Written by Damian Monday, 26 October 2009 10:05
Tomorrow is a big match, if we win we are in the quarter finals. Let me put it another way; we we are four matches away from a final, but it is only three teams as I'm pretty sure the semi-final is home and away.
Sunderland are no mugs though and it will be tough. Steve Bruce on the other hand .. actually, I'm not going down that road today, because despite the result at the weekend and my views at about 1.30 this morning I had one of the best emails I've ever received, it made me jump out of bed and jump up, so today, nothing can go wrong and it will be a great day.
So, to the match. Sunderland have a pretty good record at home this season. They've won four and lost one. They've scored as many as we have at home as we have home and away all season, which isn't very long, but it's something to take note, as I quite like Bent and Jones up front and I fancy they'll score a few this season.
But defensively, we are very solid. While Sunderland might have scored 13 goals at home we've only let in four away from Villa Park and we've got a back four that is now very solid.
What this match is going to come down to is who wants it more. There is a real chance of something from this this season and if O'Neill sends his best team out with all the fight and determination that we have become used to then we have enough to beat Sunderland. But Steve Bruce can get his lads up for this too and he has a knack of getting teams up for matches, much like our manager.
The big four are still in it and I have no doubt they are the four favourites for it also, but one won't be come Wednesday night as Liverpool play Arsenal and we've shown that we can beat Chelsea this season and Manchester United, while even their second string side are extremely strong, they're not going to take this competition as seriously as the FA Cup, the Champions League and the League.
I don't care how any of them line up, but it would be nice if more than one lost this week - especially if we won.
It really does, for me anyway, come down to taking the chances and determination. Martin O'Neill can get them all fighting and up for this but I'm afraid it is very much down to the players having the confidence to take their chances with a little confidence when they are presented.
So, I'm going to predict a win. This is very much our best chance of silverware this season and it is something that we have missed and I just fancy we might have a good little run in this competition. We need a good run in this competition.
Set as favorite
Bookmark
Email this
Comments (103)
Subscribe to this comment's feed
Dan Price
said:
 |
... Grrr Wouldnt let me post (1st) Sunderland Away, what time is the coach leaving anyone? |
VDV
said:
 |
... January- Ins- steven ireland and pavulechenko. Outs - gardner harwood shorey Summer ins- Fellani and jo -Outs - Reo- hesky |
James
said:
 |
... Right. Here's some questions for you all. Why is it that most of the optimists predict a win and are happy with a draw? Why do the pessimists predict defeat and are unhappy with a draw? Why does Damian think MON is not the man to move Villa forward, but predicts a win everytime, and is then shocked by a draw or a defeat? It seems to me that it comes down to what you think we have. many believe the squad is still not good enough, that MON is tactically poor and that we will finish mid table. How come they are then shocked by poor performances? On the other hand, the eternal optimists (and I include myself) are just as ridiculas in that we think the squad is great, MON is a genius and we CAN break Top 4, but we shrug at poor results. We need some balance here. Who can offer it? |
Eoin Greene
said:
 |
... I dont think its about the 'players taking their chances' - its about the team making some chances. Damo - whats the stat website that you use - i'd love to see where we are in the shots/goal attempts tables. I know its all about the league table - but if you are not making chances - you will not win matches! I think the outcome tomorrow could go anyway - i hope we can sneak a win but I hope more than expect. |
VDV
said:
|
... nanwasafan- we need to go forwards fast. man city and spurs spend the money on class players.they could leave us behind. we have three or four that spurs would want and we would want 11 of spurs players. MON and learner have to realise MONEY is a huge part in football now so spend it. WHAT ABOUT THAT INJECTION OF CASH LEARNER WANTS ? |
Keith
said:
 |
... "What this match is going to come down to is who wants it more." Yes, it depends what teams are picked by both sides, who is rested etc. If we play some squad players and Sunderland pick a full team, then we will lose and vice versa. VDV - yes that's likely, I can really see Man City selling us Ireland....... |
John Samuels
said:
 |
... eoin, if you remember I said that Carew should have been dropped for NRC for Wolves and we should play 4-5-1 away from home. If we had done this we might have got a result. For this reason I say the same again, although I fancy he may leave Gabby out of the squad and play Heskey in front of a five man midfield. Do this and you have a chance of keeping Reid quiet and stifling theit creativity. They have two excellent strikers and it may be a challenge to keep them out, the key is winning the midfield battle and not letting them have the ball. Cattermole being out is very fortunate and I see us getting a bit more of the ball in midefield as a result. I honestly think we'll go there and beat them. They are at home and will come at us as they are a good side and should be winning this game at home as far as they are concerned. If we defend well and keep it tight I fancy we'll nick a goal on the break or from a set piece. It's the way we play now, we're not going to pass them off the pitch so i'm just hopig for a win and the next round. |
Andi
said:
 |
... What this game is going to come down to is the team that produce tthe least amount of errors. Gabby didnt take his chances cost us the match Saturday ( yet its MON fault ) Sidwell did a stupid needless tackle and cost us the points Saturday ( yet its MON fault ) what will win us the game is players doing their job with the least amount of errors I fancy a shake up of the team and would even like wait for it ......... the MULE to start, Coker and Delph to get a run out we need to freshen things up a little and give these players a chance this is what we pay them to do, so let them have their chance |
Mike Carter
said:
 |
... I'm actually going to stick my head out on the line and predict a loss for this one. I may get stick for this but the two teams are very similar in terms of ability. Ours might edge it but not by much. Sunderland are going well this season with the right manager in charge and look good to break the top 8. I feel we're only going to win this one by getting lucky. 2-1 Sunderland. |
Tim Hillman
said:
 |
... I have a feeling that we will nick this game. They will really miss Catermole as he is the guy that sures up the spine of their team. I hope MON takes the game seriously and that he mixes experience with youth. I would love The Fonz to get a run out along with Delph. Also would be good to see Bouma back for a game. I will go for a 2-1 to Villa. By the way Damien did the blog forget to put it's clocks back or is it running on Swedish time!!  |
John Samuels
said:
|
... Viva, I agree it's going to be a tough game, but I'll predict it the other way and say 2-1 win. It seems that the better the opposition the better we tend to play. MoN needs to start rotating now and give Heskey, NRC, L.Young, Fonz and Delph the opportunity to play their way into the league line up. The team looked a bit jaded on sat and if Carew thinks he can play like tht and still get picked he's got another thing coming. He showed signs of it against Chelsea, but the rest of the team worked so hard it didn't creat much of a problem. Sidwell was unlucky to give away the pen on sat. Watch it again, isn't it just a sublime turn by Kightly? Sidwell just got outclassed by incidentally Wolves best player. As for Gabby, yeah he could have made it easy for us, butit's hardly his fault. I thought we were poor first half, and decent after switching formation. Heskey did enough to get picked next game and NRC has to come in for me, we really have missed him. |
Damian
said:
 |
... nan - i have to believe we are going to win. i can see what o'neill brings to the table, i just think it needs a little more in the modern game. fight and determination is excellent, but possession, passing, making space - are all fundamentals of football that need to be worked on and developed all the time .. not just assumed eoin1981 - for quick simple stats, i use chalkboards over at guardian.co.uk - i did last season get a glimpse of another stat service but the man their has since gone so i dont get access ... with that one you could get quite specifically what you wanted ... it's like a horcrux in harry potter - i'm still searching for it again |
Andi
said:
|
... JPA -- disagree with you there mate yes it is Gabby's fault he should have scored the early chance and its his fault because thats what we pay him to do !!! Sidwell no he wasnt unlucky he made a school boy error there was no need to dive in the player had not got control of the ball and he was running away from goal so why dive in ??? if either of them had have done their job properly we would have won the game SIMPLES I do agree however that Delph, Coker, Bouma, Fonz, EMULE, Cuellar, Salifou should all be given a chance in this game or what is the point of having a sqaud if your never going to use it ??? |
Mike Carter
said:
|
... JPA You're right, the team needs a shuffle for this game. I'd be very happy seeing all of the players you named coming into the team. I also didn't realise Cattermole is out, that's a bit loss for Sunderland. |
VDV
said:
|
... I cant see us beating sunderland. As the dood in the box said villa need someone who can find a killer pass with flair and goals in the center mid. we dond have that and thats what lets us down in games. |
Andi
said:
|
... "i cant see us beating sunderland" oh the joys of being a Villa fan we beat Liverpool and Chelsea yet Sunderland their going to be tough cookies, oh and Blues beat them the weekend so they must be good come on people we drawn one game, which we should have won and not because we are Villa but because if everyone would have done their job properly Gabby score goals and Sidwell not go diving in thats how the game would have finished, and its all doom and gloom mind you i suppose if we win everyone will be estatic and saying they never doubted it |
Mike Carter
said:
|
... Our midfield is fit for a midtable team at best at the moment. Petrov is consistent but will never set the team alight. Milner's good-game ratio is something like 1 in 3 and Young's is worse. Until we get a Stephen Ireland, a Kranjcar/Modric or a Mikel Arteta type player we're just going to gave a hardworking industrious midfield with no creativity or flair. |
Andi
said:
|
... vivavilla - i agree with the flair and agree with what you say but we have been winning without it and until jan at least we are going to have to keep winning without it |
Keith
said:
|
... VDV Where do you get your information from? I was being sarcastic by the way, they won't sell him. Ireland has started 5 league games for Man City this season and made 3 substitute appearances. He lost his place through injury and missed the game against West Ham, only being a substitute in the last 3 games. |
Mike Carter
said:
|
... Chiefy Winning, yes. Sometiems. Playing well? Rarely. As has been said many times, we just don't perform well enough to break the top 4. Spurs had 20+ shots at the weekend and a dozen on target. When was the last time we did that? Ok they lost but they played very well. |
Simon
said:
 |
... This is a game i think Villa will win because of two main points. Fisrt, Sunderland are at home and their fans will be urging them forward at every opportunity to get a goal. Second, this is exactly how villa like to play, sit back, defend well and hit on the counter. I'm going for a villa 1-0 win. |
John Samuels
said:
|
... Chiefy, disagree mate. Gabby has been brilliant this season and isn't allowed an off game? yet Carew was pants and Young hasn't played well for nine months yet you pick on Gabby??? Sidwell I thought was decent and made one screw up at the end. It was unlucky and if THE WHOLE TEAM had played better first half it would have been a different story. He should have dropped Carew after the Chelsea game and played 4-5-1 with Coker. SIMPLES Viva, Bonus mate, Cattermole is out for three months and he was the reason they beat Liverpool. He's a terrier like Coker but better imo and selling him was the biggest mistake Gareth Southgate ever made. |
James
said:
|
... I predict an upset. Despite our poor midfield and lack of shots, I think we may be lucky and beat the mighty Sunderland. |
John Jordan
said:
 |
... Damian says that if we put our strongest team we will win this game!..,.Others are saying give half a dozen non proven players from the squad an opportunity to prove themselves!..If we want silverware this season I have to go with Damian,It's a very important match...Give the other squad players a runout in League matches,If we loose the odd one as a result so be it!  |
StickyAV
said:
 |
... Viva, Are you suggesting you would rather play well and loose, or play badly and draw/win. Maybe we should worry more about the passing game? Afterall, look where that has taken West ham. But they do look pretty... I'd love us to be arsenal. But we don't have the players... Plus I think most would be right in saying MON doesn't care about attractive footy. |
Andi
said:
|
... JPA -- i agree he should have changed it but he didnt and as it turned out the people that could have changed the game didnt and yes that waas Gabby if he wants to be as good as hype makes him he needs to be putting them away he should not have missed that early chance many other prem strikers wouldnt have yet alone someone who wants to go to the world cup ! Sidwell yes one screw up but that screw up cost us the game and the screw up was a school boy error not a player who is meant to be premiership class !!! I do agree the team should have been changed and as a team they should all take the blame but the players that could have changed the result easily and i say easily because the chances fell to them and its their jobs is Gabby and Sidwell |
bobvillian
said:
 |
... DROP YOUNG PUT MILNER ON LEFT SIDE;ALBRIGHTEN ON RIGHT SIDE; BRING BACK COKER AND DELPH IN MIDFIELD AND DROP CAREW TO BENCH.4-5-1 WITH GABBY UP FRONT.WHATS THE USE OFF HAVING SUBS IF PLAYERS DONT PREFORM.YOUNG;CAREW AND SIDWELL HAVE NOT PLAYED WELL ALL SEASON BUT MON DOES NOT SEEM TO ALTER THINGS.WHY HAS FONZ NOT BEEN USED I THINK THIS LAD IS BETTER THAN GABBY WITH FIRST TOUCH AND FININSING.GABBY IN ONE TO ONE WITH GOALKEEPERS IS SHIT AND IS VASTLY OVERRATED. |
Keith
said:
|
... Nan - I predict a riot! JPA - to be fair to Southgate, Cattermole was sold mainly because he was hanging around with the wrong crowd and had been arrested a couple of times. If MON rests a couple of players and gives a game to Albrighton, Clark etc and we lose. Will MON get stick for not picking our strongest team? Will the stick come from the same people who moan that Albrighton and Clark don't get league games? |
Mike Carter
said:
|
... StickyAV Of course I'm not suggesting that. All I'm saying is I'd like to see us really dominate games. Have 20 shots on goal. Score 3 or more goals once in a while and not have them down to luck. We're not going to dominate games until we upgrade our midfield. Vastly. It's a very hardworking midfield but with no final product, apart from Ashley Young once every so often. It's not good enough. |
Josh
said:
 |
... Would like to see a bit of experimentation. I've never been one to take the Carling Cup seriously so i'm not bothered if we lose really. Should still definitely make an effort but i don't think Sunderland will be playing their strongest team either so it could be worth the gamble. Guzan Young Clark Collins Bouma Gardner Reo-Coker Petrov Delph Albrighton Heskey Subs; Friedel, Cuellar, Milner, Delfouneso, Shorey, Agbonlahor, Sidwell |
Steve Badger
said:
 |
... No way should we be throwing kids in wholesale for this game, imo. I would make changes though. Carew dropped, 4-5-1 and Delph in the middle for me. I'd have NRC in for Sidwell too, but don't see it happening. I'd have "rested" Ash and put Disco Stew on the left, but we'll have to wait for that option, I suppose. Maybe Albrighton on later (especially as he's the last player I've seen deliver consistant quality crosses while running) with Milner going to the left and Ash off. The game could go either way, I reckon. |
John Samuels
said:
|
... keef, Fair enough mate, but why sell Boateng and Cattermole and not replace them? That's why they went down, no ball retention in midfield. Viva,Chiefy etc Gabby needs a rest, we can't rely on huim all the time. Start Heskey on Tue as he came on and looked like he was up for it and carved out a chance. Carew needs to be dropped and I think dropping Sidwell will give him something to think about. I wouldn't change the defence a[part from perhaps trying to get Young into the side. Dropping Ash to the bench and bringing him on late on could be a good move too. -------Guzan-------- Young-Collins-Dunne-Warnock Albrighton-NRC-Petrov-Delph-Milner --------Heskey---------------- I fancy this team to play Sunderland and look to give Fonz a run out at some stage. This team is good enough to win and Ash can come on late on if we need him. Brights delivery from set pieces and corners along with Warnock is enough to get by without Ash. |
Mike Carter
said:
|
... Albrighton is definitely a great option for this game. Perhaps MON will see it as a good opportunity to try Milner in the middle. |
Steve Badger
said:
|
... The point about us not making enough chances is valid. I've previously expressed concern about our lack of goals from open play (as has Viva) and the two are linked. We rely heavily on getting it whipped in from the flanks and if that's not working we're extremely limited. No doubt MON see's this too and will hopefully sort it come January. Nan, It seems to me that it comes down to what you think we have. many believe the squad is still not good enough, that MON is tactically poor and that we will finish mid table. How come they are then shocked by poor performances? The way you asked the question put me off answering, so I've had to think about it. I'm definitely in the latter group, but it's not the poor results that bother me. You're always going to get those over a season. If we lose, but put up a decent performance, I'll generally say "How disappointing" or similar. It's poor performances like Saturday's that get my back up, especially as we know we are capable of so much better. The squad is very good, imo, but it's not finished. |
Andi
said:
|
... EMULE EMULE he's our man if he cant do it then ................. what chance do we have really  |
Steve Badger
said:
|
... At least MON is being realistic about it; “We got ourselves into a couple of decent positions and unlike us this season we were unable to deliver,” he said. http://www.birminghammail.net/...25015862/ |
Mike Carter
said:
|
... The squad is good but still needs more work. I think O'Neill made his biggest strides yet in the Summer when he bolstered the defence and gave us one of the best back lines in the league. But that's still not quite enough. If he can give the same kind of facelift to the midfield, then we're getting somewhere. |
VDV
said:
|
... lets put a strongish team out and try and win some silverwere. Guzan l.young collins dunne warnock milner gardner sidwell reo albrighton hesky Bench Fridal cullar bouma A.young gabi delph carew |
Mike Carter
said:
|
... It's encouraging to hear that even if we had won, O'Neill would still be disappointed with the performance. Not quite sure where he's going with the Ash/Gab thing, unless he's subtley pointing out the fact that Carew was being a lazy bastard. |
Tim Hillman
said:
|
... This is going to be one up and down season. One minute we beating Liverpool and Chelsea. The next we are losing to Blackburn and drawing with Wolves. I run a weekly predicitons game at my work and I can tell you this week was not high scoring. I think we are expecting to much. Out of all the top teams only Chelsea went with form and won. We need to be realistic and premeirship games are never straight forward. I am sure Man City blogs are ranting about drawing with Fulham at home (didn't we beat them at home?). Perspective people. If you look at our squad it is a whole lot stronger than it has been in previous years. Our defence looks solid and having Cueller and Davies as back up CB's gives it more depth. Warnock looks a class act with bouma in reserve. L. Young will be back soon and him beye/cueller means for the first time in years we have cover. Carew, Gabby, Heskey and The Fonz is a good attacking threat and most teams would want a strike partnership of Carew and Gabby. Midfield is where we are lacking and I think MON probably knows that. We have two quality wingers in Milner and Young. Downing when fit can allow MON to bring Milner inside or play young off the front. Petrov is our best CM but can't be expected to play the creative role as well as the defensive role. We need that flair player that will give the killer pass or unlock a defence. We are two reliant on Young to provide this. The guy is a good winger but teams now know about him. He is right footed so defenders know to show him down the line as he will more than likely cut inside. I think Young should be given that position at the tip of the diamond (like Joe Cole played on Saturday). He has the skill and flair to provide the passes and can score goals. He just needs that freedom that at the moment he isn't given. I think MON took a gamble on Downing and thought he might be fit before December. Once he is fit I think you will see Young playing a different role. Saying all that I can see MON bringing in a quality midfielder in January that will give us more attacking options. Ok I know many would not agree and Liverpool wouldn't sell him but I would love a player like Youssi Benayoun to come in and play this role. |
Mike Carter
said:
|
... CSM I agree with pretty much everything you said apart from the "two quality wingers" part. Milner for me is a quality player, but not a quality winger. Move him in the middle and I think you'll see him shine, but he just doesn't have the skillset to play winger effectively. Ash, well, my thoughts on him are well publicised recently. Call it a slump, call it poor form if you want. But he's been very disappointing this season. |
VDV
said:
|
... CSM well said. lets giovani from spurs. he has pace, skill, FLAIR, good vision and wil get goals. Or ozil, joa mountio. all have flair and thats what we need. |
tubbydunne
said:
 |
... Team tomorrow night Guzan Young Collins Ceullar Warnock Albrington Gardener Coker Milner Fonz Heskey Guzan needs a run out Young needs a run out Ceullar at center half give him a run there to keep his eye in case needed there as injury cover Dunne or Collins its a toss up Warnock don't want to decimiate back four and want to win Albrington needs a run out Gardener needs a run out and Petrov needs a rest intresting to see how we cope without stan the man. Coker needs a run out although i dont think he is the answer to our midfield problems. Milner if we want to win we need his workrate and young deserves to be dropped but we can't afford to do it for a league game. Fonz needs a run and see can we function without Gabby speed Heskey needs a run and Carew definitely deserves to be dropped |
Steve Badger
said:
|
...Not quite sure where he's going with the Ash/Gab thing, unless he's subtley pointing out the fact that Carew was being a lazy bastard. I took it as a dig at Carew and sidwell, myself. Ok I know many would not agree and Liverpool wouldn't sell him but I would love a player like Youssi Benayoun to come in and play this role. Yes, he's looked good this season. Ideally it would be Arteta for me, I've always liked him. Bit injury prone though. |
VDV
said:
|
... vivavilla. Leave ash alone. hes a top class winger. he was much better against wolves. we have three top class wingers. Ash has been great for us and he will come back to his best. is all he needs is a goal and he will fly. |
Rios.Jockstrap
said:
 |
... Nanwasafan.... I dont think many of us think that MON is tactically poor, since our record under him suggests hes quite shrewd. I think the one big failing he has (and some may call it a good thing) is his stubborness to change things even when its obvious hes wrong. Once hes made his mind up, thats it for him, and he will take it right to the wire before admitting defeat. The more we hark on about certain things, the more steadfast he becomes. Its like he has to always prove to everyone what a genius he believes himself to be. In fact, its something Cloughy touched upon in his book when talking about Martin. I doubt Martin has changed since hes playing days, and its a human trait that your views harden as you get older... But hey, thats Martin, and we have to live with that. And we have to get used to the type of posts we see concerning his teams and results, cos most of it is borne out of frustration....since whether you hate or love the man, thats what he is by nature, BLOODY FRUSTRATING!! T We will win tommorrow BTW |
Jon
said:
 |
... Damian, I'm baffled. Man City have invested c. £200 million in quality and Barry, and yet they let a two goal lead slip to only draw at home to Fulham. We won't win every game and to be sitting just one point below Man City is testament to how well we've done this season. It's not always about investment. Just becuase Wolves are everybody's favourites to go down doesn't mean they will - they could end uop doing quite well. I seem to remember them nearly beating a very in-form Everton last week - away from home. I respect your opinion, and kind of do on this matter, I think there maybe something in it, but the other half of me thinks it's a bit unfounded and certainly reactive to results. |
Mike Carter
said:
|
... VDV On recent performances, Young is nowhere near a top class winger. You tell me the games he's stood out in recently. There haven't been any. His last top class game was Everton away, almost a year ago. It's all well and good defending him saying he'll come good, but it's not ok to label him as "top class" just because once upon a time he had a good run of form. I'm sorry but on balance, he's been poor a lot more often than he's been top class. Oh and he scored against Liverpool. That didn't exactly open the floodgates for a string of top performances, did it? |
Tim Hillman
said:
|
... Viva - Ok I retract my comment of Milner being quality winger but he does help protect Cueller and his crossing is improving. I would like to see him play in the middle but can't really see MON changing the formation until Downing is fit. When Milner came on loan a few years back with DOL I am sure he played on the wing and was our best player that year. Or did he play more central? To be honest he is the type of player who you could ask to play in any position and he would give 100%. If only all our players were that committed. |
VDV
said:
|
... Ash has not been good this season but was better against wolves. He scored against liverppol and no it dit not start him of but we did not expect him to be as disapointing as he has been scince then. Just wait untill he scores at villa park at the holte end and it will kick start his season. i hope he scores before then but if not he will score againts bolton at villa and then his confinence will come, his skill will come, his adventure will come and he wont be scared to take on players which for some reason he his. Is all he needs is a goal. |
Mike Carter
said:
|
... CSM Don't get me wrong, I think Milner is one of our best assets at the moment and a terrific player. He just lacks the key ingredients to make him a good winger - he's not creative enough to take the ball past a competent fullback and his crossing is below par. He does however track back brilliantly, as you point out. That ability would help him playing in the middle too, he could potentially become a great "box to box" midfielder, plus he likes a good shot every so often as well. I really do think he could become our very own Steven Gerrard if given the chance. |
Carl Main
said:
 |
... I would like to see a bit of a mix up for tomorrow. Maybe.... -------------Guzan------------- L.Young---Collins--Dunne-----Shorey ------------Petrov--------------- Albrighton-------Roe-coker-----Delph -------------Milner--------------- ------------Gabby---------------- |
John Samuels
said:
|
... Badger, The squad is very good, imo, but it's not finished. I'm in your camp. When MoN took over we needed a good holding midfielder, he signed petrov and he got criticised, we needed a game plan, he signed a huge target man and a nippy winger with a great delivery which got criticised for being too young, too expensive etc. We needed a CM who could pass so he converted a LB who now plays for England, We needed more commitment in midfield so he signed NRC and Milner, then we lost our Captain and best defender and people criticised him for not replacing him and now he has. We had no decent Keeper so he signed one of the best keepers in the league over the last ten years for peanuts and then brought in one of the most promising young keepers in the league. He has addressed every problem as it has arisen in his own time. We now need a creative, passing midfielder who can keep the ball. We have Downing, lets see what MoN comes up with once Downing is fit, he could just be the missing link we're after or could provide the means to move the midfield and accomodate someone else in a more central role. We have a year left of the grand 5yr plan so lets see what we do. We've been in sixth the last two seasons, whats the harm in being there abouts again if it means we kick on next season? Can anyone post up the games we drew last season and the scores? Why not the games we lost too? We aren't doing too bad and I don't care where Wolves are, they played well, stifled our game and took a point off Everton last week, they almost won it too? We did ok to take a point awaty from home in a Derby and feel dissapointed to not have won. If we had conceded two early goals and then equalised in stoppage time the vibe on here would be different. It was the nature of the defeat. And while we didn't play great football, we haven't all season, it's because we arenm't the finished article and I've been sayin g it for weeks...PATIENCE!! |
Rob
said:
 |
... I didn't even realise the game was tomorrow! Anyways, it'll be tough, Sunderland are looking pretty good. Just really hope our delivery will improve, Young, Milner, Warnock and Cuellar (ok, he's not a RB so that's a bit unfair!) have all been guilty of some shocking crossing. A complete contrast to last season, where every ball into the box created a chance. This is why our scoring has been poor. I'm not sure what Young needs but he's completely void of any confidence! I think dropping him might make it even worse. MON's tried his best in praising him where possible but ultimately it's down to Young. You would've thought his dribbling would be effected by his confidence but surely he's able to put atleast one decent cross in. Hopefully we'll see Luke Young back for the game. Cuellar does well in covering but I think Dunne and Collins have got this sorted, we need someone who can get forward and not look like Bambi on ice! Bless him though, he does try. Really hoping Carew can get a goal, think that will kick start his season. Hopefully we'll win, it'll be nice to have a cup run for once! |
Rios.Jockstrap
said:
|
... THERE IS NO FIVE YEAR PLAN!!!!!!!!!! HOW CAN YOU IMPOSE A FIVE YEAR PLAN ON TO A FOOTBALL PITCH LOL ; BUISENESS PLAN YES, BUT COME ON LOL |
VDV
said:
|
... January- giovani or ozil/joa moutinio/irland and pavulechenko Summer- noble or fellani and jo |
Tim Hillman
said:
|
... Viva - Totally agree mate, think he would make a terrific box to box midfielder. Future Captain. Put it this way who would you rather have playing that role? Sidwell or Milner. Tough one!!! |
Steve Badger
said:
|
... JPA, Just for you; 2 23.08.2008 Stoke City away L2-3 3 31.08.2008 Liverpool home D0-0 7 05.10.2008 Chelsea away L0-2 8 18.10.2008 Portsmouth home D0-0 11 03.11.2008 Newcastle away L0-2 12 09.11.2008 Middlesbrough home L1-2 14 22.11.2008 Manchester U home D0-0 15 29.11.2008 Fulham home D0-0 19 26.12.2008 Arsenal home D2-2 24 31.01.2009 Wigan Athlet home D0-0 26 21.02.2009 Chelsea home L0-1 27 01.03.2009 Stoke City home D2-2 28 04.03.2009 Manchester Cit away L0-2 29 15.03.2009 Tottenham home L1-2 30 22.03.2009 Liverpool away L0-5 31 05.04.2009 Manchester U away L2-3 32 12.04.2009 Everton home D3-3 33 18.04.2009 West Ham U home D1-1 34 25.04.2009 Bolton away D1-1 36 09.05.2009 Fulham away L1-3 37 16.05.2009 Middlesbrough away D1-1 I agree with pretty much everything you say mate. |
peter haworth
said:
 |
... 4 5 1 DROP CAREW Heskey up front NRC and Delph in the middle Luke young to start |
Steve Badger
said:
|
... Oh, credit where it's due. That list was courtesy of http://www.statto.com/football...09/results Very interesting, because it puts results in different colours, meaning you can see runs at a glance. January till the end of the season looks extremely bleak  |
JohnnyMcleod
said:
 |
... To VivaVilla You make some good points about Milner, but as for him being our Steven Gerrard ? I think there's more chance of Carlos Cuellar being the next Ryan Giggs ! |
Jon
said:
|
... JPA - "It was the nature of the defeat" - that's a classic mate, it really is. Shows how far we've come though when drawing a football match feels like a defeat. |
John Samuels
said:
|
... Badger, so we lost away to Newcastle, Middlesboro, Stoke, Fulham, Man U, Man C & Chelsea? And we drew away to Bolton? And we lost at home to Spurs Chelsea and Boro? Lets be realistic about this. If we'd got the result we did at the weekend last year against Newcastle Stoke Boro and Fulham we would have finished fifth and run Arsenal close. Don't sneer at a hard earned point when we maybe didn't deserve it people. Cheers Badger. |
Mike Carter
said:
|
... JohnnyMcleod Well ok maybe not quite the same as Steven Gerrard, but you get the idea. He has many similar attributes to Gerrard, most notabley his work rate, his never say die attitude, and just generally being a motor on the pitch. He's obviously not as talanted as Gerrard but who is? Let's just call him our slightly watered down Steven Gerrard |
John Samuels
said:
|
... We played badly, Carew was anonymous all game and we thought we'd nicked it. Wolves deserved to draw that game. It was a fair result. We should have been better first half. Really reminded me of the Blues game and I think Wolves are a much better side than them and Burnley. |
James
said:
|
... Badger, I totally agree with you and thanks for answering the questions. You are right the squad is ALMOST there. The problem on Saturday was NOT MON. Why the hell is all the talk about him? He sent out the right team. He used the right tactics. The problem was individual performance levels. It was not about MON. (Although I know what the MON doubters will say, 'It's MON's job to make sure they play their best!' Give me strength.') In my opinion MON has done his work (in Jan he'll finish the job off) It is now up to the players. Talk about their performances. Stop saying so and so is not good enough. Most have proved they ARE certainly good enough. Let's just stick to, 'good game for...because... and bad game for....because....' But hey, that wouldn't provoke debate would it? |
Steve Badger
said:
|
... Qashqai, Pretty much what I think. But where are the goals going to come from if you don't play Gabby? He's the only one who looks like scoring to me. I dread to think how many goals we have scored in open play if you take his contribution out of the equation. Luke Young, yes, when Cuellar needs dropping, but not until, imo. |
Andi
said:
|
... JPA -- dont think they deserved it i think we gifted it to them by playing badly and by certain players having bad days and Carew being one the team needs to be shaken up a little nice and fresh for Sunderland. We should have beat Wolves and had the opportunity to |
Rios.Jockstrap
said:
|
... Sorry Daimian....but you can say theres no 5-year plan until your blue in the face, and then when you think its finally sank in, out it pops like a vicars trumpet! Aaaaasargh lol No offence JPA, but Martin HAS said, there is no such plan and that its "unworkable" because "so many factors are out of your control" Agree with everything else you said though  |
Steve Badger
said:
|
...But hey, that wouldn't provoke debate would it? I very much suspect Damian knows exactly what he's doing Why the hell is all the talk about him? Well Damian started it and if you're going to answer his blog, you're going to respond to what he says, I guess. I personally don't think most posters are blaming MON for that one. I'm certainly not and I've said it was the players at fault. Talk about their performances. Well that's what I've tried to do, but yes I agree with you. That said, it's very easy to just say someone is shite when they consistently don't perform (Sidwell/Heskey) and I can understand it partly. I prefer to say "I don't see it". I'm really not sure if I admire MON for sticking to his own mind or not. It would seem he can be his own worst enemy on occasions  |
Eoin Greene
said:
|
... Nan and others, I think that some of the criticism is because - its not just about saturdays performance - for some of us its about performances for a long time. I keep harping on about it - but we create no chances, we dont have many shots, we play poor teams and everyone is saying play 5 in the middle so we can stop them! Its not just about creativity, its the way we play - its the MoN philosophy that I personally question. People say we were briallient against Chelsea, and I was absolutely delighted at the result - but of that weekends 10 matches - Chelsea had more shots than the other 19 teams and villa had less shots than the other 19. If that continues - we wont win many matches. I am trying not to be completely negative - but I have long been of the view that MoN has taken us as far as he can. We are a suped up version of Leicester. As for tomorrow - I really really hope that Delph starts. |
Mike Carter
said:
|
... Nan You're right, that wouldn't provoke debate. And while I'm at it... I think it's too much of a sweeping statement to say "Stop saying so and so is not good enough. Most have proved they ARE certainly good enough". To be fair, I think the jury is still out on several players who need to prove their ability at this level (by "this level", I mean a team challenging top 4, not Premiership-capable). I certainly include Sidwell in that bracket. I certainly include Heskey. I include several of the backups including Gardner, Shorey and potentially even Davies depending on how he performs when he's back from injury. I agree with you in so much that you should judge performances and not players. But by the same token, some of our players perform consistently below par. |
Steve Badger
said:
|
... Interesting take here; Steven Sidwell http://www.football365.com/sto...84,00.html |
John Samuels
said:
|
... Rio'sjockstrap, Fair enough, i admit it's difficult, maybe I should say that we should be looking at improving our finishing position this year on last and we can all see that the side isn't finished. It's close but it's still a work in prgress. Since a five year plan was mentioned by Lerner when he took over I assumed that's what he meant. Maybe he meant business plan as you mention. Thts by the by anyway. We have a much bigger and better squad than we've ever had under O'Neill, the best league start this club has had in ten years and lets see if we can keep it up thjis season. I think next season will be the test though. I think the squad building will be finished and we'll need to start producing. |
Steve Badger
said:
|
... Eoin, for some of us its about performances for a long time. I keep harping on about it - but we create no chances, we dont have many shots This also goes back to what you said this morning. There are two sides to Villa, imo. One side is dire from a footballing sense. Lack of possession, poor passing, long ball etc. But then the other side is exhilarating to watch. I agree with you, but at the end of the day, it's about results. Whilst we're getting them, it's hard to complain really, imo. When the football is crap andwe're not getting the results is the time to complain. Saturday was crap, but at least we never lost. The season hasn't been bad up to now, but I think there will be plenty of this sort of discussion to come |
Andi
said:
|
... Does anyone know how Sidwell has made it through so many games this season ??? other than the we havent lost since blah blah rubbish January sales are going to be intresting |
Mike Carter
said:
|
...There are two sides to Villa, imo. The one thing I will say about this particular brand of football we play, it might not be very exciting and it might only produce narrow victories, but it does tend to bring all ranges of opposition to our level. Let's face it, Villa usually always play the same way. We were crap against Wolves but it's not much different to a typical Villa performance is it really? Yet it's enough to stifle the really prolific teams most of the time. Spurs may manage 20 shots on goal from time to time but you can bet they won't do that against us. So you live by the sword, you die by the sword unfortunately. That's the Villa way. |
John Samuels
said:
|
...So you live by the sword, you die by the sword unfortunately. That's the Villa way. Precisely. We play to our strengths which is being bloody difficult to beat most of the time. If we can improve our creativity and ruthlessness in front of goal we will be bloody dangerous. i'd love to see us play a more passing game, but that is suicidal when you don't have the players to do itas Boro and West Brom proved last season. Man U have thrived for years on being hard to beat and Arsenal won trophies doing it. Don't sell Sidwell, Coker & Heskey in January, sell Osbourne, Salifou and Harewood and the overall stength of the squad improves. I want to see Downing in December and then we can summise as to what is needed in January, I think we'll only see one addition at the very most and the rest of the buying will no doubt happen in the summer. Lets be honest we haven't been playing particularly well all season so far and we've done better in the first ten games than we have in the last ten years. Lets build on it, keep getting results and the confidence will come. We need a striker to come out provide competition for Gabby and whether it's Heskey, Carew or Fonz I don't care. We need the team to start playing how we know thay can going forward and good things will happen. I really believe Gabby and Ash need a little rest for a game or two. If Emile plays well tommorrow i'd start him at the weekend/ |
JohnnyMcleod
said:
|
... I can't believe that anyone would ever contemplate starting a game with Heskey in the line up, think back to last season and the many games where he partnered Gabby, they were absoloutely atrocious together, in fact by the end of the season he'd dragged Gabby down to his level. As for playing the useless donkey up front on his own what possible benefit is there. His pace when limping into the channels, his uncanny ability to head the ball up in the air off the top of his head (a la Gary Thompson) to no one, or his knack of laying the ball off dangerously in the centre circle before ending up on his arse ?. I never want to see him in a Villa shirt again !, the idea that one misshit lay off to Gabby makes him worth considering and any sort of option is ludicrous, |
John Samuels
said:
|
... Johnnymcleod, Gabby needs a break, Heskey made a goal on Saturday and it wasn't miss hit. Players drift in and out of form and I feel he warrants a chance to prove his worth in a cup game, If he's not doing it bring Gabby or Fonz on, no probs. One player who shouldn't be near a Villa shirt for a while is Carew. He was lazy and s**t at the weekend, at least Heskey had some running and commitment and broke down Wolves with a pass at the end. It's more than Carew did all game. People said Ferguson was crazy to keep playing Andy Cole. You don't know s**t. |
Andi
said:
|
... never mind Heskey its Sidwell thats the one he cost us the game saturday his reading of the game is shocking, his work rate well you cant tell because he does missing i really am struggling with him to see his use to us. The tackle was shocking there was no need and that frustrates me so much they are meant to be pro's and anybody knows you dont tackle like that when a player and ball are running away from you and your goal what was he thinking ??? Sidwell, Shorey, Osbourne, Gardener, Coker, Heskey even dare i say Davies ship them out if they cant add anything to us why have them |
Steve Badger
said:
|
...I can't believe that anyone would ever contemplate starting a game with Heskey in the line up, Agreed. I'd rather see the fonz start. Heskey is s.... Oh, sorry Nan... I don't see it with him |
John Samuels
said:
|
...I can't believe that anyone would ever contemplate starting a game with Heskey in the line up, I can't believe Steve Bruce and Fabio Cappello either. That said I'd like to see Fonz tomorrow, I don't think we will tho. |
bilsim
said:
 |
... Is there any "unofficial" travel availible. I want to go up but missed out on the free coach deal. Any info would be appreciated. |
tubbydunne
said:
|
... Alan Green of 6-0-6 had this to say about Villa and M.O.N. today Of the teams being touted to break into the top four, I rate the chances of Spurs and Manchester City far greater than Villa. I saw little of Celtic when O'Neill was in charge there but his teams here in England have all followed the same pattern: dull and mainly composed of players selected for their height,their weight and their physical approach. To think he was a serious contender to become England manager at one stage. Methinks that was a narrow escape. I don't rate his opinion and truly hope Villa and M.O.N. can make him eat those words |
Tim Hillman
said:
|
... Alan Green is a knob. He is the most biased commentator on the radio and is just bitter that we went to his beloved Liverpool and stuffed them 3-1. |
VillaNick
said:
 |
... I would give Luke Young, Clark, Coker & The Fonz a run out against Sunderland. Otherwise we won't know who good enough if we get injuries and suspensions. If Dunne & Cueller get injured/suspended and Davies is still out, we need to know we have someone with a game or two under his belt. It's a slight risk but I would take it. |
Paul Gough
said:
 |
... This is going to be great. Two clubs actually going for a win in the League Cup. Hope we do it but I reckon the bookies have it right giving both teams nearly the same odds. Its going to be a close one. |
Jeremiah Wood
said:
 |
... First off, it's Sunderland, so I expect us to win. It isn't the end of the world if we don't, but I think with our defense, we have a good shot at winning the Cup, so I'd like to see us do it. Secondly, for all the criticism of Heskey, Carew hasn't exactly been setting the world alight, and we scored our one goal with him on the pitch on Saturday. Let's give him a run. At least Heskey chases down lost causes. |
Write comment
Latest Aston Villa Wallpaper
Follow Us
More Posts
- New kit coming and Laursen on Gabby
- Milner back, Webcam staying and we are drawing a line
- The sun is shining, time to cash in on James Milner
- James Milner wants to be Citeh’s Habib Beye
- Peterborough video and Aiden McGeady rumour quashed
- Keane in talks, Petrov talking McGeady, warning for Milner from Downing and fantasy football time
- Sell to buy might not be so bad, new rumours, some news and a new kit
- New kit, Gabby talks the talk and Ashton and Bentley
- Pre-season, speculation, Martin O'Neill and Steve Froggatt
- Someone is in trouble: Aston Villa show interest in South Korea international Cho Yong-hyung
Lucozade Sport on Facebook
Lucozade Sport loves Football as much as we do. They’ve been fuelling Aston Villa players for over 15 years and using this expertise to support amateur Footballers across the country. Visit their Facebook page for expert advice, video clips and Football chat. 
Login
Latest AVFC Blog Tweets
AVFC Blog
avfcblog
- follow:
- updates:2942
- followers:496
Loading...
Last 4 tweets in past 30 days from avfcblog:
People talking about '@avfcblog':
Leaving Comments
Only registered users can post comments without the need for it to be approved. Registration is free and takes two minutes so if you want your comments to show up straight away click here to register.
Get your online avatar
This blog is Gravatar friendly. That basically means, if you use Gravatar and leave a comment, as long as it's the same email address you registered at both sites, we'll show your avatar. It's a cool little site, we like it. Register here! The Internet is Changing
Featured on Aston Villa Central
