Birmingham City vs Aston Villa pre match thread

[Clampy]

Whelan's experience will come in handy for a game like this.

[cdbearsfan]

Experience of what? How many times have Stoke played Port Vale in the last decade?

[Clampy]

Experience of what? How many times have Stoke played Port Vale in the last decade?

He has played international football therefore he's played in big games.

[cdbearsfan]

Lovely. So has Pele, but I wouldn't pick him for a high-intensity local derby either, because, like Whelan, he can't run anymore.

[ChicagoLion]

He can be very annoying though.

[Clampy]

We don't lose much by deducting a midfielder if the midfielder in question in Glenn Whelan.

If we are going to play two in central midfield then it has to be Onomah and Hourihane. 

Based on the Fulham game I'd play Whelan with Onomah and Hourihane further in front. It's not Whelan's fault previously Bruce played him out of position and he was knackered by half time. He has an eye for a pass and moved the ball quickly against Fulham - it was his first time ball that set free Onomah for the Adomah goal.

Agree. In a midfield three, he'll do the dirty work and let Hourihane and Onomah push forward and like I said, he'll be a cool head in there which may be needed.

[cdbearsfan]

It's not his head I'm worried about. His legs have gone, as Fulham's equaliser showed.

[olaftab]

Experience of what? How many times have Stoke played Port Vale in the last decade?

He has played international football therefore he's played in big games.

I agree. He did very well against Wales in that crucial game however this one is really no contest other than a psychological issue that may effect players.

[Villa75]

Bruce will good for a draw, and I think we will 'achieve' that.

[Ger Regan]

Experience of what? How many times have Stoke played Port Vale in the last decade?

He has played international football therefore he's played in big games.

I agree. He did very well against Wales in that crucial game however this one is really no contest other than a psychological issue that may effect players.

He only played about 15 minutes in that game.

[cdbearsfan]

And was knackered after three of them.

[eamonn]

When was the last time we won an away match playing 4-5-1? I think it worked on Saturday as Fulham, being the away side, were happy to allow us possession. When we are away from home playing one up front just sees us become too negative. Get two up front and get at the bastards.


Davis, if fit, deserves to play, while not playing Kodjia would give them a boost.

Fulham had 68% possession

Fulham's goal keeper and left side of the defence has 60% possession, the rest of their team had the 8%.

Come on, you'd love if Cairney played for us.

[Smirker]

They are shit. Of course we will win.

It will be 3-1 to us.

[Drummond]

It's odd when you don't live in the city and therefore don't feel the same level of tension. Sheffield United is my equivalent these days though Wednesday causes me some grief too. Though for many years Leeds were the team and I still detest them.

Back on topic I think a narrow win will come. We've got more than enough about us to get the result we need.

[Rudy Can't Fail]

Once again the Rags are having trouble shifting their tickets. The Club have tried to bundle the Villa ticket with there next game against Brenford but they seem to only want the Cup Final ticket or no tickets at all.

There are of course many reasons they can't sell out.. all explained here.