Birmingham City vs Aston Villa pre match thread

[saunders_heroes]

I'd put Gabby on the bench regardless of fitness just to intimidate them.

I’m pretty sure that’s the plan anyway.

[john e]

we know Gabby ain’t no good but they shit their pants at the sight of him
it’s the only game where you don’t mind him getting a go

[saunders_heroes]

They're moaning about the booking history issue, but if any dragged their arses down other than when they play us it wouldn't be a problem.

I was working in their ticket office (which is a joke by the way, they're fucking hopeless in there) before we played them last year, and one of the girls was repeatedly trying to explain to someone's mom that she could book the ticket as she had history, but her son wouldn't be allowed to use it because her name was on it. It wasn't going well.

The laughable thing is though is that because of the police reduced capacity thing they only have to shift less than 24k tickets to achieve a ‘sell out’ yet they can’t even manage that. They’ve surely got around 12k season ticket holders anyway so there could only ever be another 12k tickets maximum on sale in the first place.
They truly are a laughable tinpot outfit.

[Lambert and Payne]

Always laugh at just how frightened they are of him, even now. I really don't like what Gabbys become, but i'll never be able to hate him after the memories he's given me. I think if most people had the choice they'd want him to score a winner on Sunday just for the sheer comedy value and their reaction.

[Legion]

I'd put Gabby on the bench regardless of fitness just to intimidate them.

Thought exactly the same myself.

[Steve67]

Regardless of th rivalry, if we want promotion this is a game we should be counting the points from.  I hope Bruce isn’t too negative although I expect lots of bookings and a scrappy game. Nothing unusual there then!

[Bad English]

we know Gabby ain’t no good but they shit their pants at the sight of him
it’s the only game where you don’t mind him getting a go

As long as it's the penultimate time he gets a go.

[ADVILLAFAN]

Whenever we try to sit back away from home, we fuck it up.

Attack the bastards.

Small Heath 1
(Adams 37)

Villa 6
(Snodgrass 12, Kodjia 43, 88, 90, Adomah 48, Hourihane 85).

No chance, Gabby’s bound to get on the scoresheet, even though he won’t play.

[somec]

Betfred have this as one of the Double Delight Hat trick hero games.

So if you fancy one of our lads to score first and go on to bag a second or third you could be quids in!

[LeeB]

They're moaning about the booking history issue, but if any dragged their arses down other than when they play us it wouldn't be a problem.

I was working in their ticket office (which is a joke by the way, they're fucking hopeless in there) before we played them last year, and one of the girls was repeatedly trying to explain to someone's mom that she could book the ticket as she had history, but her son wouldn't be allowed to use it because her name was on it. It wasn't going well.

The laughable thing is though is that because of the police reduced capacity thing they only have to shift less than 24k tickets to achieve a ‘sell out’ yet they can’t even manage that. They’ve surely got around 12k season ticket holders anyway so there could only ever be another 12k tickets maximum on sale in the first place.
They truly are a laughable tinpot outfit.

The others must all go back to being Man Utd fans for the rest of the year/years/decades.

[avfcpg]

we know Gabby ain’t no good but they shit their pants at the sight of him
it’s the only game where you don’t mind him getting a go

As long as it's the penultimate time he gets a go.

Bruce has pretty much said he won't be in the squad hasn't he...still injured.

[Clampy]

I stand correct on this but wasn't he meant to be doubtful for the home game last season and he ended up on the bench?

[Legion]

Psychology.

[TonyD]

Villa win.  No problem.....

[SoccerHQ]

Do people really think SB is going to have a proper go on Sunday?

I would imagine he'll put his handbrake coach mode on and be a bit concerned about the pace SHA have upfront (look at the goal Che Adams scored v Cardiff if you think I'm making it up) and so the defence will be pushed a little deeper.

At least Onomah played well last week so we shouldn't be overrun in central midfield which was another concern of mine.

I just worry in these high pressure games he just reverts to his default mode which is defend deep and try to nick a goal which results in us barely able to construct any decent attacks as we saw at Wolves and in many away games under him.

He will know deep down if he loses this he's in big trouble again with his position despite our reasonable league position so I worry we'll set up similar to last year when we just about held onto a draw.

Hope I'm wrong of course.