Stoke City v Aston Villa Pre-Match Thread

[Monty]

I don't think Lambert's ever likely to start with a straight 4-4-2, and certainly not one which puts Delph on the left - he knows better than anyone how absolutely necessary it is to have him in the middle.

[ozzjim]

No no and thrice no to Delph on the left.

Albrighton right, Gabby left and Delph with Westwood in the centre with 4-4-2. But I would save that for home. I would still have 3 in the centre at Stoke. Herd with Westwood and Delph in front.

Albrighton Kozak and Gabby up top.

[SoccerHQ]

Was just trying to think of who'd start on the left anyway with Benteke out.

Actually wouldn't shock me if Luna was dropped and we move Baker/Clark to left back again.

[Clampy]

I think Matt Collins may well be right in predicting the three-at-the-back, it does look like a great fixture for it. I hope Albrighton would be included in that system somehow because he's our one player available right now with the confidence to take on defenders in the attacking third, wherever he's playing.

I was thinking earlier about playing three at the back, but like you I was wondering where Albrighton would go. It would be a shame to leave him out considering he was our one bright spark against Man Utd.

I'd like to see us give the midfield a revamp personally. Something like Delph, Bacuna and Gardner? A bit of energy in there for a change.

[Clampy]

No no and thrice no to Delph on the left.

Albrighton right, Gabby left and Delph with Westwood in the centre with 4-4-2. But I would save that for home. I would still have 3 in the centre at Stoke. Herd with Westwood and Delph in front.

Albrighton Kozak and Gabby up top.

Gabby's suspended Ozz.

[ozzjim]

Benteke in for Gabby then.

All sorted.

[supertom]

                 Guzan

Bacuna, Lowton, Herd, Clark, Delph.



Bowery, Benteke, Kozak, Helenius, Weimann.

Job done.

[Monty]

I think it's more likely to be Weimann than anyone, second most likely being Tonev.

[Matt Collins]

I didn't realise huth and shawcross are out. That really is a good opportunity.

A real shame gabby is out then. He exploited sourhampton's weaknesses at the back very well.

It would be great then if vlaar could be fit. We could play more on the front foot then: back four - albrighton Westwood Delph bacuna - Weimann - kozak / benteke

But if he's out I just don't trust our defence so think we'd need a five. I still think albrighton could play as a third midfielder though, it's just not his ideal position

[silhillvilla]

With Huth and Shawcross out this is a great chance for an away win. Route 1 may be our best approach ? I think Kozak should play along with Benteke up top .

[eastie]

With Huth and Shawcross out this is a great chance for an away win. Route 1 may be our best approach ? I think Kozak should play along with Benteke up top .

Yep with albrighton in a wide role supplying them.

[tom jennings III]

Win required here and the next 2 games please!

[silhillvilla]

Win required here and the next 2 games please!

If and it's a big If we achieve that it sets us up brilliantly for 2014

[bobdylan]

I'd play Benteke and Kozak with Weimann in behind and a midfield 3 of Bacuna Westy and Delph, same back 4 as Sun if Vlaar still out.  Bit harsh on Albrighton but I think Bacuna, Lowton and Weimann can all provide width on the right.

[Fin Feds Dad]

I'd play Benteke and Kozak with Weimann in behind and a midfield 3 of Bacuna Westy and Delph, same back 4 as Sun if Vlaar still out.  Bit harsh on Albrighton but I think Bacuna, Lowton and Weimann can all provide width on the right.

Agree with this side - can always bring Albrighton on at some point to run at them second half.