Aston Villa v West Bromwich Albion Pre-Match thread

[rjp]

Here's Nursey's take on it, 2-1 to us and Villa to finish higher in the league this season.  I'd go along with that.

Daily Mirror

[hilts_coolerking]

Predicting how we'll go is a dangerous business these days.  So let's say a five goal thriller.

Us
Benteke - '40
Bent  - '49
Roots - 90+4

Them
Assorted Herbert #1 - '5
Assorted Herbert #2 - '76

[preston28]

I going conservative here and plumping for a 2-2 draw.............................

[steamer]

At the risk of upsetting the politicaly correct, and for this I apologise in advance.
We need an atmosphere of note, they may not concern us as much as the Heathan,s from Small Heath but we have had our moments.

In the 70,s many great games, 77/78 home 3.0 I think this was the game Alex (jaws) Cropley had his leg broken 41,000 at the game a significant number at Witton station after the game wishing them Bon Voyage and enjoy the trip back to new street.
At the end of the season we beat them 3-0 at their dump in front of 35,000 which had to be a record crowd for them
In season 74/75, March at home. I apologise again for being a 18 year old naughty steamer that did not know better,
About a thousand Villa fans set out their stall in (the open air) Witton end to greet our Black country cousins,  after normal greetings had been exchanged West Midlands Finest decided that we should walk off around the pitch back into the Holte End.
The game was about 5 mins on,47,000 in Villa Park The Holte (bad guys) Roared,burn Albion,burn,never come up the Holte end.
That game had to be one of the top 10 atmosphere,s I have ever seen at Villa Park.
Call to arms on Sunday, roar on the Villa, burn Albion,burn.

I shall be watching and cheering.

UP the Villa

[dave.woodhall]

The great thing about Villa now is that never mind not knowing what team he'll put out - there are only two or three players at most you know will start.

[WALTERS WARRIORS]

Bent is in a position he never expected. Lambert will be watching his reaction in training. Every player is fighting for a starting place and they all know that they have to give 100% to be considered. This is a game where Holman will be crucial with his work rate and passion. Benteke is the awkward player you need in a derby and brings in other players like Gabby and Bent. Vlaar and Benteke up for corners on a WBA weakened defence should provide goals. 3-1 with a confident, battling performance .................

[Nev]

The great thing about Villa now is that never mind not knowing what team he'll put out - there are only two or three players at most you know will start.

Such a refreshing change from the crushing inevitability of last season. I think we could win 4-0, equally we could loose by the same score, although I don't want such a situation to persist for too long the reason we watch sport it for it's ability to surprise and delight and I just hope it's delight we feel come 6pm on Sunday.

[pooligan]

Hopefully they will not have that twat Phil Dowd to help them this season,so i think we will beat them 2-1 in hard and close fought game.

[Simon Ward]

2-1 is the most common scoreline in recent matches between us and them!

[PaulTheVillan]

2-2

Guzan
Lowton Vlaar Clark Bennett
Holman KEA Delph NZogbia
Gabby Bent

[McGraths Dry Cleaning]

I'm feeling that we'll be well up for this.

Just in case I'd better have a few pre match shandies - is the Edward VII still open?

[Pete3206]

I'd go:

Guzan
Lowton Vlaar Clark Lihaj
Albrighton KEA Herd Holman
Bent Gabby

[Pete3206]

Just in case I'd better have a few pre match shandies - is the Edward VII still open?

Yes

[damon loves JT]

I'm looking forward to the game. I haven't looked forward to a derby game in years and years.

[manic-road]

2-0

Bent and Benteke