Manchester City v Aston Villa - Match Thread

[Deano's Mullet]

You have to think city will be better after the break. We are capable of a point here if we can beat that offisde trap

[supertom]

Guzan has had 2 good seasons yes.  Doesn't mean he should escape criticism for a dodgy spell in this one.

He shouldn't escape criticism, but criticism isn't the same as saying that he should be dropped for an inferior goalkeeper just for being at fault for one goal.

Much the same as Benteke shouldn't be dropped just for missing one simple chance.

Well that depends if you agree that Given is an inferior keeper, which I don't.  Guzan hasn't been very good for quite a while now, and that goal could end up costing us hugely.  His David James impression to try and hand them a second wasn't very impressive either.

Given has been excellent this season in the cups. He's not put a foot wrong. Guzan has been a little erratic of late, but the error today will certainly give Sherwood a big decision to make next game. Personally I'd put Given in. If you play well enough to earn a place, you should get it, regardless of position. It was no different than when Guzan covered for Given for a few games in TSM1 season, but lost his place as soon as Given was back from injury. Hardly fair really. Given is in form. Guzan not so much.

[brontebilly]

We're playing much better football under Sherwood. And I don't think it's just about him being a cheeky chappie.

Getting far more players into the box for one.

We keep the ball well at times, something that was started under Lambert but much more threat now. Having the likes of Bacuna and Richardson in the full back positions give us a lot more going forward. Crazy backpass aside Bacuna has been excellent for us in the first half.

On the Guzan discussion, imo he has had a poor season. Plenty of mistakes which were a real problem when we couldnt score.

[pauliewalnuts]

Man City are in a strange position where they're clearly not going to win the league, but they're also clearly going to qualify for the Champions League.

I wouldn't say they have nothing to play for, but they're not far from it.

[oldham_villa]

For me we started this match in a similar vein to Liverpool last week passing in our half and going back and square.

Probably not helped by starting with Sanchez and Westwood as they both like to pass square and back

[ez]

We need to come back after a defensive cock up, again. 

[LeeS]

I've just taken those 33-1 odds. Definitely worth a tenner.

[PeterWithesShin]

There is little doubt Brad hasn't been as good this season as he's been the last couple. Long term he's still our number 1 over Given, but we're into the short term now regarding survival.

[Tuscans]

Guzan has been pretty shit this season. It hasn't been one or two mistakes, he's flapped a fair few crosses too.

How many mistakes have you made today since you woke up?

[oldham_villa]

I've just taken those 33-1 odds. Definitely worth a tenner.

Best of luck pal, would love it to come off

[Legion]

[Mister E]

Guzan has looked down on confidence recently, that's for sure. I'd have expected some benefit coming from the arrival of Sherwood's asst manager - don't see it, though.

[Smirker]

I've just taken those 33-1 odds. Definitely worth a tenner.

I was going to bet on us after we went 1 down last week in the semi. Odds were about 15-1. Wasn't arsed really.

[Boz]

Just been listening to Rednap on Sky with his expert opinion. Bloody easy to criticise after the event. As we saw last week two keepers making mistakes, it happens and I'm sure Guzan is sick. Other than the mistake, Villa have been as good as City despite their millions. We can get something out of this game with a bit of luck.

Grealish having another good game.

[Risso]

There is little doubt Brad hasn't been as good this season as he's been the last couple. Long term he's still our number 1 over Given, but we're into the short term now regarding survival.

In recent weeks he was crap against Stoke, and awful  against West Brom, and now his brain fart has handed Man City a goal, with an attempt to gift them a second.  We've got a hard enough job without a dodgy keeper making it harder.