Aston Villa vs Hull City Pre-Match Thread

[kippaxvilla2]

This reminds me (for very different reasons) of the Villa v Bradford game on the May Bank holiday 1988.  We were on a really nervy run in the push for promotion and scraped a 1-0 win.  How I would take that now.

[levico]

Sorry to say this but we are a busted flush. I know many of us go to games in the forlorn hope that we'll grind out a win but the lads are just incapable of that. Even Vlaar looks licked.

I expect another home defeat by at least two clear goals.

[kippaxvilla2]

You have to assume the opposition will score, then the minimum number of goals we will need is 1.

[Monty]

I'm starting to wonder if we should play three at the back. Hull usually play with two strikers, and three centre backs as a system was designed to counter this. That's why it worked so well against Liverpool - two man-markers and a sweeper. But then how would we play Albrighton? I don't know what to do. It's desperate.

[JUAN PABLO]

6-6

[Clampy]

I'm starting to wonder if we should play three at the back. Hull usually play with two strikers, and three centre backs as a system was designed to counter this. That's why it worked so well against Liverpool - two man-markers and a sweeper. But then how would we play Albrighton? I don't know what to do. It's desperate.

I'd go three at the back and two full backs mainly because our midfield is so weak and more importantly, we can't afford to lose.

[Monty]

I'm starting to wonder if we should play three at the back. Hull usually play with two strikers, and three centre backs as a system was designed to counter this. That's why it worked so well against Liverpool - two man-markers and a sweeper. But then how would we play Albrighton? I don't know what to do. It's desperate.

I'd go three at the back and two full backs mainly because our midfield is so weak and more importantly, we can't afford to lose.

So:

                                                       Guzan

                                 Vlaar              Baker               Clark

   Bacuna/Lowton                                                                 Bertrand

                                      Westwood               Delph

                                                   Albrighton

                                          Gabby                    Holt

Christ that's weak, but it might be the best we can do.

[andyh]

I'm starting to feel quite sick already, and its only Monday.

As much as I dislike the fact he's at our club, if Holt can play like he did for 60 mins against Fulham, then he's got to start..hasn't he?

I am going to go for a very nervy 2-1 to us, with Hull starting their FA cup final countdown.
   

[UK Redsox]

Normally I'd agree with you SLB, and Bacuna and Albrighton wide is a decent option, but I think this is the only game I'd ever play Grant Holt in.

Yep, if ever there was a game that Holt was brought to Villa Park for, this is it.

[Clampy]

I'm starting to wonder if we should play three at the back. Hull usually play with two strikers, and three centre backs as a system was designed to counter this. That's why it worked so well against Liverpool - two man-markers and a sweeper. But then how would we play Albrighton? I don't know what to do. It's desperate.

I'd go three at the back and two full backs mainly because our midfield is so weak and more importantly, we can't afford to lose.

So:

                                                       Guzan

                                 Vlaar              Baker               Clark

   Bacuna/Lowton                                                                 Bertrand

                                      Westwood               Delph

                                                   Albrighton

                                          Gabby                    Holt

Christ that's weak, but it might be the best we can do.

Probably KEA for Albrighton. Harsh on him I know but I just don't like the idea of two in midfield.

[UK Redsox]

Whatever happens I hope the club don't put up the latest scores from the other games on the scoreboards. It makes me even more stressed.

That's a good point actually. Got a feeling they will though.

I hate the tension as much as the next guy but I hope they do as I really, really need to know. Everyone will be checking on their phones and spreading the word anyway.

Its a struggle for me to get a signal at Villa at the best of times. On Saturday it'll be impossible.

[Monty]

I was debating that as well. How about KEA for Gabby, Albrighton off Holt? At least Holt could bring midfielders into play on the attack, and maybe the wingbacks too.

[UK Redsox]

I'm starting to wonder if we should play three at the back. Hull usually play with two strikers, and three centre backs as a system was designed to counter this. That's why it worked so well against Liverpool - two man-markers and a sweeper. But then how would we play Albrighton? I don't know what to do. It's desperate.

I'd go three at the back and two full backs mainly because our midfield is so weak and more importantly, we can't afford to lose.

Yep, 'cause it worked so well at Palace

[Clampy]

I was debating that as well. How about KEA for Gabby, Albrighton off Holt?

Nah, i'd play Holt and Gabby. Two experienced heads and hopefully the goal Gabby got on Saturday might give him confidence to get another one or two more.

[Monty]

I was debating that as well. How about KEA for Gabby, Albrighton off Holt?

Nah, i'd play Holt and Gabby. Two experienced heads and hopefully the goal Gabby got on Saturday might give him confidence to get another one or two more.

I just don't think we can drop Albrighton, he's the only one making anything happen. No point having two forwards if you can't get the ball to them in decent areas. Gabby could be a really good bench option, whatever the score, just to stretch the game when everyone's a bit tired, and to make those Hull players wonder if they can really be bothered chasing down a fresh Gabby in the 70th minute with that Cup final coming up.