Arsenal v Aston Villa Pre-Match Thread

[Villa Lew]

Don't get why we're playing Arsenal again, when we've not faced Forest yet. For probably decades, it's always been clubs play everyone in the first half of the season then the reverse fixture in the second half, if it ain't broke don't fix it.

[Nev]

Don't get why we're playing Arsenal again, when we've not faced Forest yet. For probably decades, it's always been clubs play everyone in the first half of the season then the reverse fixture in the second half, if it ain't broke don't fix it.

There are multiple considerations when the fixture list is compiled, many more than back in the day and these anomalies are not that rare anymore and it happens in the other leagues. The reverse Southampton fixture for the Rags is the same tonight.

[Clampy]

Don't get why we're playing Arsenal again, when we've not faced Forest yet. For probably decades, it's always been clubs play everyone in the first half of the season then the reverse fixture in the second half, if it ain't broke don't fix it.

It's happened before that we've played a team a few weeks after the first game, especially at this time of year. I'm not sure why though.

[eye digress]

Don't get why we're playing Arsenal again, when we've not faced Forest yet. For probably decades, it's always been clubs play everyone in the first half of the season then the reverse fixture in the second half, if it ain't broke don't fix it.

I asked this question several times on various threads. It's doing my head in too! Not only the asymmetry of not having played the full round before meeting Arsenal again, but also the proximity of the home and away fixtures. Did the fixture computer fuck up or summat?

[Flamingo Lane]

Don't get why we're playing Arsenal again, when we've not faced Forest yet. For probably decades, it's always been clubs play everyone in the first half of the season then the reverse fixture in the second half, if it ain't broke don't fix it.

I asked this question several times on various threads. It's doing my head in too! Not only the asymmetry of not having played the full round before meeting Arsenal again, but also the proximity of the home and away fixtures. Did the fixture computer fuck up or summat?

No, the next round of fixtures are as they were for the round at the beginning of the month, eg Leeds going to Liverpool a few weeks after the 3-3 draw at Elland Road.

[LeeB]

Remember us playing Leeds twice at the start of the season in 92-93

[Luffbralion]

We have to go for a 443 formation. I'd play SJM next to Onana with Tielemans further forward. A conundrum for UE on who to replace Cash with - can he risk Garcia or play Bogarde at RB? Garcia would add more pace but Bogarde is more solid in tackles.

I love this idea but I do reckon someone will spot the flaw in the proposal.

[Garyth]

We have to go for a 443 formation. I'd play SJM next to Onana with Tielemans further forward. A conundrum for UE on who to replace Cash with - can he risk Garcia or play Bogarde at RB? Garcia would add more pace but Bogarde is more solid in tackles.

No goalkeeper?



I love this idea but I do reckon someone will spot the flaw in the proposal.

[PaulWinch again]

With the absences if we get anything here it’d be an incredible result. In reality I think they’ll have too much.

[olaftab]

Don't get why we're playing Arsenal again, when we've not faced Forest yet. For probably decades, it's always been clubs play everyone in the first half of the season then the reverse fixture in the second half, if it ain't broke don't fix it.

It was arranged so that our ream can stay in London after playing Chelsea and do the "10 things to do in London according to Tripadvisor" thing.

[DrGonzo]

Bogarde at RB.  Tielemans and Onana in the middle, McGinn, Rogers and Sancho behind Watkins.  I'd take a draw right now but would you bet against us?

[Stu]

With the absences if we get anything here it’d be an incredible result. In reality I think they’ll have too much.

Agree. 2-0/3-1 Arsenal I reckon and we’ll pick ourselves up against Forest.

[JUAN PABLO]

Id be happy with a draw but if we lose I see Arse and 115 have some hard games in January so we still wont be out of it. 

[Crown Hill]

I wouldn’t write us off. Unai will be very motivated and has a great record against Arteta. His press conference today revealed absolutely nothing. The fit players will train, the injured players continue their recovery and the suspended players won’t play. Could mean absolutely anything and the same for Arsenal to prepare for us.

[Small Rodent]

Don't get why we're playing Arsenal again, when we've not faced Forest yet. For probably decades, it's always been clubs play everyone in the first half of the season then the reverse fixture in the second half, if it ain't broke don't fix it.

It was arranged so that our ream can stay in London after playing Chelsea and do the "10 things to do in London according to Tripadvisor" thing.

Angus Steak House