Aston Villa vs Burnley Pre-Match Thread

[Matt Collins]

Those question marks are presumably Gardner and Barry?

[Chris Jameson]

I'd start with Howard Hodgson.

[PaulWinch again]

This game is utterly meaningless.  Why risk a single player we plan to use in the final starting 11? 

I'd say we need to ensure we get some confidence back and keep up some match fitness. Getting beaten heavily probably wouldn't be great before the cup final regardless of the side we put out.

[KRS]

Before the shambles at the weekend, I was coming around to the idea of resting most of the starting XI but they really need a competitive match playing together to flush that one out of the system and get some confidence back. It may be a meaningless game on paper but a 2 week break on the back of a heavy defeat can't be a good thing for most players walking onto the pitch at Wembley.

[Des Little]

If we are going to win the cup we need to lose 3-1 like we did to Luton the week before the final in 57.  With this in mind, play the reserves.

[montague]

Will Villa Park ever see Benteke in a Villa shirt again?

[Toronto Villa]

Andre Green? Anyone seen him play.

[postal]

If you are going to rest players ( and we need to), they should be replaced by players likely to make the Cup squad, not blooding in youth players ( though it might be just as late subs). Just my view.

[Dave]

As this was basically a pre-match thread anyway, it might as well officially be one.

[Clampy]

I'd start with Howard Hodgson.

Howard Hodgson would start with Howard Hodgson.

[KRS]

A resounding confidence building Villa win...4-0...actually Ings is bound to get a farewell goal so make that 4-1.

[Chris Jameson]

I'd start with Howard Hodgson.

Howard Hodgson would start with Howard Hodgson.

Howard Hodgson has prepared a report on Howard Hodgson and it is now on the desk of Howard Hodgson awaiting the approval of Howard Hodgson.

[ADVILLAFAN]

Expecting a party atmosphere for this one, no pressure and the Cup Final to look forward to (or worry about instead).

Plus it's a team that we have no bad feelings towards as well.

Must be tempting to rest Delph and Benteke and maybe either play some youngsters, or at least have them on the bench.

[tomd2103]

If you are going to rest players ( and we need to), they should be replaced by players likely to make the Cup squad, not blooding in youth players ( though it might be just as late subs). Just my view.

There are a few who are likely to make the bench for the Cup Final that definitely need game time.  Senderos, Sanchez, Gabby and Sinclair are likely to be on the bench at Wembley, so probably should all be starting on Saturday.

[pooligan]

I have just read the awful Mike Jones is the referee against Burnley.There is bound to be some bad decisions,thankfully the result is not vital.