West Ham vs Aston Villa pre match thread

[Smirker]

The celeb guest on the BBC prediction page this week is a guitarist from the Stereophonics, who is quoted as saying ‘I’m a blues fan but I like to see Villa doing well for the city.’ There is NO WAY those are the words of a genuine Small Heath supporter.

Zindani still lives in Birmingham, while other members of Stereophonics have all moved to London. Not much is known of his personal life but in Stereophonics interviews he has mentioned his children. He has also appeared on Soccer AM with fellow Stereophonics member Kelly Jones.

Adam is a Birmingham City F.C fan. Adam attended St Bernard's Roman Catholic Primary School in Moseley before moving to Kings Heath and entering Baverstock School, Druids Heath, Birmingham. He was a keen snooker player, going to his local club in Kings Heath. He didn't start to play the guitar until after his 16th birthday.

Seems a decent guy.

[LeeB]

The celeb guest on the BBC prediction page this week is a guitarist from the Stereophonics, who is quoted as saying ‘I’m a blues fan but I like to see Villa doing well for the city.’ There is NO WAY those are the words of a genuine Small Heath supporter.

Zindani still lives in Birmingham, while other members of Stereophonics have all moved to London. Not much is known of his personal life but in Stereophonics interviews he has mentioned his children. He has also appeared on Soccer AM with fellow Stereophonics member Kelly Jones.

Adam is a Birmingham City F.C fan. Adam attended St Bernard's Roman Catholic Primary School in Moseley before moving to Kings Heath and entering Baverstock School, Druids Heath, Birmingham. He was a keen snooker player, going to his local club in Kings Heath. He didn't start to play the guitar until after his 16th birthday.

Seems a decent guy.

Apart from the music

[brontebilly]

Carlos back in squad, Dendoncker possibly too if over his paper cut. I really don't want to see Chambers starting a PL game for us in midfield up against likes of Declan Rice.

[Toronto Villa]

Bailey and Buendia will be alongside Ollie. Behind them Doug, SJM, JJ.

[Nev]

I loved Stereophonics when they did shit like "The Bartender The Thief" but they went straight down the dumper afterwards.

This dude seems OK, but he does help me hate them even more. Good lad.

Mr Writer? Jesus Christ.

[brontebilly]

Bailey and Buendia will be alongside Ollie. Behind them Doug, SJM, JJ.

Bailey best left on the bench, or even the bus.

Think WHU would physically bully those three in midfield. Going to need one of Chambers or the Donk in there

Need a lot more from Ramsey, disappointed with him the last day. Dangerous option on the counter though.

[tomd2103]

I loved Stereophonics when they did shit like "The Bartender The Thief" but they went straight down the dumper afterwards.

This dude seems OK, but he does help me hate them even more. Good lad.

Mr Writer? Jesus Christ.

He wasn't in the band fir Mr. Writer.  Blues fan happy to see Villa doing well is extremely fishy though. 

[Brazilian Villain]

Moving on, is there a more embarrassing club anthem than West Ham's 'Blowing Bubbles'?

Not the best, not the worst. If I'm being honest I'm not a massive fan of TBAR either.

[ROBBO]

JJ seems to have little impact on games these days compared to when he was at his best. Not sure whether it's a young player going through a spell or he's carrying a knock. Have noticed he seems to have lost a yard.

[Rory]

Moving on, is there a more embarrassing club anthem than West Ham's 'Blowing Bubbles'?

Not the best, not the worst. If I'm being honest I'm not a massive fan of TBAR either.

There are two reasons I hate 'Blowing Bubbles', both related to films: first, the film Green Street; second, the nauseating version in the recent film Bullet Train.

[Footy-Vill]

Bailey and Buendia will be alongside Ollie. Behind them Doug, SJM, JJ.

So it's case of either Moreno or Digne then?

Martinez
Cash, Konsa, Mings, Moreno/Digne
Luiz, McGinn, Ramsey
Bailey, Watkins, Buendia

Though I'm wondering if at times will be a 4 in midfield and Bailey partnering Watkins up front.

[JD]

Won't be that line up, too lightweight against the kit stealing cloggers.

Bailey on the bench, McGinn further forward and either the Donk or Chambers as DM.

[Footy-Vill]

Won't be that line up, too lightweight against the kit stealing cloggers.

Bailey on the bench, McGinn further forward and either the Donk or Chambers as DM.

Cloggers I feel Villa can deal with. We did just so against Everton. The flair players for West Ham are my primary worry.
I would definitely prefer Součekk to advanced against us than Fornals. Aside from his poor form this season the Czech player is vastly limited in ability and has only an aerial threat which will be planned for.

Fornals has scored in each of the last three games he's played against Villa, my observations based on fact is the true challenge is keeping him or who ever advanced attacking mid in check. He seems to be the one who, when playing against us, discovers space in the middle of the field or in and around the box.

Another problem is Bowen, who poses a threat but isn't in the same shape as when he's played against us in the past but is a quality player and one I hoped we would have signed when he transferred to West Ham.

We've also got to contend with unpredictable but effective Benrahma,
playing in a role similar to Lingaard, who did damage in the past, so keeping the wide players and advanced midfielder in check is essential. We had issues recently with Saka and Dwight McNeill.

There is also the likelihood of Danny Ings starting, which makes for a fascinating tussle for our defenders.

Anticipating it will be a tricky encouter.

 

[Risso]

Agree with you about Bowen, Footy. He'd be perfect in our side.

[eamonn]

All great points, Footy! Top analysis.