Aston Villa v Reading Pre-Match Thread

[ajmant]

Reading tend to score as of late, so I think we will have to score at least 2 to win, which worries me. My heart says 2-1 Villa, my head says 1-1.

[PaulTheVillan]

I read somewhere that the  Reading player credited with creating the most chances for them this season was a certain Nicky Shorey...

surely some mistake?

Going forward I thought Shorey was Ok. Always looked for a pass.

[N'ZMAV]

Shorey would have been Ok as a wing back. In a 3-5-2 style system. Like Wigan use.

[Oscar Arce]

As we get closer to this game the more worried I'm getting, especially as all the noise is coming from Villa and the media that we're going to win it.
Losing is unthinkable...my heart says we'll win but I have a feeling it may be another draw, no good for us.

[Matt Collins]

Agree totally Karl, making sweeping changes won't help. I would go Baker and Holman in for Vlaar and KEA and bring Bent onto the bench. Last half hour if a goal down the option to go long to Benteke and have Bent in the box might just scare a mistake or two.

Last season we played brilliantly at Stamford bridge, before making one change and being played off the park by Swansea. Swansea had made 9 change or so and were just much fresher. Granted this is two day's rest, but I wonder whether the likes of weimann and bannan are up to another 90 minutes at the sort of intensity I think we nee to play at. Plus it will be a very different sort of game

[Matt Collins]

If Vlaar is out, I worry about set pieces. That's where reading are most dangerous. We'd only really have Clark and Benteke who are tall. I only baker or Clark were right footed! Perhaps baker might get the nod at left back

[Eugene Fraxby]

Jesus, what a massive game. Already.

I'll be really concerned if Vlaar isn't fit- Roberts has looked a real handful this season and could give Clark + AN Other real problems.

Yikes

[Brend'Watkins]

From what I've seen of Robberts this season I think he looks a lot slower and less ineffective than in previous years when he wasn't even that effective.

We are in serious trouble if we are concerned with what he might do.

[dave.woodhall]

It's a long time since I've said this but, touching wood with crossed fingers while not wishing to tempt fate, evens for Villa to win is ridiculously good value.

[PaulWinch again]

We really really need to win tonight, and ideally win well.

[Phil from the upper holte]

if there was a must win this season THIS is it!

Villa 5-0

[Eugene Fraxby]

From what I've seen of Robberts this season I think he looks a lot slower and less ineffective than in previous years when he wasn't even that effective.

We are in serious trouble if we are concerned with what he might do.

He's big, strong and experienced. All the things our centre-backs (bar Vlaar) aren't. But you're right in that he's not a player we should be worried about.

Just had a quick peak at a Reading board though. They aren't confident at all:

http://hobnob.royals.org/forum/viewtopic.php?f=1&t=116269

[Andy_Lochhead_in_the_air]

It's a long time since I've said this but, touching wood with crossed fingers while not wishing to tempt fate, evens for Villa to win is ridiculously good value.

Two wins in our last nineteen home league games. Evens doesn't sound good value to me.
I think we will win, but I don't think I would be putting money on it at those odds with our form guide.

[JUAN PABLO]

Lamberts full of surprises . Wouldnt be surprised to see Darren Bent back in with Ireland and Baker.

Guzan
Lowton
Stevens
Baker/ Vlaar
Clark
Holman
Westwood
Ireland
Bannan
Benteke
Bent

We need goals!!!

I like that team Ron

[Matt Collins]

Two left footed centre backs? Can't see it personally. Otherwise am attracted to that side