Middlesbrough vs Aston Villa Match Thread

[Gareth]

It does annoy me that we only put 8 on the bench…we have a keeper on their for experience only so why not have O’Reiily, Richards, Feeney etc on there for experience also :-)

[Brazilian Villain]

Pretty happy with that. Good to see Watkins and Dougie getting a rest. Hopefully, we're in a position to take McGinn & Konsa off before the end.

[maidstonevillain]

we've not won an FA cup game for 8 years apparently.

Oops.

we've not won an FA cup game for 8 years apparently.

Oops.

And that was scraping through against Wycombe in a replay. I think.

[pablo_picasso]

Feels like this is a game that Zaniolo could have been given a start.

A sign he might be off?

Or too much like Footy thinking? 👀

[Tony Daleys Shorts]

John McGinn ain’t getting a break this season is he!?  It’s a strong line up and a great chance for Duran.  I hope we don’t get any injuries and win without fuss.

Some players just thrive on playing and don’t need resting, they’re a rare breed but SJM is one of them.

If I were to see said young man climbing the stairs to lift the trophy in May, then I’ll die a happy man.

[pablo_picasso]

It does annoy me that we only put 8 on the bench…we have a keeper on their for experience only so why not have O’Reiily, Richards, Feeney etc on there for experience also :-)

Agreed.

Feeney especially...

[kippaxvilla2]

Durans farewell appearance.

[Behind Bluenose Lines]

I'm sure it's already been pointed out that the last time we played Middlesbrough in the FA Cup was in 1957!

Ssssshhhhhhhhhh!

[Lastfootstamper]

John McGinn ain’t getting a break this season is he!?  It’s a strong line up and a great chance for Duran.  I hope we don’t get any injuries and win without fuss.

They're all about to get a fortnight off after the next game we've got in eight days time.

[Villafirst]

I still think our strongest line-up should be starting. We don't play again until the 14th January at Everton. Our next League home game is Newcastle on the 30th! Hardly a heavy schedule.

[kippaxvilla2]

We’ve just played eight games in December and have injuries to four key players.

[pauliewalnuts]

We’ve just played eight games in December and have injuries to four key players.

Indeed, 8 games in 27 days, I'd say that indicates a lot of players who could use a break.

[pauliewalnuts]

What has happened to Olsen? I know he had a kid so took paternity leave for a bit, but he's been away for ages.

[Rigadon]

John McGinn ain’t getting a break this season is he!?  It’s a strong line up and a great chance for Duran.  I hope we don’t get any injuries and win without fuss.

They're all about to get a fortnight off after the next game we've got in eight days time.

True, but should Watkins be playing too then?  And Luiz?

[Exeter 77]

What has happened to Olsen? I know he had a kid so took paternity leave for a bit, but he's been away for ages.

Thigh injury I think.