Bradford City v Aston Villa Pre-Match Thread

[Holte L2]

2-1 us. Benteke x2

[Namlod]

We need to score first. Let Bradford in and they'll sit back and soak up the pressure. It nearly worked at Arsenal. We can't let them sit back in defence.

[Chipsticks]

I think they'll win 1-0, give it the big one for two weeks - convinced they're going to Wembley, before getting battered 4-0 at our place.

[olaftab]

I don't see and "situations" " mishaps " complacency" etc developing here. It the semi final. I expect us to win with something to spare.

[davevillan]

We are a prem side and they are a Div 4 side for a reason..we have so far won away at Man City, Swindon and Norwich in this cup this season, and all are far better sides then Bradford..With the right attitude we should put the tie to bed on tuesday and enjoy the 2nd leg....3-0 Villa!!

[Mazrim]

Over the two legs I think we'll tonk them in all honesty.

[neo_Villan]

I think the fact it is over two legs will put little pressure on our players as they know even if Bradford somehow pull off a flukey 1-0 win they will still be able to see it through at VP. In all honesty, I have absolutely no doubt that the tie will be practically over by the second leg. 2-0 to us me thinks.

[JD]

Hopefully a 4-1 win, followed by a 5-0 win in the second leg.

[eastie]

Over the two legs I think we'll tonk them in all honesty.

1-3 and 4-0. Villa win 7-1 on agg.

[Simon Ward]

A relatively comfortable win over 2 legs with one or two hairy moments in the first match!

[Concrete John]

I'm making a rare away trip for this one!

As I see it, it'll be a matter of waethering a heavy early storm and they go at us like men possessed.  Get past that 20 minutes or so and the difference in ability should start to show.  I think we'll create chances, so it's a matter of making sure we take them.

Slightly worried about the central midfield area, but other than that:-

Given
Lowton Clark Baker Bennett
Delph Bannan
Weimann Holman Gabby
Benteke   

[Villafirst]

I'm making a rare away trip for this one!

As I see it, it'll be a matter of waethering a heavy early storm and they go at us like men possessed.  Get past that 20 minutes or so and the difference in ability should start to show.  I think we'll create chances, so it's a matter of making sure we take them.

Slightly worried about the central midfield area, but other than that:-

Given
Lowton Clark Baker Bennett
Delph Bannan
Weimann Holman Gabby
Benteke   

N'Zogbia instead of Holman playing in the hole behind Weimann and Benteke?

[Concrete John]

N'Zogbia instead of Holman playing in the hole behind Weimann and Benteke?

Given our defensive frailties and what I see as a weak central midfield pairing, I think we'll need everybody working hard for those times when they get the crowd going and are putting us under pressure.  Ireland is not the player for that and neither is N'Zogbia, hence by opting for Holman.  N'Zogbia night be the player to bring on for Holman later once the game is stretched and Bradford have (hopefully!) punched themselves out.

[Mortimer's Bear]

1-3

Bent x2, Delph

[Villafirst]

N'Zogbia instead of Holman playing in the hole behind Weimann and Benteke?

Given our defensive frailties and what I see as a weak central midfield pairing, I think we'll need everybody working hard for those times when they get the crowd going and are putting us under pressure.  Ireland is not the player for that and neither is N'Zogbia, hence by opting for Holman.  N'Zogbia night be the player to bring on for Holman later once the game is stretched and Bradford have (hopefully!) punched themselves out.

I'd rather we attacked them hard with pace and power; Gabby, Benteke and N'Zogbia offer that sort of threat - let's face it, we're playing a 4th Division team!