Aston Villa (H) - Tue 22nd April, 20:00 | PL | Pre-Match Thread

[FromPollockToSilva]

Pretty similar shapes for both teams, not much width in either lineup so expect fullbacks on both sides to get through a lot of work

The big concern is losing possession with everyone the wrong side of the ball, something that Kova in particular gets caught out with time and time again. I really would've preferred to see Nico G in there to help mitigate that

If the Bernardo from the derby shows up and Palace Gündo and Kevin then we have a chance. But that is relying on season-best performances from several players on the decline

 

[waspish]

I moaned at the Palace team pep put out but that was palace this is the form team in Europe! The team is fine if the energy is there from the start! Like that energy speed when kdb scored that free kick!

I'd settle for a draw now!

 

[Sky Blue]

Yeah fuck that! No Gonzalez again and the grandad midfield!? Is Pep wanting sacked?!

We had this shit off you last week.

 

[ThreesKompany]

Hmm Watkins, McGinn & Ascensio on the bench for them..

They've played a lot of intense games in quick succession and have FA Cup coming this weekend.

 

[heslops barnet]

Interesting Villa side, can't say there's anything in there that we should be concerned about really

Think we can get at their back four but will be a tough watch with the side we've got out

Think it'll be a cagey 60 minutes where subs could win the game either way

Would sooner face Rashford than Watkins

Almost every game this season has been a tough watch

 

[Claytop]

Similar tactics as against Palace-both strong running teams. Happy with that.

Let’s hope for a slightly better start though…

 

[YatesA]

Pep praying KDB can save city again or something? Just asking for problems that team. Well it's all on KDB to create, hopefully he's on it tonight.

 

[Johnny Mars Bar]

At least we have some experience on the pitch.

 

[Craig]

I moaned at the Palace team pep put out but that was palace this is the form team in Europe! The team is fine if the energy is there from the start! Like that energy speed when kdb scored that free kick!

I'd settle for a draw now!

It’s a shocking line up. Fair play it worked against Palace when KDB rolled back the years but the pathetic display in the derby was also a similar pace less side

 

[chesterbells]

Hmmmm I was sure Pep would have had Doku running at that wanker Cash.

Second half subs for both teams will play a key role tonight I reckon.

 

[Twisted-wheel]

Sick of this shit, you cannot play silva, gundo and kova in the same line up as it stifles any pace. Villa are a pacy team and will run us ragged in midfield!! Why nico is not playing is beyond me and doku should have been playing, not great but he causes problems. Looks like a cautious line up and expect side to side boring football and we will get out done by villa

 

[richards30]

We had this shit off you last week.

you hate your opinion and I have mine

 

[phargrave]

We’re all doomed I say!!!!

 

[Chak19]

And here we go with playing Kovacic as a 6 for no fucking reason, and of course wing wizard Bernardo is starting again.

 

[Twisted-wheel]

Dads army again tonight, who are we, dads army, who are we, dads army

 

[Twisted-wheel]

Sure Bernardo as a sly pic of pep bumming a Alsatian as he is way too faithful to him

 

[super_city_si]

Kova and Gundo both vacate the 6 and leave it wide open. Not a fan.

 

[MichaelFrontzeck'sBathroom]

Definitely contracted to play dads army every game it seems

 

[phargrave]

Is Gundo Peps secret love child…

 

[BuryBlue1977]

The only conciliation I can think is that for the past two games I’ve thought “Pep what are you thinking!” But we won both those games. With Silva starting over Nico I’m thinking the same again. Hopefully the bald fraud comes through again. Come on City, smash the brummie cunts