Middlesbrough vs Aston Villa: Pre-Match Thread

[wittonwarrior]

Take a point but if we gab the game like we did at derby could be 2 or 3 nil to us

[Nelly]

With our makeshift, worrisome defensive unit, I worry they might have some joy against us. But we will score.

Also, how nice is it to know that we will be the team playing it on the deck for once! Whatever happens I know we'll give it our best and that's fine by me. (Villa win).

[Risso]

Worried about this one. Think we’ll come unstuck, as Pulis will exploit our weaknesses in the keeper and defence positions.

[john e]

Clash of styles

been waiting a long time to hear that

1-2

[Lastfootstamper]

He can try, Risso! Yeah, a clean sheet's unlikely to say the least, but I know we'll have worked on and talked about cancelling out their threats without detracting from our own play. Pulis will be like a spider today; you won't be able to tell by looking at him, but he's far more scared of us than we are of him.

The two lads on the bench Wednesday, where do they play? I know we've been a little hamstrung of late with our choices on the bench through unavailability, but he's going to start one sometime. Today?

And according to my phone, this game's in Leicester. I think that it might be mistaken.

[Steve67]

They will rely on set pieces. Tough to call but if we harbour ambitions of going up...............

[Lastfootstamper]

And from what I can tell, a Smith side has never lost to one of Tiny's.

[TopDeck113]

Who knows? I will though be surprised if the second part of final score reads Aston Vilie nil.

[Rigadon]

We score lots, we concede some.  They will be the usual dross that Pulis serves up, but much will depend on how resolute we can be from corners etc. 

[Clampy]

These will be harder to break down than other teams but we can still beat them. 1-3 to us. Whelan to come in for Hourihane I reckon.

[Ads]

I really think if we start the quicker and with the intent to attack then getting that first goal is key.

Regardless of how porous (or not, 3 clean sheets in 7) I feel the way Boro set up, you score one then you don't lose and if you score 2 then you probably win.

Our attack, like the Albion's, is probably bottom half Premier League quality. I don't think there's a defence thst can cope.

[Richard E]

Not confident about this one. I’d take the draw. 1-1.

[Rudy Can't Fail]

After the recent goal fest this will be a 0-0 bore.

[ez]

2-1 to us. Interesting to see if he drops Nyland.

[Toronto Villa]

2-1 to us. Interesting to see if he drops Nyland.

Not a chance. He publicly defended him. The last thing he’ll now do is drop him. And even if it was on his mind the other two are even worse.