Aston Villa vs Real Wolves League Cup 4th Rd Pre-Match Thread

[robbo1874]

This is from the Express and Star:

Told it's set to be a much-changed team at Villa Park tomorrow night, Taylor Perry and Benny Ashley-Seal among the youngsters who could start. Arsenal away on Saturday and the Carabao is 4th on the priority list. 

Should be a comfortable night then like the last round if that happens.

Let’s hope so, then a jammy qtr final draw against one of the minnows getting through and you never know.

I love the League Cup and have been so disappointed with not taking it seriously since the Bradford debacle.

This seems to get trotted out all the time. When have we not treated it seriously? Sure we have made the odd change, but we have never played the kids, and when playing teams in our division we have gone with a strong side each time. The reason we haven't done well is because we've been shite, and often because our opponents have played well, not because we haven't been arsed.

My own perception is we haven’t treated it seriously in the last 4-5 seasons with respectively avoiding relegation and trying to get promoted taking priority. You’re right about us being shite though......

 I've always loved the League Cup and managed to get to every final we have been in since 1963. I always used to prioritise Cup games over league games if time or money was restricted. Last time we played Wolves in this competition was 1996 in the quarter final. In front of a packed Villa Park we won 1-0 through a Tommy Johnson goal. I remember it as a tight, tense game. That fabulous Brian Little side went on to win the cup in a memorable day at Wembley, lost to Liverpool in the FA Cup semi final and finished fourth in the Premier League.

How times have changed! Some managers can barely conceal their relief when they get knocked out, players know it's a chance for the reserves to have a go and supporters have to be seduced by cut price tickets. Even then the so-called big clubs have a near monopoly on the trophy.

Modern football really does have its downside.

Went to that 97 LCF you mentioned and also the FAC semi at mould Trafford. The only time my bonfire has been pissed on more, was losing to Chelsea in the 2000 final (mainly because it was lit in the old Wembley toilets). Robbie fuckin Fowler hatrick in 20 mins was it? Devastated!! The LCF against Leeds was magic. My Wembley finals record: FAC 0 - LC 2. Just beat Wolves anyway Villa!

[Abbeyfealeavfc]

Come on the Villa boys! Out-score, out-play and out-sing the dog heads please!
We need to keep the confidence going at home and a run in any cup competition is always good.
UTV!

[QuintonVilla]

Obsessed with the Villa, we know what you are

[badluckeric(gates)]

My thoughts are that our strength in depth is greater than theirs and we have one thing we haven’t had for years-competition for places. If (as he surely will) Dean makes wholesale changes then i expect those who play to be busting a gut to impress. Therefore i take us to edge it-just. 1-0

[Pete3206]

There are currently 6 Villa threads on their main forum.

Six

[Luke8]

Smith confirming that it won’t be the strongest team (or at least not the same as the weekend)

"I will look to see how the lads have recovered from the Man City game.

“There are players who will need to play against Wolves because it's a big week playing Man City, Wolves and then Liverpool.

"The lads like Conor who didn't play at the weekend will play. Keinan will play. So we'll go with a few changes that's for sure.”

[SoccerHQ]

Hourihane has started majority of games in last five weeks so him coming back in isn't a weak selection. I completely agree with Davis starting, time to give him a shot from the start and see how he does. If he does well I can see him staying in for Liverpool game. Think Konsa will also start.

[DrGonzo]

Fingers in too many pies for them this year, and their league form is suffering as a result, this is a match they wouldn't care too much about losing if they weren't playing the Villa.  We spanked them last time out and that'll probably sill rankle. However they will rest more players than us and I think 2-1 in normal time would be a good result.

[john e]

it's important we win tonight because a loss against a near neighbor in a tense Derby followed by a highly expected loss against Liverpool will make us all feel a bit sad

[Richard]

Are the usual access to VP restrictions in play for tonight as with Blues and Albion ?

[Legion]

Not heard about any.

[Axl Rose]

Any win to silence those gobby, self important twats will do me.

[kieron]

No VAR tonight, woooo.

[Legion]

Why not? I thought it applied to all Premier League clubs.

[kieron]

https://www.birminghammail.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/aston-villa-wolves-carabao-cup-17170538

"As for VAR, the EFL has confirmed that it won't be in use for tonight's clash at Villa Park. It was trialled in the Carabao Cup last season but, this year, has been shelved. Conversations are ongoing whether or not to introduce the system for the semi-final stage."