Sunderland v Aston Villa Pre-Match Thread

[curiousorange]

I might send a Christmas card to John Cross.

[eamonn]

Audio link or it never happened. Please.

[Witton Warrior]

I might send a Christmas card to John Cross.

Put a fiver in the card...

[Mortimer's Bear]

0-2

Benteke, Vlaar

[danlanza]

Will Holman, Delph and Albrighton walk back into the team after last night or will he stick with Bannan, Ireland and Weimann I wonder.  I'd consider Holman for Weimann but otherwise stay as is.  Dont think Bent is likely to get in with the other pair both scoring last night.  Bennett for Lichaj i imagine at the back and Guzan back in.  Think we will lose 4 nil.

Sunderland to score 4 goals in one game ? Now i enjoy a drink, but i think you may have a problem pedro25.

[Matt Collins]

Injury news on herd an Clark is fairly crucial for this one. Without both and I can't see us keeping a clean sheet at all, and we have struggled for goals.

Ideally would go 4231 with the normal back 4; herd and delph; and Holman Ireland gabby behind benteke

But there's a case for a diamond again if we really don't have a ball winner - strength in numbers. In which case holman delph bannan - Ireland.

Either way it looks pretty mediocre!

[silhillvilla]

0-0 and graveyard slot on MOTD

[Ron Manager]

Wouldnt be at all surprised to see Benteke dropped to the bench the way Lambert works. Could be Bent and Weimann with Barry Bannan and Ireland supplying them.

[eastie]

Wouldnt be at all surprised to see Benteke dropped to the bench the way Lambert works. Could be Bent and Weimann with Barry Bannan and Ireland supplying them.

Really can't see that happening.

[Steve R]

With O'Neill's preference for playing down the wing I'd have thought 5-4-1/4-3-3 would be the way to go, especially if as is likely, Bennett plays.

Pretty much standard practice against an O'Neill sides. Clog the flanks up and watch him go purple as his beloved striker of choice looks on in splendid isolation.

A central midfield three that included either Ireland or Bannan ought to have a good time in the vacuum that O'Neill's tactics leave in the middle of the park.

[David_Nab]

I'd play Bent and Benteke and put Gabby wide.

[PaulTheVillan]

With O'Neill's preference for playing down the wing I'd have thought 5-4-1/4-3-3 would be the way to go, especially if as is likely, Bennett plays.

Pretty much standard practice against an O'Neill sides. Clog the flanks up and watch him go purple as his beloved striker of choice looks on in splendid isolation.

A central midfield three that included either Ireland or Bannan ought to have a good time in the vacuum that O'Neill's tactics leave in the middle of the park.

This.

[Davey B]

With O'Neill's preference for playing down the wing I'd have thought 5-4-1/4-3-3 would be the way to go, especially if as is likely, Bennett plays.

Pretty much standard practice against an O'Neill sides. Clog the flanks up and watch him go purple as his beloved striker of choice looks on in splendid isolation.

A central midfield three that included either Ireland or Bannan ought to have a good time in the vacuum that O'Neill's tactics leave in the middle of the park.

That is just about spot on from what i see. Our Midfield is like a gorganzola cheese at times!

[eastie]

With O'Neill's preference for playing down the wing I'd have thought 5-4-1/4-3-3 would be the way to go, especially if as is likely, Bennett plays.

Pretty much standard practice against an O'Neill sides. Clog the flanks up and watch him go purple as his beloved striker of choice looks on in splendid isolation.

A central midfield three that included either Ireland or Bannan ought to have a good time in the vacuum that O'Neill's tactics leave in the middle of the park.

That is just about spot on from what i see. Our Midfield is like a gorganzola cheese at times!

You will see one day davey - the emperor wears no clothes.

His reputation does not match his results and it will end in tears my old friend.

[N'ZMAV]

We'll win this. I know it.