Villa away - Team

Well well, we go to Villa next week on the back of a brilliant 4-1 win against Wolves, which has seen the NE no1 club rise to 9th in the table. We have a 7 point breathing space, as well as a superb goal difference.

Villa go into it on the back of a decent draw away at Everton, with mackem ditcher Bent grabbing two.

It was good to have 4 different goal scorers, and it certainly puts to bed the fears that we can't score goals.

We have many injuries and suspensions next week which means a massive change to the team set-up and the way we play.

Tiote and Nolan are the heart of our midfield, and with both of them missing, I am struggling to put a team together, Ireland can't play remember, however Ryan Taylor is back from a ban so is likely to feature.

Harper
Simpson Coloccini Williamson Enrique
R.Taylor Barton Guthrie Gutierrez
Ameobi Lovenkrands

We could put Ranger on the right in place of Taylor for a bit of pace, he played well there at Chelsea in the cup, but Pardew certainly isn't a fan so he won't be starting any time soon. I don't want to see Barton in the middle as he is better on the wing. The strikers are going to have to work on their communication because it was none existent against Wolves, and with there being no midfielder who can support as good as Nolan does, I think a point would be a sensational result.

Thoughts?

 

Either this or

Harper
Simmo Colo Willo Jose
Guti Barton Guthrie Ferguson
Shola Lover

Wouldn't be too bad a shout.
Ranger on for Shola/Lover depending on who's not performing in around 60th minute, give him a good half hour.
If, of course, Jose's still out then stick Fergie in LB and use the midfield you suggested

Will be happy with a point.

 

Exactly the team I'd go for Leazes (except for Ranger up front, but that wont happen anyway)

I wonder if Villa were foolish enough to forget the "cant play against parent club" clause in Ireland's loan deal...

Would take a point now as well.

 

I would be happy with that to be honest. Its attacking minded with two skilful wingers.

I would love to not lose the game, would really piss Villa fans off.

 

Think we'll win 3-1.

 

6-0 would be nice

 

Would prefer Ranger to play before either Shola or Lover to tell the truth. Certainly before Lover.

 

I'd settle for 5 probably...

Actually, no. 6.

 

Harper
simpson collo willo fergi

barton raylor guthrie jonas

shola lover

only reason ive gone for raylor in the middle is because i think keeping barton is the more attacking option because hes on such good form there all season! its a risk but i think raylor can do a job cm

 

Three points will do for me.

 

I know Lovenkrands scored, but I fail to see what else he offers, which is why I said him and Shola need to sort out their communication which just wasn't there. Ranger will scare the living daylights out of defenders, and Villa defenders aren't exactly full of pace.

 

this ^ i get so annoyed with lover! but i dont think theres a chance in the world ranger will start.

 

I think the fact they both registered a goal and an assist yesterday means they will start the rest of our games barring injury.

 

100% guaranteed.

 

From personal experience I find Villa to be the best trip to the Brum area, anybody think differently?

 

WBA for me. The fans are decent to us.

Birmingham and Villa are equally ****. Villa charge you to get in their pub just outside the ground, and then the pints aren't nice. Birmingham, there is just nothing.

Birmingham trips are horrible overall, but it has to be done.

Travel far and wide.

 

hopefully next year there will be at least one less Birmingham trip! hope villa go down! revenge would be sweet :L

 

Was just meaning to the ground, not taking anything else into consideration. On the fan front definitely West Brom though.

 

Again, WBA if it was for the ground. Villa park's away end is tiny underneath and you find yourself going through what looks like a cupboard door to get out. Rubbish place to put the away fans as well, WBA has a better view from the away end, more room underneath AND you can go outside at half time!

EDIT: I have only been on the upper at Villa so wouldn't know about the Lower.

 

Never done Birmingham, but have done the other 3, thought West Brom fans were easily the best, though it was last day of the season, and Wolves were worst.