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

[frankmosswasmyuncle]

We definitely should be thinking about how to capitalise on their weaknesses, without getting over confident. But if these players really are out we should be able to:

- break from central midfield onto the back four
- get the ball in behind more easily especially for benteke and gabby

But I still want to see us play three in the middle. I've got a feeling Lambert's optimistic nature may see him play Tonev in there

Sylla very doubtful so Tonev in I reckon.
Lambert clearly likes his pace and willingness to shoot when he sees the goal.

Got to disagree, we'll need 3 midfielder's away from home. Whenever we played 4 attacking players in the same team last season, it cost us.

I agree with you Clampy, which is why I'd rather have Sylla in there, But PL likes to nail his positive intentioins to the mast so I think he'll go with a more attack-minded set up.

[dave shelley]

According to SSN, Sylla definitely out with ankle injury.

[citizenDJ]

A shame, I thought Sylla was very good towards the end of the season and helped us look much more secure. I expect tomorrow will see El Ahmadi alongside Delph and Westwood in midfield.

[paulcomben]

Another season, another match, another Lawro prediction of a Villa defeat. 0-2.

Elsewhere on the BBC, Phil McNulty predicts a 9th place finish for Villa, the title for Chelsea and relegation for all 3 promoted teams.

[ADVILLAFAN]

I could see Cardiff maybe staying up, Hull desperately need some strikers, but their midfield and defence doesn't look too bad. Palace look doomed.

At least Arteta misses our match, even if Walcott is fully fit.

[Monty]

I think Cardiff will stay up. It's Sunderland and Newcastle who'll struggle this year. No amount of Remys or Giaccherinis can make up for the presence of one Kinnear or Di Canio.

[ADVILLAFAN]

I think Cardiff will stay up. It's Sunderland and Newcastle who'll struggle this year. No amount of Remys or Giaccherinis can make up for the presence of one Kinnear or Di Canio.

2 Clubs I find very annoying not due to their fans, but because in Newcastle's case: The media love them and Sunderland's case: They're managed by a Fascist.

[Dave Clark Five]

It's a nailed on 1-1.

[PaulWinch again]

Sylla being out is a real blow.

[Richard E]

Another season, another match, another Lawro prediction of a Villa defeat. 0-2.

Elsewhere on the BBC, Phil McNulty predicts a 9th place finish for Villa, the title for Chelsea and relegation for all 3 promoted teams.

And surprise, surprise, Lawro predicts a Liverpool win.

[Clampy]

Another season, another match, another Lawro prediction of a Villa defeat. 0-2.

Elsewhere on the BBC, Phil McNulty predicts a 9th place finish for Villa, the title for Chelsea and relegation for all 3 promoted teams.

And surprise, surprise, Lawro predicts a Liverpool win.

I've gone for Stoke to get a draw what with Sturridge and Suarez being out.

[Irish villain]

Another season, another match, another Lawro prediction of a Villa defeat. 0-2.

Elsewhere on the BBC, Phil McNulty predicts a 9th place finish for Villa, the title for Chelsea and relegation for all 3 promoted teams.

Anybody done the predictor yet? I'm bricking it

[gpbarr]

Narrow defeat by a goal but we will score - so either 1-2 or 2-3. But plenty of positives out of the game, think we'll match Arsenal for energy and forward prowess, I think our midfield will show up strong, however our undoing will remain our defending against top 6 teams and thats why I go for the narrow loss.

Good season ahead for sure.

[SteveN]

We will win, and the vultures will be circling Wenger after just one match. 

[Isa]

Bit concerned that Sylla is likely to be out. I thought him, Delph and Westwood were very good at the end of last season. Sylla is great at breaking up play in the middle and he's got great energy. Hope he doesn't opt for KEA instead.....

Who else is there to opt for? Bacuna? Gardner? As long as he is played the more advanced of the midfield three then I'd start KEA.