Arsenal v Aston Villa All-in-one Thread (Match #272) (Post-match #993)

[Rotterdam]

2-0 them.

Snap.

[Matt Collins]

These combined threads are going to be interesting. Unwarranted optimism, followed by 2 hours of unbridled pessimism between 3-5pm and then some more balanced views from around 6pm.

I think we genuinely could get a result here. But the most likely outcome is something like a 3-1 defeat.

I think I'd play: Guzan - Lowton Okore Vlaar Baker - Sylla Westwood Delph - Weimann Benteke Agbonlahor.

 Subs: Steer Clark Luna Bacuna El Ahmadi Tonev Helenius

The only choice for me is Luna, Okore or Baker. I think we need Vlaar's experience in spite of his weaknesses.

[manic-road]

1-1 Benteke

[Matt Collins]

Worth also flagging this. We were in some really good form at the back end of last season and I'm hoping we can continue that. But even in that good spell we lost our games against arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool and citeh. They were all one goal defeats and we really could have got something from the arsenal and Chelsea games in particular. But in all games we just didn't have the strength to hold out all game and to keep the ball when put under real pressure.

Hopefully arsenal's tendency to start a little slowly, this week's internationals and their upcoming champions league game are going to play in our favour.

I am confident we can cause them real problems at full back and behind their centre backs. But we'll surely come under some fairly persistent pressure and I just can't see us holding out against it.

[timeoutbigbar]

2-2

Benteke '15, Agbonlahor '24

Cazorla 82' Walcott '90+1

Right now I'd still definitely take that.  I'll be pissed off if it turns out like that on the day though (if you follow me).

[cheltenhamlion]

Bren got the closest to my prediction.

[silhillvilla]

The heartache of late goals conceded. Really been enjoying the summer and not ready for all this shit again from Saturday 3pm. Stress levels going up just thinking about it.

[Dave]

Sylla playing (and gone off) for the reserves, so presumable Delph/Westwood/El Ahmadi in midfield on Saturday.

Unless we go all-out and play Tonev again.

[olaftab]

Anthony Taylor is the referee.

I hope his dad Jack is proud of him.

[silhillvilla]

Sylla playing (and gone off) for the reserves, so presumable Delph/Westwood/El Ahmadi in midfield on Saturday.

Unless we go all-out and play Tonev again.

Don't think we can be too maverick at places like Arsenal. Then again maybe attack is the best form of defence approach may be out best bet? Trying to play for a draw or sneak a 1 nil win isn't in the DNA of this squad and manager.

[Matt Collins]

Sylla playing for the reserves and being taken off injured has thrown things up in the air a bit! Was him being picked a sign he's down the pecking order now and will his injury rule him out anyway?

That presumably would mean Tonev, KEA Or bacuna for arsenal. None of those choices fill me with great hope. I just don't think KEA cuts it in intense games against good opposition, Tonev would leave us too open. Bacuna is too untested.

Hmm. Bit concerning that.

[tomd2103]

Sylla playing (and gone off) for the reserves, so presumable Delph/Westwood/El Ahmadi in midfield on Saturday.

Unless we go all-out and play Tonev again.

Gone off injured or taken off after having some game time?  The fact that he was playing in that game would suggest he won't be starting on Saturday though.

[Matt Collins]

He was "forced off" after 26 minutes.

I've got nasty visions of us playing Tonev and being 2-0 after about 20 minutes at the moment!

Really thought we could have done with Sylla in these first couple of games to be honest.

[silhillvilla]

I can see him playing 2 DCM's - Delph and Westwood and one ACM - Tonev.

[tomd2103]

I can see him playing 2 DCM's - Delph and Westwood and one ACM - Tonev.

After seeing how open we were in the wide areas playing that formation on Saturday I would hope he'd decide against it.