Aston Villa vs Brighton pre-match stuff

[Monty]

I can see us winning 2-1.

Too right Daz, I think it's only me and you so far predicting a win. You'd think we were relegation fodder playing Man City, not a team we've beaten the last 4 times we've met.

Partly why I think they'll win though, reckon they owe us one, this home form thing has to end sometime...I mean, we're Aston Villa! The good stuff never lasts forever.

I also just look at our form and their form to be honest though. We've got issues with players not yet integrated, others underperforming, and a few really big injuries. They look excellent, really together, coherent, in good form - and we've looked shit as all hell against the good teams this year.

[LeeB]

Away with your sensible reasoning lad, this is no time for that.

[Monty]

You're right, I'm very ashamed.

[Meanwood Villa]

Our home form thing has ended already.

Anyway, I reckon we'll win just because that's how the season has gone. When we're optimistic we get a rude awakening, when we're pessimistic we get a pleasant surprise.

[Brend'Watkins]

As good as they supposedly are they still managed to get beaten by Chelsea during the week so they're not the 2nd coming or anything like it.  Emery will have them ready for this in the same way as this fixture last season when some were fearing the worst. 

2-1

[Keeno]

I'd say we've had fairly similar starts to the year in terms of results - they've got an extra win, got tonked by West Ham at home but had a very good performance against Newcastle. Then they've played a lot of the poorer teams we have coming up over the next 4-5 weeks, beating them comfortably (as we have v Everton, Burnley etc.).

They also lost on their first game out in Europe, and just got dumped out the Carabao too by mid table PL opposition (lol)... Wonder if their fans have had a similar reaction to the general feeling on our side of the fence over the last few days, I'd guess probably not?

Putting the doom and gloom aside which has been a bit over the top IMO, with our first XI at a full VP, this will be a good game and I fancy us to replicate how we played last year. Under Emery we have always bounced back well after a loss - I'd also expect this game to have taken the majority of the planning resources this week given we'll both be vying for the same spot in the table come end of the season. I think we'll be on it, with something to prove.

They are a good side too, and I think both teams will score. 1-1 or 2-1 us.

[saunders_heroes]

4-2 to Villa

[OCD]

As good as they supposedly are they still managed to get beaten by Chelsea during the week so they're not the 2nd coming or anything like it.  Emery will have them ready for this in the same way as this fixture last season when some were fearing the worst. 

2-1

Ramsey was really the difference that day. They looked really good going forward and our defence was better back then.

I hope we can find a way to win this but taking 9 points from Palace (h), Chelsea (a) and Brighton (h) would be better than we could have hoped for. I think they're due something from this unfortunately.

[85kota]

Brighton are excellent, and anyone saying they're below last season's form clearly hasn't seen them play yet this season.  They've beaten both Man Utd and Newcastle already this season.

I think they'll be our closest rivals in the race for top 6 this season, so although a win would be great, losing three points to them at home would be awful.  I'm hoping for an Emery masterclass, with some sort of tweak that gives us the advantage, because having seen the way both teams play so far this season, you'd give them the slight edge right now.  Prove me wrong Villa, please.

They are very good, I'd say the slight edge is a chasm the way we have been playing this season, with the players we have missing.

Dismissing their owners as "betting wankers" is so naive.

How's he not a 'betting wanker', formerly banned poster?

How is the truth naive? the hell does 'naive' mean here?

It means to show a lack of experience, wisdom or judgement. HTH.

[LeeB]

Ok hun x

[chrisw1]

I'd say they're playing much better football than we are this season.  It might only be 3 points difference but on the eye test they look like a better team to me.  With their passing ability and the likes of Mitoma I fear for our high line tomorrow.

[Paul.S]

The high line is a major concern this season.
I think it’s why against the better sides we’ve conceded a lot because they are putting their chances away. Maybe it’s the midfield not pressing enough or keeping the ball but whatever it is something needs to improve if we are to beat the better teams.
I’m sure Emery see’s this and hopefully tomorrow we’ll address it. I don’t think Brighton will sit back and that may just be a good thing. I’m going for a 3-2 Villa win as I can’t either side keeping a clean sheet. Watkins with 2 and Diaby the other.

[eamonn]

I think it's more that we're better at pressing the crapper teams. Don't recall us getting close to caught-out with the high-line against anyone but Liverpool, Newcastle and Chelsea this season - and thanks to Emi, we kept the latter out.

[chrisw1]

We played deep against Burnley.

I'm sure Palace had a few one on ones and we were caught out for their goal.

[tony scott]

Haven’t had one for a long time 0:0