a better player away from home and will be kept in the side too. Benteke for Weimann will be the only change I reckon.

[andyh]

Not sure about that one mate. Lichaj has been excellent so there is no reason to bring Bennett in yet. And, to consider dropping Lowton to move Lichaj to accommodate Bennett is bordering on craziness.     ;-)

[Phil from the upper holte]

I think it'll be tough, they may have lost every game but they were unlucky against man ure and city, let's hope their hammering at Arsenal doesn't fire them up. Having said that I think we'll win

[maidstonevillain]

I think it will depend on how much the [players are committed to the manager. They are plpaying for his job today.

[stubbsyandy]

I would go same side..can't see any reason to change. Andi did well so can't see why we would drop him, and Benteke can come off the bench for either him or Darren Bent and keeping knocking on the door with a final third goal.
UTV

[Matt Collins]

I do think Saints will be really fired up for this. In both our away games so far, we've got out of the blocks well and kept the ball nicely. Dping so again will be important

Benteke for Weimann the only change for me. Though expect to see Gabby and Westwood at some point

[Clampy]

I'd keep the same side. Weimann would have had two last week had it not been for some decent goalkeeping.

[PaulWinch again]

Looking forward to going to this tomorrow even though I'm in the home end. I think we'll do well.

May see you Paul though I am in the away end...

Well if you see someone getting a kicking it's probably me! I shall attempt to be discreet though.

You might be next to me. Sorry I wont be able to help. I've been instructed to keep a low profile.

Ha ha yes I'm choosing to keep a low profile, I'm with another Villa fan.