Aston Villa vs AFC Bournemouth Pre-Match Thread

[LeeB]

Even if we don't make the Champions League this season, we will the following season, as Champions.

[Nev]

The level of performance from Doug has dropped somewhat, I noticed this during the Brentford Nylons game where he got booked, and in the two European games he hasn't been at it for me.

I thought both Tielemans and SJM were outstanding at Woolwich and moving the latter out wide last night to accommodate Doug (which we'd all probably do) negated his effectiveness. So that pair in the middle is essential on Sunday. I've no doubt Doug will regain his form but his absence might actually help at the moment.

Zaniolo acted the prick again yesterday, his substitution helped in that Morgan is a better player (already) so he should start, and Bailey for Diaby.


These two home games are a fabulous opportunity to put some distance between us and Spurs that we need to take. Tiredness may come into it but I expect the atmosphere to be great despite it being a Sunday and I can't wait.

These are the days.

2-1

[KevinGage]

If we could -somehow - win these next two league games we might* have the luxury of easing off and rotating players from the Brighton game onwards.

Scoreboard pressure could well do for the Tiny Totts in that scenario.

Football is never that considerate, though.

We were lucky to get a draw at their place; and that was with a near full-strength side and no major concerns about fatigue.   Iraola would love to get one over on Emery and cement his growing reputation.

1-1




* we won't

[LeeB]

I thought the same with Doug, he's dropped off quite a bit. Class penalty though under massive pressure and knobber ref doing his best to put him off.

I think we may be knackered but think last nights 'suffering' will only strengthen us as a team going forward, the end is is sight now and we're in exactly the position we want to be going into the home straight.

[Brazilian Villain]

If we could -somehow - win these next two league games we might* have the luxury of easing off and rotating players from the Brighton game onwards.

Scoreboard pressure could well do for the Tiny Totts in that scenario.

Football is never that considerate, though.

We were lucky to get a draw at their place; and that was with a near full-strength side and no major concerns about fatigue.   Iraola would love to get one over on Emery and cement his growing reputation.

1-1

Agreed, a win would be lovely but I can see this week's exertions catching up with us. 2-2 draw.

[VillaTim]

Huge huge game . Big responsibility on the crowd to lift the players as high as possible for this . Hopefully they are all charged with confidence and momentum, 3 points would be massive .

[Skerra]

Doug is obviously being coached by Alisha. His mind seems to be on other things just now!!

[Rigadon]

I honestly can't see any other result aside from a convincing home win.  We're going to smash them and put some distance between us and Spurs.

[SamTheMouse]

Can you imagine if we'd had Mings, Ramsey, Kamara, and Buendia available for all - or even just most - of the season?

We'd still be in with a shout of the title, I reckon.

[LeeB]

Can you imagine if we'd had Mings, Ramsey, Kamara, and Buendia available for all - or even just most - of the season?

We'd still be in with a shout of the title, I reckon.

Said on another thread earlier in the week that with just Ramsey available all season I reckon we would, with all 4 in we'd have wrapped it up by Easter.

[Rigadon]

Can you imagine if we'd had Mings, Ramsey, Kamara, and Buendia available for all - or even just most - of the season?

We'd still be in with a shout of the title, I reckon.

I don't think that's controversial at all.  That we've been able to do what we've done so far is absolutely amazing with all the injuries. 

[eamonn]

Newcastle fans probably say the same thing but they're deluded obvs.

[PaulWinch again]

I think this will be incredibly hard. Bournemouth are a good side anyway, but we’ve got to recover from the physical pain and emotional high of yesterday. Players will need to dig deep as it’s a massively important game.

[Villafirst]

Martinez

Cash Konsa Torres Digne

Bailey McGinn Tielemans Rogers

Watkins Duran

I'd go with Diego and Torres together and Ezri at RB. Carlos was immense against Arsenal.

[eamonn]

I think this will be incredibly hard. Bournemouth are a good side anyway, but we’ve got to recover from the physical pain and emotional high of yesterday. Players will need to dig deep as it’s a massively important game.

What was it Leicester used for recovery between games in their title-winning season...was it ice-baths, cryochambers and beetroot soup or something?!