Aston Villa v Stoke City - Pre Match Thread

[Clampy]

It was 31k last season so it'll probably be roundabout that again.

[CT Villan]

I think we'll win and I'd like to see Gil, Grealish and Sinclair playing behind the striker. Traore and Ayew to come on after 60 mins (knowing Sherwood, it will be for Lescott and Sanchez)

1-0 Gestede.

[CJ]

I can see this being sub 30k attendance

That's not what you put on GTC! 

[AVH87]

Will be a lot more than 30-31k imo, online seating plan shows the Holte and the North as very limited availability. Would be surprised if it was much below 35k.

[paul richard]

This is a pivotal game and Sherwood has to get his team selection, tactics and in-game management spot on.  A line up that doesn't include Gabby, Westwood or Bacuna would be a good start.  I'd go with:

                   Guzan
Hutton  Richards  Clark  Amavi
            Sanchez  Gana
      Gil        Grealish    Sinclair
                  Gestede

Gil or Sinclair to make way for Traore in 2nd half.

[silhillvilla]

I can see this being sub 30k attendance

That's not what you put on GTC! 

Due to bonus points on offer

[lukey27]

Bit worried that a few on here think the way to go is essentially play 4-2-3-1 again. The lack of control we have in midfield has been untrue in the last few weeks. Even Man City play one in front of two holding midfielders and they've got much better players than us.

The 11 he picked last Saturday was fine by me, the fact we were so deep and didn't press was the problem.

The players look lost when we've played 4-2-3-1, there's a massive gaping hole in the middle of the park and the two exposed full backs get even less protection.

I'd play 4-3-3, with Grealish and Ayew either side of Gestede and a midfield three of Sanchez, Veretout and Gana.

[rob_bridge]

Will be a lot more than 30-31k imo, online seating plan shows the Holte and the North as very limited availability. Would be surprised if it was much below 35k.

I agree - similar profile of tickets available as the Sunderland game which was about 34k IIRC

[Jockey Randall]

Bit worried that a few on here think the way to go is essentially play 4-2-3-1 again. The lack of control we have in midfield has been untrue in the last few weeks. Even Man City play one in front of two holding midfielders and they've got much better players than us.

The 11 he picked last Saturday was fine by me, the fact we were so deep and didn't press was the problem.

The players look lost when we've played 4-2-3-1, there's a massive gaping hole in the middle of the park and the two exposed full backs get even less protection.

I'd play 4-3-3, with Grealish and Ayew either side of Gestede and a midfield three of Sanchez, Veretout and Gana.

I'd go with the same. Get Grealish and Veretout on set pieces as well. Veretout's set piece stats in France sounded decent and I think we're all agreed that Westwood needs taking off these anyway.

[oswald funkletrumpet]

Bit worried that a few on here think the way to go is essentially play 4-2-3-1 again. The lack of control we have in midfield has been untrue in the last few weeks. Even Man City play one in front of two holding midfielders and they've got much better players than us.

The 11 he picked last Saturday was fine by me, the fact we were so deep and didn't press was the problem.

The players look lost when we've played 4-2-3-1, there's a massive gaping hole in the middle of the park and the two exposed full backs get even less protection.

I'd play 4-3-3, with Grealish and Ayew either side of Gestede and a midfield three of Sanchez, Veretout and Gana.

this

[Toronto Villa]

Stoke at home always feels like the result fucks us over way beyond that game. It would be ace if for once it signalled a revival of sorts.

[Pete3206]

Villa win, England smash the Aussies and then a few beers.

I'd say you've already started on the beers.

[SoccerHQ]

Must win.

1-1 it is.

[Legion]

2-0 Home win.

Sinclair
Grealish

Please?

[paulcomben]

Scarey. Must win and these thugs always score late on. Diouf last season. Please do us proud at last, Villa.