Aston Villa v Rotherham United Pre-Match Thread

[Clampy]

Is Albrighton fit yet?

Let's hope not.

Why don't you want a Villa player fit?

Because I don't want him to be able to play tonight, what other reason could there be?

In my opinion he is clearly not good enough. Obviously I'd prefer him just not to be picked, but I'm not 100% confident that'll happen. The sooner Albrighton leaves for a club that he could do well at, someone like Walsall, the better for him and us.

Not rating him is fine. Wishing him injured so he dose'nt play is idiotic.

[eastie]

Albrighton showed great promise under houllier but since then a mixture of injuries and poor form has seen him slip out of the frame - I'm surprised as i really hoped for him to become a vital player in the team , probably needs to drop down a division and regain some confidence and form.

[Can Gana Be Bettered!?!?]

Is Albrighton fit yet?

Let's hope not.

Why don't you want a Villa player fit?

Because I don't want him to be able to play tonight, what other reason could there be?

In my opinion he is clearly not good enough. Obviously I'd prefer him just not to be picked, but I'm not 100% confident that'll happen. The sooner Albrighton leaves for a club that he could do well at, someone like Walsall, the better for him and us.

You don't like him so you want him injured. Charming.

I apologise. I forgot hoping he's not fit confirms that I hope he's broken his leg and in no way could it mean that I hope he's not match fit for tonight's game as I'd rather he didn't play. Blimey. Wouldn't you rather be offering your opinion on tonight's team selection/score etc. rather than picking up on one flippant comment that really doesn't mean anything?

[Can Gana Be Bettered!?!?]

Is Albrighton fit yet?

Let's hope not.

Why don't you want a Villa player fit?

Because I don't want him to be able to play tonight, what other reason could there be?

In my opinion he is clearly not good enough. Obviously I'd prefer him just not to be picked, but I'm not 100% confident that'll happen. The sooner Albrighton leaves for a club that he could do well at, someone like Walsall, the better for him and us.

Not rating him is fine. Wishing him injured so he dose'nt play is idiotic.

And assuming I want him injured is presumptuous, and, dare I say it, idiotic.

[bertlambshank]

Just a heads up for people oversea's tonight match is one of 3 being shown live.Check your listings.
Match on Al Jazeera Sport

[Can Gana Be Bettered!?!?]

Has anyone managed to buy a ticket online this afternoon? It doesn't seem to be available through eticketing. There are other games to purchase tickets for, but not tonights. Does this mean only tickets in store/on the door now?

[PeterWithesShin]

It does come across that way though CBBB. If you don't want him fit to face a Division 3 club at home, which you also already mentioned was level, then it's not a great leap to assume you won't want him fit to feature in any league games.

[PeterWithesShin]

T'view from t'Dales.

STEVE EVANS is no under no illusions as to the task awaiting Rotherham United if they are to spring a cup shock on their first visit to Villa Park in over 40 years.

The Millers manager has likened the challenge in front of his side to scaling Ben Nevis in trainers.

Striker Danny Nardiello will sit out the game due to a one-match ban after his dismissal for two bookable offences in the weekend draw with Shrewsbury.

Evans revealed that the forward was almost in tears in the dressing room on Saturday after realising he had let his team-mates down.

For the rest of his playing colleagues, it is a rare place in the national limelight with Evans and his side determined to make the most of it.

Evans and his Villa counterpart Paul Lambert share an affinity with Celtic, but that is where the similarities end between the clubs.

Evans, who has revealed he is chasing two or three signings before the transfer window closes, including a player currently in the Scottish Premier League, said of tonight’s test, said: “It will be like climbing Ben Nevis in our training shoes.

“Football will always be a game of shock results, every season in football history that has happened and that will continue for sure.

“Villa are in superb form this season, they have top players, they have lots of youth and energy plus – in my opinion – they also have a top manager in Paul Lambert.

“We do not kid ourselves that this match will be tough and at times we might not see a lot of the ball, so when we do we have to make sure we use our time with it effectively.”

Evans, who masterminded several cup shocks in his time as Crawley manager, added: “We will be taking somewhere in the region of four thousand supporters to Villa Park.

“I know they will give the team the best vocal backing we could get.

“When we arrive at Villa Park we do so as a very proud squad of men, that is the minimum criteria I want from all of us when we leave to head back to Rotherham.

“I want all of us to enjoy and embrace the occasion.

“But we must deliver a huge performance if we are to cause a cup upset, and I believe we can.”

Last six games: Aston Villa LLWDLW, Rotherham DWDWDW.

Last time: Aston Villa 1 Rotherham 2; October 9, 1971; Division Three.

Referee: S Hooper (Wiltshire).

[PeterWithesShin]

Has anyone managed to buy a ticket online this afternoon? It doesn't seem to be available through eticketing. There are other games to purchase tickets for, but not tonights. Does this mean only tickets in store/on the door now?

I'm guessing the limited online has passed so it's buy at the ground or shop in town now.

Tickets for Villa v Rotherham are no longer on sale via the telephone due to high demand.

They are available online for a limited period only.

Any supporters hoping to attend are advised to purchase their tickets in person at Villa Village as early as possible.

Tickets are available to purchase in person now from Villa Village.

Tickets are available to collect from Villa Village Ticket Office from now until 5.30pm.

They are then available to collect from 5.45pm at the Trinity Road Ticket Kiosk.

Supporters are urged to collect any pre-purchased tickets as early as possible to avoid large queues and the possibility of missing kick-off.

This is an all-ticket affair - season cards will not be activated.

All supporters must be in possession of a ticket.

It is expected to be extremely busy around Villa Park tonight so get down here early to secure your tickets for tonight's big match.

Tickets are priced at North Stand and Family Stand: £10 [adults] and £5 [U16s], Holte End: £12 [adults] and £5 [U16s], Trinity Road and Doug Ellis: £15 [adults] and £5 [U16s].

They are available on general sale.

[bertlambshank]

Has anyone managed to buy a ticket online this afternoon? It doesn't seem to be available through eticketing. There are other games to purchase tickets for, but not tonights. Does this mean only tickets in store/on the door now?

In person only,sounds like they have sold a lot more than they thought they would.

[eastie]

Just a heads up for people oversea's tonight match is one of 3 being shown live.Check your listings.
Match on Al Jazeera Sport

Never expected that , cheers lambshank !

[danlanza]

Think we are on Al Jaz Sports 6.

[Olneythelonely]

I would have tonight but I'm looking after the nipper. Damn my fertility.

[ciggiesnbeer]

I hope we see an entirely rotated team tonight. Want to see the new signings and rotation players get the game time in.

[silhillvilla]

Strong line up , good.