Aston Villa Vs. Bitter Birds part deux 7th March Pre-match thread

[tomd2103]

No doubts that Albion will set up totally different though and be a lot more attacking. Okore has to start confidentially.

Wouldn't put Vlaar back in the side, doesn't look like his hearts in it for me. Certainly would like to keep Delph as captain.

I genuinely can't see it.  Did you see their bench on Tuesday - it was really poor and they haven't got many options.  They were so slow in midfield and at the back, that if they did try and attack, they would be seriously exposed, especially in the full-back areas.  I think last night will have impacted on them because their only way of playing was found out and I can't see how they can change in a short space of time.  I expect them to be more physical and cynical on Saturday though.   

As for us, we need the same energy levels as last night and try get behind them as often as possible.  I would bring Vlaar back alongside Clark if fit, as Okore did look a little jittery at times (I would personally maybe even consider shifting Okore to RB).  Cut out the needless fouls in our half and try and limit the amount of corners we concede as well.  After watching the goals again, I noticed that Gabby was marking Lescott of the corner they scored from - surely that must change.       

[Matt Collins]

I agree having got some momentum this is a great opportunity to maintain momentum

Albions lack of width means this is an ideal game for lowton, ideally at right back. But I thought he was great at left back

I think the fuss over grealish has been over the top. He did ok. I thought nzogbia was good.

Benteke and okore were poor and their form is a concern. As is Clark being one booking from a two game ban

Given - lowton vlaar Clark Richardson - cleverley Westwood delph - nzogbia - benteke gabby

Guzan okore bacuna Sanchez Gil grealish Weimann

[aj2k77]

I expect Tony Penis to try and get Delap and Crouch in as emergency loans for the weekend.

[aj2k77]

Oh and a few extra hand towels are probably being ordered as we speak in case it rains.

[Ads]

Judging by Pulis comments that he was "about to be delighted with a point", I suspect he will set up more or less the same and hope for a replay.

Sessengon will come in for Brown I suspect.

[john e]

If I was Pulis I would bombard Given with crosses and set piece balls into his area,

He's a great shot stopper as his wonder save in the last round proved,but his weakness is staying nailed to his line,
 I am a bit worried about him v Albion if I'm honest

[RussellC]

If I was Pulis I would bombard Given with crosses and set piece balls into his area,

He's a great shot stopper as his wonder save in the last round proved,but his weakness is staying nailed to his line,
 I am a bit worried about him v Albion if I'm honest

To be honest, I think Guzan has been regressing when it comes to controlling his area. There were a couple of times on Tuesday night when I thought his starting position was too deep and, as a result, he wasn't able to come and collect through balls that he should have been doing. I also can't remember the last time that he came and either caught or punched a corner.

[pooligan]

As mentioned in the thread earlier,looking at our fixtures in April a draw is something we do not want.I would keep the same team minus Hutton and go all out for it.

[Tom_Mc9?]

Looking forward to it. What a change to the feeling pre-Hull City game.

[FranzBiberkopf]

If I was Pulis I would bombard Given with crosses and set piece balls into his area,

We need to cut out the daft fouls on Saturday. Pulis will instruct them to go down at the slightest contact, just like he did on Tuesday.

Thats what infuriated me about Hutton on Tuesday night with his challenge on Berainho. It wasn't the studs up manner of it, it was the rank stupidity in giving the freekick late in the game from where they could pump the ball in the box.

[jeowje]

Do we know that Given will play? Sherwood may not feel bound to that policy (hopefully).

As an aside, my dad is a lifelong Villa fan and has an irrational, almost pathological dislike of Guzan, and blames him for almost all of our troubles! It used to be funny, but sometimes it really grates...

[UK Redsox]

Why are WBA referred to as the "bitters" ?

Remember that I'm a glory-hunting interloper who only started following Villa because of the guarantee of trophies and did not grow up immersed in the local rivalries.

[UK Redsox]

Playing Given is suicidal in my eyes. As we all concluded their lot are the new Pulis anti football mob right now. Lots of set pieces, big physical players. Given was great vs Leicester, but I'd play Guzan for this.

I expect that Olsson and every other tall player they have will be brought in for this. For such an experienced keeper, Given has never learned how to deal with crosses

[DB]

Sorry if already mentioned, but no tickets on general sale, you have to have a client ref / booking history. They don't want away fans in the home end I was told. I understand that, but what if you are a Villa fan and want to go as your first match? They must be confident to sell out.

[UK Redsox]

Sorry if already mentioned, but no tickets on general sale, you have to have a client ref / booking history. They don't want away fans in the home end I was told. I understand that, but what if you are a Villa fan and want to go as your first match? They must be confident to sell out.

I suspect that the club would live with a couple of thousand empty seats rather than risk away fans getting in the home section