Aston Villa vs Sunderland Pre-Match Thread

[Matt Collins]

Based upon our performances against the mighty Wigan and Newcastle at home I have grave reservations about this match. I recall the optimism leading up to the Bolton game last year and then the despair following the result. Taking into consideration our inability to keep a clean sheet and our poor home form I can see us conceding perhaps two, however if our strikers get decent opportunities I can see us scoring the same: 2-2 for me.
This potentially is one of the biggest games in our history (financially that is) and I dread the fallout should we lose. How we could rue the opportunities scorned during the season - why we failed to strengthen at the back is beyond me - I am informed that Lambert had funds available at his disposal in the last transfer window.

There's clearly that risk. But we were in terrible form, playing a formation we couldn't play, for those games.

Since we reverted to 4 at the back (half time v Newcastle) we haven't lost to any of the non-elite teams (if you include Liverpool). 

Clearly, with our defence, we can self destruct at any time. But let's also remind ourselves that despite a couple of great wins, Sunderland will out out a team tomorrow that man for man isn't great. I think ours is better.

[taylorsworkrate]

I think we'll need to score at least 3 goals to win the game.

Think we'll just scrape it.

[ez]

It's a great opportunity to put some breathing space between us an Wigan and also to get Norwich in our sights to overtake them next week. However, we are not down near the bottom for no reason. Here's hoping for no cock ups and a 2-1 win.

[Bad English]

5-0 to take us up to 16th place with a GD of -22 and Barcodes on -23.

[Mortimer's Bear]

I think we'll need to score at least 3 goals to win the game.

Think we'll just scrape it.

That'll do for me.

[Davey B]

5-0 to take us up to 16th place with a GD of -22 and Barcodes on -23.

  I have to admit, if that result would relegate the Mags i think i'd quite happily take it! 

[bob]

Sunderland are shit. When was the last time they won three on the bounce in the Premier League? I doubt they've ever done it. They're not about to start now.

[Can Gana Be Bettered!?!?]

I think we'll need to score at least 3 goals to win the game.

Think we'll just scrape it.

I agree. We'll let at least one in for sure.

I said after the last game that I reckon we'll score at least 2 goals in all of our remaining games, which I still think. Whether 2 goals in each game will win us the match is another question...

[john2710]

We need to be clinical & cut out the errors or gifts. If we do that we'll be OK in all our remaining games & safely stay up.

[Malandro]

Can I just pray for a moment. Please, please dear lord keep my beloved team up. I promise not to look at my friend's wife anymore, nor will I eat grapes in Sainsburys without paying and I will not laugh at the misfortune of our friends in blue (Oh maybe not, but you obviously do not like them either)

The last 6 months has taken an awful toll on my mental well being. Please, please let us be safe before the Wigan game.

In love and light. Malandro

[Irish villain]

Can I just pray for a moment. Please, please dear lord keep my beloved team up. I promise not to look at my friend's wife anymore, nor will I eat grapes in Sainsburys without paying and I will not laugh at the misfortune of our friends in blue (Oh maybe not, but you obviously do not like them either)

The last 6 months has taken an awful toll on my mental well being. Please, please let us be safe before the Wigan game.

In love and light. Malandro

Amen.

[LeeB]

5-0 to take us up to 16th place with a GD of -22 and Barcodes on -23.

  I have to admit, if that result would relegate the Mags i think i'd quite happily take it! 

They must be fucking gutted they're going to have to want you to win tomorrow.

[Nastylee]

Anyone concerned benteke might have an off day following a late night at the awards?

[pauliewalnuts]

Anyone concerned benteke might have an off day following a late night at the awards?

Nah.

He's not going to be doing shooters with Gareth Bale till 3 in the morning or anything daft.










I hope.

[gervilla]

I expect there to be a stirring rendition of the old Villa Park favourite "F**c Off Di Canio" as we put him firmly back in his box with a 3-1 win.
Benteke (3)
Craig Gargoyle for them.