Middlesbrough vs Aston Villa: Pre-Match Thread

[Duncan Shaw]

I never thought I'd say it, but this might be a game for Jedinak to sit in front of the defence.

Absolutely this!
All those saying about the set-pieces - of the 5 on Wednesday night none were set-pieces, we dealt with them OK.  It was runners pouring through midfield that killed us, and Boro ain't gonna do that.

[chrisw1]

I never thought I'd say it, but this might be a game for Jedinak to sit in front of the defence.

It would help but I don't think he's fit so unfortunately not an option. I think Whelan may play.

[UK Redsox]

Yep, if Jedi is fit, this would be one of the few games in which he should start.

[simon ward 50]

10 defenders  on the pitch for this one?

[CJ]

Tiny Penis knows we're vulnerable to hoofballs through the middle, aren't great in the air defensively and that we've got a dodgy 'keeper. Expect loads of route 1 balls and long throw-ins into the box . On the upside we can score against anybody. I'm going for 2-2

[mallo]

Initially I thought we would struggle with PenisBall, but then thinking about it, it's like us under Bruce vs super Brentford on steroids up front - they won't risk running at us and try to pick us off at set pieces but we'll be all over them and they will sit back. Put Jedinak on for Hourihan and we've got a good chance.

[Drummond]

Gestede is out thankfully. Wing (attacking midfielder, if like me you didn't know)was ill in midweek but may be back. Shotton may be on bench.

[The Man With A Stick]

Jedinak is still out til next week (according to Smith), we could maybe have done with him tomorrow.  Still, 1-2 away win here I reckon.

[achilles]

Middlesbrough have in their last 3 home games drawn 2, won 1, scoring 3 goals conceding 1 goal, currently 6th equal with Villa in the form table over the last 6 games,so it should be a very tight game with a draw a very strong possibility!

[usav]

3 tough games in 6 days, nailed-on loss.

I'll go 2-0 to Villa ;-)

[Damo70]

I think it will be a draw. 0-0 or 1-1. But we could well win of we score first as chasing a game doesn't suite Boro.

[ChicagoLion]

Pullis must be having kittens thinking about this one.
Knowing he will be playing a keystone cops defense with a keeper that might as well wear oven gloves, (do i attack or do I rely on set pieces and defensive organisation?).
They will be lobbing the ball down the middle and in the channels at every opportunity, soak up the attacks with men behind the ball and counter.
Defence v attack, I think we will do well to get a point.

[Holte132]

If we can continue the pattern of November we'll score 6! If.

[SoccerHQ]

I never thought I'd say it, but this might be a game for Jedinak to sit in front of the defence.

Still injured isn't he? Think Whelan will get that role as he knows how Pulis teams operate.

[villa `cross the mersey]

Tough game tomorrow especially after the effort put in on Wednesday - a draw would be a good result
I expect SHA to narrow the gap after their unexpected win at the New Den