The transfer window that wasn't and Arsenal in the FA Cup

I really do love the FA Cup and everything it stands for. The game, to a large degree, has ruined it, but the magic is still there and when magic is involved anything can happen. This gives me hope for tomorrow.

Most, if not all, of the magic for this season has sadly already gone and it is only the fourth round. Usually look to who Stevenage are playing but they are now in Division Three and doing well and I'd guess they are favourites to win today.

Brighton is another side - they are at home to Newcastle today but Newcastle will have too much for them, so while it is going to be interesting - my hope and attention turns to tomorrow. If we beat Arsenal, it could very well be the win of the season and you just know the atmosphere is going to be second to none.

At Arsenal

It would be easy to look at this match and resign myself to thinking we will get beaten, but in football and especially the FA Cup, things happen that are not supposed to happen and while this is the only silverware Arsenal are playing for and Wenger will send out his strongest side, I think there is something here for us, if we want it badly enough.

You see, it really does come down to 90 minutes and setting some simple targets and you might think them obvious, but I'm going to repeat them, because if we don't do these, we wont win.

First; five in the midfield. You cant give Arsenal space and they love to play the ball through the middle. You also have to have one man sitting deeper than the others, so if you want, call it 4-1-4-1 but I call it a variation of 4-5-1.

You've also got to play their way and try to keep hold of the ball and play the right ball. The sad truth is, if you keep giving Arsenal the ball, they will eventually break you down. The best way for them not to break you down is for them to not have the ball.

I know it will be hard, but that is why you have 11 players and why each of them should be looking for the ball and creating space.

Lastly and I know I am really over simplifying this, you need to create chances and that will happen with Gabby on the left, Albrighton on the left right and Stephen Ireland or Barry Bannan playing just behind Darren Bent.

But, the most important thing for Gabby, Albrighton and either Bannan or Ireland to remember is that they are midfielders and that the minute Arsenal get the ball back, they have to be tracking back and closing down the channels.

I did really over simplify that and I apologise, but Arsenal are not going to change how they play football and how we play isn't good enough, so we have to adapt but tomorrow, I fancy he biggest influencing factor could very well be the support.

The transfer window

You might have noticed, but I haven't had the transfer window watch box up on the site this month and I wanted to explain why. You see, it was never going to be a month of anything exciting. The last time Alex McLeish did something exciting was on his honeymoon and with our owner wiling to accept an offer that will give him his money back, he isn't going to make much available.

So, don't get excited about the next few days, it is what it is and while I'm not saying we might not sign a player or two, think the Barry Ferguson or Nikola Zigic type - not a player that is going to strengthen - player that is going to take the place of one of our players, still not to get a proper chance.

Until tomorrow: Odds and bet of the day

Odds for the match tomorrow below, but my fiver today is going on Leicester, QPR and Stevenage. If those three come in, I take home £97 - not a bad return, but a definite gamble. Get the odds here.

Comments (68)

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leevillian said:

...

Comment 1, made on January 28, 2012 at 10.44 am

leevillian said:

... we will win

Comment 2, made on January 28, 2012 at 10.45 am

Flowershopboi said:

... HE won the carling cup last season , which is more exciting than anything we did?

Comment 3, made on January 28, 2012 at 10.48 am

25yardDalian said:

... we need to get at them early, they are a bit nervous and under pressure at present, get an early lead and the home fans will be on their backs - whereas our away fans are just awesome - 5,200 of us down there (shame its not more) Fears: Arsenals pace down the wings and our full backs RVP having more movement than our CBs Positives: big game for the lads, our win there last season, our goal scoring away is pretty good, and the superb atmosphere our fans will produce

Comment 4, made on January 28, 2012 at 10.58 am

Albri-12 said:

... Emile Heskey was today told he is playing for his Villa future and must deliver on the pitch to earn a new deal in the summer. Boss Alex McLeish is a fan of the powerful forward, who turned 34 earlier this month, but with the Scot under pressure to keep the wage bill down he will think long and hard before he offers him a new contract. “He is a guy who gives everything and does everything he can for the team,” said McLeish. “We know there are players of certain ages you can’t say ‘there is another four years for you’ so we realise that this is a transitional period at the club. It is not right for us to make any quick decisions. “The overall position is that we’ll review things at the end of the season. “It’s up to guys like big Emile to produce a few good performances between now and the end of the season by banging in a few goals, getting a few assists, and then we can address it. “Will he go back to his old club Leicester in the summer? I haven’t got a clue.” OMG, Get AM OUT !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Comment 5, made on January 28, 2012 at 11.00 am

Raz said:

... Tomorrow will show why we are one of the best clubs not just in the country but the world. Our support will be f**king loud! I can see Espn in shock and constantly panning on the villa fans and talking about us as if we never existed! the usual Typically ignorant cockney banter on a football game! UTV!!

Comment 6, made on January 28, 2012 at 11.06 am

Steveo said:

... if its 4-5-1 do we drop keane and bring back ireland ?

Comment 7, made on January 28, 2012 at 11.12 am

Damian said:

... Steveo there is nothing to say you cant play him but if you do, then you are playing with 4 midfielders as he has never really dropped back to help out in midfield although there is nothing to say he wouldn't do that if he was told to .. and he'd probably love to play against arsenal but and this is just me, it does carry a risk .. but while

Comment 8, made on January 28, 2012 at 11.16 am

gmjvilla said:

... @Damian Did i read that right? U have Gabby and Albri both playing on the left... Have u been to the AMc school of coaching??

Comment 9, made on January 28, 2012 at 11.30 am

Steveo said:

... I'd bring ireland back in for keane and depending on how gardner is feeling he would keep his place with clark dropping to the bench and warnock hopefully carrying on from last weeks second half performance (thats a big hopefully )

Comment 10, made on January 28, 2012 at 11.43 am

Steveo said:

... it would be harsh on keane, but thats what i would do for this particular game. keane would defo start against qpr, his invention will be clearly needed because at home we struggle to create anything.

Comment 11, made on January 28, 2012 at 11.55 am

Damian said:

... gmjvilla it was a little early when i wrote it. fixed but not forgotten Steveo dont get me wrong - keane is a great player and an attacking threat but from what i've seen of ireland when playing just behind bent - the running and running, he does make himself a nuisance saying that, if keane was happy to do it .. why not i dont think there is a wrong decision ... put it that way

Comment 12, made on January 28, 2012 at 11.56 am

gmjvilla said:

... Fergie showing his age... They equalise against Liverpool and you see him mouth to his assistant "who scored???" haha

Comment 13, made on January 28, 2012 at 12.33 pm

divine_islet1 said:

... I'm not confident that we are going to beat Arsenal away considering how boring our football is.Add to that,the fact that Arsenal got beaten by one of their main rivals in Man utd,so they are going to have to play well to win to appease their supporters.That Chamberlain boy is a gem of a player,we have Gardner who maybe not be as good as him,but has tremendous potential to be a Villa star,if he continues on the path of improvement.Our most vulnerable part of the team is the left back position as we have the worst English football left-back there,and coupled with the fact that he's going to have to contend with Chamberlain,i can foresee a lot of problems for us.We have a chance of winning with the following line-up Bent Keane Gabby Ireland Gardner Albrighton Warnock/Stevens Cuellar Clark Lichaj

Comment 14, made on January 28, 2012 at 12.59 pm

ordinaryjoe said:

... Surprised to see Damian recommending a 4-5-1: The manager has been heavily critised for such tactics on these pages for all of this season. Now, it is OK apparently. Also think you are missing the point about watching for transfer window rumours: it is not for the excitement of seeing any player we may be signing, rather in fear of who is being sold. I would be worried about the rest of the season if any of key players are sold, and leaving no time for replacement.

Comment 15, made on January 28, 2012 at 1.21 pm

dazvilla said:

... we will defo win tomoz 3-1 bent,gabby x2 utv

Comment 16, made on January 28, 2012 at 1.27 pm

25yardDalian said:

... We could do with some experience in the team tomorrow - but not Petrov, with Arsenals speed and movement he will be chasing shadows

Comment 17, made on January 28, 2012 at 1.39 pm

ordinaryjoe said:

... 25yard: experience....the manager is likely to recall Heskey back into his Beckenbaur role in midfield? I cant even guess the line up for tomorrow. I still cant agree with 4-5-1. The Arsenal are vulnerable right now, and dont have a midfield packed with world stars these days. We should go for them in my opinion and I would be most disappointed if we try to sit back and let them come to us.

Comment 18, made on January 28, 2012 at 1.47 pm

ordinaryjoe said:

... if we could only get NZog playing like he did before we signed him, it would be like a massive new signing.

Comment 19, made on January 28, 2012 at 2.01 pm

25yardDalian said:

... Joe: We def do not need Heskey! In my earlier comment I say we should go for it from the off as they are rocky at the moment, we should get the fans on their backs - while we will be in full voice, for sure. Line-up for sure will remain a complete mystery! I have drafted 3 line-ups and binned them all

Comment 20, made on January 28, 2012 at 2.04 pm

sjh said:

... i predict us coming out the blocks and playing 5-7 minutes exhilirating football where we take a one nil lead.We will then sit back for the next 83 to defend our one goal lead and see the game out.Arsenal will equalize due to the pressure and then we will have another 5-7 mins good football to try and get the lead again.But alas it will not come and we will try to settle for a draw which will become another defeat when the pressure tells again.Sound familiar?

Comment 21, made on January 28, 2012 at 2.37 pm

ordinaryjoe said:

... 25 yards: yes, I was just having a laugh about Heskey, but part of me suspect we will see him play tomorrow. my latest binned predicted team (as manager selected, not by me) - Same back 4 as usual - Gabby, Petrov, Heskey, Albrighton - Bent, Keane As someone else posted, Arsenal's quick players will have watched what Swansea did to us and they are even better than that! Let us all hope for the "go for it" approach, I can see it as our only hope, or if Wenger rests his stars (but unlikely as he is desperate to win any trophy)

Comment 22, made on January 28, 2012 at 3.25 pm

Villain-from-Texas said:

... Damian: "[Keane] has never really dropped back to help out in midfield." I'm sorry, but you obviously paid little attention to the match against Wolves, much less to Keane's entire career.

Comment 23, made on January 28, 2012 at 3.39 pm

Damian said:

... Villain-from-Texas there is a massive difference between him dropping back playing against a side like wolves to the dropping back we need against a side like arsenal throughout his entire career he has been a 2nd striker or main striker - tomorrow we need an extra midfielder because of the team we are playing you clearly havent paid much attention to the post because that was the basis of it - not a 2nd striker, but an extra midfielder to not allow arsenal the space and like i said above - that can be keane but ireland has done enough to warrant that role playing for us, if he is able

Comment 24, made on January 28, 2012 at 3.50 pm

Villa by Birth said:

... I've gotta feeling (Woohoo) that the games gonna be a good game That the games gonna be a good game That the games gonna be a good good game and were gonna WIN!

Comment 25, made on January 28, 2012 at 4.57 pm

MBE said:

... Can we please stop people posting on this site who dont actually know anything about villa? Divine you have picked a team including an injured centre back, a right back who has been out for 4 months and a left back who has never played in english football and hasnt played any sort of first team football for 2 months. are you actually having a laugh?!!?!

Comment 26, made on January 28, 2012 at 4.58 pm

Pazer said:

... Would a man have any chance picking up a ticket before the match tomorrow?

Comment 27, made on January 28, 2012 at 5.17 pm

r0bb0 said:

... Although we all want to see Gardner playing regularly for us, I would hope he isn't even on the bench tomorrow. Having played last weekend he then played a full match including extra time on Wednesday. He has to be rested tomorrow.

Comment 28, made on January 28, 2012 at 5.46 pm

divine_islet1 said:

... MBE said: MBE ... Can we please stop people posting on this site who dont actually know anything about villa? Divine you have picked a team including an injured centre back, a right back who has been out for 4 months and a left back who has never played in english football and hasnt played any sort of first team football for 2 months. are you actually having a laugh?!!?! Lichaj is back,did not know Carlos was injured,and Enda would be a better option than warnock ,even if enda hasn't played football for decades!

Comment 29, made on January 28, 2012 at 6.02 pm

Villa by Birth said:

... If the fonz has gone on loan and the mule is going in the summer isn't about time young Weimann was given a run in the team. 21 in august just the time to step in and create an name for himself

Comment 30, made on January 28, 2012 at 6.18 pm

henrydouble said:

... I know it's going against the grain but I didn't think Keane did any link-up play against Wolves, so wouldn't have him in the team. YES, I know he scored two cracking goals, but do you think he'll pull that off in any of the remaining 4 matches?? I'd rather play Gabby up there because his pace pulls defenders towards him and creates space. Btw as he'll play anyway I'm hoping he shoves those words down my throat!

Comment 31, made on January 28, 2012 at 6.21 pm

gmjvilla said:

... Poyet appears to have put together a tasty team... like the look of Buckley... reminds me of a young crissy waddle... great run for the goal... Looking forward to the trip to the Emirates tomorrow. Hear us out sing the Library UTV

Comment 32, made on January 28, 2012 at 6.30 pm

djongrass said:

... Brighton is another side - they are at home to Newcastle today but Newcastle will have too much for them

Comment 33, made on January 28, 2012 at 7.48 pm

Nike said:

... TBF it has been a quite transfer window all round Bit off the subject i was reading some of Michael Jackson fans in france are suing Conrad Murray for emotional damage Could i do the same with Randy Lerner & Alex Mcleish ?

Comment 34, made on January 28, 2012 at 8.04 pm

Richexiledincoventry said:

... I see it is being reported that we may yet offer Heskey a new contract in the summer. I'm trying not to worry. Surely McLeish can't openly state that our prolific striker has no future at the club beyond this season when we still unfortunately may need him to perform at some stage. I hope trhis is the case. Even McLeish can't be that stupid to even contemplate keeping him.

Comment 35, made on January 28, 2012 at 8.20 pm

ordinaryjoe said:

... Richie: dont under (or is this "over") estimate the thoughts of The Manager. It is obviously well within his scope to "even contemplate" this, despite the pressure to reduce wages, and of course this would need to mean a sacrifice in some other area, I would estimate this players wages would pay for about 4 or 5 promising youngsters that he could easily let go.

Comment 36, made on January 28, 2012 at 8.36 pm

Damian said:

... djongrass I did get that wrong

Comment 37, made on January 28, 2012 at 8.40 pm

monkey man said:

... Havnt had a dream in a long time, for the luck i haved could make a good man turn bad, But please please please let me get what i want.......... Dont let emile start tomorrow no dont let emile start tomorrow THE SMITHS

Comment 38, made on January 28, 2012 at 8.52 pm

dublinvillain said:

... Damian: "[Keane] has never really dropped back to help out in midfield." absolute rubbish every time ireland play away from home keane drops into midfield when we havent got the ball(which is a lot) he is more than capable of dong a good job there for 70 mins, then bring stevie ireland on they wont know what hit them! clark playing defensive midfielder because he can become a third centre back when we are under pressure. arsenals defence can be got at gabbyVdjourou i know who my moneys on ha ha!!

Comment 39, made on January 28, 2012 at 9.25 pm

dublinvillain said:

... i know i have slated amc plenty of times, but if we won the cup would people change their mind about him????

Comment 40, made on January 28, 2012 at 9.35 pm

ordinaryjoe said:

... dublinvilla - thank you for being a spark of light here on this almost otherwise 100% negative blog!!

Comment 41, made on January 28, 2012 at 9.47 pm

dublinvillain said:

... ordinaryjoe: cheers pal. id say if we win 4-0 tomorrow people on here will say we got lucky an if Henry was ten years younger we would of got hammered. and crap simullar to thaT

Comment 42, made on January 28, 2012 at 10.04 pm

Albri-12 said:

... just watched stoke v derby and they have a better strike force than us and better wingers. jerome, jonoes, crouch, walters and fuller, all powerful players with pace. something we dont have but need. pennent and ethrington, very good wingers as well.

Comment 43, made on January 28, 2012 at 10.52 pm

Damian said:

... ordinaryjoe this isn't an almost 100% negative blog. it is a blog that lives in the real world. the real world is, with this manager - we will never go anywhere summed up by dublinvilla and his pulling at hope about winning the FA Cup. we are not even in the next round and we have Arsenal to play. come on .. lets live in the real world. even if we won 10-0 today. we are not going to win the FA Cup. stop with the blind optimism

Comment 44, made on January 29, 2012 at 7.40 am

Leroy said:

... dublinvillain said: 0 ... i know i have slated amc plenty of times, but if we won the cup would people change their mind about him???? Ask any Birmingham City fan for their opinion of Big Eck

Comment 45, made on January 29, 2012 at 7.46 am

ftkvs said:

... FORMER England and Aston Villa footballer Lee Hendrie is officially penniless after racking up debts of £200,000. The midfielder earned millions playing for the Birmingham club as well as Sheffield United, Leicester City and Blackpool. What a p***k

Comment 46, made on January 29, 2012 at 8.06 am

Villa by Birth said:

... Yes the highlight of Hendries late villa career must have been his visits to Mr Bruce's house

Comment 47, made on January 29, 2012 at 9.31 am

Raz said:

... Doesn't look like we'll be signing anyone then? Not sure whether that's mccleishs decision as a manager, the boards commercial stance or a general all round acceptance of the squad? By the way, 1-2 villa boys today... Dazza bent and Richard dunne to score with arshavin replying. UTV!

Comment 48, made on January 29, 2012 at 9.35 am

Maindog said:

... lets live in the real world. even if we won 10-0 today. we are not going to win the FA Cup. Oh my god. Somebody get this guy a happy pill. Its the FA Cup, anything can happen in a cup run. Anything can happen in football. Portsmouth winning it a few years back for example. Crystal Palace in the final of the league Cup? Us winning 3-1 at Stamford Bridge? Come on Damien, maybe you should start living in the real world. Yes, we are not going to get very far up the league table and sustain some Champions League football with our current situation and with this manager, but a cup win is definatley possible? For Gods sake, the guy won silverwear with the Blues!!! We all know that the current situation, but to try and squeeze the remaining piece of hope and fun out of this season is just sad. Very sad. I love the FA Cup!!!!! Buzzing for today. 2-1 Villa win today, then Crawley at home for the next round! UTV!!!!!!

Comment 49, made on January 29, 2012 at 9.40 am

Albri-12 said:

... Id love us to win of course but being realistic i cant really see it. We have a lack of balance to the side and quality. We have awful full backs, we will have A DM and a CB in our midfield and against arsenal they will rip them apart. We have a lack of height up top as well and a lack of quality in the final 3rd. It would be nice to see Bannan and Gardner in the middle but that wont happen. Gabby will be stuck out on the wing which does doesn't work. Then who plays out of Ireland and Keane ?? Neither deserve to be dropped

Comment 50, made on January 29, 2012 at 10.01 am

darrenvilla26 said:

... lets live in the real world. even if we won 10-0 today. we are not going to win the FA Cup. stop with the blind optimism Coming from the same bloke who said when magic is involved anything can happen. This gives me hope for tomorrow. Have a word with yourself Damo

Comment 51, made on January 29, 2012 at 10.06 am

MArc4villa said:

... There is no way we will win today, even if my heart and soul remains Villa. Warnock, Collins or Hutton will screw up again one way or another, guaranteed. And if AMC starts Warnock, Collins or Heskey, kiss the game goodbye.

Comment 52, made on January 29, 2012 at 10.25 am

Return of Rowley said:

... Maindog Crystal Palace in the final of the league Cup? That really can't happen though as Cardiff won.

Comment 53, made on January 29, 2012 at 10.28 am

Return of Rowley said:

... On a different note, Liverpool fans should be disgusted with themselves for booing Evra yesterday. I know the stereotypical scouser is a dustbin searching scrounger but I thought they still had some sense. Suarez was found guilty and Evra is the victim. I just don't get it and if it was villa fans booing it would be all over the press today. Shame on you. Back to today and with the right team (ie no Heskey) I think we could do ok. They are fragile, lacking confidence and a shambles when you go at them. We need to be positive and not let them settle. With the cup draw being made at 3.40 at least we'll be in the hat for the next round. Scum at the circus anyone?

Comment 54, made on January 29, 2012 at 10.37 am

Steve Jones said:

... I personally think Blues would beat us.

Comment 55, made on January 29, 2012 at 10.55 am

r0bb0 said:

... Return of Rowley. You're right that Liverpool have badly discredited themselves over the racism affair. One banner yesterday read 'Manchester Utd, defending trophies, Liverpool defending racism'. Despite Liverpool protestations it's a fair summary of the situation. Dalglish in particular still doesn't get it and is tacitly encouraging racist Liverpool fans. I'm not suggesting that Liverpool have more racists than any other club, including Aston Villa, but the actions of their manager and board are still falling well short of what is required.

Comment 56, made on January 29, 2012 at 11.12 am

r0bb0 said:

... frem, you say you want Bannan and Gardner in midfield although none of us know what Bannan's form has been in training and Gardner played last weekend plus a full game plus extra time on Wednesday. You say that gabby will be stuck out on the wing which doesn't work, even though he has been our greatest attacking threat this season from that position. Whinge if you must be at least make it sensible whingeing.

Comment 57, made on January 29, 2012 at 11.22 am

Damian said:

... Maindog the real world is that we are 40/1 to win the FA Cup and nine teams are more likely to win according to the bookmakers. of those nine, the likes of bolton and norwich are considered more likely the truth is - we are going nowhere with this manager so we just have to accept it and enjoy the 90 minutes as for Pompey in the FA Cup - look to the manager. and as for Crystal Palace .. well, I wont say anything about that

Comment 58, made on January 29, 2012 at 11.39 am

DeGough said:

... The FA Cup lost a lot of its magic when teams started playing their reserves in it so that they could rest their players for league games. I don't know how you can make teams try to win it. I don't think the increasing the rewards for winning will have any effect on those teams that put the league first. Maybe awarding extra league points for the further you progress in the cup? I can see no reason however why we should not play our best team and give it our all as our league is already over. Thats all I ask.

Comment 59, made on January 29, 2012 at 11.42 am

blake0121 said:

... Rumours (can't find any positive rumours, I'm afraid) Emile Heskey could still have a future at Aston Villa despite contract talks not starting. (I wouldn't put it past AMC). Aston Villa midfielder Barry Bannan could be a shock mover before the transfer window closes. (This will be like Cahill all over again, mark my words).

Comment 60, made on January 29, 2012 at 11.53 am

.vogra said:

... I fancy our chances today...2-1 Villa win

Comment 61, made on January 29, 2012 at 11.56 am

blake0121 said:

... dublinvillain said: 0 ... i know i have slated amc plenty of times, but if we won the cup would people change their mind about him???? Comment 40, made on January 28, 2012 at 10.35 pm I would change my mind, but I would still want a DOF put in place because I don't trust AMC in the transfer market. (And he has to stop slating the younger players).

Comment 62, made on January 29, 2012 at 12.01 pm

blake0121 said:

... Wenger would prefer to finish 4th than win the FA cup that's what football has become now·a·days, money over winning trophies. Hopefully Wenger rests Van Persie an we grab the win today, apparently their defence is as bad as ours. (They have lost 3 games on the trot, I would say they are their for the taking but they did give Man U a good game, so who knows).

Comment 63, made on January 29, 2012 at 12.12 pm

Villa by Birth said:

... .vogra I know what you mean today chap. i suspect AW is upnder pressure to get above spuds and as such will pick a weakend team. I think we may just get the result

Comment 64, made on January 29, 2012 at 12.21 pm

cockneyvillan said:

... Id like to see a team with kean and ireland in if possible, think they could link well. ........................GIVEN...................... HUTTON.............CLARK......DUNNE..........WARNOCK ........................PETROV....................... ................IRELAND..........GARDENER............ .........KEANE.............BENT.............GABBY.... Good looking team on paper atleast!!

Comment 65, made on January 29, 2012 at 12.28 pm

Raz said:

... Will be f**king angry if bannan is sold! Play him today to keep him happy

Comment 66, made on January 29, 2012 at 12.29 pm

Damian said:

... Bannan can not be allowed to go .. and I suspect he will only want to go if the manager has told him there is no future for him while he is at the club .. if he told him that, Bannan has to know that there is more chance that he has a future over this manager, but at the exact same time, he wants to play football can't be allowed to leave

Comment 67, made on January 29, 2012 at 12.43 pm

Sasa said:

... Haven't won the FA Cup since 1957, 55 years is a long time. The manager we have today is good at breaking records, just a shame that outside of victory at the Bridge, they're all negative records. The FA Cup was devalued when Man U pulled out of it to play in Brazil. Funnily enough I think it was Darlington who had the wild card and we beat them in the 3rd round on route to the final. But let's be positive, if Man U are not in the FA Cup, history suggests we'll get to the Final. (PS last sentence is a pi55 take).

Comment 68, made on January 29, 2012 at 1.21 pm