Aston Villa v Wigan Athletic Pre-Match Thread

[eastie]

Am thinking of rashly driving to Brum for the game, God knows why the weather's so bad here but sort of feel like I should be there to support the lads.
Where's the best place to sit in the Holte as I've always been Witton/Trinity? Am looking for a bit of atmosphere for once!

Also looks like you can't get tickets online as it's too late, how much time do I need to give myself to queue up for a ticket? Any news on how many have been sold? Cheers!

Pissin  it down and really windy on the west mids- I like football in this weather , used to love the old muddy pitches where pass backs stuck in the mud and plenty of excitement but the wind will play a part today, we need to keep it on the floor as much as possible.

[Ron Manager]

The weather in the Black Country is dire as I type. But the wind seems to have eased a little. Awful conditions for goalkeepers whatever league they play in.

Our best player Brad Guzan is going to have a difficult afternoon. I hope people appreciate this and give him lots of encouragement.

0-0 or 1-1

[pooligan]

My head tells me we will lose 1-0 ,my heart tells me we will scrape  a hard fought 1-1 with Benteke for us and Maloney for them

[CJ]

Am thinking of rashly driving to Brum for the game, God knows why the weather's so bad here but sort of feel like I should be there to support the lads.
Where's the best place to sit in the Holte as I've always been Witton/Trinity? Am looking for a bit of atmosphere for once!

Also looks like you can't get tickets online as it's too late, how much time do I need to give myself to queue up for a ticket? Any news on how many have been sold? Cheers!

Probably best place for atmosphere in the Holte is L7 or L8 where the Brigada lads hang out. If you ring for a ticket you may still be able to order by phone and collect from the Trinity kiosk to save time queuing at the ticket office.  Weather should be ok by kick off time.

[TelfordVilla]

Time for a return to the optimism prior to the Chelsea game. Sure Chelsk and Spuds were out of our league but Wigan (much as I admire them and their manager) are no way a match for Super Villa. 3-1 to the good guys. Back on track confidence restored bring on the Swans. Happy New Year Villains.   

[brian green]

There will be empty seats in L8 by us but the atmosphere is provocative and there is a real chance of old style O'Leary fan confrontation breaking out.   I for one better keep my big gob under control if I am not to cause offence.

[CJ]

Interesting to hear that, Brian.  I sit near front/centre of the Upper Holte so just hear the chants emanating from down there. Onje_villa may do better to heed your advice rather than mine!

[PaulWinch again]

I think it's crucial the kids don't panic, we are much worse when we start hoofing it up to Benteke. It's a common factor in all of our hammerings when we start hoofing it. When we've played it on the deck we've been much much better.

[brian green]

Totally agree PWa.   We also resort to head hoofing when aimless headers are launched vaguely towards the opposition half.

[russon]

I'm worried. From the word 'Wigan' you can form the words 'win' and 'gain' yet from the name 'Aston Villa' you can make 'avail' and 'lost'. I have therefore deduced that Aston Villa might avail Wigan of a win and we'll have lost while they can claim a gain. You may snigger but on such blusterings do truths emerge.

That said, my mother-in-law claims not to have overdone the sherry in the Boxing Day trifle but I'm having my doubts.

[cheltenhamlion]

Just got to the pub and its chucking it down. Time for some JHB.

[Chipsticks]

Am thinking of rashly driving to Brum for the game, God knows why the weather's so bad here but sort of feel like I should be there to support the lads.
Where's the best place to sit in the Holte as I've always been Witton/Trinity? Am looking for a bit of atmosphere for once!

Also looks like you can't get tickets online as it's too late, how much time do I need to give myself to queue up for a ticket? Any news on how many have been sold? Cheers!

I tend to go in the middle, anywhere from L4-L6, as you get a great view of the entire pitch (if you go high enough) and the atmosphere's still good. I don't think it really matters that much which block you go in as the Holte's been full and loud for pretty much every game.

[eastie]

Wigan will be up for this game but if we go out there with a positive attitude and play our football we can and should win, an early Wigan goal would really be a huge blow though.

[Rip Van We Go Again]

Off to the Bartons at 1 to anaesthetize myself.
My son is excited, i'm not.

[brian green]

Off we go then let's see what the future holds for our club.   Fingers crossed for no closed roads.