Aston Villa vs Newcastle pre-match thread

[PeterWithesShin]

I just want us to avoid defeat, it will mean we go 12 months unbeaten in home league games. Something i'm pretty sure we've never done in my lifetime.

[cdbearsfan]

That had crossed my mind, too. A whole season unbeaten at home would be a ridiculous achievement. I have a bad feeling it will go wrong just to ruin things.

[cdbearsfan]

Last time we went eighteen home league games unbeaten was the final eighteen home games of 1976/77 (after losing at VP to Small Heath). Opening home game of the following season, Villa 1 Man City 4.

Wouldn't have been a full year/season unbeaten anyway as there were twenty-two teams in the top flight then.

[PeterWithesShin]

We were on a good run 82/83-83/84, Arsenal spoilt that by twatting us 6-2.

[cdbearsfan]

Was 82/83-83/84. Sixteen home league games unbeaten, including one against Arsenal, before they hammered us.

[PeterWithesShin]

I know, that's what I wrote...

[cdbearsfan]

Silly me.

[eamonn]

This fixture is never a draw, think we're due one. It'll feel like a missed opportunity if so what with their lack of attacking options and shitty pre-season.

My neighbour has asked if I want to watch the game with him in the pub. We've always said we should go for a pint and today I find out he's a Newcastle fan (from friggin' Cornwall)! I must have mentioned I was Villa before. Dear Deirdre, it would be nice to bond with a fellow building-resident but I don't like watching Villa games with opposing fans. What should I do?

[PeterWithesShin]

Tell him you're an ungracious winner so fear you'll offend him.

[cdbearsfan]

Absolutely do not watch it with him, nothing good can come of it.

[tomd2103]

4-1 win



Bizot

Cash
Konsa
Mings
Digne

Kamara
McGinn

Malen
Tielemans
Rogers

Watkins

Will be interesting to see the line-up.  Think the line-up above looks pretty much the one I'd expect, with the only questions being Mings or Torres, does Rogers play as a number 10 or on the left and how does the rest of the midfield look depending on that decision?  Rogers as number 10, then surely McGinn starts on the left, with Kamara and Tielemans central.  Rogers on the left could mean McGinn at number 10 or if Tielemans plays further forward then Onana could partner Kamara.