Aston Villa v Middlesbrough Pre-Match Thread

[mr underhill]

given how they performed last time out, is it crucial?

[sirlordbaltimore]

I wont be shocked if we win

2-1

[simon ward 50]

Can we postpone the game due to complete apathy (already!) on behalf of us fans?

[taylorsworkrate]

given how they performed last time out, is it crucial?

Onomah I thought was the one midfielder who showed a little bit of awareness of space and players around him. Davies was on a hiding to nothing as his game is all about bringing the supporters runners into the game, and our midfield was constantly 50 yards away from him.

[berneboy]

Spot on, I live in Huddersfield which is the same distance and the same route (M1 M42) apart from me joining the M1 a bit further down - 2 1/4 hours usually to Great Barr and I'm a careful driver, 75mph all the way.

The bloke who claimed north of Middlesbrough to Villa Park in two hours is talking bollocks, it's about 200 miles.

Even the roadworks where the limit's down to 50...? I've been doing Castleford/Leeds to Birmingham a bit lately and even (very) early morning it's two and a bit hours.

Agreed. And can easily be near 2.5 hours.

[Marlon From Bearwood]

Just before this season started I read an article previewing the Championship which pointed out the key dates in this seasons league calendar. They focused on tomorrow's game as being a key promotion battle as the first meeting of the two favourites for promotion.

Incredible to think that a few weeks later apathy reigns supreme, a low crowd is expected and many Villa fans have already had enough.

[sirlordbaltimore]

Incredible to think that a few weeks later apathy reigns supreme, a low crowd is expected and many Villa fans have already had enough.

Lightweights with no staying power. God knows what they'll be like after 46 matches

[clash city rocker]

Sure the boro team talk will be along the lines of...' just do the basics right tonight and we'll be leaving with 3 points . Teams should be coming to VP thinking a draw for them or losing by the odd goal to us is not too bad.Unfortunately with Bruce 's tactics of inviting the opposition onto us many teams now come to VP expecting to go away with a point at least.

[QuintonVilla]

Boro have sold 1100.

[cdbearsfan]

Better than expected, to be fair.

[QuintonVilla]

Better than expected, to be fair.

Their away support has improved since we played them in the Premier League. I saw on Twitter they took 3500+ to Bolton on Saturday.

[Villafirst]

Are Davis, Onomah and Green all out?

Onomah and Green out. Davis doubtful.

[tomd2103]

Are Davis, Onomah and Green all out?

Onomah and Green out. Davis doubtful.

Lansbury, Snodgrass and possibly Hogan in?

[Nelson Lodge]

Kodjia starting this evening for the U23 side vs Southampton at the Banks'. KO 7-00pm

De Laet starts at RB. O'Hare also starts as does Doyle-Hayes, Blackett-Taylor, plus Clark & Clarke.

[Toronto Villa]

Kodjia starting this evening for the U23 side vs Southampton at the Banks'. KO 7-00pm

De Laet starts at RB. O'Hare also starts as does Doyle-Hayes, Blackett-Taylor, plus Clark & Clarke.

Kodjia vs Van Dijk should be an interest battle