"We haven't achieved anything yet - you don't get anything for a semi-final."One sentence from an hour's worth of media interviews said everything you need to know about Paul Lambert's feelings on Villa's progress in the Capital One Cup.When Villa were paired with Bradford City - the lowest ranked side left in the competition - there was a strong consensus among the claret and blue faithful that the semi-final draw had reflected favourably on their side.It is not a theory, though, that Lambert is keen to subscribe to.The Villa boss has a fair idea of what the mood will be like in the Bradford dressing room tomorrow night.In the 2006-07 season, Lambert's Wycombe Wanderers became the first fourth tier side in 30 years to reach the semi-finals of the League Cup.Like Bradford, they took two Barclays Premier League scalps en route to a glamour last-four tie against Chelsea.Just as his Wycombe players were "bursting" with adrenaline and enthusiasm before facing their illustrious opponents, Lambert expects similar scenario for Phil Parkinson's charges."I know what it is like," said the Villa manager."The Bradford lads will give everything and more than probably normal because the adrenaline will be high."But we haven't done anything yet. It is a semi-final and it is another stage to try and get through."You don't get anything for a semi-final. You need to get through and winning it is the main thing."I don't want to overplay it thinking we've done it, we've arrived. We've got another two games to get through."I was at Wycombe when they played Chelsea and drew 1-1 and got turned over 4-0 at Stamford Bridge."On any given night anything can happen."But if we do things right and do what we have been doing then hopefully we get through."And so the manager's message is plain and simple: "Underestimate Bradford at your peril."This extraordinary cup run has already seen Villa negotiate the champions of England, last season's League Two winners, the current League One leaders and a top-flight side who were unbeaten in 10 matches.Lambert insists seeing off Bradford over two legs to reach Wembley would be no less of an achievement."Going to Manchester City, nobody really gave us a chance," said Lambert."Even Tranmere for instance there was an expectancy level so that was tough."So was Swindon. You get through them all and every one is a hurdle."This one won't be anything different. We have just beaten what is in front of us."Bradford have earned the right - they have beaten Wigan and Arsenal - to get this far."Underestimate them at your peril, I think."Lambert reckons this exciting cup run has already had a positive impact on the club - and hopes it will continue to do so."It does have a positive impact," he added."Any competitions we are in we want to try to stay in that and win it."Otherwise there is no point playing in it. If you are in something go and try to win it."If you can do that it would be great for everybody at the football club."
Anyone know who the ref is?
Quote from: Bren'd on January 07, 2013, 03:32:07 PMWhatever midfield we put out it should be better than anything they can offer so I'm not too concerned about this area. In any case, Delph had his best game for us against Norwich in the last round and that form will certainly be good enough against a team 3 tiers lower.As long as he doesn't get sent off for a rash tackle
Whatever midfield we put out it should be better than anything they can offer so I'm not too concerned about this area. In any case, Delph had his best game for us against Norwich in the last round and that form will certainly be good enough against a team 3 tiers lower.
Quote from: eastie on January 07, 2013, 04:17:48 PMAnyone know who the ref is?Wait till the game kicks off and it will be the bloke in yellow top!
Was hopeful before Xmas, but not now. Lucky if we only get beat by a couple of goals.We do need to play 442 though.
To be honest I hope we don't line up that way. As much as I think we need to win the first leg, I think if we line up that attacking they will destroy us. I know their league form hasn't been great (well terrible really) but the one thing they do have is some serious fire power up front. Benteke is a beast, Wieman is in good goalscoring form, Bent is always likely to pop up with a goal and Agbonglhor came is coming back to fitness. I reckon we can score against them, their defence/midfield isn't great but their options up front are very good and certainly good enough to severely punish us if we go too open.I think McHugh and Meredith are needed and I think they will play but reckon Hines won't start and probably Atkinson will start instead. I was worried about this tie before our form dipped and before they picked up the last couple of decent results, so now I'm pretty worried. Just don't want to be out of the tie after the first leg. We need to be at our very best and try and nick a 1-0 win, give us something to defend at Villa Park
Dont know if its only me that sees it this way but here goes.This is one of the biggest games in our clubs history. Our current set of players will never have experienced a game of this importance and with an incentive as huge as whats on offer. Our fans will not have experienced many nights like this, and possibly wont do again. The Sky cameras are in attendance again, which means the eyes of the world are watching. Id be guessing the majority of viewers will be willing us on. The pressure is completely off us. We are in a major semi final, we shouldnt be there in the first place, but we are. Everything is there to continue the magical league cup run. I want to go to Wembley, I REALLY want to go to Wembley. Im sure the players do too. Adrenaline will get the players through the games, and with a little bit of luck, we could see one of the most almighty shocks of all time. The stage is set, and the spotlight is on us. Setting my self up for a huge fall, but the occasion is so big, I cant help but see it that way. 1-1 tomorrow, then at Villa Park, a solid defensive display and do them on penalties.
Quote from: Ads on January 06, 2013, 05:08:03 PMHow much of a storm can a middling 4th division outfit create?Quite a bit against Arsenal
How much of a storm can a middling 4th division outfit create?
Quote from: aftab235 on January 07, 2013, 07:16:44 PMQuote from: eastie on January 07, 2013, 04:17:48 PMAnyone know who the ref is?Wait till the game kicks off and it will be the bloke in yellow top!Doubt he will wear yellow as that would clash with Bradford kit. Actually what kit will we where ? Both home & away kind of clash
Been lurking around their forums, here are some thoughts from their side:QuoteWas hopeful before Xmas, but not now. Lucky if we only get beat by a couple of goals.We do need to play 442 though.QuoteTo be honest I hope we don't line up that way. As much as I think we need to win the first leg, I think if we line up that attacking they will destroy us. I know their league form hasn't been great (well terrible really) but the one thing they do have is some serious fire power up front. Benteke is a beast, Wieman is in good goalscoring form, Bent is always likely to pop up with a goal and Agbonglhor came is coming back to fitness. I reckon we can score against them, their defence/midfield isn't great but their options up front are very good and certainly good enough to severely punish us if we go too open.I think McHugh and Meredith are needed and I think they will play but reckon Hines won't start and probably Atkinson will start instead. I was worried about this tie before our form dipped and before they picked up the last couple of decent results, so now I'm pretty worried. Just don't want to be out of the tie after the first leg. We need to be at our very best and try and nick a 1-0 win, give us something to defend at Villa ParkQuoteDont know if its only me that sees it this way but here goes.This is one of the biggest games in our clubs history. Our current set of players will never have experienced a game of this importance and with an incentive as huge as whats on offer. Our fans will not have experienced many nights like this, and possibly wont do again. The Sky cameras are in attendance again, which means the eyes of the world are watching. Id be guessing the majority of viewers will be willing us on. The pressure is completely off us. We are in a major semi final, we shouldnt be there in the first place, but we are. Everything is there to continue the magical league cup run. I want to go to Wembley, I REALLY want to go to Wembley. Im sure the players do too. Adrenaline will get the players through the games, and with a little bit of luck, we could see one of the most almighty shocks of all time. The stage is set, and the spotlight is on us. Setting my self up for a huge fall, but the occasion is so big, I cant help but see it that way. 1-1 tomorrow, then at Villa Park, a solid defensive display and do them on penalties.
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Topic: Bradford City v Aston Villa Pre-Match Thread (Read 52223 times)
