Aston Villa v Bradford City Pre-Match Thread

[martyn ellis]

Does anyone know if Delph will be fit for this one? Heard contrasting reports that he banged his foot or twisted his ankle - if it's the latter I'd assume he's doubtful.

[Chrisupnorth]

We can't defend currently, so don't fancy us at all.  2-1 Villa on the night.  Bradford to win on aggregate.

Lambert to shore up the midfield and defence with two desperately needed signings before the end of the January window and the rest of the season spent trying to maintain our PL status.

Happy days.

[PaulTheVillan]

Let's go for it.

Guzan
Lowton Clark Vlaar Lichaj
Delph Westwood
Nzogbia....................Agbonlahor
Bent Benteke

[richardhubbard]

If westwood plays we get thrown out he is cuptied

[VinnieChase84]

Bakers out while delph and Given may be fit

[Des Little]

That midfield is far too lightweight for my liking

[Mazrim]

It's also reassuring to know the world's proudest Yorkshireman, Boycott, is a Man Utd fan.

And hasn't lived in Yorkshire for years. To be honest I don't know anybody who actually likes him.

I do. I know's a bit of a knob but I can't help but be fond of him. He's a character, a dinosaur and when he's gone there won't be another like him.

[damon loves JT]

Are we talking about Jimmy Savile again?

[Pete3206]

5-0 and damn their impudence.

[bratfud_lad]

Delayed kick off due to 80 Bradford coaches being stuck in traffic. They leave at 1600 so that's an 1830 arrival in fair weather. Won't start without them.

I really hope the club switch on to the weather & have the coaches leave earlier. I get into brum at lunchtime & really don't want to be freezing my nuts off for an hour inside the ground waiting for the coaches to arrive

[Concrete John]

I think it could be a mistake to throw too many forwards on as that doesn't necessarily mean you get a balanced attack.  It can mean too many players trying to make the same runs and leave a gap between your midfield and attack.  I'd be thinking:-

Given
Lowton - Vlaar - Clark - Bennett
Bannan - Delph - Herd
N'Zogbia - Benteke - Gabby

I think Bradford will pack the midfield, so we must guard against getting outnumbered in there.  Save Bent and/or Weimann for if and when we need to go gung ho in the last half hour. 

[Concrete John]

That midfield is far too lightweight for my liking

That's been a problem all season and not just for this game!

[bratfud_lad]

5-0 and damn their impudence.

Even the bookies say we're favorites to qualify, so you can't really call it impudence can you?

It's the over confidence of so many villains that will cost you. Going into the ground so full of confidence expecting a walk over (as you did 2 weeks ago) is going to cost you.

[eastie]

I think it could be a mistake to throw too many forwards on as that doesn't necessarily mean you get a balanced attack.  It can mean too many players trying to make the same runs and leave a gap between your midfield and attack.  I'd be thinking:-

Given
Lowton - Vlaar - Clark - Bennett
Bannan - Delph - Herd
N'Zogbia - Benteke - Gabby

I think Bradford will pack the midfield, so we must guard against getting outnumbered in there.  Save Bent and/or Weimann for if and when we need to go gung ho in the last half hour. 

Herd is our for  weeks isnt he?

[Le Lapin]

God only knows how this one will turn out. Gone for a win. They will park the bus, we have to score early. Will make for an interesting cup tie. Hope Delph, NZog, Gabby and Benteke and repeat their first half performance. C'mon Villa. Kick start our season.
On another train of thought, is there any timeline on when Dunne will feature?