Stoke City v Aston Villa Pre-Match Thread

[Ron Manager]

With both Shawcross and Huth the mainstays of their defence out I would be tempted to get the ball to Marc Allbrighton as soon as possible.Tell him we are playing Man Utd and to sling it over as much as possible. Kozak and Benteke should be able to get a couple between them.

We might get a needed result.

[BC54 VFC]

Who will play centre half for them? I'm guessing Cameron and Wilson?

I reckon Cameron to the right and Wilson to the left.

[eastie]

@MatKendrick: Chris Herd is available for selection for Villa at Stoke this weekend after missing the previous match with a facial injury #avfc

[olaftab]

I would be tempted to get the ball to Marc Allbrighton as soon as possible.Tell him we are playing Man Utd and to sling it over as much as possible.

Yes tell him that soon after someone has convinced him that he is Tony Morley.

[newtonsballs]

Its got 0-0 written all over it, and I think it will end up 0-0. I feel sorry for those who are going to the match. Prove me wrong Villa - please.

[LTA]

I think it says a lot about the quality of the league this season, or lack of quality.  We're a poor side, yet we're still a couple of wins away from seventh in the table, likewise Stoke.  Its a pretty crap Premier League at the moment.

Its a blessing that Ireland won't play, as he'd want to prove a point.  But he's probably been their most influential player this season.  0-0 bore for me.

[Big Dick Edwards]

I fancied us beforehand but if Shawcross is out as well as Huth Stoke are there for the taking. 3-1 to the Villa Boys.

[Clampy]

I can't understand Lambert's appeal in wanting to put Herd in. I think he'd probably be ok in a back five at a push but playing him centre half in a back four is not going to work for me. Personally, I think he's worth a place on the bench in case he's needed

[Steve kirk]

Mate of mine who is a season ticket holder bumped into Concrete Ron at an Asda store tonight and had a brief chat with him, Ron said he was not optimistic about returning any time soon and felt very frustrated that this calf problem had flared up again, said he is very happy at Villa.

[Ian.]

What the hell is he doing in ASDA. If I was a pro footballer I'd never set foot in a supermarket again. This time of year as well, he must be mental.

[VillaAlways]

What the hell is he doing in ASDA. If I was a pro footballer I'd never set foot in a supermarket again. This time of year as well, he must be mental.

Vlaars in ASDA regularly. Benteke and Sylla were in there last week too, I guess after 3 hours training there's not much else to do :-/

[Steve kirk]

What the hell is he doing in ASDA. If I was a pro footballer I'd never set foot in a supermarket again. This time of year as well, he must be mental.

Definately happened Ian but yes you would think everything would be delivered but there you go Ron is one of us.

[BoskoDjembaSalifou]

I can't understand Lambert's appeal in wanting to put Herd in. I think he'd probably be ok in a back five at a push but playing him centre half in a back four is not going to work for me. Personally, I think he's worth a place on the bench in case he's needed

I think he'd make an okay defensive midfielder. I think he's quite a limited player but he does love a tackle, he could be useful protecting the defence.

[olaftab]

What the hell is he doing in ASDA. If I was a pro footballer I'd never set foot in a supermarket again. This time of year as well, he must be mental.

Being Dutch he comes from a  classless, totally unpretentious, society. There is no Fortnum&Mason mindset set there and that is great.

[ChicagoLion]

What the hell is he doing in ASDA. If I was a pro footballer I'd never set foot in a supermarket again. This time of year as well, he must be mental.

Being Dutch he comes from a  classless, totally unpretentious, society. There is no Fortnum&Mason mindset set there and that is great.

Holland, classless you say, hmm