Aston Villa vs Arsenal pre match thread

[Skerra]

Risso, spot on. However, if it was us playing the midweek match then our little darlings would be too tired!

[Paul.S]

Them playing tonight does us a huge favour.

I can't remember the last time it ever worked in our favour. When they beat us it will be a case of "they played mid-week so were more match fit than us."

It’s not just that they have a game it’s the opponents they are playing. Lose and they’ll be shattered and will be there for the taking. Win and they’ll be a different proposition entirely.
I get what you mean though, who else would you choose to play if you need 3 points?

[Risso]

It’s not just that they have a game it’s the opponents they are playing. Lose and they’ll be shattered and will be there for the taking. Win and they’ll be a different proposition entirely.
I get what you mean though, who else would you choose to play if you need 3 points?

They'll probably have too much for us whatever the result tonight. Win, and the pressure will be off Arsenal a bit, and they'll play with a freedom against us that we won't be able to live with. Lose, and they'll be doubly determined to get back on track, and will bully us all over the pitch. We'll have more of a chance if we drop underperforming players like Ramsey and Bailey, but Emery seems as determined to stick with them as he is wedded to his 4-4-2, so I'm not hopeful.

[Paul.S]

It’s not just that they have a game it’s the opponents they are playing. Lose and they’ll be shattered and will be there for the taking. Win and they’ll be a different proposition entirely.
I get what you mean though, who else would you choose to play if you need 3 points?

They'll probably have too much for us whatever the result tonight. Win, and the pressure will be off Arsenal a bit, and they'll play with a freedom against us that we won't be able to live with. Lose, and they'll be doubly determined to get back on track, and will bully us all over the pitch. We'll have more of a chance if we drop underperforming players like Ramsey and Bailey, but Emery seems as determined to stick with them as he is wedded to his 4-4-2, so I'm not hopeful.

We’ve been bullied ever since we came back up.
It’s a huge bugbear of my’n and I just don’t get why we haven’t addressed it. Newcastle are full of 6ft plus players all over the pitch and they aren’t all that as players but physically they are able to win the ball. Until we sort this we will always get bullied.
I’m still going for us to get something though, probably a 1-1 draw based purely on hope that they are tired.

[ChicagoLion]

It’s not just that they have a game it’s the opponents they are playing. Lose and they’ll be shattered and will be there for the taking. Win and they’ll be a different proposition entirely.
I get what you mean though, who else would you choose to play if you need 3 points?

They'll probably have too much for us whatever the result tonight. Win, and the pressure will be off Arsenal a bit, and they'll play with a freedom against us that we won't be able to live with. Lose, and they'll be doubly determined to get back on track, and will bully us all over the pitch. We'll have more of a chance if we drop underperforming players like Ramsey and Bailey, but Emery seems as determined to stick with them as he is wedded to his 4-4-2, so I'm not hopeful.

unless they have injuries to a few key players Saka being the most dangerous, then I cant see it working out.
The selection is crucial, If I see Bailey starting then the game its pretty much thrown.

[Nelly]

They're peaking as a team and coming to the top of their cycle, whereas we are trying to kickstart ours, so no shame or despondency if we lose.

I'd like to see Ramsay dropped, he's been anonymous for a few games now. McGinn might give us some extra bite in midfield which might help Kamara too.

[Brazilian Villain]

Apparently Partey is out of tonight's game so let's hope he doesn't recover in time for Saturday.

[Border villan]

Please no Leon Bailey starting!

Fingers X

Not sure Bailey will know what a cross is.

[PaulWinch again]

We’re going to get tonked I suspect.

[garyellis]

There for the taking on Saturday

[Skerra]

Looks like Arsenal will definitely need all 3 points on Saturday. Will we oblige..you’re darn sure we will.

[Smirker]

There for the taking on Saturday

Or they'll want to bounce back ala Partridge.

[RamboandBruno]

1-0 Villa, no particular reason, than Id rather feel optimistic on a Wednesday night that pessimistic/realistic. Watkins to carry on his scoring run.

Martinez
Cash
Konsa
Mings
Morena

Kamara
Luiz

McGinn
Beundia

Duran
Watkins

[LeeB]

It would be nice if we actually got within 5 yards of one of their players unlike much of the same fixture last season.

[Skerra]

Arsenal, 1 point from possible 9. Who would you want to play when you’re on a bad run like this?