Pre-match thread. Aston Villa vs Arsenal. 21st July, kick off at 8.15pm.

[saunders_heroes]

I’m already a nervous wreck thinking about this.

[john e]

I don't think we are mentally capable of winning a game against one of the so called rich 6
we always shit our pants

we could be 3 nil up at half time and I would still not be confident of us seeing out a win


(I'm hoping this is the post people will use at about 10.00 tomorrow night saying 'this didn't age well' )

[john2710]

Arsenal are only mid-table, with nothing to play for.
I think we'll beat them & so will Watford.
We'll need to beat West Ham to stay up.

[Allan C]

2-0 to us  I’m confident

[dorsetvillian]

Not confidnt at all. Never am against the top six. Although slightly improved over the past couple of games, the reality is that we can't score and nearly always concede. Blind faith is needed.UTV

[PeterWithesShin]

On the plus side we arent playing a top 6 side, we're playing some inconsistent dross that are sat in 10th place.

[CT]

Mikel Arteta:

 “I think the fans not being there in that ground - which is one of my favourites in England, to be fair - is a big disadvantage for them.”

[PaulWinch again]

On the plus side we arent playing a top 6 side, we're playing some inconsistent dross that are sat in 10th place.

Yes although sadly we’re pretty consistent dross.

[PaulWinch again]

But hopefully tomorrow is a real surprise and we can pull a performance out of the bag and win the game.

[villa `cross the mersey]

Wishing you all the best Wince -
As for the game - can't see where the goals are coming from and Arsenal are on fire - sad to say 0-4
Prove me wrong Villa

[adrenachrome]

Mikel Arteta:

 “I think the fans not being there in that ground - which is one of my favourites in England, to be fair - is a big disadvantage for them.”

He's right, isn't he?

[RamboandBruno]

First goals everything....now that’s never been said before

[adrenachrome]

First goals everything....now that’s never been said before

In our case, that often ends up badly as we usually end up playing ever deeper.

An opening goal in 90+ would be most welcome.

[brontebilly]

Think we are actually in somewhat improving form. Best Palace easily and then were the better side at Everton. Lack of threat up top aside it was the best performance for some time. Need a lot more from McGinn particularly but I saw flickers of promise the last day and Grealish had his best display for quite a while. Luiz in his current form is capable of dominating midfield. No way we keep a clean sheet so I'll go 2-1 Villa with a very nervy VAR induced finish to the game.  UTV

[Andy_Lochhead_in_the_air]

I won't be watching this match or exposing myself to any media or information source which may relate to me how the match is progressing.

I'll give it ten minutes after the projected finish time and check on here.

My nerves would not stand anything else.

Will you and Rodney Bewes duck down in the car as you pass someone who would shout out the score?

Match called off due to a waterlogged pitch.