Written by Damian Monday, 25 January 2010 12:23
As it stands today, we are two points and three places off fourth place with a game in hand over Spurs and Liverpool, but by the time we kick off on Wednesday it might be that three points against Arsenal only moves us up to sixth. I say this because Spurs and Liverpool both play tomorrow and both will fancy they can get three points. I'll be hoping the both lose, but that is just my thing.
If they both lose (I might have a bet on them both to win), we could move up to fourth place by beating Arsenal. I know I seem to be saying this a lot at the moment, but this is an important game and I am sure that Martin O'Neill will approach this completely focused and unaffected by how well we are doing in the FA Cup and League Cup.
But, it is possible, while the manager will be completely focused on this match, that we see a change or two from the expected starting eleven. I say 'expected starting eleven' because we have sort of become used to the managers preferred eleven, but after the weekend, I think it is possible that one or two players might have done enough to make the manager think about giving a player or two another start, to see if they can carry it into the next match.
I will no doubt be wrong and O'Neill will start with who we expect, but there is a chance. I hope for the chance but O'Neill will not get blamed if he plays who we expect and we lose as this is an Arsenal side looking very good at the moment and if they get three points on Wednesday they will go top.
It was only a few weeks ago that we went to Arsenal and lost and on the day I put it down to our lack of fluidity. In truth, it was we sat back too much and the introduction of Fabregas for a few minutes.
But and this is why I think we might have a change or two from the expected starting eleven, we will be going into this game full of confidence. I think we have an opportunity to take a risk and we might see one or two changes because when you have that confidence, sometimes it needs to be let loose.
Prediction
I'm going to be sitting on the fence in this match, okay, I'm not. I think we can win it and the bookmakers are not that confident Arsenal will win either. We are 2/1 at Paddypower and Arsenal are 13/10. The draw comes in at 12/5 so they think there will be a result and while Arsenal are the favourites, it isn't by much.
I just think we have it in us to beat them and while I wouldn't be surprised if they beat us, they haven't done the double over us since 2004/05 and I think we are better than that now and having beaten Liverpool, Chelsea and Manchester United this season, three points against Arsenal will be a nice scalp to add to the season.
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Alex Glynn
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... Fingers crossed we'll pull it out of the bag, I think it's a VERY important match really. Perhaps the loss to stoke will dent them a bit... UTV. Oh yeah, the worst thing is that the match that'll be screened here is ManC vs ManU replay. And thats on BBC website anyway :[ Bloody boarding school/college thing... |
Richard Bunn
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... It's got draw written all over it, but I fancy us to sneak a win by the odd goal in 3. We really need to improve on last seasons league placing. OK the Carling Cup would be nice, but we need to progress. UTV  |
James Collins is the ginger Paolo Cesare Maldini
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... Surely we have to go and match their 4-2-3-1 in this match?? Give them to much space in the middle and we will be easy pickings! I'd go with... Friedel L Young Cueller Dunne Warnock Petrov Delph A Young Milner Downing Gabby |
Matthew Smith
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... Damian - As we're approaching the final week of the transfer window can I suggest a 'possible ins-and-outs' post? Even though everyone kind of knows what's going on, it usually makes for interesting debate and it might spark a good topic. Regarding the game of Wednesday, I fancy we'll take 3 points. I know the weekend game against Stoke doesn't really mean much, but Arsenal have a terrible fixture list coming up and I think it will be playing on their mind. I fancy we'll come out blazing and sneak an early goal, and we'll beat them with strength, stamina and desire. My Prediction: 2-0, Gabby with both goals  |
John Samuels
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... I think we'll lose to Arsenal. They're too good and I think they'll go all the way this season or at least get very close. I do think we'll pick up points away at Spurs and Fulham and we'll have a decent chance with Man U coming to Villa Park. It'simportant we just keep picking up the odd points here and there. 3 points against Spurs is essential in two games time and after the Man U game we have a run of five very winnable matches and a relativley easy run in from there with exception of trips to the Bridge and CoMS. We've had tough season fixture wise up until now, but we could easily put a nice little run together after the Man U game. |
Matthew Smith
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...We've had tough season fixture wise up until now, but we could easily put a nice little run together after the Man U game. If only football was that easy and predictable! |
win26draw12
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... hi i'm an arsenal fan yup i'll be rooting for the gunners(obviously) and i think they would win if they play to their standards(vs bolton) and not rubbish(vs stoke) i kinda admire villa for their good work on and off the field and hope they finish 4th ahead of liverpool(might actually be a good thing for them), man city(what a bunch of $£%!$) and t*ttenham.  |
Rattus NorVillicus
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... It's time O'Niell started using some of our younguns as impact subs to try to turn losses into draws, and draws into wins. Dem boys have showed they're good enough. So, of course it will be the usuals to start, but if it's nil all with 20 to go lets have a Mourinho type double substitution and bring on Delph & Fonz to win the game. |
Rattus NorVillicus
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...harewood out for 3 months. we wont be selling him this month so!Wow, not seen that since Father Ted. |
Chrisodon
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... I Agree with JPA that we won't win this one. I'm also dubious over the Man utd game as they're slowly doing what they always do and gather pace to the top towards the end of the season. |
GPalmer
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... Nice to see an optimistic post Damian, but I agree with JPA on this one - Arsenal are like a rapier going forward and look like challenging Chelsea all the way this year. I think it's going to be a frustrating couple of weeks in the league. |
henrydouble
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...harewood out for up to 3 months with a broken metatarsal there's them injuries MON keeps talking about. That's our season's hopes dashed.  At least he'll be fresh for the world cup...  |
arsenehollis
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... As an Arsenal fan I think we will win, we need to to get back top of the league. Of all the teams going for 4th though, I hope you get it. The rest are c$$ts, especially sp**s, but shitty aren't far behind. After wednesday, best of luck for the run-in. |
John Samuels
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... Fulham and Spurs away could be the turning point of our league campaign this season. Losses to Arsenal and Man U I can live with, but we need to go and take points from Spurs and Fulham, setting us up nicely for six winnable games after the Man U match. Burnley, Sunderland and Wolves at home and Hull Stoke and Wigan away. Those games could see us put a little run together and push us into CL contention with a few games left. Mark my words there are no easy games, but we have to be looking at winning all those games in a row. It's do-able and it's the form required to make top four. Our penultimate game is against Man City, lets hope it turns out to be a big fixture for us. |
Rios.Jockstrap
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...Of all the teams going for 4th though, I hope you get it. The rest are c$$ts, especially sp**s, but shitty aren't far behind. Dont take this the wrong way, but after we beat you on Wednesday, i hope you crash and burn Out of the top four, your the team i like both off and on the field, though it does help us if you lose a few! And we hate Spurs too  |
Rios.Jockstrap
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...Fulham and Spurs away could be the turning point of our league campaign this season[b) Why do i always feel trepidation when we play at Fulham  |
John Samuels
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...Why do i always feel trepidation when we play at Fulham Because they are pretty good at home? If we can get points at the Cottage and the lane we'll be doing very well indeed. Anything at all against Manure and Arse and we'll be doing spectacularly well!!! If we lose all of them then I think CL will be out of reach come the end of feb, but hey, a cup will do. |
jk92923
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... James Collins is the.... great formation and one i wish MON would use but i think we will have the same team that Arsenal tore apart a few weeks back. a stubborn man, our Marty is! |
Rios.Jockstrap
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...Because they are pretty good at home? And we always seem to play sheite there  Ive always maintained that the next four league fixture are vital in keeping in touch with that fourth spot. If we can get through these 4 fixtures in good nick, then the confidence should carry us all the way to the end of the season. Ok, theres no easy game these days, but we have to be confident in our own ability to acheive this. I said 4th or 5th at the start of the campaign, and ive seen nothing from our compititors to change my mind. Especially when you consider that (in my opinion) we have yet to hit our peak form. |
Dave J
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... MON will go with his first choice if everyone reports fir for duty but I would hope that as Pancho said if it's all square with 20 left we try and win the game with some positive substitutions. I think Delph & Fonz have done enough in their cup games to be in the frame for that opportunity. It will be a very different Arsenal to that which we saw against Stoke yesterday though. |
beh
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... Agree with James Collins Maldini.. if we go 4-4-2 against Arse` we`ll lose. I can`t see a win unless they have an off day. If the first eleven we`re super fresh maybe, but i`d take a draw now. I think they are the most difficult opponents at the merment because of our style of play. We won`t see enough of the ball to create enough chances. Hope i`m wrong. |
mank villa
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... I predict we'll score early and then...as we have come to expect...sit back until Arsenal equalise. I'd love to see Villa push on after going in front but I can't remember it happening against a decent side. It may be a mentality thing, or maybe MON hoping just to sit back and hit them on the counter like we do away. Could really do with a win after recent poor run in league. |
Damian
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... Finch do we have any transfer rumours today? we had one yesterday: http://goo.gl/lbuW we also had some positive news on saturday: http://goo.gl/TtJ2 and yesterday: http://goo.gl/lbuW but if we have missed a rumour today - please point us to it |
mank villa
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... If anyone wants the chance to have a chat with king carlos...please see link below: http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/other-sports/live/ I may declare my undying love for his facial hair... |
Eoin Doyle
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... Had a dream last night we lost 1-4. Some youngster called Anzonzo put us in front after 10 mins before we got leathered. As I recall, most of our team were out injured, and this was coming off the back of a 2-0 defeat to Liverpool (I think)on Sunday. I felt our season was falling apart again, and just before I woke up had a strong feeling that MON now has to bring in new signings!! Of course, then I did wake up, and as I falling out of bed realised we had beaten Brighton on Sat, and were facing Arsenal on Weds. Oh the relief! Dreams are strange. Must cut down on my sugar in-take before bed. |
Finch
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... Damian, Cheers. Although that was just me moaning that Villa have not been linked to anyone today from anythink i can find and it all seems quite on the transfer front. This though is how MON like to deal it seems. I guess i will have to wait for report of Rooney being seen at VP |
Chris Harper
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...Dreams are strange. Must cut down on my sugar in-take before bed. And maybe cut down on your genital grinding |
Chris Harper
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...I guess i will have to wait for report of Rooney being seen at VP Yeah I'm waiting for Vijay to come on here too |
Tim Hillman
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... I have a feeling that we will win this game. I think that MON will play 451 and play Sid-dwell or Delph (hopefully Delph). I have forgotten a bit about the lead after all this cup football so is nice to be back to a bit of bread and butter! 2-0 Gabby getting both. |
tubbydunne
said:
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... The team for Arsenal will be ------------------------Friedel--------------------- Carlos-------Collins--------Dunne------------Warnock Little Ash----Petrov--------Milner-----------Downing -------------------Heskey---Gabby------------------- If I was offered a point from the Arsenal game now I would grab it. They are the one team that can make us look like plodders. This is a big game for Milner, he has been getting the plaudits for his form in the center of the park and rightly so, but this is a test that I want to see him standing up to. Song destroyed our midfield at the Emirates and then Cesc came on and just made everyone look stupid. I think Cesc is younger than Milner, I know Cesc is world class, but if Milner wants to feature for England this is a game where he has to show he is not overawed and actually stamp his authority on the game. I am worried about Petrov for this match too, I don't think he has the legs and the physicality to upset the Arsenal midfield and our cover for him is poor. Sidwell and ReoCoker don't have the ability and Delph would be out of his depth, I see him as more of an attacking midfielder anyway. I have said it before it's one area of the squad that needs attention a quality holding midfielder. |
davidc
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... Fancy us this time. There's nothing to be scared of. We battered 'em at our place last year, so we're due a break. Just need to get off to a quick start and put them under pressure from the 1st whistle. |
oldvillan
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... young needs to be switched back to the left wing with downing on the right,young is not the same player wide right.once again our squad is not good enough to push on,champions league will stay a dream unless we develop the skill side of our game over the work rate ethic.4-5-1 is still the way forward with the current squad rotating our average forwards and playing delph in an attacking midfield.utv |
Chris Harper
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...Reports claims that Liverpool goalkeeper Jose Reina is on the verge of signing a new contract worth £23million And they wonder why they are in debt?? |
Dan Clinton
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... Just a heads up, I'm off to Australia later today, away from our beloved Villa. As a result whenever I'm at an internet cafe I'll be relying on this site for all news/speculation/morbid predictions of doom that I've come to love so much. The Arsenal game will take place when I sleep recovering from horrible jetlag. I know you boys won't let me down UTV!! |
Scrumpy
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... Same feeling as when Arsenal came to us last year... ...feared the worse, but then, just like last year we will go at them from the start, and unlike last year, not hit the post (was it two three times) but will be three-nil up by half time... and they won't then get a goal til five minutes to go when they get a consolation. By this time they will be spent having been chasing the game, so no edgy nervous end to the game... Anything half as good as last years game (and ending) would be great - when has a 2-2 draw ever felt so much like a win! All of the above is wishful thinking as they are the form side in the league and could win comfortably or get a shock (I predict no half way house on this). Then again, their league form may flatter to deceive... their last few league fixtures haven't been the most testing run (Villa and maybe Everton excepted) Bolton, Bolton,Everton,Portsmouth,Villa,Hull,Burnley So you just never know... Lets hope Cesc has a mare! |
tubbydunne
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... I wouldn't play 4-5-1. This would mean dropping Heskey who is very influential for us. He works hard and links midfield and attack effectively. And there is one thing that an awful lot of people overlook with Heskey. From our kick outs he contests the dropping ball with opposition center halves and I would say 80% of the time he gets his head to the ball. This results in the ball being knocked in the direction of the opposition goal, it puts us on the front foot and gives Gabby and the wingers something to chase. I know its very route one but it's integral to the way we play. Lets for argument sake say we play 4-5-1 against Arsenal with Delph in for Heskey. Then Freidel launches his kick out, Gallas or Vermallen get a head to it under little pressure and are able to pick out a midfield team mate and the Gunners are on the front foot. I know this is very simplified but my point is without Heskey we are not as effective and though it may look good to see Delph's name on the team sheet in a midfield five I don't think it would add anything to us attacking or defensively and we stand a better chance with Heskey and Gabby upfront. |
Scrumpy
said:
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... How long has Petrov been suffering with his achilles? Could this be the reason for a few thinking that he runs out of steam at the end of games and has lost a yard. Delph struggled in the Wigan game, does anyone who saw the Brighton game (albeit against lower opposition) think that Delph has come on enough to be thrown in at the deep end. How about a NRC/Delph/Milner central midfield?? |
Chris Harper
said:
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... Sorry if I'm being stupid but what are loyalty points for? Im a season ticket holder and I have 1085 points? To do what with? |
john doyle
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... martin will play his pets again the same team that could not beat west ham if he dose we will be distroyed we must play 5 in midfeild oor man mark fabragas he is better than any 2 of our players must stop themplaying i went to the away game and fabrgas destroyed us in 20 mins we must play proper back 4 with 2 proper full backs not 3 center halfs martin is to negetive and has to meny pets play the kids but please not sidwell he is a pub player |
Peen Vageen
said:
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...Damien - I know I seem to be saying this a lot at the moment, but this is an important game and I am sure that Martin O'Neill will approach this completely focused and unaffected by how well we are doing in the FA Cup and League Cup. I agree with you mate, we have started to become true Top 4 contenders instead of just potential, were now pushing to come away with 3 points every game instead of dropping them in the past with the "this game isn't that important" attitude. I think the faith has been restored after last years UEFA Cup upset. Anyone fancy duck taping turds to st andrews? |
Alex Glynn
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... tubbydunne..... ....Friedel launches his kick out and then Collins or Dunne, who have moved up the pitch get a head to it, smashins it powerfully in the direction of the aresenal goal, when they retreat to the defence and Delph uses his pace to get on the ball and sprints up the pitch to do a simple sideways pass to Milner [who alongside downing and young has been running from the halfway line - gabby's already up there] and we catch arsenal truely brilliantly. Finally Milner slots a splendid chip to place the ball at Gabby's feet who pounds it in past the frightened looking Almunia... |
Matt Brookshier
said:
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... Over the weekend I had a bit of a think about MONs tactics and came to the following conclusion: MON is a world-class "manager" but only an average "coach". He has built an incredible team full of English talent, fringe or no-name players and has been able to meld them into an amazing team that can beat anyone on their day. Unfortunately, it seems like he spends all his time trying to identify his best 11 players for the team sheet but doesn't act tactically DURING a game. It just seems like he spends the week at practice trying to figure who is in their best form and then becomes a specatator for the match. Harsh and not really true, I know but watch the Spuds/Leeds game. Redknapp selectively brought in players to impact the game. NOT because the subs were "better" than what he had on the field but because they could impact the flow of the game. Sometimes when things start to go sideways, all you need is new blood to spark you back to life -- look at what Fabregas did against us. It doesn't need to be your "best" player off the bench, it could be Delph with his take-no-prisoners attitude that gets the rest of the team fired-up again. Or it could be Sidwell/Reo coming in with fresh legs when the opposition is tiring. These small things change games and I have never seen MON do it. Not a knock on MON, he is the right man for us right now but I really think that he sees subs to be only if a player is injured or suspended. In-game changes, to him, are pointless. If the sub was better he would be playing in the starting 11 that day. This is why we only see Carew for Heskey changes... |
Matthew Smith
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... IdahoVillan - using Spurs/Redknapp as an example isn't the best idea seeing as they drew 2-2 at home against a league one team. But I can see where you're coming from. Although I'm inclined to disagree, you can't go to places like Old Trafford and Anfield and get 3 points if you're 'average' tactically. You have examine MON's past and see where he has come from to understand his football mentality and villa fans need to understand you're never going to see spanish/italian style of football whilst he is in charge. |
John Samuels
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...NOT because the subs were "better" than what he had on the field but because they could impact the flow of the game. These small things change games and I have never seen MON do it. Really? You ever watch Villa play? Mon's favourite is Sidwell to provide some fresh legs in midfield usually taking off a midfield player. I saw Albrighton go right against Pool and Milner switch left with Sidwell going into CM to try and impact the game. It's all well and good generalising, but it's usually wrong. Redknapp needed something up front cos Crouch and Defoe had looked blunt all game. He chucks on an a £16.5m international striker who got close to the golden boot at the european championships before they signed him, along with the Irish international captain who has scored countless goals for them and surprise surprise they score a goal. Not rocket science is it. Still couldn't win though could they, the clumsy idiots. If we had a more potent striking option to play we'd see more changes late in games. West Ham is the only game in recent memory that I would have changed things around, but that is a game we should have strolled anyway with the chances we had. |
John Samuels
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...villa fans need to understand you're never going to see spanish/italian style of football whilst he is in charge. I would say we will end up getting very used to a typically 'English' way of playing football. Strength, Power, Pace, Hard Tackling, Counter Attacking and Hard work all over the pitch. We play classic 4-4-2 with out and out Wingers, strength and pace all over the team and a classic Centre Forward with an industrious quick Striker. Not bad if you ask me. We certainly seem to be winning games fairly regularly and in a one off match we look like we can beat anyone. The way we play really does remind me of how Man U were back in the early days when they first started winning trophies under Ferguson. Hard working 'blood and thunder' players he's had there over the years like Pallister, Irwin, Keane, Robson, McClair, Bruce, Hughes. A strong battling spine embellished with a couple of pacey wingers and a clinical striker. We are going to start winning things soon. MoN just gets on with it and doesn't over complicate things. Quite often we're just unlucky or outplayed by a much better side. Tactically I think MoN is pretty astute, but simply picks his best team most games. Hiddink came in at Chelsea last season and without changing much just got them winning. Most of it seems to be sown to instilling confidence and a work ethic in the players. |
frem
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... we will just play a simple 4 4 2. MON always will. I think this could deside the game. Arsenal will have the edge with 5 in midfield and i think they will be to strong for us. |
Matt Brookshier
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... Jeddy / JPA -- I see your points but I think the subs are too few. Sidwell comes on late in games every now and then (and Yes, JPA I see just about every game) but there have been many, many games where we looked "tired" and could use a spark. Petrov looks beat at times, Ash or Downing has looked like they were having a bad day. Your example of Albrighton on against Liverpool is exactly what I'd like to see more of. I'm not saying MON doesn't know how to do it or that he has never done it just that he seems to know want to make these type of changes. JPA - if you see things differently, good on ya', but I would have had subs coming in at the 80th minute in several matches. Against Blackburn we were up by 3 goals and looking tired -- a great opportunity to get Delph and The Fonz in the game. I know you'll say look at how Blackburn came back against us as proof that MON was right to stick with the starting 11 but fresh blood could have changed it as well. In the end if you disagree, fine, but don't take a shot at whether I'm watching/understanding the games, mate. As to the Spurs reference, sorry to reference a hated team but Palacios/Pavelychenko created a goal (thankfully Leeds stole one in the end, though ). |
Andy Scarborough
said:
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... Back to the nitty gritty of the Prem. Arsenal have lately played a good and honest game and I respect them for that. Stoke managed to upset them with their physical approach. If we try to play their way we may lose, if we try to be physical we may lose players, if we just play OUR way we may win. What I have noticed about Villa this season is our high energy work rate. We will run and harass and run some more, we will break up their play and give them no time on the ball. This will be accomplished with a four man midfield aided and abetted by Heskey dropping deep, the full backs coming forward with the ball and one of the centre halves stepping forward to cut off attacking moves. I agree that Fabian has staked a solid claim, but think that against Arsenal at this moment would be a little too much to expect. We will win this one if we play our game and not try to react to what hasn't yet happened. They will have eleven men including Fabregas, we will have eleven men amongst whom will be Milner, Young and Gabby. How could we possibly lose? I also think we may have two visits to Wembley this year, and maybe three next year! |
Steve Badger
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...with Sidwell going into CM to try and impact the game. This is definitely bad tactics, imo |
frem
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... Everton want Huntalar. surly if they can afford him and his wages, so can we. I would like us to be linked with players like this sometimes. I know it still does not mean we might not get him but its nice to know that we might be intrested. |
Scrumpy
said:
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... I don't think our bench is there yet. The bench has players that could come in and do a job, but are not the first picks or equal to the first picks. So making any substitution isn't going to make an impact at best it would give a fresh set of legs in the same position. The only time we have made impact substitutions is when switching to three up front with Gabby,Heskey and Carew, or unleashing the Hare. The likes of Albrighton, Fonz and Delph are relatively young and inexperienced and need to be protected. I can't remember a game where we have been a goal down and need to chase. This would be an ideal time for them to come on. We only ever seem to be stuck in a stalemate (Liverpool, West Ham etc) where bringing on a youngster and subsequently losing the game would be detrimental to their development, or only a goal or two up and the only changes that are sensible are to either tightening things up (bringing on Sidwell or NRC and going 4-5-1) or staying as is and just bringing on fresh legs in the same positions. I can't think of any players that we have regularly on the bench that are significantly different to those in the first 11 but do not require a change in formation. I think the only player close to this is Fonz (but not quite there yet - close - but not quite) as he is different to Gabby or Haskey/Carew and so might make an impact... but cant think of anyone else. My God when I put it that way... I still think our squad could be three or four players short - and so hopefully those youngsters will be getting to first team level very soon... |
Martin Clabon
said:
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... Spanish and Italian style of football are very different. We are more Brazilian style than Spanish or Italian, this does not mean I think we are as good as this or any other Brazil side, just similar style of play. By this I mean (of late) plenty of power, big defenders, plenty of pace, a few tricks but getting the ball forward and creating chances very quickly. We lack some of the flair of the Brazilians (although recently they have been more pragmatic and our level of flair is increasing a little) Italian football is more about a defensive mentality and patient build up Spanish are more about individual flair but within a fantastically functioning team ethic where individuals are able to receive the ball under pressure and retain it allowing a much wider range of passing, the standard of passing is also very high but made possible by the receivers ability to retain under pressure All generalisations obviously - it's just you can't classify Italian and Spanish football together and contrast it with the Villa style as all 3 are very different |
Matthew Smith
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... From the outside looking in, it's so difficult to comment. Damian loves his 4-5-1 and I'm inclined to agree, but it does beg the question if we'd played that formation away to utd and pool, would we have come away with the 3 points? We'll never know... I might submit a post to the site stating why we should revert back to the gregory, 5-3-2 wingback formation |
VillaNick
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... Fenian Villain, Good stuff, just came back from Sydney, Fox sports are always showing Villa games, although you might have to be up early. I saw they played 3 full back-to-back Premiership games over New Year! |
Andy Scarborough
said:
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... We probably de need a striker frem, but at what cost to the team? If we are only waiting for the Fonz to get into the side then we only need the striker for three or four months. If we need the striker as a replacement for one of Heskey/Carew then why are we selling? Ok, I agree that JC is not exactly firing on all cylinders at the moment, but he still has value. Any new striker would be a potential disruption half way through the season, would require finance which we don't necessarily have and may after all that not perform as expected. MoN will be correct in making no purchases until the summer. |
richie
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... realistically, i think a draw would be a great result. i'd be infinitely happy if we took all three points from the gunners. here's to hoping we see delph or albrighton get a run out. i'm hoping to see a goal from dunne, a better striking presence from gabby, and ash get another mark to add to his confidence. his form has been much better the past few games. UTV! |
Matthew Smith
said:
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...All generalisations obviously - it's just you can't classify Italian and Spanish football together and contrast it with the Villa style as all 3 are very different But the mentality of their game has been implemented by certain managers in the premier league. Prime example is Mancini at Citeh, did anyone else notice how deep they were playing against Utd? Not only that, I swear he changed formation 3-4 times in that game in order to accommodate certain players. You don't have to scout much further to find other examples, check out early benitez before he went mental and more recently Ancelloti (spelling?) My point being is that if Villa fans post on here commenting that MON isn't more dynamic with his changes and diverse with formation moves, they will only ever be frustrated and disappointed. |
Matthew Smith
said:
|
...Jeddy, I love wingbacks, will come back in fashion one day Sol has gone back to Arsenal, maybe we can get Alan Wright out of retirement |
John Samuels
said:
|
...Arsenal will have the edge with 5 in midfield Arsenal will set up like this: -----------Almunia----------- Sagna-Vermaelen-Gallas-Clichy ---------Song---Diaby-------- -----------Fabregas---------- Rosicky--------------Arshavin -----------Eduardo----------- More a 4-3-3 than anything else, with the amount of tracking back theat Downing and Ash do we'll be fine in the midfield and it's very important that Heskey plays. He is good at defending set pieces where Arsenal get chances through the like of Vermaelen and he also links and holds play up going forward. Playing 4-5-1 at home is negative and defeatist. We need to play quick and direct and with five in midfield we would lose the ability to break quickly by having only one up front. With Heskey holding the ball at the top of the midfield it allows our wingers to break with Gabby and get bodies overlapping and in the box. 4-5-1 will result in us being outplayed in a packed midfield with no room to play. Diaby and Song will win it while Fabregas and co. take us to pieces so we need to play round them or over them. We played 4-4-2 at the Emirates, a game which we were well and truely in until Cesc came on. The goal that changed the game was a stunning free kick so we can't feel too aggrieved really. We beat Chelsea at home playing 4-4-2. |
neil-bangor
said:
 |
... Hi guys Spoke to fellow Villan earlier. He told me a good one about MON and abusive fan behind dugout. He went up to him,told him,basically, what he thought of him finishing with, "That's why you are there and I am here, now f**k off ! " Sounds like the arseholes frequent the Trinity Pity it's not on TV wed. I was at Emirates, what a cracker. Nice to have some decent arsenal fans on the site Draw would be acceptable. There will be goals UTV |
neil-bangor
said:
|
... Hey, Badger, rem I was caught on camera, speeding on Christmas day. Never got a ticket You were right. Friends think there was no film |
colin badger
said:
 |
... shame reo is injured, yes i know he cannot pass to save his life but would want him just to chase fabregas around the pitch and leave his boot in a few times. we cannot go 5 in the midfield as that would mean sidwell being picked and might as well not turn up! the way to beat the arse is just to get physical and bully them, hence they hate playing teams like stoke and bolton and gets the frog pissed off. we cannot beat them with skill as our players cannot do the skill part consistantly. can delph step up? i hope so soon as just looking to the future, what happens if there are long term injuries in the centre of midfield? pity m.o.n never gave more time to gardner who i liked as had a bit of steel and hell of a shot. plus wore the villa shirt with pride! if delph gets the chance and makes the potential, could he be our next ian taylor? as thats what we have been missing. |
doubledown9
said:
 |
... I said we should give a back 3 a shot ages ago, with Jimmy and Downing playing as wingbacks. *Ahem* Taxi! |
Daniel Wilson
said:
 |
...http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/...&res=ok#coCarlos Cuellar live chat just kicked off sorry to repeat myself but the first links on the last blog post |
tubbydunne
said:
|
... Rosicky, Arshavin and Fabregas those names are frightening. It's going to be interesting to see how our fullbacks and midfield cope against that quality. Eduardo is no slouch either, thank God Van Persie is injured. They are strong everywhere but maybe just maybe their center halves and keeper might prove to be weak links. |
Rios.Jockstrap
said:
|
...-----------Fabregas---------- Not much creativity in their team Cant see Martin giving that three the space to run into. Im in favour of dropping Heskey for this one, and bringing in an extra midfield player that does not go by the name of Sidwell. |
Steve Badger
said:
|
...Hey, Badger, rem I was caught on camera, speeding on Christmas day. Never got a ticket smilies/smiley.gif You were right. Friends think there was no film Bonus mate Let that be a lesson to you |
stephen
said:
 |
... that live chat has descended into a farce Q: Mr Cuellar - can you advise on the best way to stop my cat scratching at the carpet near the front door when he wants to go out? I've tried putting down mats and making threats of violence but nothing seems to work. (Lawrence) what kind of questions that lol |
Daniel Wilson
said:
|
... Was also a bit suprised that Mr Cuellar named Stewart Downing as the best player in the Villa team! and named both him and Ash in his Prem XI but no Milner!! |
Alex Glynn
said:
|
... Me too... To be honest I was always sceptical as to whether it was Carlos or not. But perhaps that's just cos he didn't answer my question. |
George Templeton
said:
 |
... tubby, when Villa played Arsenal last season they played 4-5-1 and were the better side in both games. With 5 in the midfield Villa has the numbers to get into the Gunner midfield and be physical. That (as Stoke and other have proved) is the way to beat them. If we play 4-4-2 and I think they will have too much space to play. My lineup: Friedel Warnock, Cuellar, Dunne, L. Young A. Young, Milner, Reo-Coker, Petrov, Downing Gabby If it its tied with or Villa are one down with 20 minutes to go then I would put Heskey on for NRC. |
Alex Glynn
said:
|
... "Friedel Warnock, Cuellar, Dunne, L. Young A. Young, Milner, Reo-Coker, Petrov, Downing Gabby " Warnock and perhaps petrov are out., I'd say: "Friedel Warnock [if possible, if not, beye or cuellar], Cuellar [or collins], Dunne, L. Young A. Young, Milner, Reo-Coker, Delph, Downing Gabby " Or maybe no Reo and have the hesk on to signal attacking. Or go mental and have Friedel Cuellar Dunne Luke Reo-Coker Milner Delph Downing Ashley Agbonlahor Heskey Crazy!! but also a joke. |
John Clark
said:
 |
... I have to say, I come down on the 4-5-1 vs. Arsenal approach. Not that MON will do it, and I like the attacking intent, but a true 4-4-2 does leave them too much space in the middle. That said, if Heskey is dropping deep, it's maybe not so much different than 4-5-1, but I'd still rather have someone back with Petrov (NRC, ideally) to break things up with Milner, Ash and Downing pushing up behind Gabby. Likewise, would rather have a Luke Young at right back. Carlos isn't bad, but I'd rather have more pace and better distribution, the better to counterattack, break up Arsenal's build-ups and not get caught out. I can see us winning this one. Probably to our benefit that Fabregas starts, that way he can't come on and radically change the game. We must keep them from getting into a rhythm from the off, be prepared to bring on subs for tiring legs late in the game. I know, I know. |
Villa4Life11
said:
 |
... You worry way too much about where we are in the table Damo. Let's take it match by match and at the end of the year and see where we're at. You can't look at it now because team's have played different numbers of matches and down the stretch some teams have harder schedules than others. I'm holding back all judgement until we complete 38 matches, but I will say this is HUGE! Any result would be a pretty good result in my opinion |
Pat The Rat
said:
 |
... Can anyone help i'm lookin 4 one CUP FINAL Ticket 4 a friend.I've been ringing around but no luck. Villa 2 beat Arsenal 2-1 on Wed's nite. |
AVFC 4 LIFE UTV
said:
 |
... Pat The Rat- all i can say is good luck getting a ticket mate. there going to be like goldust i for one will be camping in the freezing ive got a 10 game booking history anyone think i have a good chance in getting tickets- how many season ticket holders are there? |
Andy Scarborough
said:
|
... 27k ST holders = 4k tickets for general sale (with booking history). Good Luck. I will watch on TV, either in my home town or nearer to Wembley so that I can meet up with the others and get totally bombed! |
Steve Badger
said:
|
...ive got a 10 game booking history anyone think i have a good chance in getting tickets- how many season ticket holders are there? If that's this season, I'd say you have a decent chance. If it's total history, no chance. 27k ST holders Where's this from? I very much doubt it's that high. The record as far as I know was 24k, either last season or the season before and I think it's less this season. |
arsene wenger
said:
 |
... just noticed a couple of you guys added song in predictive arsenal line ups,theres no chance he will play wednesday after 120 minutes this evening in the cup of nations then a 14 hour flight, not a chance he willplay especially with the temperature diffence to acclimatize to also! |
Sasa
said:
 |
... If the mule plays it's all over. I'd like to see a 4-5-1 with NRC and Delfouneso up top. We won't lose if we play the correct team. Not gonna happen though, Emule the donkey will see to that. |
Rios.Jockstrap
said:
|
...If that's this season, I'd say you have a decent chance. We get one on the season ticket, and since our booking reference is with that season ticket, we get another. We buy 4 tickets for every home game, but only two of us will be able to go. Asked the ticket office if this was fair, but they aint bothered replying, which suggests they aint got an argument. Unfortunately for the ticket office, if i have no reply by tomorrow evening, then that email goes to the general. Fans who support the club by attending deserve to be treated better than that. Personally, ive decided that i wont be taking up our two tickets, cos if we all cant go, then none of us will, and the club has lost a season ticket holder for next season. |
Sasa
said:
|
... Talking of tickets I hear we have 28k ST holders but that includes half-season tickets and I think they will get a final ticket too. There's around 30k corporate tickets out there, it's just a shame we will play a top 5 supported club in England in the final otherwise it would've been less hassle to score a ticket. |
Steve Badger
said:
|
...badger- this is a 10 game booking history this season mate. AVFC 4 LIFE UTV, I'd suggest you have a decent chance. But don't stab me if I'm wrong mate. |
Steve Badger
said:
|
...We get one on the season ticket, and since our booking reference is with that season ticket, we get another. We buy 4 tickets for every home game, but only two of us will be able to go. That's cutting your nose off to spite your face, or whatever that crap saying is. I know it's wrong in your case, but how else can you play it? I've supported the Villa for 40 years. I feel I'm entitled to a ticket, with some of the shit I've seen But I won't be getting one either |
villa man 1979
said:
 |
... got a strong feeling that villa will win this 2 - 0, gabby open play and dunne scrambled in from a corner. we mustn't lose this game as i believe we have easier games after the man united game. if we can be in touching distance of 4th place i.e 3 or 4 points behind after man united game then i think we will come very close to the top 4!! we will have a much easier run in as we have played all the top teams and taken points off them. spurs and man city still have to go to old trafford, emirates (city), cottage, stadium of light and st andrews!! we just have to avoid defeat against arsenal and i feel we will have the momentum to carry us through!! Does any1 agree? |
Cian Donaghy
said:
 |
... geogre templeton bang on. i would field the exact samer team - nrc is ideal for this game. im not sure if he is fit though at the moment? if not; sidwell. dont just scape goat him, he serves a purpose, and for this game he would be more useful for a longer period of the game than delph |
rodin
said:
 |
... 1-2 arsenal,can't see us beating them despite the awesome form that we are in.Also,the incentive that they have is more than that of ours,which is - To go to the top of the table. |
Alex Glynn
said:
|
... To get to the champions league and sustain our incredible momentum seems like a pretty damn good one to me? |
Darragh McGeown
said:
 |
... As if we needed anymore incentive to win this match, i've just read this on an Arsenal site - what a p***k! Villa's main quality is organisation, Arsenal's main quality is skill. http://www.arsenalnewsreview.c...enal+News +Review) |
Darragh McGeown
said:
|
... More from that article I linked to above... Overall, though, Villa are just a team of journeymen with a bit of pace. |
Adrian Kilgallon
said:
 |
...Playing 4-5-1 at home is not cool Sometimes it's horses for courses and this is one of those occassions. As much as i think Sidwell is shite his only good perfromances he has put in that stick in my mind have been in a 3 man CM againest the Arsenal. I think MON should have played him there in Dec(esp after ht when they dtarted to dominate) and this game is one where we would be better just snuffing out there CM and hoping to catch them on the counter. If we go out to play them in a straight game of attcking each other we will lose. |
Car Frost
said:
 |
... Another bit Rocksteady ( we may as well type it up together ) .. The best way to beat Arsenal is to play like Fulham but Aston Villa can't play that way and won't play that way. Goo point imo.. we have only ever done well when we've got at them, Fulham are pro at this.. |
Darragh McGeown
said:
|
... He makes some goodish points indeed but there's a line that you don't step across and calling us 'journeymen' crosses it. |
John Samuels
said:
|
... He's dead right about the way Arsenal play. Loads of skill, but when it comes to hard work, tracking back and commitment they've struggled since the days of Petit and Vieira. They only now look like contenders with the development of Diaby and Song as enforcers in the midfield, but they're still no great shakes at the back. They should have sold Gallas two seasons ago imo. If we get at them and don't give them space to play we can win this. He's right when he says we are organised and we are, we're structured, disciplined and hard to score against as they found at at the Emirates. It took a cameo from their best player to come on at 65 mins and win a game they would otherwise drawn or lost (I would have fancied us on the break with ten minutes to go) Rocksteady, the journeyman tag grates me too, but he's kind of right. Only because our squad has been overhauled and reassembled over the last three years. Now it's together i fancy the spine will be there for years to come. There's only one real journeyman in our team and that's Carew. ak, fair enough mate and you make a good point, I just think we need to get at them, attack from the off close them down all over, playing a high line andreally take the game to them. This is the way to play at home and with a goal under our belts then maybe we could afford to go 4-5-1 and sit back and counter. I think we need to push them, unsettle them and go hell for leather from the off. We have enough to punish them early. |
sean
said:
 |
...Overall, though, Villa are just a team of journeymen with a bit of pace.[journey men like who? sol cambell-end anyone? i'd love it if we beat these cockney t**ts...yeah we don't know how to beat them? like when we did them over at the emirates last season and they had relatively the same team. they'll win sweet fa this season anyways |
FalmouthVillan
said:
 |
... Rios jockstrap agree with what you are saying like others on here i have been villa for 40 years never got one for the fa cup and dont rate my chances for this one unless you wanna sell me your two for a couple of hundred? Cant really moan have been lucky so far having seen everything since wembley 71 including the european cup final, winning the league at arsenal, and all the league cups inc all 3 in 77 with a broken jaw(got a kicking back in brum sat night)now brought the kids up to love the villa just wish they could get to see us win this one! UTV |
Sasa
said:
|
... I've read on another site some fan bought a corporate ticket at VP for £120 which automatically qualified him for a Wembley ticket. Could be bollox but could be true, I suppose all in it's about £200, probably better off finding a corporate/tout ticket and offering £100-150. |
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