Bradford City v Aston Villa Pre-Match Thread

[PeterWithesShin]

"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."

[olaftab]

Anyone know who the ref is?

Wait till the game kicks off and it will be the bloke in yellow top!

[fredm]

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.

As long as he doesn't get sent off for a rash tackle 

Am a bit worried that he might well be too up for it - he started at Bradford before going to Leeds so will be well fired up.

[silhillvilla]

Anyone 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

[Chipsticks]

Been lurking around their forums, here are some thoughts from their side:

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. 

[hilts_coolerking]

They might well score but I'd be astounded if they keep a clean sheet too.

[SoccerHQ]

How much of a storm can a middling 4th division outfit create?

Quite a bit against Arsenal

While I'd prefer to win and we should, a 1-1 would not be a disaster.

Two legged semi final will always massively favour a premier league team over a lower league one and I expect no difference here tbh.

I know it's a different round but we comfortably turned over Tranmere 3-0 at VP and they've having an unbelievable season in league one. We also won at Swindon who again are doing well in league one.

[Pete3206]

Anyone 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

I mentioned this after the draw was made. I thought wearing last season's away kit would be more sensible.

[davevillan]

Been lurking around their forums, here are some thoughts from their side:

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. 

Where this last post is wrong, is if we draw 1-1 up there and 0-0 aet at Villa we go through on away goals..The chances of them holding us to identical scores in both legs is remote at best.

[supertom]

Was out walking today in Cebu in The Philippines. Walked past a Church called Bradford. I hope that's not a sign they've got God on their side!
:O

[TheTimVilla]

I would go:

Guzan

Lowton Clark Baker Bennett

Weimann Delph Herd Gabby

Bent Benteke


Lambert will go 5-4-1 or 4-5-1

[PaulTheVillan]

Let's go for it.

Guzan
Lowton Clark Baker Bennett
Weimann Herd Bannan NZogbia
Benteke Bent

[silhillvilla]

In London today, just hope I can get back to mids in time for tv coverage. It's going to be a long day today, already thinking about the game.

[Matt Collins]

Given - Lowton Clark baker Bennett - herd delph - weimann Holman gabby - Benteke

Or

Holman herd delph - Ireland - bent Benteke

Either way, I think the aim has to be to get a grip of midfield and ensure we fight like Trojans at the back. If we do those things, and have at least 3 quality attacking players on the pitch, we should be fine

[cheltenhamlion]

I woke up this morning, immediately thought of the game and am of the view that we will pulverise them.