Aston Villa (A) - Sat 21st Dec, 12:30 | PL | Pre-Match Thread

[Blu1]

I think we sat back a bit too much against the scum in that 2nd half at times but if we do our defending will have to be tip top. If we push up we'll have to convert the chances we hopefully create. Interesting game ahead.

Im just not sure we can go forward as our midfield is too slow. Villa are much quicker than Utd & they penned us back
:-(

 

[derek]

During the Kendal era, we were near the bottom of the league and went to Villa Park, who were near the top needing a win. We won 2-1, with Peter Reid scoring the winner , I think that is when Bluemoon was born. Hoping for the same result tomorrow.

 

[the blue panther]

We should play Haaland at centre back - let's face it: he ain't gonna see the ball up front again!

 

[Father Paul]

Dias is an enormous loss, one of the few leaders we have. Whatever hope I had of getting a result tomorrow is considerably diminished. Our worst performances this season have been when Dias was injured (Bournemouth, Sporting, Brighton, Spurs and Feyenoord).

Akanji is a very good defensive full back but never strong enough as a centre back so that’s definitely a concern. We are also relying on Stones staying fit for a month which is rather unlikely. Plus it means more playing time for Walker which is an issue this season.

I am inclined to agree although it is rumoured that Dias is not a definite for the rebuild and may be heading along with 5 or 6 others for the exit. Personally I would lose Stones first. But hey.

 

[Father Paul]

How can you have so much bad luck

I often wonder how we got through the season 30 or 40 years ago. I know there was a little less football but squads were thin and players didn't seem to miss as many games. The modern game sadly is based as much on running around the place excessively and only partly on skill.

 

[city saint]

I am inclined to agree although it is rumoured that Dias is not a definite for the rebuild and may be heading along with 5 or 6 others for the exit. Personally I would lose Stones first. But hey.

where have you heard that as i would think hes one of the main men

 

[Father Paul]

He was fucking terrible all game long. He was hiding for long spells. Win, lose or draw his was a shameful performance.

That's a load of bollox. He put in a reasonable shift up until his blunders. I think he was a poor acquisition but please give the fucker a little bit of credit.

 

[Ric]

where have you heard that as i would think hes one of the main men

Think it's from a nonsense Express article claiming that De Bruyne, Foden, Haaland, Dias, Ederson and Walker could all be shipped out. I'd treat it with the disdain it deserves.

 

[Ric]

Wasn't feeling confident before the Dias news, and even less so now. At least those that are available have a few days extra rest with no midweek game.

Ortega
Lewis
Stones
Akanji
Gvardiol
Kovacic
Gundogan
De Bruyne
Foden
Doku
Haaland

 

[pudge]

Initially I thought we'd struggle to have two shots on target, now I reckon we'll do well to get into their final third