Reading v Aston Villa Pre-Match Thread

[dl9]

Matt Lowton has called on Villa to show high levels of "fight and energy" in the double-header against Reading and QPR.

Despite the defeat to Man City, Lowton was heartened by the performance against the Barclays Premier League champions, going toe-to-toe with Roberto Mancini's title-chasing side.

Lowton thinks those same levels of endeavour are needed, beginning at the Madejski Stadium this weekend.

He said: "We said before the Man City game that we had to compete. It's encouraging that we did that.

"We didn't create enough chances to maybe earn a point. But the effort and endeavour was definitely there.

"We have to make sure it is between now and the end of the season.

"It would have been great to get the three points against Man City. But the next two matches are vitally important for us.

"We have to take the confidence from the performance and the endeavour into Saturday.

"It's very tight down there. There are a lot of teams in there.

"The results went our way at the weekend and it was unfortunate we couldn't capitalise on it. It was always going to be difficult.

"But the fact that we are disappointed afterwards shows how far we have come.

"But the next two Saturdays are massive games for us. We have to show the fight that we have done and the quality will come through to get the points we need.

"Man City have world-class players and Premier League champions. Their quality was always going to be there.

"But I thought we defended fantastically overall and limited them to only a few chances.

"Overall it gives us confidence knowing that if we can keep Man City to a few chances, hopefully we can do the same against Reading and QPR."

Is this the same Lowton who's probably paid @ £30k a week and can't even take a corner?

Absolute tosser, he should shut the f*ck up and stay on the practice ground at BH.

[eastie]

Injury update ahead of Royals encounter.


Ron Vlaar is in line for a return to the Villa side for the crucial Barclays Premier League showdown against Reading.

Manager Paul Lambert confirmed Vlaar could feature at the Madejski Stadium after recovering from a calf problem.

The Dutch defender has trained this week and could get the green light to face the Royals.

But the clash will come too soon for Darren Bent , who is still recuperating from a foot injury.

And there is also a doubt over Karim El Ahmadi after the Moroccan midfielder injured his ankle.

"Ron is fine," said boss Lambert.

"He has trained the last couple of days and looked not too bad so I'll see how he is.

"If he comes through ok then we will see how everybody is.

"Karim's not. He's got an ankle problem.

"Darren is doing alright but he's not quite ready.

"He is doing a bit of running which is better than he has been the last few weeks.

"We will see how he does next week with his rehab.

"Dunney is still out and obviously Fabian is suspended."

[Des Little]

Fcuking hell, is anyone fit?  I'm thinking of taking my boots with me tomorrow. 

[Clampy]

If Ron is back, it might be an ideal time to give Clark a breather because he needs one. As for midfield, it looks like it might be Sylla and Westwood.

[MonsXI]

Matt Lowton has called on Villa to show high levels of "fight and energy" in the double-header against Reading and QPR.

Despite the defeat to Man City, Lowton was heartened by the performance against the Barclays Premier League champions, going toe-to-toe with Roberto Mancini's title-chasing side.

Lowton thinks those same levels of endeavour are needed, beginning at the Madejski Stadium this weekend.

He said: "We said before the Man City game that we had to compete. It's encouraging that we did that.

"We didn't create enough chances to maybe earn a point. But the effort and endeavour was definitely there.

"We have to make sure it is between now and the end of the season.

"It would have been great to get the three points against Man City. But the next two matches are vitally important for us.

"We have to take the confidence from the performance and the endeavour into Saturday.

"It's very tight down there. There are a lot of teams in there.

"The results went our way at the weekend and it was unfortunate we couldn't capitalise on it. It was always going to be difficult.

"But the fact that we are disappointed afterwards shows how far we have come.

"But the next two Saturdays are massive games for us. We have to show the fight that we have done and the quality will come through to get the points we need.

"Man City have world-class players and Premier League champions. Their quality was always going to be there.

"But I thought we defended fantastically overall and limited them to only a few chances.

"Overall it gives us confidence knowing that if we can keep Man City to a few chances, hopefully we can do the same against Reading and QPR."

Is this the same Lowton who's probably paid @ £30k a week and can't even take a corner?

Absolute tosser, he should shut the f*ck up and stay on the practice ground at BH.

£30k a week 

[stubbsyandy]

Matt Lowton has called on Villa to show high levels of "fight and energy" in the double-header against Reading and QPR.

Despite the defeat to Man City, Lowton was heartened by the performance against the Barclays Premier League champions, going toe-to-toe with Roberto Mancini's title-chasing side.

Lowton thinks those same levels of endeavour are needed, beginning at the Madejski Stadium this weekend.

He said: "We said before the Man City game that we had to compete. It's encouraging that we did that.

"We didn't create enough chances to maybe earn a point. But the effort and endeavour was definitely there.

"We have to make sure it is between now and the end of the season.

"It would have been great to get the three points against Man City. But the next two matches are vitally important for us.

"We have to take the confidence from the performance and the endeavour into Saturday.

"It's very tight down there. There are a lot of teams in there.

"The results went our way at the weekend and it was unfortunate we couldn't capitalise on it. It was always going to be difficult.

"But the fact that we are disappointed afterwards shows how far we have come.

"But the next two Saturdays are massive games for us. We have to show the fight that we have done and the quality will come through to get the points we need.

"Man City have world-class players and Premier League champions. Their quality was always going to be there.

"But I thought we defended fantastically overall and limited them to only a few chances.

"Overall it gives us confidence knowing that if we can keep Man City to a few chances, hopefully we can do the same against Reading and QPR."

Is this the same Lowton who's probably paid @ £30k a week and can't even take a corner?

Absolute tosser, he should shut the f*ck up and stay on the practice ground at BH.

What a stupid thing to say

[paulcomben]

I'm going to watch Watford v Blackpool with Hornet fan friends. Much of the talk will be about how we are about to swap divisions and how I keep looking nervously at score updates from Reading on my phone, instead of watching the game in front of me.

[JUAN PABLO]

KEA is a doubt for tomorrow. Running out of MF options right now.

what do they do in training   ffs

[Rudy Can't Fail]

If Ron is back, it might be an ideal time to give Clark a breather because he needs one. As for midfield, it looks like it might be Sylla and Westwood.

I'd be more inclined to move Clark to midfield or bring in Herd rather than Sylla. It's a massive game for both sides and we need to go with what we know we can count on.

[pauliewalnuts]

I too would move Clark to midfield.

I've always thought he's miles better there in any case, but we could use a bit of bolstering there, esp if Delph is out.

[Clampy]

I too would move Clark to midfield.

I've always thought he's miles better there in any case, but we could use a bit of bolstering there, esp if Delph is out.

I suppose it would be an ideal opportunity to move Clark into midfiield as i think he's better there as well. The kid could do with a break though.

[pauliewalnuts]

I reckon time of last goal to be after 80 mins is an absolute banker of a bet on this game.

[UK Redsox]

Yep, I see Clark making a Barry-like move to midfield. Maybe in a couple of years people will be asking why he didn't take the penalty

[Nastylee]

FFS how many injuries is this squad racking up? - Bent still injured? - Yeh whatever.
These guys should be busting a gut to get in the team to keep us, up however the modern footballer is more intent on picking up ridiculous amounts of money for doing feck all

Probably needs to pop to tesco Saturday afternoon to buy his veg ?

Funny how Shay Given missed a game recently and went to Ireland and nothing was said yet Bent missed a game, went shopping and still gets stick.

[eastie]

FFS how many injuries is this squad racking up? - Bent still injured? - Yeh whatever.
These guys should be busting a gut to get in the team to keep us, up however the modern footballer is more intent on picking up ridiculous amounts of money for doing feck all

Probably needs to pop to tesco Saturday afternoon to buy his veg ?

Funny how Shay Given missed a game recently and went to Ireland and nothing was said yet Bent missed a game, went shopping and still gets stick.

Was hardly stick, it was a light hearted comment.