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

[Matt Collins]

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.

I wonder if Bjarnason is less of a goal threat on a goal per minute played basis?

[SoccerHQ]

Albert's been poor since xmas imo, odd good game here and there but nowhere near his consistant level in first half of the season. Maybe playing his old club will spark him into life but I'd seriously consider starting Kodjia as I like him and Grabban in same 11.

Unless the plan is to play him at home. I like Matt's thinking on Jedinak and Whelan rotating between legs.

Going to be a tight one, would be amazed if either team has this tie wrapped up on Saturday.

[KevinGage]

Nice to have an option as good as Kodjia from the bench. Gives the oppo something else to worry about.

 I'm not sure Albert is quite the same sort of impact player.  Agree he's been off colour for a few months now.

[Matt Collins]

I don’t think Kodjia looks ready to start, nor does green and I don’t trust hogan. So Grabban up top for me

[Three Spires Villa]

I don’t think Kodjia looks ready to start, nor does green and I don’t trust hogan. So Grabban up top for me

Got to agree with that

[mr underhill]

Reluctantly I also agree - my favourite current Villa player but those two serious back to back ankle injuries look like they've robbed him of mobility and understandably, confidence. Having said that, my recurring Villa dream for several months has him scoring the winner at Wembley.

[Clark W Griswold]

Reluctantly I also agree - my favourite current Villa player but those two serious back to back ankle injuries look like they've robbed him of mobility and understandably, confidence. Having said that, my recurring Villa dream for several months has him scoring the winner at Wembley.

Id start Grabban but Kodjia is a bloody good one to bring off the bench if we need a goal.

[Risso]

Away ticket sorted, cannot bloody wait! 

[sirlordbaltimore]

I do worry that Kodjia's injuries may have robbed us of a great player. Fingers crossed it's just time he needs to find his form again though.

Got to start Grabban regardless. He's the man in form

Would have no hesitation is using Green or RHM in these games either mind, i feel both wouldn't let us down at all so i'd definitely have them on the bench.

Albert has been poor for a good while now, but hopefully he can re find his mojo over these next 2, maybe 3 games and show us why many of us had him down as our player of the season

[Drummond]

Albert against his old team? Hat-trick.

[VinnieChase84]

Pre match nerves have truly kicked in today

[AndyB6]

I'm going to be in Derby tomorrow for a gig. Can anyone recommend a city centre pub to watch the game in please? Thank goodness we got Middlesbrough!

[TaxDodger]

A little concerned with Bruce's pre-match comments about 'staying in the tie' that we'll just defend for 90 minutes. As others have pointed out, the first goal is utterly huge. If we go 1-0 up tomorrow, I'd definitely back us to qualify.

[mr underhill]

I think its just 'game management' - Tiny said yesterday we had the best squad in the League bar none.

[AlloLion]

Who's picking up Traore?

I' m not, he can get to the ground himself 😀😀