Aston Villa v Tottenham Hotspur Pre-Match Thread

[brontebilly]

Games after international breaks are strange ones but the extra time off will have Gabby much fitter than he was at Hull anyway. I was disgusted with our performance v Hull, the lack of ambition on the pitch (Delph aside) and on the sideline was depressingly like the GT2 days. If we carry on in the same tone on Sunday, it could be another 4-0 defeat to Spurs.

Just worried about what team Lambert will put out, we got away with one big time imo with the 5 at the back effort v City and a similar effort here will see us soundly beaten. The back 4 picks itself, Bacuna and Clark deservedly ahead of Lowton and Baker on form. Midfield apart from Delph is struggling, Kea has been solid enough and deserves a spot but the other 2 or 3 places are well up for grabs. We lack width, a player that gets beyond the strikers and any semblance of guile. Nzogbia is probably getting better the less he plays (the Cuellar effect) but a player like him is what we need. None of the forwards we have brought in have settled yet, Weimann has been pretty useless this season, Gabby has created goals but needs to nip in the bud one of his goalless runs soon.

Id bring in lads that havent been given much of a chance this season so far, I dont see the point in leaving players in the squad if you dont intend to use them. Bennett and Herd cant be any worse than some players that have played so far this season and might surprise us. Herd isnt much of a footballer but can add mobility and bite to our midfield. Bennett has a nice left boot on him and might be able to find Benteke with some good crosses. Westwood's attitude the last day was piss poor and Weimann is another one that needs a kick up the arse. Id drop both of them.

Guzan
Bacuna, Vlaar, Clark, Luna
-------Herd, Delph----------
---Kea--------------Bennett
-----Gabby----Benteke---

[Clampy]

Like I said the other day, if Benteke is ok then he goes back in. If not, i'd go with Weimann and Gabby up front, put Lowton back in and maybe play Bacuna in front of him to give us some width.

[Dave Clark Five]

Win 2-1 or 3-1 after going behind.

[Chris Smith]

So hard to predict how we'll perform with any degree of confidence, we can be good, bad or indifferent and often all three in the same game.

The Villa are like a box of chocolates...

[Mister E]

Like I said the other day, if Benteke is ok then he goes back in. If not, i'd go with Weimann and Gabby up front, put Lowton back in and maybe play Bacuna in front of him to give us some width.

I agree about Bacuna - him and Delph are both going to be stars in MF.

[WALTERS WARRIORS]

I would want Bacuna in the team for his free kick threat alone. Plus he is starting to adapt to the requirements needed in the prem. I would start with Kojak and Helenius and then throw on Weimann and Benteke for the last half hour ..........

[eastie]

I would want Bacuna in the team for his free kick threat alone. Plus he is starting to adapt to the requirements needed in the prem. I would start with Kojak and Helenius and then throw on Weimann and Benteke for the last half hour ..........

Kozak and helenius to start ahead of Weimann and benteke - no, no, no!

[WALTERS WARRIORS]

I would want Bacuna in the team for his free kick threat alone. Plus he is starting to adapt to the requirements needed in the prem. I would start with Kojak and Helenius and then throw on Weimann and Benteke for the last half hour ..........

Kozak and helenius to start ahead of Weimann and benteke - no, no, no!

I know at first look that looks wrong. But Kojak will rough that defence up and Helenius is better in that number 10 spot than people think. Don't panic eastie. Its not going to actually happen !!

[eastie]

I would want Bacuna in the team for his free kick threat alone. Plus he is starting to adapt to the requirements needed in the prem. I would start with Kojak and Helenius and then throw on Weimann and Benteke for the last half hour ..........

Kozak and helenius to start ahead of Weimann and benteke - no, no, no!
I like both helenius and Kozak but I'm sure lambert will play his strongest team against spurs.

I know at first look that looks wrong. But Kojak will rough that defence up and Helenius is better in that number 10 spot than people think. Don't panic eastie. Its not going to actually happen !!

Of course it is not - Weimann and benteke if fit will start in my opinion .
I like both Kozak and helenius but this is not the time or place , lambert will surely play his strongest side.

[eastie]

@MatKendrick: Andre Villas-Boas tips #avfc for a European place and has "information" Christian Benteke will play tomorrow- according to the London press

[olaftab]

Need to win games like this at home otherwise we can say goodbye to title even this early!

[danlanza]

@MatKendrick: Andre Villas-Boas tips #avfc for a European place and has "information" Christian Benteke will play tomorrow- according to the London press

He is a bit slow that Villas-Boas. We said this before the season started

[ciggiesnbeer]

Need to win games like this at home otherwise we can say goodbye to title even this early!

Agreed, we should be beating the likes of Spurs if we are going to win the league.

[silhillvilla]

I'm sensing a Weimann goal tomorrow

[eastie]

Need to win games like this at home otherwise we can say goodbye to title even this early!

Agreed, we should be beating the likes of Spurs if we are going to win the league.

Would prefer to have it done and dusted by easter so we can try a few of our kids in April and may ready for our champions league assault next season .