Aston Villa v Arsenal Match Thread

[eamonn]

Those moaning about two goalies on a 9 man bench are already winners now whatever the result 

[Footy-Vill]

Joe Cole, Peter Crouch and Martin Keown all on the bench.

This reiterates what a disaster our January window was.

Cole and Crouch we had at the end and start of careers. They were quality players elsewhere
Keown speaks fondly and sounded like he did well at Villa despite getting relegated.

[Chris_Jephcott]

I sense that Coutinho will score today and cause them problems.

I would have like Duran to have started, but equally at the expense of who? Will be good to see Coutinho and Buendia together too.

[Dave]

Those moaning about two goalies on a 9 man bench are already winners now whatever the result 

To be honest, as someone who has been whinging about how thin the squad is - that bench is perfectly balanced and capable.

Let's just hope we don't pick up any injuries.

[eamonn]

Interesting hearing about expectations Purslow said its going to be a very busy summer.
Crouch says our fan expectations are a hindrance.
Keown says from all clubs he was at that us Villa fans are the most difficult to please and unforgiving.

I thought you just said that they were all being respectful to us!

[Footy-Vill]

I sense that Coutinho will score today and cause them problems.

I would have like Duran to have started, but equally at the expense of who? Will be good to see Coutinho and Buendia together too.

Coutinho 4 goals in 10 games v Arsenal. And think another day also.
2 number 10s in tandem.
Lets go Villa!

[Steve67]

Strong side for us. Come on you Villa boys.

[Footy-Vill]

Ashley Young had half term for his kids so possible bit tired and Cash gets his chance.

[Mellin]

Close enough to the line up I wished for last week. Can live with Buendia over Duran for now.

Like that side. Just praying Coutinho follows up some positive recent sub appearances and returns to the form we saw early doors.

[Mellin]

Bert on the bench too. Let's have some absolute filth today please my man.

The bench is quite strong actually. BUT WE HAVE NO SQUADZ!!!

[brontebilly]

Looks very attacking. Where will McGinn play?

RM I hope. How to fit 2 x no.10s into a coherent setup remains the key challenge. Coutinho off Watkins and Buendia in off the left again I expect.

Bold selection from Emery. An important day for a number of players... Likes of Cash and Coutinho to turn around their careers at Villa Park. Moreno to deal with someone like Saka and establish himself at first choice. McGinn too, key player under Gerrard and a chance to remind us all of his qualities. High scoring game coming up.

[Villa Lew]

Bench much stronger than it has been for a few weeks.

[Rudy Can't Fail]

Why is McGinn still captain when he doesn't speak Spanish?

I heard he did an intensive course a few weeks back in Dublin.

[TonyD]

That line up should move the ball about quickly! 
3.1 Villa

[brontebilly]

Bench much stronger than it has been for a few weeks.

Might be the strongest bench we have had in the PL since we came back up.