Aston Villa v Liverpool Pre-Match Thread

[Monty]

I am interested to see if we approach this game at home, as we have done the two previous away games.

Let the other team score first?

People keep saying we're a counter attacking team (often used as a pejorative strangely enough) and I just wonder if it will be horses for courses with our tactics.

That was always Lambert's approach at Norwich. Michael Cox kept writing pieces about how often he'd change the formation and the tactics  depending on the match and even wild changes within the match. Arsenal and Chelsea away are always going to have much more of the ball than us, and Liverpool are a possession side so there's an argument that it won't change this weekend. However, we will be at home, and Liverpool aren't as good as those two and can suffer if they're harried in midfield and not given time on the ball, so maybe we'll be the possession-hoggers this time.

This is the great thing about Lambert. Under MON, to a degree GH and 100% TSM, you knew exactly how we would play in every single game. With Lambert it's shrouded in mystery - and if we don't know, how will the opposition?

[PeterWithesShin]

It's odd how it says tickets still available yet on the find a seat thingy there has been none available since early yesterday.

Maybe when they are down to last X amount they can only be bought on the phone or in person?

[Clampy]

It's great that it's close to a full house anyway and bearing in mind it's on the tellybox, that's pretty darn good.

[PeterWithesShin]

It's great that it's close to a full house anyway and bearing in mind it's on the tellybox, that's pretty darn good.

And a crap KO time.

I really can't wait!

[Toronto Villa]

Paul Lambert says he's thrilled with the pace and grace of his team - and hopes the fans will be too this season.

Lambert has always aimed to nurture a side that can wow supporters who pay good money to see their heroes.

While he insists he's still "years away" from turning them into the finished article, the boss believes the progress is there for all to see.

Pundits were predicting zero points from the opening three fixtures.

But having turned over Arsenal, they were close to an upset at Chelsea.

Importantly, in both fixtures they played the kind of football that gets you out of your seat.

You know. The sort where, if they're behind they're not out of the game and if they're in front, they'll attack and attack in search of another goal.

In short, engaging, entertaining and exciting.

The away fans have certainly not been short-changed and now it's back to the home comforts of B6 and a clash with Liverpool.

Lambert may tweak the line-up to cater for fatigue - he may not - but he won't be changing anything concerning the approach.

The manager is delighted that his frenetic football philosophies have been absorbed by the players on the training field - and then brought to life in the cut-and-thrust of the Barclays Premier League.

He wants more of the same on Saturday - and he thinks the fans will love it.

He said: "We have come away from two difficult games with our confidence really high.

"We're vibrant - and so we should be because of the way we have played.

"The lads are playing incredibly well at the moment. We have got the bit between the teeth, which is great.

"They have been outstanding in the last couple of games. We went to a team who could win the Barclays Premier League and who will be playing in the Champions League. But we took the game to them and gave them a right fright.

"The way we are playing, there's energy and pace. My own view is we have a really good style of football.

"We play quick, energetic football. Hopefully everyone who comes to watch us enjoys it.

"We play football the way we think is right - high-intensity. We play a quick game. That's the way we train and we play the way we train.

"We have a great football club here with a great fanbase behind us. We have a team that is proud as heck to be here. That's vital.

"We are years away from where we want to get to. But we are getting there certainly.

"We need the crowd with us. I said from day one, this club needs its supporters behind it rather than pulling against it.

"They have never once while I have been here waivered from it all. Even in pure adversity they stuck with it.

"The noise levels over the last two games have been brilliant. I am sure Villa Park will be rocking this weekend too.The crowd are there with us.

"We go into the Liverpool game with a lot of confidence.

"All you can ask is going into a game with a positive mindset that we can win.

"Brendan Rogers has a really good Liverpool side. We had two good games with them last season. I'm sure this will be no different.

"The two teams play football. We will see what happens. It will be a great occasion.

"We are playing with a lot of confidence. We will play to win."

Lambert knows the encounter with the Reds - which pits him against good friend Rodgers - will be immensely tough.

But he thinks the pride garnered from the performance at Stamford Bridge will carry the team on to this latest challenge.

He added: "After the Chelsea game, you could hear a pin drop at times in the dressing room.

"I said 'you've got everything to be proud of - you know you've given it a go.'

"I was proud as anything. To go there and play the way they did. We gave them a fright and I think they knew it.

"You just sense now that they want to go again because of how they are playing. They have that feeling of 'I want to go again.'"

MATCH INFO

Villa v Liverpool
Barclays Premier League
Saturday August 23 - KO 5.30pm
Referee: Mark Clattenberg

TICKETS

Tickets are still available.

Contact 0800 612 0970, pop into Villa Village or New Street or buy online.

is it wrong to admit that I had some movement in my pants reading that?

[PeterWithesShin]

Can't fight the man love.

[Toronto Villa]

Can't fight the man love.

My fear is that if we win at the weekend and continue this style of play and form it will become more than that.

[PeterWithesShin]

I bet he's married. The heartbreaker.

[Toronto Villa]

I bet he's married. The heartbreaker.

bastard. This might take a bit of effort and hopefully Mrs TV will understand

[rob_bridge]

This is the great thing about Lambert. Under MON, to a degree GH and 100% TSM, you knew exactly how we would play in every single game. With Lambert it's shrouded in mystery - and if we don't know, how will the opposition?
=======

Yep not to mention the latter 2 managing expectations by talking Villa down or being pale with fright when playing any team in red.

[Toronto Villa]

This is the great thing about Lambert. Under MON, to a degree GH and 100% TSM, you knew exactly how we would play in every single game. With Lambert it's shrouded in mystery - and if we don't know, how will the opposition?
=======

Yep not to mention the latter 2 managing expectations by talking Villa down or being pale with fright when playing any team in red.

Even MON did it to an extent. I have wanted for a very long time a manager, irrespective of the opponents to come and say we are going to set out to win every game. Lambert has no fear and I am as amazed as I am happy that he has in such a short time assembled a side that can attack and score against any team. The years away comment he made I imagine refers to consistency, defensive qualities and depth of squad. The successful sides can bring on subs without it weakening the starting line up. Lambert's bench now is a lot better than it was when he came in and I am sure it will continue to improve.

[usav]

I think we will score early, but fail to hang on.  1-1.

[damon loves JT]

It makes a change for me to be excited about a big game, rather than nervous or resigned. I feel young again.

[silhillvilla]

What sort of a w***y time is 530 pm to be kicking off 

[Smirker]

What sort of a w***y time is 530 pm to be kicking off 

More time to get drunk.

#berrmonster #lad #lolz