West Bromwich Albion v Aston Villa Pre-Match Thread

[tomd2103]

Surprised Delph is fit so soon.
I'd put him straight back in too.

He's too good to be left on the bench.

Wasn't it the Albion away game last year where we were 2 down and completely hopeless and then we brought Delph, Gabby and Weimann on and it completely changed the game?

Yep, they all came on just before the final half hour.

I don't often enjoy draws, but I enjoyed that one. I loved Lambert taking off his jacket as he did a triple substitution.

Trouble was it wasn't "tactics" as they were all relatively unfit and only had 30 minutes in them. Brave not to do the easy thing and start them I suppose as lambert was getting dogs abuse fir the starting line up

The Olbiun I know said they were scared to death as they knew they would come on and change the game - the Villa fans doubled the volume and the rest is history...

If I recall correctly, we started with Benteke and Kozak up front and it didn't really work.  Gabby came on and his pace caused their carthorses at the back big problems. 

The first half at their place the season before was probably one of our best halves of football under Paul Lambert.  We ripped them to pieces and could have easily been 3 or 4 up.     

[Shrek]

Surprised Delph is fit so soon.
I'd put him straight back in too.

I'm not, as he has had not injury related to football, so I'm sure he has been able to do weights, maybe cycling etc to keep himself ticking over, fitness wise.

Because of Westwoods injury, Delph goes straight back in for me.

[WALTERS WARRIORS]

Delph has been training for two weeks (a period of non contact) so his fitness levels will be high. Feel like this would be a great game for grealish. He has the confidence and energy to really cause problems to a team who will be nervous and worried about Benteke-Delph-Gabby already ........

[Walmley_Villa]

Delph has been training for two weeks (a period of non contact) so his fitness levels will be high. Feel like this would be a great game for grealish. He has the confidence and energy to really cause problems to a team who will be nervous and worried about Benteke-Delph-Gabby already ........

We all know Lamert will play it safe and play Charlie cul-de-sac unfortunately.

[Marlon From Bearwood]

Oh please God, not N'Zogbia.

[LTA]

I think it sends the wrong message if we drop Okore or Clark, but I do think Vlaar will start tomorrow with Okore dropped, although for me it would be Clark if either were to be left out.

Hope I'm wrong, as both should keep their place.

[BoskoDjembaSalifou]

We should beat these, anything less than a win is unacceptable in my eyes. They're a really poor side. I expect Benteke to continue his good form, couple of goals would be nice!

[glasses]

I took childish pleasure in wearing a Villa jacket while in Halesowen today.

Villa town anyway.

Well not really, but it's likely 40% Albion, 40% Villa, 10% glory hunter.

That's pretty accurate. A mix of the two follow Halesowen Town. I know a fair few Wolves too.

The In laws are all from Halesowen, and all Villa fans. My brother in law runs Mr Woodhall close for his dislike of the stripeys.

[glasses]

We should beat these, anything less than a win is unacceptable in my eyes. They're a really poor side. I expect Benteke to continue his good form, couple of goals would be nice!

Now that it looks like we'll have a decent midfield to choose from I agree. Would have accepted the draw based on the injuries.

Like Leicester last week, they are there for the taking

[Bad English]

My annual contribution to this thread: Turdus turdus 1 Panthera Leo 3

[Clampy]

We should beat these, anything less than a win is unacceptable in my eyes. They're a really poor side. I expect Benteke to continue his good form, couple of goals would be nice!

Now that it looks like we'll have a decent midfield to choose from I agree. Would have accepted the draw based on the injuries.

Like Leicester last week, they are there for the taking

Whilst I agree we should beat them, it's not always as easy as it should be, especially local derbies. It wouldn't shock me if it ended in a draw.

[itbrvilla]

West Bromwich Albion: Joleon Lescott & Aston Villa fan, 15, banter

[not3bad]

We should beat these, anything less than a win is unacceptable in my eyes. They're a really poor side. I expect Benteke to continue his good form, couple of goals would be nice!

Now that it looks like we'll have a decent midfield to choose from I agree. Would have accepted the draw based on the injuries.

Like Leicester last week, they are there for the taking

Whilst I agree we should beat them, it's not always as easy as it should be, especially local derbies. It wouldn't shock me if it ended in a draw.

We've drawn with them more often than not in the last few seasons.

[dave.woodhall]

May as well put the train stuff here as well. http://thebirminghampress.com/2014/12/travel-advice-for-fans-heading-to-derby/

[LeeB]

Oh please God, not N'Zogbia.

To be fair, he cut them to ribbons down there the season before last.