Aston Villa vs Arsenal Pre-Match Thread

[JUAN PABLO]

It's odd, in the sense that this has all the hallmarks of just another fixture to fulfill.  Take our beating and move on.

But this could be a pivotal game, for Lambert and for our season.   

Win this tonight, and I can't see us going down.   We'd be on 26 points, and 14 points from 17 shouldn't be beyond us -even if we do have a 'mare of a run at some stage between now and the end of the season.

However lose tonight (particularly if it's a beating) and lose at Anfield at the weekend and we'll be back around the dead men at the foot of the table.

Lambert won't get jettisoned for defeats against either of those sides, but losing at home to the Olbiyun or West Ham on top of that could do for him. They might be the games that we'd expect to target three points, but a side that can lose to Crystal Palace at home can lose to anyone.

If he loses at home to baggies and west ham ,  the  guillotine will be out  , you cant survive that .

[Chico Hamilton III]

I'd go with five at the back or five in midfield for this one if possible and try and catch them on the break. I know we're at home and we shouldn't be doing that but it's how we play best.

I'd go with 5 at the back, 5 in the middle, 2 up front and see how long we can get away with playing 12 players. You never know

[eastie]

It's odd, in the sense that this has all the hallmarks of just another fixture to fulfill.  Take our beating and move on.

But this could be a pivotal game, for Lambert and for our season.   

Win this tonight, and I can't see us going down.   We'd be on 26 points, and 14 points from 17 shouldn't be beyond us -even if we do have a 'mare of a run at some stage between now and the end of the season.

However lose tonight (particularly if it's a beating) and lose at Anfield at the weekend and we'll be back around the dead men at the foot of the table.

Lambert won't get jettisoned for defeats against either of those sides, but losing at home to the Olbiyun or West Ham on top of that could do for him. They might be the games that we'd expect to target three points, but a side that can lose to Crystal Palace at home can lose to anyone.

If he loses at home to baggies and west ham ,  the  guillotine will be out  , you cant survive that .

By then the window will be closed and it wouldn't make much difference sacking him .

[villa `cross the mersey]

1-7 with Drake getting all seven - or 1-5 with Woodcock getting four ... fill in the latest Arsenal striker to get an easy ride at VP

Or even 2-6 with Woodcock getting five - Oct '83. My late father was at the Drake game, and we were both at the latter.

My bad ... memory is not what it was - thanks for the correction

[JUAN PABLO]

It's odd, in the sense that this has all the hallmarks of just another fixture to fulfill.  Take our beating and move on.

But this could be a pivotal game, for Lambert and for our season.   

Win this tonight, and I can't see us going down.   We'd be on 26 points, and 14 points from 17 shouldn't be beyond us -even if we do have a 'mare of a run at some stage between now and the end of the season.

However lose tonight (particularly if it's a beating) and lose at Anfield at the weekend and we'll be back around the dead men at the foot of the table.

Lambert won't get jettisoned for defeats against either of those sides, but losing at home to the Olbiyun or West Ham on top of that could do for him. They might be the games that we'd expect to target three points, but a side that can lose to Crystal Palace at home can lose to anyone.

If he loses at home to baggies and west ham ,  the  guillotine will be out  , you cant survive that .

By then the window will be closed and it wouldn't make much difference sacking him .

maybe , but we would be going down .    It cant happen

[Can Gana Be Bettered!?!?]

I can't recall a game where I've been less optimistic ahead of going.  And that includes numerous trips to Anfield, OT, Stamford Bridge etc.

Sheff Utd last week?

[Pat McMahon]

I'd go with five at the back or five in midfield for this one if possible and try and catch them on the break. I know we're at home and we shouldn't be doing that but it's how we play best.

I'd go with 5 at the back, 5 in the middle, 2 up front and see how long we can get away with playing 12 players. You never know

Then we'd actually be playing with 13 players, Chico. Unless you plan on no keeper for this one....

[Smirker]

It is such an obvious away banker that I have a totally irrational feeling of optimism about this one. Sod it, 2-1 Villa.

Also, there were no shocks at the weekend. Liverpool, Man. City, Chelsea, Man. United, Tottenham, Everton - all won.

There's got to be one shock.

3-2 Villa.

[eastie]

It is such an obvious away banker that I have a totally irrational feeling of optimism about this one. Sod it, 2-1 Villa.

Also, there were no shocks at the weekend. Liverpool, Man. City, Chelsea, Man. United, Tottenham, Everton - all won.

There's got to be one shock.

3-2 Villa.

No doubt a gabby hat trick smirker ?

[pauliewalnuts]

Villa to win 1-0 is a pretty astonishing 16/1.

[PeterWithesShin]

It was pissing down on the way into town. It has now stopped raining. PWS for H&V weather.

[JUAN PABLO]

Villa to win 1-0 is a pretty astonishing 16/1.

just taken that


benteke pen maybe

[pauliewalnuts]

Villa to win 1-0 is a pretty astonishing 16/1.

just taken that


benteke pen maybe

I've just taken Benteke first scorer and Villa to win 1-0 which SkyBet are boosting to a mental 95/1

[JUAN PABLO]

Villa to win 1-0 is a pretty astonishing 16/1.

just taken that


benteke pen maybe

I've just taken Benteke first scorer and Villa to win 1-0 which SkyBet are boosting to a mental 95/1

couldnt find that , damn .  had the 1-0

[Gerrin]

It's odd, in the sense that this has all the hallmarks of just another fixture to fulfill.  Take our beating and move on.

But this could be a pivotal game, for Lambert and for our season.   

Win this tonight, and I can't see us going down.   We'd be on 26 points, and 14 points from 17 shouldn't be beyond us -even if we do have a 'mare of a run at some stage between now and the end of the season.

However lose tonight (particularly if it's a beating) and lose at Anfield at the weekend and we'll be back around the dead men at the foot of the table.

Lambert won't get jettisoned for defeats against either of those sides, but losing at home to the Olbiyun or West Ham on top of that could do for him. They might be the games that we'd expect to target three points, but a side that can lose to Crystal Palace at home can lose to anyone.

If he loses at home to baggies and west ham ,  the  guillotine will be out  , you cant survive that .

By then the window will be closed and it wouldn't make much difference sacking him .

Is there any point in sacking him at all? Who would we get it would be a gamble on someon? Whoever it is they won't get any cash.

I really think we need to stick with Lambert for the long term.