Aston Villa v Bradford City Pre-Match Thread

[PeterWithesShin]

Villa have released more £29 tickets in the Trinity Road Upper for the big clash with Bradford.

These will be available in A2, A7 and A8 to ensure all areas of Villa Park are packed to the rafters for the huge semi-final encounter.

Villa trail 3-1 and Paul Lambert has called for a vociferous support to help fire his lions to victory.

There is also availability in the Family Stand too.

North Stand and Holte End are sold out and Doug Ellis is very nearly too.

Get in quick now to guarantee your spot for the super-charged semi with the Bantams.

Tickets are on general sale.

There will be free flags available to all home supporters to help give the game a rousing atmosphere as Villa eye the Capital One Cup final.

All you need to do is pop into Villa Park or contact the box office hotline on 0800 612 0970.

We also have a number of hospitality opportunities available for this exciting clash, including a fantastic value 1874 package which is inclusive of a four-course meal and VIP seating for just £125 [plus VAT per person].

For more information, please contact call 0800 612 0960 [option one].

[eastie]

Bad news:  Given might be fit!

I take it you werent at norwich when he made 2 great saves at 1-1 then?
I have no worries about either guzan or given in goal .

[Concrete John]

It wasn't over confidence (last thing we have this season). It was missing a shitload of chances and defending like a pub team that cost us (so far).
If we can't be confident of beating you 2-0 at Villa Park then something really is wrong.

2:0 just takes it to extra time. We didn't play Saturday & last Tuesday we played a weakened side against Crewe so I can't see why you would want to take us to extra time. As for penalty shoot outs we have the best record in England having currently won 9 in a row so what you actually NEED is 3:0 in 90 mins. One goal to City really puts the ball in our court.

Personally I think it will be a highscoring game, you have to chase the game giving us the chance to counter. It could easily be 3:1 either way or 4:4

Looking at your defence this season I'll say we'll definitely score at least one

You created nowt (yorkshirism for the word nothing) to speak of from fluid open play so will have to improve markedly I feel to achieve your aim of making the final.  You can't honestly say that on the balance of play, possession, and clear cut chances created in the last game that Bradford were the better team in that match over 90 mins football.  You know and all Villa fans know that if you had been playing another League 2 side that night with a more experienced defensive set up that you would not have scored three goals.  All three of your goals came out of errors by Villa when defending 3 corners for heavens sake.  Law of averages says you can't be as fortunate this time around.  Just make sure that on the way home from the match tomorrow both you and all your Bradford supporting chums leave the windows open in the cars and coaches as your tears of hurt will help to melt the snow away thanks.

Perhaps they can't, but we can be that shit at the back again!

I think the game will be decided that way as I do think we'll score 2 or more, but right now I'm less confident on keeping even a League 2 side out at the other end.

[eastie]

I think they will score , but i think we will get 4 .

[PeterWithesShin]

According to select-a-seat there's less than 400 tickets available. Although I always have my doubts how accurate that is.

[PaulWinch again]

Right 6-1 to Villa, our players should be desperate to atone for their embarrassment in the first game.

[Clampy]

I'd personally leave Guzan in for tomorrow.

[Mazrim]

It wouldn't suprise me if it was nearly sold out. I had a feeling this would be full or near as damn it.

[Dr Butler]

keep a clean sheet (whatever one of those is) and we will get through..no problem !

UTV
The Doc

[Concrete John]

I'd personally leave Guzan in for tomorrow.

My first thought is that Given should play, if fit.  However, Given is a great shot stopper, but not as good at claiming corners/free kicks as Guzan.  If Bradford have anything about them they'll target set pieces after what happened in the first leg, so tactically Guzan may be a better choice.

[PeterWithesShin]

Guzan for me.

[rutski]

Bad news:  Given might be fit!

I take it you werent at norwich when he made 2 great saves at 1-1 then?
I have no worries about either guzan or given in goal .

i have no worries with either being in goal, given was great against norwich and against ipswich as well. guzan has as well been superb and even in our goal conceding predicament i can only say that a slight error against the baggies was his major fault

[Chris Jameson]

In my world, gloryhunters don't get to laugh at anybody.

Absolutely, it boils my piss when plastic reds who live by me try and give me stick. I'm all for a bit of banter but I struggle to engage in any with them.

there was a great post last week, i forget who,
but it was comparing Man utd and Villa to the Spice Girls and the Clash, one being popular with the masses and very succesfull the other being the only ones that matter,

i've been using it ever since down the pub to wind the glory hunting twats up,
 so whoever it was thanks

This season is our 'Cut The Crap' phase in that case.

[Mazrim]

If Given is fit, he'll play. I think there's a commitment to let him have the cups regardless.
I would play Guzan too but I think Given will get the nod.

And as far as tomorrows clash is concerned, hopefully London's calling.

[john e]

I think they will score , but i think we will get 4 .

poet but you didnt know it