Guzan v Given

[ozzjim]

Fair point, well made! Although strengthens the argument that unless really top drawer, there is little point spending big on a keeper.

[PeterWithesShin]

I want us to stick with Guzan for now and hope it's just a blip formwise, but then I have a lot of love for him so i'm biased as I think he's ace!

[Gerrin]

Apart from this incredible stop which is one of the best saves i've seen any Villa keeper make.



Second save here isn't shoddy either, Given got beaten a couple of weeks earlier by a near identical shot against Everton before he was dropped for Guzan.



Also lacking in the shoddy department

The save he made against Norwich away last season ended up giving us the win instead of a draw, best save I've seen him make.

[Ron Manager]

If Guzan's in for the Burnley match and looks confident he may still make Wembley. If Given plays and  makes any kind of error the fans will get on his back.

Lets hope that neither have a poor game which will raise spirits dramatically for the 30th May.

[Toronto Villa]

With goalkeepers it's always more about the ones they should have saved or done better with than the ones did well with. And in recent weeks we've seen both our keepers make mental errors they simply shouldn't be making and especially considering the position we were in. It won't surprise me to see Sherwood look for a new keeper, but I still think he'll play Brad this weekend and Shay in the final.

[rob_bridge]

He'll play Given in the final. I honestly think it will be due to sentiment.
Sherwood was a mentor at Blackburn when club captain and Given missed out in 2011 and will not get another chance.

[OCD]

It would be crazy to write Guzan off because of a drop in form. He needed a kick in the backside to make him sort himself out, he duly got that and now if he gets another chance, I expect him to step up his game.

[KRS]

If Given plays against Burnley then we know he'll be playing against Arsenal; if Guzan plays against Burnley then I'd like to think that he's leaving his options open (on the basis that goalkeepers don't need to be rested).

Given clearly isn't overly confident in some areas of his game, so would conceding 6 against Southampton have any further negative affect on his confidence? Would he need to play against Burnley to put the result behind him or would TS actually consider resting him for the final?

[PaulWinch again]

It would be crazy to write Guzan off because of a drop in form. He needed a kick in the backside to make him sort himself out, he duly got that and now if he gets another chance, I expect him to step up his game.

I agree. I want to see genuine competition for him at the club, but I don't want him gone.

[villa for life]

I don't think it's too difficult a decision. Guzan v Burnley. If he plays well, keep him in for the final. If he doesn't, put Given back. I reckon this is what will happen.

[john e]

Don't know who will play against Burnley but I suspect he will stick with Given

But 100% Given will play in the Final unless injured

[CT]

So, do we play a keeper who has started to train 2 days before the Final?

Or do we play Guzan who hasn't played since Man City away?

[Rudy Can't Fail]

Guzan for me. Play your best team and win the cup. Simple.

[Monty]

Guzan for me. Play your best team and win the cup. Simple.

Agreed. The last time Shay played he conceded 6, as well. Thrown in Brad.

[PeterWithesShin]

Shay Given could be fit to face Arsenal in the FA Cup final.

Given missed the Burnley defeat with a groin injury.

Tim Sherwood was concerned about the keeper's fitness as he faced the press following the Clarets match.

But he was more upbeat on the former Man City stopper as he discussed Wembley matters with the media on the eve of the Arsenal game.

Sherwood revealed that Given is now back in training at Bodymoor Heath as the team gear up for the Gunners clash.

Sherwood also confirmed that Kieran Richardson is back in training too.

Richardson has been absent with the Southampton and Burnley games with a calf issue.

But Sherwood describes his chances of making the showpiece final as "a possibility."