Timsherwoodsastonvilla v Stoke City Sat 21st Feb - Pre Match Thread

[Toronto Villa]

it's a way better article if you can use the word "axed". It's kind of boring if the article simply said Sherwood was picking the team he thought was best suited to win this game. Cleverley started the cup game but didn't start the previous league game. Not playing vs Stoke hardly constitutes getting the axe, if indeed the article is even accurate as to his intentions.

[PeterWithesShin]

Looking forward to it myself ,which best boozer for pre match ? Got both my sons with me ...16 & 9 year old

Sacred Heart. Free and has an outside part so the kids will be okay. And take the kids to the funzone for a while as well.

[Rudy Can't Fail]

John Percy certainly does seem to have his ear.

Exactly. Bullshit reporting.

Aren't you saying different things?

Woodhall seems to be suggesting there's a connection between Sherwood and John Percy. You're suggesting the opposite.

Sorry, thought he said he didn't have his ear. I was on a short interval watching Winter Sleep and not paying too much attention. I can't believe Sherwood has been telling journalists he's dropping Westwood, less than 24 hours before a game. Nobody is that stupid.

[Hillbilly]

I stopped reading after "my record is up there to be shot at".

I got as far as 'best win ratio'.

But seriously, how many other top flight grounds have that potential walk of shame from the dug out to the tunnel? I wonder if it plays on our managers' mindsets at Villa Park...musn't lose mustn't lose mustn't lose.

[London Villan]

Old trafford has a similar walk... Doesnt affect all scottish managers..

[silhillvilla]

The manager walk at Burnley has to be the worst. From corner flag , across the pitch to opposite Side halfway Line

[Chipsticks]

Today's the day! Feeling very excited and optimistic, we all know it feels like we're destined today.

[Steve67]

Today's the day! Feeling very excited and optimistic, we all know it feels like we're destined today.

Yeah, big day, exciting. Hope Sterk don't burst our bubble.

[Matt Collins]

I think we will be more direct no question. And I'd guess we'll play two in the middle of the park and not three

It makes sense to put Sanchez and Delph up against Nzonzi I reckon

Pretty excited about the game. But we could definitely lose today. Villa have given me so many false dawns I wouldn't be that surprised if it's a complete car crash for the rest of the season

[Matt Collins]

I'd go for:
                          Guzan
Hutton            Ron       Clarke           Ally

Gill         Sanchez           Delph         Gabby
             
                  Benteke       Wiemann
                         

Who are Clarke, Gill and wiemann?

[thick_mike]

What are the odds on a Delph red card?

[silhillvilla]

What are the odds on a Delph red card?

Who's ref ?

[oldtimernow]

We start again.....(ducks for cover)    2-0

[JUAN PABLO]

Its absolutely buzzing down bodymoor at the moment , thou  expect a clear out in the summer.

[SashasGrandad]

If he is going for taller players in midfield against Stoke that is not such a bad idea. I seem to remember playing against Spurs when their midfield resembled a rugby scrum front row. Think Tim was their manager then.

I can see one of his first buys will be a "bigger/stronger" midfield player which we have lacked for a long time - in today's game all the successful teams have this sort of player to protect the more creative ones. Our midfield has been too "powder puff" for ages.