Stoke City v Aston Villa Match Thread

[Monty]

Guzan, lowton, baker, Clark, herd, Westwood, Delph, tonev, weimann, Albrighton and Kozak

Is that the worst Villa line up since the Turner era?

You forgot every line-up which included JLloyd Samuel.

[supertom]

Looks like a 4-2-3-1.
Tonev and Alby on each wing, Weimann playing off Kozak?
I'd have gone for that to be honest. Two direct wingers against their poor fullbacks. Andy's work rate is better used in the middle to help break up their midfield, and also allowing him to play off Kozak. His best game this season came against City, playing off Kozak.

I don't think that's actually a bad side to be honest. It looks direct, and hopefully with some width. Of course Lambert will do something silly like play Weimann wide and Tonev in the middle, just to fuck things up.

KEA out is a bonus. He disappears for most of the games. The odd goal here and there can't make up for that. We're best just having a two man, with Weimann dropping back to help out every now and again. I honestly think Lambo has taken a leaf out of Utds book after last week.

[eastie]

We need Weimann to find some form today - chances here for a few to impress and stake a claim - lets hope they take their chance.

[JUAN PABLO]

well I was happy to see kEA and Luna out at first .

maybe hes got to play weimann with CB and Gabby out but hes been really poor .   Looks poor side , so we will probably win 3-0

[PGW]

Stoke side: Begovic, Cameron, Shawcross, Wilson, Pieters, Walters Nzonzi, Arnautovic, Whelan, Assaidi, Crouch,
Subs Sorenson, Muniesa, Pennant, Palacios, Jones, Adam. Wilkinson

[David_Nab]

I take it Luna has a knock other wise a CB at FB ...it's MON esq

[Jon Crofts]

Guzan, lowton, baker, Clark, herd, Westwood, Delph, tonev, weimann, Albrighton and Kozak

Tell me that's a fantasy nightmare team and not the Villa team today?

[JUAN PABLO]

shawcross in then

[Legion]

Prays for 0-0...prays for 0-0...prays for 0-0...prays for 0-0...

[supertom]

We need Weimann to find some form today - chances here for a few to impress and stake a claim - lets hope they take their chance.

Honestly the way we're playing at the minute, I'd rather have Weimann in there for his work rate alone. I think we'll see a different player though, if he's allowed to play through the middle, which hopefully today he will.

On paper this side looks week, but what I do think it's got, is some balance. Two direct wingers, 2 in the middles, with Weimann operating behind Kozak.
The defence could be a worry, but honestly, as average as our side might look, I don't think Stoke looks any better. In fact their side looks shite.

I fancy a win today.

[JUAN PABLO]

sad when we make Stokes bench look like Man Citys bench compared to ours and their bench is shit

[PaulWinch again]

I take it Luna has a knock other wise a CB at FB ...it's MON esq

It's probably that he was absolutely diabolical last week.

[Mazrim]

I am equal parts dread and cautiously optimistic we can pull something out of the bag.

[darren woolley]

It don't look like a side that makes me think we can win the match but I'm hoping I'm proved wrong come on Villa.

[Toronto Villa]

Blimey that looks a bit fragile. I hope that there is a surprise in the bag. Missing Gabby and Benteke is a big blow as much as Vlaar.