Aston Villa vs Tottenham Hotspur Pre-Match Thread

[Villa in Denmark]

Amusing that Pochettino is blaming the pitch for Spurs's poor home form.

No issue at VP where Spurs usually comfortably win given how much wider it is.

I've often wondered if we should narrow it especially when we don't play any decent wide players anymore.

I might be imagining it, but I'm pretty sure that pitches are now supposed to be a standard size unless an older stadium design dictates a smaller size.

Meant to add, such as Loftus Road.

[SoccerHQ]

0-4


Lemela will take us apart in about 25 minutes.


Then much silence as the crowd are too tired of it all to really let rip.

Lamela is nothing special but a) plays for Spurs and b) does that Rabona thing like David Luiz so instant world class status to the casual fan.

I'm not too worried about him, Adebayor on the other hand usually plays well against us.

[eamonn]

Paul Lambert says he's confident of a reaction from his players this Sunday against Tottenham, as he called for Villa to put on a show.

Lambert spoke of his frustration at the manner of the QPR defeat.

But he insists that his team will be up for it this weekend for the B6 battle with Mauricio Pochettino's men.

He said: "The five games we lost, especially against the top teams, were really difficult.

"Monday night was really disappointing because we conceded goals that should have been prevented.

"But it's up to us to go and pick it up again on Sunday.

"I'm sure on Sunday we will come out here with a reaction. The confidence will be fine.

"It's a tough game, a really tough game. I thought Tottenham were a good team last year and nothing has changed my opinion this year.

"They are one of the top sides. But we are at home and we have to put a show on."

Lambert spoke of his enjoyment at seeing so many kids in the crowd for the opening training session earlier today.

Thousands of children with their parents and grandparents came through the turnstiles of B6 to watch the likes of Christian Benteke, Gabby Agbonlahor and Brad Guzan in action.

And Lambert was thrilled for them.

He added: "There's a good turnout from supporters and the kids are coming in their numbers with it being half-term.

"It's great to see and it's great for the lads to interact with them too.

"It's important for the kids to see lads that they idolise.

[ozzjim]

0-4


Lemela will take us apart in about 25 minutes.


Then much silence as the crowd are too tired of it all to really let rip.

Lamela is nothing special but a) plays for Spurs and b) does that Rabona thing like David Luiz so instant world class status to the casual fan.

I'm not too worried about him, Adebayor on the other hand usually plays well against us.

Lemela is 1. better than any of our attacking players. 2. finding his feet and 3. ripped us apart when playing poorly last season in the cup. So yes, I fully expect him to take the piss. Players that play in between the normal usually feck us right up as we have no plan.

[curiousorange]

I'm not worried about us getting twatted. I mean, we will get twatted - I've just stopped worrying about it.

[pauliewalnuts]

0-4


Lemela will take us apart in about 25 minutes.


Then much silence as the crowd are too tired of it all to really let rip.

Lamela is nothing special but a) plays for Spurs and b) does that Rabona thing like David Luiz so instant world class status to the casual fan.

I'm not too worried about him, Adebayor on the other hand usually plays well against us.

Lemela is 1. better than any of our attacking players. 2. finding his feet and 3. ripped us apart when playing poorly last season in the cup. So yes, I fully expect him to take the piss. Players that play in between the normal usually feck us right up as we have no plan.

Let's be honest, Charlie Austin punished us on Monday. I suspect Barry Austin could give us a hard time, so Lamela doing the same is hardly in the realms of fantasy.

[BoskoDjembaSalifou]

To say Lamela is nothing special is pretty insulting to be fair. He's had a tough time at Spurs, but he's starting to find his Roma form now.

[Matt Collins]

I've got literally no hope of a good result or probably even a goal

Can't really be bothered to care at the moment

[JD]

0-4


Lemela will take us apart in about 25 minutes.


Then much silence as the crowd are too tired of it all to really let rip.

Lamela is nothing special but a) plays for Spurs and b) does that Rabona thing like David Luiz so instant world class status to the casual fan.

I'm not too worried about him, Adebayor on the other hand usually plays well against us.

Lemela is 1. better than any of our attacking players. 2. finding his feet and 3. ripped us apart when playing poorly last season in the cup. So yes, I fully expect him to take the piss. Players that play in between the normal usually feck us right up as we have no plan.

Bollocks to him, The Beast will rip the Yids apart. I'm sorry but I cannot accept another defeat to the tossers (especially as all my family support them). We have to win this game (please, please, please).

[Matt Collins]

Shit is this on TV?

Balls

[rob_bridge]

Lambert's like a stuck record.


'....pick up and go again...'


Just fuck off

Sorry early rant of the day

[silhillvilla]

Do we know if Hutton & Senderos will be available ?

[CJ]

Do we know if Hutton & Senderos will be available ?

Late fitness test according to Physioroom

[Legion]

Aston Villa v Tottenham (16:00 GMT) Predictions: Lawro v Rachel Riley
Tottenham lost their way badly in the second half of their defeat by Newcastle last week.
Not only did they let a 1-0 half-time lead slip, they failed to create any further chances and the Magpies did not have to play particularly well to win.
I look at Spurs and think it is easy to upset them and stop them from playing.
But they are up against a Villa side who have lost five in a row and haven't scored in any of those games - and I don't really feel I can pick either of these teams to win a game at the moment.
Lawro's prediction: 1-1
Rachel's prediction: 0-2

[rob_bridge]

Lawro - insightful as ever.

We now have a Friday work game where we predict Lawro's predictions. It isn't hard to be accurate