Aston Villa v Stoke City Pre-Match Thread

[Toronto Villa]

we need to play the game we are trying to improve and not try and compete with them at the long ball. We need to keep the ball and not give away stupid free kicks, corners or throw ins in line with our 18 yd box or deeper. We know what they will come with so with discipline we can beat them.

Put me down for a 2-1 win - Benteke, and Bent with the winner off the bench.

[Dave Cooper please]

8-0 Villa

[Clampy]

1-1. Holman for us, Ryan Shotton's throw in to go straight in for them.

[The Laughing Policeman]

We'll batter 'em 1-0.

[The Left Side]

0-0 written all over it

[Legion]

Ryan Shotton's throw in to go straight in for them.

Wouldn't that be given as a corner?

[Steve R]

It'll be shit.

0-0

it'll be shit

anyscore - anyscore

[Rip Van We Go Again]

1-1 Gabby.

[The Man With A Stick]

Oh god I hope we beat these, even more so than O'Neill's mob the other week.

2-0 Gabby and Benteke

[AndyB6]

Ryan Shotton's throw in to go straight in for them.

Wouldn't that be given as a corner?

It would be a goal kick to the defending team!

[Legion]

Of course.

[SoccerHQ]

Bad feeling we'll lose this 1-2.

They're in form and are the modern day Leicester.

Really need Vlaar fit for this and I think I'd go with him alongside Baker, give Clark a rest as I think he'll struggle a lot in this game with how they play.

Would retain Herd for this as we need some physical presence in central midfield as they'll play three in the centre.

[danlanza]

It'll be really shit. 0-1 , Huth

Have faith mate, we will win 5-3 and every goal will be a blinder

[David_Nab]

Baker should be kept in for his height will need that against their set pieces

[silhillvilla]

Baker should be kept in for his height will need that against their set pieces

Agree. Can we get some platform boots for Bannan .