Stoke City v Aston Villa Pre-Match Thread

[russon]

I predict a stinker. 0-0 with queues for the exits on 75 mins

[Dio1874]

Beast to score, we'll play the long ball game, while them stokies will pass it about a bit with no effect!!!!
UTV

[Matt C]

I see our Prime Minister is predicting a 2-0 away win which is nice!

I'm not comfortable in a world where he is right so I'll go 1-1.

[eastie]

Ron Vlaar remains a major doubt for Saturday's trip to Stoke.

Vlaar is still battling a calf problem that forced him off at half time during the victory at Southampton earlier this month.

It also kept the Villa skipper out of the defeats to Fulham and Manchester United.

Meanwhile, Chris Herd is set to return after missing out on the United clash with a facial injury.

Fabian Delph is back after serving a one-match ban but Gabby Agbonlahor is suspended after picking up five yellow cards.

"Ron is still struggling at the minute," said manager Paul Lambert.

"We have to try and get that calf cleared up because he was excellent for us just before he went out injured.

"To be fair he is doing better now, step by step. We've just got to watch that and we'll wait and see.

"There are one or two other little knocks that are giving us a bit of concern but we've still got tomorrow so we'll see how everybody is."

"Chris looks as if he is going to be ok which is a bonus.

"As I said afterwards, Chris was playing in the game on Sunday and we found out on Sunday morning that he wasn't fit and we had to change the whole thing around.

"So it was a bit of a blow and it wasn't great but sometimes that happens in football."

Meanwhile, Lambert gave a positive update on Jores Okore.

The defender revealed this week that his recovery from a knee injury is going well - and he could even play a part before the end of the season.

"He is doing really good with his rehab," the Villa boss added.

"Hopefully with a bit of luck he will play some part in it, but he is doing great which is a bonus."

[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.

On a similar theme, I recall Stoke once scoring four goals in a home game (difficult to believe I know!), and the scorers were Henry Ford, Morgan and Talbot! 

[silhillvilla]

Seems Benteke may be out injured.

[Toronto Villa]

Seems Benteke may be out injured.

Where did you hear that?

[SoccerHQ]

Shawcross unlikey to play, Hughes wants to save him for the xmas games.

Crouch who's been in good form and Walters both injury doubts.

If Benteke doesn't make it we'll go with a front three of Weimann and Albrighton either side of Kozak I reckon.

[silhillvilla]

Seems Benteke may be out injured.

Where did you hear that?

Sorry don't have a link or quote but apparently lambert mentioned something today at his press conference.

[Clampy]

Seems Benteke may be out injured.

Where did you hear that?

Sorry don't have a link or quote but apparently lambert mentioned something today at his press conference.

He said he's been carrying little knocks which are affecting his mobility and he may have to leave him out at some point but he didn't suggest it would be tomorrow. With the Christmas games coming up though, he might well do.

[eastie]

Seems Benteke may be out injured.

Where did you hear that?

Sorry don't have a link or quote but apparently lambert mentioned something today at his press conference.

Would imagine if he rests him it would be maybe against palace as we would have two games in 4 days and also gabby would be available .

[l_mckay]

I know Benteke hasn't been very good lately but I'd much rather him in the team than without,hope it isn't tomorrow that he's rested especially with gabby not playing

[Legion]

Good point. Kozak and Weimann hardly inspire confidence at the moment and I'm a big fan of Andi.

[London Villan]

Did anyone get the bottom of what happened with Herd? He leaves training on Friday I assume and all is well ready for the match, then he appears on Sunday with a "facial injury" and has to pull out of the match?

[Legion]

Smacked in the face whilst standing near the corner flag by a wayward attempt on goal by Tonev?