Aston Villa v Arsenal Pre-Match Thread

[Ron Manager]

The conditions are likely to be taxing.,raining today and raining tomorrow. That might work in our favour if Grealish can get on the ball attack the penalty area
and get brought down.There is the very slightest chance that the manager will select Kozak just to see what he can do. That would be a sensible option.

[Villa Lew]

Just reading about the players Arsenal have out injured Sanchez, Cazorla, Welbeck, Rosicky, Coquelin, Arteta and Wilshere. Yet they're massive favourites to win tomorrow, which shows their quality and our total lack of if it.

[Proposition Joe]

Script for Sunday - Arsenal turn up at Villa Park a bit lethargic after their European exploits in the week,  but instead of putting pressure  on them  we let them coast along in second gear, knocking the ball around the back and midfield.  Something then clicks andArsenal get two quick goals  before half time effectively ending the game.  We rarely threaten in the second half and Arsenal go on to add another, possibly two in the last few minutes.  There then follows a massive circle jerk in the Sky studio  featuring some ex-Arsenal player over how great they are.

Please don't let this happen  lads!

That is also our typical Man U at home script.

What's the injury latest?  I heard Richards, Sanchez doubts, which doesn't bode well.  Esp Sanchez, we need someone to kick them up in the air a bit.

[CJ]

According to Physioroom Gestede, Sanchez and Bacuna will be back for tomorrow. Richards out for another week. If Sanchez is out he can always put Westwood in to point at them.

[IAmTheOneIanOlney]

There is the very slightest chance that the manager will select Kozak just to see what he can do. That would be a sensible option.

Judging by his comments before the Southampton game and again this week, I'd say it's incredibly slight:

Garde hinted that Kozak’s brace and hard working performance for the under-21s was ‘not enough’ to challenge the club’s other attacking players.
 
“You know, probably, I’ve got lot of potential players in this position," added Garde.
“I’ve got eight or nine attacking players which is a very strong competition between all these players.
“The game you mentioned is an under 21 game. I’ve got a report from this game.
 “It’s always good for a player to score goals and perform well, but sometimes it is not enough. I’m pleased Libor is training well and he’s playing with the under-21s with a good spirit.”

Did I see somewhere that the infamous cup final flag is making a return for this game?

[Gregorys Boy]

The tough part of playing this game at the moment is that even if we nick a draw which normally would be a good result, there will be a slightly negative spin put on it because right now a draw just isn't good enough.  I think they should win quite easily, but you never know.

[conman]

There is the very slightest chance that the manager will select Kozak just to see what he can do. That would be a sensible option.

Judging by his comments before the Southampton game and again this week, I'd say it's incredibly slight:

Garde hinted that Kozak’s brace and hard working performance for the under-21s was ‘not enough’ to challenge the club’s other attacking players.
 
“You know, probably, I’ve got lot of potential players in this position," added Garde.
“I’ve got eight or nine attacking players which is a very strong competition between all these players.
“The game you mentioned is an under 21 game. I’ve got a report from this game.
 “It’s always good for a player to score goals and perform well, but sometimes it is not enough. I’m pleased Libor is training well and he’s playing with the under-21s with a good spirit.”

talking of bollocks

Did I see somewhere that the infamous cup final flag is making a return for this game?

[adrenachrome]

Hopefully under the tree on the opposite side of Trinity Road from where Greg sells outside the gates in front of the McGregor statue for me.

Under a tree or a bus shelter would be your only man unless you fancy a thorough soaking and a brisk NorEasterly up in the bollix.
Purple Cloud Pete will be selling dodgy brollies, psychedelic kagools and hallucinogens in Lovers' Walk aka Muggers' Alley before the game.
Junge Faced Jake will be selling a range of hatwear with sewn in razors for aspiring Peaky Blinders in the graveyard round the back of The Church of the Poison Minds which will be picketed by The Revolutionary Arrmy of The Infant Jeezuss protesting about Slaughter on the Sabbath.

Villa Park Weather

[Toronto Villa]

This is the game we turn it around. 2-1 to us in a very gutsy display and victory.

[brian green]

Santa usually cops it in this fixture.

[KevinGage]

Script for Sunday - Arsenal turn up at Villa Park a bit lethargic after their European exploits in the week,  but instead of putting pressure  on them  we let them coast along in second gear, knocking the ball around the back and midfield.  Something then clicks andArsenal get two quick goals  before half time effectively ending the game.  We rarely threaten in the second half and Arsenal go on to add another, possibly two in the last few minutes.  There then follows a massive circle jerk in the Sky studio  featuring some ex-Arsenal player over how great they are.

Please don't let this happen  lads!

That is also our typical Man U at home script.

What's the injury latest?  I heard Richards, Sanchez doubts, which doesn't bode well.  Esp Sanchez, we need someone to kick them up in the air a bit.

We actually looked a bit better at the back last week without Richards.

Coincidence or not, I'm not sure.

[QuintonVilla]

Anyone want to volunteer to dress as Santa and parachute in tomorrow?

[in exile]

Anyone want to volunteer to dress as Santa and parachute in tomorrow?

Learner hopefully

[old man villa fan]

Anyone want to volunteer to dress as Santa and parachute in tomorrow?

Learner hopefully

Nobody experienced would risk it.

[UK Redsox]

Santa usually cops it in this fixture.

No matter how bad this season is going, at least Villa haven't tried to kill Santa this this year