Stoke City v Aston Villa Pre-Match Thread

[Michel Sibble]

I'm not going to predict a scoreline, but will say this:

We are still a team in development, our young cubs are getting a very public harsh lesson in growing up and becoming a decent side. We will probably get relegated but that is the time where we all must not panic and not call for Lambert's head. That Daily Mail article on Dortmund's youth coach highlights what we need to be - at the beginning of being a sustainable, home-grown football side with a focus on developing young talent that can then perform to their potential and grow here before they are sold on for bucks.

Stoke, on the other hand have definitely peaked. The past few years have been very fortunate to Tiny Penis' men, and are now beginning to start their long descent. Do they stick with what they have or do they put Penis on the chopping block? Rafa Benitez is up for a challenge, I hear....

[danlanza]

I am at a stag party today so won't be able to follow things.

Think we will get a draw. A win would ease the pressure.

Even a win won't cure your forthcoming hangover Irish. Enjoy. 3-1 Villa.

[richard moore]

I'm not going to predict a scoreline, but will say this:

We are still a team in development, our young cubs are getting a very public harsh lesson in growing up and becoming a decent side. We will probably get relegated but that is the time where we all must not panic and not call for Lambert's head. That Daily Mail article on Dortmund's youth coach highlights what we need to be - at the beginning of being a sustainable, home-grown football side with a focus on developing young talent that can then perform to their potential and grow here before they are sold on for bucks.

Stoke, on the other hand have definitely peaked. The past few years have been very fortunate to Tiny Penis' men, and are now beginning to start their long descent. Do they stick with what they have or do they put Penis on the chopping block? Rafa Benitez is up for a challenge, I hear....

A very well made point. I shall try to remember your sanguine comments if and when we have lost 3-0 today! I shall be in the garden doing jobs and listening to it on my headphones as it is the only way I can suffer the suspense of listening to or watching the Villa these days. Having your mind focused on something else seems to make the suffering more bearable

[neo_Villan]

Despite my positive feeling about the game, I accept there will be the usual defensive clanger that either should or will result in a goal for them. So who do people think the culprit will be today? My guess is Vlaar.

[dekko]

Despite my positive feeling about the game, I accept there will be the usual defensive clanger that either should or will result in a goal for them. So who do people think the culprit will be today? My guess is Vlaar.

Well, we've had one apiece from Clark and Baker in the last month so it is his turn....

I've given up trying to guess scorelines this season because we've been so inconsistent, but I'll give it one last try and say 2-1 to Villa, Benteke and Gabby.

[martin o`who??]

C`mon Villa, right a terrible wrong and actually play well and destroy these beasts for a fucking change.

[VillaAlways]

No Match thread?

@AVFCOfficial: #AVFC: Guzan, Lowton, Vlaar [c], Baker, Bennett, Westwood, Delph, Agbonlahor, Weimann, Bowery, Benteke. #AVFCLIVE

Gulp !!

[danlanza]

No Match thread?

@AVFCOfficial: #AVFC: Guzan, Lowton, Vlaar [c], Baker, Bennett, Westwood, Delph, Agbonlahor, Weimann, Bowery, Benteke. #AVFCLIVE

Gulp !!

I was just thinking the same. No post match thread either. Are you ok Legion ?

[VillaAlways]

@AVFCOfficial: #AVFC subs: Given, N’Zogbia, Holman, Sylla, El Ahmadi, Bent, Lichaj. #AVFCLIVE

[Rudy Can't Fail]

@AVFCOfficial: #AVFC: Guzan, Lowton, Vlaar [c], Baker, Bennett, Westwood, Delph, Agbonlahor, Weimann, Bowery, Benteke. #AVFCLIVE

That's the same team somebody ITK posted on here yesterday.

[paulcomben]

Bowery for Sylla?!  Delph for Bannan.

[eastie]

Bowery in and no sylla - once again lambert surprises me with his selection- let's hope it works.

[eastie]

Looks like reading are down and saints virtually safe 0-2 , we need a win today rather than a draw.

[citizenDJ]

I'm going to be attempting to follow this using the dreadful wifi on the ferry across the Irish Sea this afternoon, combined with the only radio station I can find on the TV that works.......TalkSport. *shudders*

[peter w]

One or two taller people in the box. Seems fair enough.