Aston Villa v Newton Heath LYR Pre-Match Thread

[Matt Collins]

If we come back from two down to win 3-2 I would love it even more than the Sunderland game last season. I can't bring myself to hope for it. Can you imagine?

[eastie]

By Brendan McLoughlin | 13/12/13 

Aston Villa manager Paul Lambert insists Ashley Young is no cheat – despite the Manchester United winger even coming in for flak from his own boss David Moyes .

Young’s latest controversy surrounded a dive to earn United a penalty against Real Sociedad last month.

And both Moyes and his predecessor Sir Alex Ferguson have warned the England international about his conduct.

Former Villa winger Young this week refused to apologise – and claimed it is up to referees to decide if he was guilty of trying to con them.

He can expect a hostile reception from the Villa Park boo boys in tomorrow’s return to his old stomping ground – but he can expect little better from the away fans who have also grown frustrated by his antics.

He has, however, found an unlikely ally in Lambert, who said: “I don’t think he dives intentionally. I don’t know him personally but he tries to do things on the football pitch. Sometimes he gets caught.

“These players move so quick, the slightest nick can send them over. It’s up to the referee. Maybe some decisions have been highlighted because of one previous one.

“In any dangerous situation you can’t bring him down as a defender. That’s against any player, not just Ashley Young.”



Victory by a three-goal margin would send Villa above the champions – but Lambert has defended fellow Scot Moyes, who has endured a torrid start since replacing Ferguson.

Lambert added: “Man Utd have got good owners and directors, and are sensible to know that he needs a little bit of time to bed himself in.

“I would love to know someone that has refused that job. You would have to be cuckoo not to want it.

“People forget when Alex was there, there was a time people were calling for him. He’s a good manager, I’m convinced he will get it right.”

[Stu]

If we come back from two down to win 3-2 I would love it even more than the Sunderland game last season. I can't bring myself to hope for it. Can you imagine?

Don't do it to yourself, Matt! I've had my hopes dashed far too many times in this fixture to allow myself to have much hope for a win tomorrow.

[Matt Collins]

In the game last season I was feeling worse about ten seconds after we scored our second than I was before, because it all just felt too inevitable. We'd scored too early!

[Witton Warrior]

In the game last season I was feeling worse about ten seconds after we scored our second than I was before, because it all just felt too inevitable. We'd scored too early!

It was worse when Weimann had his header saved for the 3-0, turned to the guy next to me and said "3 for the draw" he laughed right until the second one went in for them; the inevitable then happened of course.

I always turn up at this match just to show I love the Villa as I have NO expectation of getting anything tomorrow - I shove any flickers of hope far into the back of my mind...

[Grande Pablo]

Nice piece by Mark Draper to get us all in the mood - apologies if posted elsewhere.

http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/11677/9071389/sky-sports-vault

[mrfuse]

If Vlaar was fit and Delph not suspended I would fancy our chances but as they are not cant help but think Rooney will have a field day.

Would love to get a winner in injury time as I hate the bloody lot of them.

[supertom]

If Vlaar was fit and Delph not suspended I would fancy our chances but as they are not cant help but think Rooney will have a field day.

Would love to get a winner in injury time as I hate the bloody lot of them.

The worry is too, that at some point the rest of their attacking players might find some form. It would be typical if Ash Young finally turned up this season tomorrow.

[ChicagoLion]

here you go Mr Lambert

[ChicagoLion]

here you go Mr Lambert

[Dave Cooper please]

Going well CL!

[Deano's Mullet]

Nice piece by Mark Draper to get us all in the mood - apologies if posted elsewhere.

http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/11677/9071389/sky-sports-vault

That Draper goal is one of the best "team" goals I reckon we've ever scored.

[eastie]

By Danny McCann | 14/12/13 

Manchester United boss David Moyes believes Paul Lambert deserves credit for how he has handled a tricky period at Villa Park.

Moyes believes that his fellow countryman is now seeing the benefits of his inclusion of so many young players in his first season as Villa manager.

After a poor start to last season, Lambert's men were languishing near the foot of the table but a final push in the last few months saw them lose just five of 14 league games.

"Paul Lambert introduced a lot of young players in his first year or so," the Scot said. "That was always going to be a hard task for him.

"At times young players can make mistakes or not be as consistent as you would like.

"Paul has got through the worst of that. It was a brave decision to do it and he has some exciting players now."

The two managers know each other well through their playing days at Celtic but friendship aside, Moyes will be looking to kick start his campaign with a victory over his fellow Scot.

"I have been told Villa has been a great venue for United," added Moyes.

"My memory goes back to Ryan Giggs' goal against Arsenal. That was one of my great memories of Villa Park.

"I have always enjoyed going there.

"We will go there and try and pick up the league form."

[littlevillain]

Away fans in home areas

Villa welcomes all football supporters to Villa Park.

Away team support brings atmosphere and vibrancy to the stadium on a matchday and is an important part of the whole football supporting experience.


Agreed but an away fan that celebrates in the home end should also expect to get serious grief especially those arrogant cockneys

However, we must acknowledge the reality that emotions run high between the fans of the opposing teams, which can lead to unpleasant incidents which tarnish the reputations of all clubs and individuals.

It is for this reason that a particular area of the stadium is reserved for away supporters and it follows that expressions or the appearance of support for the away team are not welcome in the remainder of the stadium occupied by home fans.

If you have purchased a ticket for a home area of Villa Park then you are expected to be a home supporter.

If this is not the case, then you will very likely be ejected from the stadium.

You will not be relocated. You will be ejected without compensation.

[Smirker]

Away fans in home areas

Villa welcomes all football supporters to Villa Park.

Away team support brings atmosphere and vibrancy to the stadium on a matchday and is an important part of the whole football supporting experience.

However, we must acknowledge the reality that emotions run high between the fans of the opposing teams, which can lead to unpleasant incidents which tarnish the reputations of all clubs and individuals.

It is for this reason that a particular area of the stadium is reserved for away supporters and it follows that expressions or the appearance of support for the away team are not welcome in the remainder of the stadium occupied by home fans.

If you have purchased a ticket for a home area of Villa Park then you are expected to be a home supporter.

If this is not the case, then you will very likely be ejected from the stadium.

You will not be relocated. You will be ejected without compensation.

There will be loads of them in the North lower.