Aston Villa v Ipswich Town Pre-Match Thread

[Mark H]

This has got to be a win who ever we put out on the pitch

[VillaAlways]

@thegoalzone: Lambert also says his team tomorrow could reflect that they have a huge Cap One Cup semi at Bradford on Tuesday

[PaulWinch again]

That's realistic next week is a huge week for us.

[Rip Van We Go Again]

1-0 to us.
Put your shirt on it.

[Matt Collins]

Thinking back from the two following games, I think he'll rest Benteke and some others. It's going to be hard to rest out centre backs and centre mids tho - not sure who else can play? Maybe carruthers in centre midfield, though the lack of an experienced holding player alongside him means we look pretty weak there and that'd be a risk.

I reckon something like:

Given - lichaj herd Clark Bennett - albrighton Ireland delph nzogbia - Bowery bent / gabby

Looks pretty weak defensively though.

[ADVILLAFAN]

Will be my girlfriend's first Villa game, quite excited really.

Still more excited about Bradford on Tuesday mind you.

2-1 to Villa, with them getting a late goal to scare us.

[eastie]

Seems pretty certain that benteke will be rested tomorrow , interested to get a good look at Bowery.

[pedro25]

Given as Bowery is cup tied for the semis and N'Zog, Gabby and Bent are on the verge of returning to fitness I think tomorrow would be ideal timing to give him his first start, maybe alongside Weimann.  I think Lichaj for Lowton is sensible, given the latter has played nearly  every minute so far this season and I expect Given for Guzan.  I half think Bennett may play ahead of Stevens again as although Holman was rested for Swansea, he could probably do with another rest to save himself for the semis and the league games to come.  Unless Warnock comes in from the cold Delph has to really start, and we'll need him on Tues as well unless Westwood miraculously recovers, but I would save Bannan for Tues and start Ireland tomorrow.  I expect Albrighton will start with Carruthers getting a lengthy second half run out.

[eastie]

Given as Bowery is cup tied for the semis and N'Zog, Gabby and Bent are on the verge of returning to fitness I think tomorrow would be ideal timing to give him his first start, maybe alongside Weimann.  I think Lichaj for Lowton is sensible, given the latter has played nearly  every minute so far this season and I expect Given for Guzan.  I half think Bennett may play ahead of Stevens again as although Holman was rested for Swansea, he could probably do with another rest to save himself for the semis and the league games to come.  Unless Warnock comes in from the cold Delph has to really start, and we'll need him on Tues as well unless Westwood miraculously recovers, but I would save Bannan for Tues and start Ireland tomorrow.  I expect Albrighton will start with Carruthers getting a lengthy second half run out.

Westwood is cup tied on Tuesday anyway so Delph may play both cup games.

[Dave Cooper please]

Will be my girlfriend's first Villa game, quite excited really.

What position does she play?

[PaulWinch again]

Bowery should be given a go, he's looked decent in his cameos thus far.

[Chipsticks]

Will be my girlfriend's first Villa game, quite excited really.

What position does she play?

Missionary.

[ClaretAndBlueBlood]

does she wear 69

[eastie]

Hard to predict this game as both teams may play much weakened teams, any idea of McCarthy is going to go for it or rest a few?

[Clampy]

Eastie, i don't mean to be rude but what has Joleon Lescott got to do with tomorrow's game?