Aston Villa v Stoke City Pre-Match Thread

[Theo]

I'd definitely give a chance to Albrighton in the starting team tomorrow, in all the his last performances he's shown a great spirit and attacking abilities, I was surprised he didn't start a game more often lately, like against Newcastle for example.

[ozzjim]

Have a nagging feeling they'll do us. 

They've been better under Hughes, even if their away record is shite. 

In fact that's prob why I have such a nagging feeling. Usually when it's flagged up how poor a sides away record is, they invariably turn us over. 

Would take a 0-0 or 1-1, but reckon it'll be 2-0 to them. 

Don't think we're good enough (yet) to win three at home on the bounce.

Me too. That, coupled with the fact we have the golden opportunity to nail ourselves safe with a win tomorrow, I just think it is the kind of game Villa always end up buggering up!

[villan from luton]

Albrighton has been doing well, but personally would stick with the same team

[VancouverLion]

Hope we get a decent crowd and atmosphere today after back to back home wins and the high of beating Chelsea. Be a bit demoralizing if they run out to 30k with little noise.

Up the mighty Villa!!!!

[Can Gana Be Bettered!?!?]

I think today will go a long way for me deciding whether I renew or not.

I enjoyed the Norwich, WBA and Chelsea matches, but the good games have been too few looking back.

Can we play well again and show me that the potential the team has is going to be realised?

[willywombat]

5-1, all fears put to bed and let's enjoy the end of season run in

[passitsideways]

Would love to see Lambert take a gamble and give Albrighton a start instead of one of the midfield three, and Weimann behind Benteke - worried that they're going to approach this game with the same lack of urgency in their passing that they've shown in previous home games against lower-end opposition (West Ham, Sunderland, Palace, Cardiff), and I think Marc providing some natural width and desire to force the issue might at least increase the chance of us creating something out of nowhere. He could always introduce a third midfielder once we go up a goal, but I'd like to see us show some enterprise for once against an ordinary team, instead of just waiting for a counterattack.

[robbo1874]

Can't see past a draw.

Prove me wrong Villa!

[Clampy]

Albrighton has been doing well, but personally would stick with the same team

I'd make just the one change, Bertrand for Bennett.

[Villafirst]

3-1 Villa. A repeat of nearly 12 months ago at their place. Stoke have a lot of their better players injured; Ireland, Adam, Huth & I think Walters is suspended. Just hope Villa play with the right tempo from the off.

[JJ-AV]

Unable to go today. Ticket went for £8.60 on Viagogo.

Score draw. 2-2.

I think Bennett deserves to keep his place.

[Can Gana Be Bettered!?!?]

Unable to go today. Ticket went for £8.60 on Viagogo.

Score draw. 2-2.

I think Bennett deserves to keep his place.

A reason not to renew next season...

[Clampy]

Unable to go today. Ticket went for £8.60 on Viagogo.

Score draw. 2-2.

I think Bennett deserves to keep his place.

Maybe he does in fairness. I just think if Bennett played, they'd stick Odemwingie on him and I think Bertrand might handle his pace a bit better.

[supertom]

Left back is a tough call. Bertrand has played well since joining. He's been pretty consistent. I thought he was very good against Norwich. If it had been anyone else but Chelsea last week, he'd have kept his place. Bennett has obviously come in and done well, but he may have to bide his time. What we haven't really seen from Bennett is a run of 5-10 solid games. We've seen that from Bertrand. I'd put Bertrand back in the side to be honest. Harsh, but you play your best side available and Bertrand is a better player.

As for Albrighton, if I put him in the side for anyone, it's Weimann. We can't get away with a 2 man CM I don't think.

[Damo70]

I would play Bertrand. It would be harsh on Bennett but I always remember the Brian Clough quote. "Always play your best players and best team. It sounds obvious but so many managers don't do it".