Written by Damian Saturday, 07 November 2009 11:43
Morning all. It is Bolton in a little over four hours and if ever we needed a home win, today is the day. The football of late hasn't exactly given us much hope but generally, on occasion, we have seen glimpses of what some of our players are capable of, so there is hope.
Stephen Warnock has put in some very good performances lately, Ashley Young is likely to come good again very soon and we all know Gabby can score, so it's only a matter of time before that happens. Defensively, we are also extremely solid, so we can take some confidence that we might not let that many in. It all starts from the back you know.
My only real concern for today is how we set ourselves up to play. Bolton are known to pay five in the middle on their travels and I'm not convinced we have the personnel to play four in the middle, especially against teams that play five. Some teams can; Barcelona can play three aginast five, they do most weeks, Manchester United, Arsenal and Chelsea can also do it, because they have so much quality. We don't have that same quality.
We can though sometimes and it is quite possible that O'Neill will line up the lads to play 442 today. If he does, we are going to need all that fight and determination that a Martin O'Neill side is known for if we are to have any chance.
Bottom line, we can't beat Bolton playing football if they have five in the middle. We can beat them if we give 100% for 95 minutes and play the long ball and counter attacking football that we are getting used to and if Bolton are having an off day. If Bolton come firing on all cylinders, playing five in the middle, we won't beat them unless we play five in the middle also. It is hard thing to accept, but that is where we are at the moment.
But, Bolton might have an off day and we might have our game of the season. At PaddyPower you'll get 8/11 for a home win and 4/1 on an away win today so the bookmakers fancy us and they are in it to make money.
Anyway, just under four hours to kick off now, I must get a late breakfast and I will update this page with team news and some other links before kick off. I just hope for three points today.
Links
First link today is news that The Fonz has signed a new contract. Another one is here, where you can watch the game today if you want to watch online.
Team News
Nigel Reo-Coker captains the side today, which is a massive reversal of fortune for the players who went face to face with the manager recently. I still fancy he'll be off though, just a case of when.
Friedel, Luke Young, Cuellar, Dunne, Warnock, Ashley Young, Reo-Coker, Sidwell, Milner, Carew, Agbonlahor.
Subs: Guzan, Albrighton, Delfouneso, Delph, Shorey, Gardner, Clark.
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david
said:
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... I remember last season when we went one down I turned to my son and said I'm not worried we'll still win this one. That's because they were defending so far up the pitch that I was confident that our speed would catch them out...and that's just what happened. I'd love them to set up the same way today...but I can't see them making the same mistake again so it's going to be a much tougher game but you have to believe we can come out on top again this time |
Paul Gough
said:
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... We have to win today. Let me repeat that. We have to win today. Anything else and I think its the end of getting anything in the league. |
Steve Oldaker
said:
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... delph in a 3 man midfield and watch him go ! gabby wide right carew up top cuellar coming back in we have to win c'mon the villains !  |
Simeon
said:
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... Presumably O'Neil is talking up Delfouneso to increase his transfer value, because I can't see him getting a start this season unless all three of Gabby, Heskey and Carew are injured. Why he wasn't sent out on loan to another Premiership club this season, given that there is no intention to play him, only makes sense when you remember that O'Neill is the manager. From what little I've seen, he's got more talent than Luke Moore (who, if he'd had the right attitude, or the right management, would be in the England squad by now). But potential is meaningless if it isn't given a chance to blossom. |
Mike Carter
said:
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... Right Martin, time to freshen things up today. It's been getting a bit stale and predictable lately. Roll the dice. Make it exciting. |
pete
said:
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... id like to see us go 1 0 up but not sit back on it lets go for the throat push on and kill them off once and for all |
Eoin Greene
said:
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... We are out of form, some players haven't produced all season, we are 'tired' apparently, we have our biggest squad in years, this will be our forth game in 14 days, we have young players chomping at the bit for gametime. Bearing all this in mind - the team today will still be the same as wednesday except for the suspension of Beye. |
Chris Harper
said:
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... Missing the game for the first time in years due to a bad neck.... Watch us go and play like Barcelona and stuff them 4-0. UTV! |
Aaron Wilson
said:
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... have the squads been announced yet? if they have been, will someone post a link... cheers! UTV! |
Edward Riordan
said:
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... We have to win today and I think it will happen. I also think today is the day we spank a team. 4-1 with Knight scoring at both ends. Will he celebrate?? Also I can't see any of the teams around us dropping points apart form manu/chelsea game and spurs/sunderland. Pool, Arsenal, Man city should all pick up 3 points. |
Edward Riordan
said:
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... Did you know Heskey hasn't had a shot on target this so far this season!!?? Speachless |
Steve Badger
said:
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...Did you know Heskey hasn't had a shot on target this so far this season!!?? Are you really surprised? Disgrace though for a so called "striker". It's even bad for a midfielder, imo. |
Damian
said:
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... Friedel, Luke Young, Cuellar, Dunne, Warnock, Ashley Young, Reo-Coker, Sidwell, Milner, Carew, Agbonlahor. Subs: Guzan, Albrighton, Delfouneso, Delph, Shorey, Gardner, Clark. |
Chris Harper
said:
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... Collins injured? He did say on twitter the other day.... 'has anyone got a spair hamstring and 2 spare groins'. Nothing has been said though. Gutted, love the bloke! Calm down Keef!  |
dominic elmer
said:
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... Quite looking forward to see how Cueller and Dunne play together. Good news about L.Young and Reo-Coker back in the side. 3-1 Villa-webcam, carew and Gabby. UTV! |
Sean
said:
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... come on you villa I'll give shitwell one more chance.If he doesen't play well today I'll get my boots and play myself. |
Aaron Wilson
said:
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... Sidwell again... what does he have? really, what does he ever contribute to the team? nothing! absolutely nothing. You would think after so many sh*t games he would try something fresh like: -----------Friedel----------- Young--Clarke--Dunne--Warnock -----ReoCoker---Delph------- Milner-----Petrov------Young ------------Gabby------------ sorry to bring up the subject but whats wrong with 4-5-1 MON? please explain... we always win with it! always!!! UTV! |
Mike Carter
said:
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... Well, the good news is we have two full backs playing now who will get forward. The bad news, we don't have one single ounce of creativity in the centre of the park. Petrov offered a little, not much, but it all helped. Reo and Sidwell offer diddly. |
pete
said:
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... i like the side hes picked but would of had delph in for sidders . but if sidders is having a mare this week i think mon will have him off |
AllBlacks
said:
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... Come on VILLA! 3-1 to the mighty villa think this might show the game... http://www.veetle.com/viewChannel.php?cid=4abdd396b3988 |
Ed
said:
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... Aero-4-Villa Why Clark at centre back when we have more experienced centre backs fit? It would be foolish to be that risky in the league imo. Also, Delph isn't a defensive midfielder. But i would like to see him play in a five man midfield, he hasn't been given much of a chance so far. Sidwell has to have a blinder today, he's been so average for so long and really doesn't contribute much at all it seems. Really don't know why MON persists with him. Is anyone else worried about the lack of creativity in our central midfield pairing today? I think we may be in for a frustrating game, although I'd love to be proved wrong! |
benny
said:
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... I've paid for villa streams.... having trouble making it work  the villa streams player isnt working...will try one of the others |
Mike Carter
said:
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... Must be 3 points today. Anyone saying otherwise is extremely pessimistic. No disrespect to Bolton, but this fixture should be one of our biggest gimme's. |
Villa_Man
said:
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... villa game live, good quality, american commentators http://www.veetle.com/viewChannel.php?cid=4af0721aa8367 |
Damian
said:
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... you have to like that ... gabby coming back to pick up the ball, crosses to carew who headers and it is saved - webcam pciks it up, shoots and scores |
Damian
said:
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... gabby did come back for it, but the final cross came from milner .. my fault. had to wait for replay to be 100% i just went with gabby |
Villa_Man
said:
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... shit i missed it. veetle link playing up. get in anyway, fancy we could get more than 2 goals today! |
Mike Carter
said:
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... We're playing well going forward. Even Sidwell just took on a player and put in a good ball to Young. |
Mike Carter
said:
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... Gabby's actually got most of the attributes of a good target man now. He just needs to be able to head the ball. |
Mike Carter
said:
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... Can't believe I'm going to say this, but Sidwell is actually playing quite well so far. |
matthew halsey
said:
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... atdhe.net i find is great try it. This is what we want good passing and attacking well. |
Tim Hillman
said:
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... Viva I actually agree with you! Whats the betting he will get on the score sheet! Having Reo in there makes us look so solid! |
Mike Carter
said:
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... The only thing I can fault us for so far is not adding to the lead. Must make these spells count. |
Mike Carter
said:
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... Seems very "do or die" for Bolton. They needed to change things up because at the moment we're all over them. But if this means we can dominate the midfield even more, we could have a hat full. |
scott harwood
said:
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... i really hope mon keeps l young in now.we r building from the back instead of hoofing it all the time but we know cuellar is one of the favourites! |
Damian
said:
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... lovely little bit of trickery from milner. cross to carew who was offside, but lovely from milner |
Mike Carter
said:
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... Cracking delivery from Warnock. I wonder why Young is so reluctant to shoot from outside the area? |
fastbackace
said:
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... i think cuellar is very good thank u. when was the last time u heard him talk to to the papers? he plays where he is asked and does a great job. |
Sam Vicary
said:
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... Whats going on...Sidwell seems to be playing well?!?! Some nice tackles and he's really getting into good space going forward. 2-0...GET IN!!! |
Damian
said:
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... fantastic. nice little trickery from webcam... passes to nowhere, carew picks it up, gets it past cahill who really should have done better, who passes back to gabby - who shoots and scores |
Mike Carter
said:
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... Young and Carew both did superbly then. Firstly the fantastic skill from Young to keep the ball in, then the pace and strength of Carew to force Cahill into make a challenge he didn't want to make. Carew stays calm and picks out Gabby who finishes neatly. Lovely stuff! |
Mike Carter
said:
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... Well, the balloon has been deflated a bit by that goal. But even so, we need to be mostly very pleased with that performance. |
Mike Carter
said:
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... Seeing the replay, that goal was very unfortunate. Dunne made a great tackle and it could have gone anywhere. |
James
said:
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... Any complaints? Nothing major for me. maybe need better crossing from the wide men. BUT, and it is big. You asked us to play football. We are. You asked for shots. You've got them. You wanted entertainment. You've got it. You asked what Sidwell is for. He's showing you. You asked why we sold Cahill. Look for yourself. Now all we need is the result, although if I remember rightly, many thought that came second to playing exciting football. Be happy......at half time. |
Damian
said:
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... 6 shots on target against 3 from bolton. both teams have 3 shots off target. 7 corners for us, none for bolton |
Sam Vicary
said:
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... Agreed,Sidwell has surprised me today, Reo wants the ball which is nice to see. Ashley can only get better in the 2nd half, his crosses have been shocking. Need a good team talk then kick on 2nd half. |
Daniel Mckay
said:
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... Overall... good game. Gabby looks good sidwell amazing in centre milner has been invisable for his standards. 1 more for a 3-1 in the 2nd half and just keep the goals out and its 3points  Come on the villa |
Sam Vicary
said:
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... Good shout Nan, we have provided an entertaining half...i do wish Collins was in there tho! |
Sam Vicary
said:
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... Just seen that Barry gave the ball away cheaply for Burnleys 2nd...would love city to slip up here!! |
fastbackace
said:
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... ps... we lost last game with sidwell in... so that little bit on we dont lose with him in the team... is bollocks. |
fastbackace
said:
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... am i the only one who wouldnt mind if we picked barry up for 10 or 15 mil com jan transfer window... like keane for tottham? |
Damian
said:
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... Half times: Aston Villa 2-1 Bolton Blackburn 0-1 Portsmouth Man City 1-2 Burnley Tottenham 1-0 Sunderland |
Mike Carter
said:
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... Great vision from Milner. Picked out a great low pass, the rest is vintage Carew. Uses his strength to muscle defenders out of the way. A little fortunate to end up with the ball after the turn, but nothing fortunate about the finish. We want more! |
Mike Carter
said:
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... Incidentally, just-dom has the game absoultely spot in with his prediction so far in comment 27! |
fastbackace
said:
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... mickey.. simple.. he is good. and for that price, buying an england regular... should be a no brainier... or stephin ireland. id like him too... ps... our outside backs look great!!! loving warnock. |
Michael
said:
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... unlucky just-dom - would have got a fortune if you put a tenner on that prediction. |
dominic elmer
said:
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... I know!! I had a tenner on the villa-chelsea game and had drogba first goal and villa 2-1... |
Mike Carter
said:
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... If we get another one soon, we might see one of Delph/Albrighton/Fonz get a run out. |
cuell dunne
said:
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... if stays this way how bout last 15 mins revert to 451 and replace gabby with delph with carew the lone striker. maybe albrighton for milner also. maybe i'm getting ahead of myself |
Sam Vicary
said:
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... Luke Young needs to start every game... Young Collins Dunne Wornock Dont think there are many better back fours!! |
Mike Carter
said:
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... Great to score, but... Frigging terrible penalty from Milner. That's 5 of our last 11 missed now. That's not good at all. Sidwell officially can't score even when he's got an open goal to aim at. |
Sam Vicary
said:
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... You cant blame Sidwell for that, it was a reaction and it came at him so fast...we are awful at PENs tho |
Damian
said:
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... Delph for Sidwell, The Fonz for Carew and Albrighton on for Milner ... it makes sense to me anyway |
Michael
said:
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... im confused the vidi-printer says milner missed penalty and then it says he has scored but none of you lot are saying anything? whats the actual score? lol |
Damian
said:
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... mickey86 milner took it and it was saved. it came out to sidwell who hit the post. that came out to milner who smashed it home ... |
Mike Carter
said:
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... Mickey86 He did miss, but he scored on the rebound. Well, the rebound that Sidwell hit off the post. |
Anthony Laud
said:
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... you would think a chance to give some kids 20 mins but no oneil still cant make changes!!! what is his problem. how will we ever bring anyone through |
heskeyshead
said:
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... milner poor penalty was saved - rebound against the post open from sidwell - back to milner on the penalty spot who was waiting and scored |
Sam Vicary
said:
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... Milner missed, Sidwell followed up and he hit the post, it rebounded to Milner who tapped it in!! Shit PEN tho...really shit! |
pete
said:
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... who was it said we were due to hammer some one well they where spot on now is the right time to run out the kids |
James
said:
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... Cuellar is crap. Sidwell is crap. Cahill was the best defender we had. We are unable to dominate the poor sides. We cannot retain possession. We are not exciting to watch. Football makes monkeys of us all. I am kissing the dog. |
Mike Carter
said:
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... Tonebone Are you seriously complaining when we're 5-1 up? Jesus Christ man, some people just cannot be pleased. It would be nice to see some substitutes but it's not essential. |
Michael
said:
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... thanks damian (and everyone else) im relying on the bbc vidiprinter which is terrible! this is much better lol |
Anthony Laud
said:
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... yes viva villa!!! cause later in the season oneil will use the tired excuse as he always does and then will announce he is shocked we have used fewer players than any other team!! |
Paul Gough
said:
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... From west-ham4europe on 606: "Fabio Capello should be at Villa Park where all the young English talent are putting on a football masterclass." Say this on BBC, thought I would share. |
Mike Carter
said:
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... Tonebone What, because 3 players played an extra 13 minutes during a game in November? Don't be ridiculous. |
Mike Carter
said:
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... Fantastic free kick from Young, a tiny bit higher and that might have gone in. |
James
said:
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... That is nice. Rejoice Villa. The BIG teams always bounce back instyle from disappointing results. We ARE a big team. Supporters need to start acting like it. |
scott harwood
said:
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... well done the boys best weve played for a while!! does petrov get back in the side now? reo and sidwell were both good imo |
Michael
said:
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... if only we could sell 3 defenders to all premiership teams!! lol zat knight looked more happy than some of the villa players - dont wont go down well with the bolton fans lol. |
Ammar
said:
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... Mon we asked . Why L.Young does not play ? . Why NRC does not play ? . Why Subs are not used ? . Where are our youngsters ? You answered today with a solid team selection and great performance by the team Thank You Very Much. It’s been a long time I have enjoyed my football and result looking forward to MOTD tonight long may it continue. |
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