Aston Villa v Liverpool Pre-Match Thread

[Matt Collins]

@JamesNursey: #AVFC look set to have a strong squad for run-in as Delph served ban, Bent & Baker & El Ahmadi fit & Albrighton back in training

Bent fit eh?

Any news on Clark? I've not heard any suggestion he is out, but he had to come off in the week.

I'd stick to the 433 to begin with, CNZ to come on as the game opens up second half. Probably Delph in for Bannan I think. Would be a bit weird to play Delph or Bannan on the right of the three, although we've done it before.

[Clampy]

You should'nt change a winning side really but i've a sneaky feeling he'll put Delph in for Sylla.

[eastie]

You should'nt change a winning side really but i've a sneaky feeling he'll put Delph in for Sylla.

Delph for bannan if it was me.
With sylla and Westwood in the side it would give Delph a bit more freedom to go forward.

[PeterWithesShin]

Injury update

Darren Bent is back in contention for the big Easter Sunday clash with Liverpool.

Bent has recovered from a foot injury and a flu bug and trained this morning after missing the Reading and QPR games.

Karim El Ahmadi is also available after missing the QPR clash with an ankle issue.

Nathan Baker had to come off in the 3-2 win over Harry Redknapp's side due to concussion but the brave centre-half is going to be fine for Sunday.

Fabian Delph missed the Reading and QPR games through suspension but he will give Paul Lambert a boost by making himself available.

Ciaran Clark and Brett Holman are the only doubts for the Reds encounter.

Clark injured his shoulder in the latter stages of Republic of Ireland's clash with Austria while Holman is nursing a hamstring problem.

Both internationals will face late fitness tests as Lambert waits nervously over their availability.

Lambert said: "Most of the lads came back today and we'll see how they are.

"There are one or two with little niggles.

"Ciaran came off for Ireland. Brett never trained this morning. We will see how those two lads are.

"Fabian is back from his suspension and Karim is back fit.

"Darren is back. He had a little flu bug last week but he is okay.

"He trained this morning."

On Baker, he joked: "Nathan landed on his head so he is alright!

"He will throw his body at things and will go and compete.

Off the pitch he is a different lad, a quiet lad. But when it's a matchday, he will certainly throw himself into things and put his head in.

He has had some terrific blocks for us throughout the season. He is a young lad who is learning but in the last few weeks he has been excellent for us."

In other positive news, Marc Albrighton - who has been out for two months with a broken foot - returned to full training this week.

But the boss sounded a note of caution regarding a quick recall.

He added: "Marc has trained the last few days but it is still a big ask because he has been out for three months."

[Rodders]

2-1 Villa
Benteke 14
Weimann 78
Suarez 51

Villa park packed to the rafters and rocking!!!

Come on you Lions!!!

Sounds about right to me.

Score and scorers, agreed.

I forsee a different route to the win, though, perhaps a little more like this:

Suarez 3 (blatant handball, ref doesn't see)
Benteke 45+2 (goalmouth scramble)
Weimann 82 (nutmegs Reina from 15 yards).

At 84 minutes there will be a protracted Suarez "injury" after he trips over a blade of grass (but somehow contrives to get Delph sent off for it), ending with whistle at 90+7 after Liverpool get 8 on target but fail to score against our ten men.

[Des Little]

You should'nt change a winning side really but i've a sneaky feeling he'll put Delph in for Sylla.

Delph for bannan if it was me.
With sylla and Westwood in the side it would give Delph a bit more freedom to go forward.

Absolutely this

[PeterWithesShin]

Barring injuries i'd keep the same side that won the last 2 games.

[russon]

2-1 Villa.

[Ron Manager]

Barring injuries i'd keep the same side that won the last 2 games.

I tend to agree. However if Bannan isnt influencing the game in any way by half time I would have Delph on for the second half.

[tomd2103]

I would bring Delph back in and if Clark is out, I would go with:

                    Guzan

Lowton    Vlaar    Baker    Bennett

      Sylla    Westwood   Delph

Weimann        Benteke     Gabby


I thought Bannan did fine in the last two games, but I did feel we were lacking a a dynamic presence in midfield.  For all his faults, Delph does give us that. 

[Witton Warrior]

Better have an ambulance waiting for me on the Trinity Road if it does go like that Rodders!

Score and scorers, agreed.
I forsee a different route to the win, though, perhaps a little more like this:

Suarez 3 (blatant handball, ref doesn't see)
Benteke 45+2 (goalmouth scramble)
Weimann 82 (nutmegs Reina from 15 yards).

At 84 minutes there will be a protracted Suarez "injury" after he trips over a blade of grass (but somehow contrives to get Delph sent off for it), ending with whistle at 90+7 after Liverpool get 8 on target but fail to score against our ten men.
[/quote]

[JUAN PABLO]

Sir Alex is resting several of his regular players against Sunderland so they are fresh for the cup match against Chelsea on Monday.

So 

[eastie]

Sir Alex is resting several of his regular players against Sunderland so they are fresh for the cup match against Chelsea on Monday.

So 

United have such a strong squad they can easily rest 6 or 7 and still pick a team to rip sunderland apart- they remember th way sunderland fans celebrated when utd missed out in the last minute last season - i expect united to hammer them!

[WALTERS WARRIORS]

Think Benteke will be to much for a poor Liverpool defence, backed up by Weimann and Gabby. Just worried by our defence. 3-2 would be excellent ........

[rob_bridge]

Sir Alex is resting several of his regular players against Sunderland so they are fresh for the cup match against Chelsea on Monday.

Yes but Old Whingealot himself still picks players who he thinks will do a job. Hernadez and Rooney + Young should have enough to back a couple v MONsunderland

According to Lawro QPR would be sixth - yep Top 6 side based on his predictions