Middlesbrough v Aston Villa: Semi-Final 1st Leg Pre-Match Thread

[olaftab]

Agree with Matt. When we lead we win and when we go behind we usually lose. Turning games around has not been a  strength as testified by 11 defeats. So yes on Saturday first goal is very important.

[Richard E]

I just don't want to jinx it by making any prediction at all. Nervous as hell already!

[brontebilly]

I know it’s a two leg game but I still think the first goal could be crucial. Our record when we score first is incredible (won 22 of 24 or something, and one of those fails was the first game of the season). Whereas our record when the oppo score first is one win all season. Though we’ve come from behind to draw a couple of times I think.

I’d play Jedinak away and Whelan at home.

I’d also be very tempted to play Barny and / or Onomah, with hourihane and / or Adomah the fall guys.

Think we need to handle the set pieces (hence Jedinak) have a plan for Adama and be combative in midfield. Think hourihane and jack in a three is too much of a luxury away from home at the moment. We’ve been poor in 4 of our last 5 away games

Hourihane is still one of our main goal threats and for that reason alone is almost certain to start. Adamoah better able to help Hutton keep tabs on Traore.

They have a decent side on paper but we should have enough in both games. 1-2 to the Villa with a rested up Snodgrass key.

[sickbeggar]

Went for a draw. I reckon they're going to throw the kitchen sink at us so i hope Bruce doesn't go into "play for a draw" mode because i don't think we're good enough to defend for 90 minutes

[Ads]

I don't think its Pulis way to throw the kitchen sink as he'd be worried about our quality on the counter. Wouldn't surprise me if they sit in and try and hit us with a set piece to take a 1-0 lead to sit on at Villa Park.

I think with Jedi screening, we will win a lot of those aerial duels and keep decent possession via Jack.

[sickbeggar]

I don't think its Pulis way to throw the kitchen sink as he'd be worried about our quality on the counter. Wouldn't surprise me if they sit in and try and hit us with a set piece to take a 1-0 lead to sit on at Villa Park.

I think with Jedi screening, we will win a lot of those aerial duels and keep decent possession via Jack.

Well i thought that too at first but when you think about it, there's no reason for Pulis to be cagey in the home leg. They need to win at home with away goals playing no part at all. I'm expecting them to have a real go at us with them targeting the likes of Grealish early on for rough treatment. Reckon a yellow card for them in the first 10 minutes is guaranteed

[Risso]

I reckon Bruce will keep it tight away, then look to bury them at Villa Park.

Johnstone
Elmo Chester Terry Cafu
Whelan
Snodgrass Grealish Hourihane Onomah
Grabban

Chuck on Albert and Kodjia from the bench if we need to chase it later on.

[Mortimer's Bear]

Go there to win, that's all we ask.

[Marlon From Bearwood]

IIRC, didn’t Bruce’s Hull team win the first leg of the play off semi 3-0 away to Derby, two years ago?

So maybe he’ll pleasantly surprise us by trying to get the tie won on Saturday rather than playing for a draw.

[cdbearsfan]

I reckon Bruce will keep it tight away, then look to bury them at Villa Park

That would be pretty dumb, bearing in mind we always do well up there while they always do well at Villa Park.

We are a much better side when we play for a win. Many of our more talented attacking players have had a nice rest and should be fresh. Go and attack the twats.

[russon]

Blueprint to success #1.
Reduce Boro to 10 men by tackling Downing hard within two minutes, you won't see him touch the ball again, we all know that. That's a captain's role so over to you John Terry.

[Andy_Lochhead_in_the_air]

Blueprint to success #2
FTF up there then bring them back to VP and FTF again.

[darren woolley]

I'm going for a 1-1 draw at there place and beat them at Villa Park.

[SoccerHQ]

1-1 aswell.

All to play for at VP.

[Andy_Lochhead_in_the_air]

Refs announced.

1st leg  Bobby Madley.
2nd leg  Mike Dean.

www.gazettelive.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/championship-play-offs-premier-league-14634227