Aston Villa (A) - Wed 1st Dec, 20:15 | Pre-Match Thread

[MarsLlama]

Will be a tough game, but the last three league games have reminded me of the winning runs we went on in Pep's three title-winning seasons that usually hit their stride around November-December time. Late winners, solid defending, 78% possession type games. Think we'll pull that off again, especially with Stones back. 1-0, 2-0 or 2-1 to us is my hope.

Ederson
Walker
Stones
Dias
Cancelo
Rodri
Gundogan
Bernardo
Mahrez
Jesus
Sterling

Bring KDB, Foden and Grealish off the bench if possible to get them back into the swing of things.

Everyone who's played a lot of minutes can get a week off for the Leipzig game where I'm hoping Steffen, McAtee, Palmer, Aké, Zinchenko, Grealish and Fernandinho will all start.

 

[MarsLlama]

Is Bernie off? I didn't know that

If he leaves, he's going to be turned on so quickly by some of the guys singing his praises online.

 

[OccupiedPalestineBlues]

Is Bernie off? I didn't know that

He wanted out at the end of last season, hence his exit was maybe in the thinking when Grealish was bought.
But he’s getting more regular playing time nowadays, looks inspired when he has the shirt on and there’s nothing to say that he still wants out. I hope he stays.

 

[lionheart]

If we can't beat the Villians by 3 goals...

CTIFnD

Arrogant baastard. We are not the entitled ones.

 

[Elliot houghton]

Did Grealish train yesterday

 

[mancity1]

Does anybody know if Peps presser is being shown live on city's web site today?

 

[sd33]

they are so gonna boo him

 

[lionheart]

they are so gonna boo him

If he genuinely doubts that he will get booed then he is thicker than we originally thought. Villa fans hate him and will make his return to Birmingham absolute hell. Better to leave him in Manchester and let him play in the next two matches thereafter.

 

[Newman Noggs]

I hope Grealish plays and scores a hat-trick and we can watch the love affair put to bed in unholy acrimony.

 

[citymad]

If he genuinely doubts that he will get booed then he is thicker than we originally thought. Villa fans hate him and will make his return to Birmingham absolute hell. Better to leave him in Manchester and let him play in the next two matches thereafter.

Thats a bit strong to say they hate him. I'll be surprised if its not a mixed reception, some glad to see him again some bitter about losing him. He will always be a Villa boy at heart and I have no problem with that. He saw an opportunity to better himself and play along some world class players. I guess you would hate Phil if he left for say Real Madrid, Bayern Munich or Barca for example ( not that I think that would ever happen).