Aston Villa v Everton Pre-Match Thread

[Ads]

I would love somebody to tell me how we set out to defend against Liverpool, in a game where they had one shot at goal and spent 55 minutes defending their own 18 yard line. And if we are a long ball team, then so are Everton, considering Howard has a couple of assists to his name.

[Irish villain]

Delph will score today. Just a feeling that I have.

2-2, Benteke and Delph for villa.

[supertom]

I would love somebody to tell me how we set out to defend against Liverpool, in a game where they had one shot at goal and spent 55 minutes defending their own 18 yard line. And if we are a long ball team, then so are Everton, considering Howard has a couple of assists to his name.

The only game this season I think we've set out with defence first in mind was Man City, and ironically we won that one.

We've tried hard in games against Liverpool, Spurs and Newcastle at home but the main problem was that we were ineffectual. That's in part not having the ability to play as narrow a game that Lambert seems to want us to.
Again we're not a long ball team...until we get to a point of desperation and run out of ideas. That's inevitably when it gets a bit ugly and the hopeful punts become more frequent. Newcastle at home was probably the worst example of that.

In terms of today, Everton have a tight defence and well organised midfield. With Lukaku now they've a bit more cutting edge in attack. I think they're a good side and I can't see us winning. I'm hoping that our decent record against them (aside from last season) will be enough to get us a draw. I'm looking forward to November though when the games get (hopefully) a little easier.

[brontebilly]

Watched a bit of Everton v Hull and they werent all that great (better than us mind against the same opposition). They struggled defending any sort of crosses into their own box and Howard looks a bag of nerves at the moment. Benteke and Gabby could go well tomorrow against there defence. I think we simply have to press Barry high up the pitch, he has never had the quick feet to get himself out of tight spots, even more so now. We give him time on the ball and we will be in trouble. Thats probably warrants either Sylla or Bacuna playing in midfield to give us more mobility and pace in there. I dont rate James McCarthy all that much and Delph I think can outshine another England pretender in Barkley. Everton's two full backs attack very well but Coleman struggles a bit in his positioning at times. Gabby in form could trouble him but if he plays with the same half arsed attitude as against the Spuds then we wont create at all.
Would definitely have Vlaar pick up Lukaku as I have horrible memories of Clark getting tormented by Anichebe against the same opposition last year.
Team I would go for 4-2-2-2 type formation. would bring back in Lowton for this one to give us a bit more going forward. Kea and Westwood arent offering much at the moment and bringing Bacuna into midfield seems to be the only other option we have.

------------Guzan
Lowton, Vlaar, Clark, Luna
------Bacuna-----Delph
---Sylla, ------------Bennett
------Benteke----Gabby-------

[Ads]

I think we will win 3-1, as long as we score first and press as a unit.

[LeeB]

Everton have hada piss easy start compared to us.

3-0 Villa.

[danlanza]

4-1 Villa. The bookies told me to bet on it.

[villa `cross the mersey]

Villa 1 - Everton 3
We need to get our act together in the centre of the park in our home fixtures - until that happens I foresee many more disappointing results.  Martinez to outfox Lambert in the tactical stakes I fear.
VCTM Jnr has opted to stay on Merseyside and play for his local hockey team.
I will be playing lone ranger in a couple of hours - driving down the M6 - 

[paulcomben]

I'm going to try parking in a new place near the ground and Everton are a good team in fine form. All in all, my nerves are in shreds.

[Ads]

Ha ha! I was convinced that one pair of jeans was luckier than others until Tottenham. Turns out I am just a mentalist.

[Dave Clark Five]

Keep putting the bets on Villa losing in the first half but winning the game. I only omitted to do it once this season and you might guess which game that was.

3-1 Villa after going behind.

[Neil Hawkes]

Can't predict. I am too busy plotting how to 1) find a bar in Paphos with the game on (is it on?). 2) convince she-who-has-not-had-leave-since-Spring to nip in for a quick sharpener before we look at the mosaics.

Any sports bar with multiscreens, most have the games chalked up somewhere

[Brian Taylor]

Can't predict. I am too busy plotting how to 1) find a bar in Paphos with the game on (is it on?). 2) convince she-who-has-not-had-leave-since-Spring to nip in for a quick sharpener before we look at the mosaics.

Any sports bar with multiscreens, most have the games chalked up somewhere

You think you have problems? They can get anything on Vıp box there, just a matter of convincing them..me, I am in Malatya E. Turkey trying to translate the idea of wanting to even watch a yabancı/foreign team..perseverance! Not many sports bars for a start!

[kipeye]

I rarely make predictions but have a feeling against form we will win today. If we don't, I shall not be committing suicide just yet.

[CJ]

Just saw on Football Focus that Greg Dyke is appearing at the game today to make some sort of presentation around the most played fixture in football history. Can't wait