PBVogel

I like the potential move. Bring him him and see how he develops. It doesn't help the first team and it is probably cheap and could pay off in the long run.  Moves are definitely need to improve the squad but that doesn't mean a move like this is bad. If it is the only move of the window that is a different story. 

Guzan

Lowton Vlaar (Baker if inj) Clark Luna

Westwood

Delph Gardner (KEA if inj)

Albrigton Benteke Tonev

Delph!!! What a way to open your goal account!

KOZAK!!!! What a great ball in from KEA! 

And Rodriguez scores over Lowton (who looks like is playing a CB)

Here's Lowton! On for Vlaar though?? 2 CBs and push up Bacuna, or is Matty the 3rd CB?

Shaw is picking apart Bacuna.

Can't keep giving corners away, they putting a good ball in every time. 

 

All the streams are shite. The Premier League really needs to catch up with the internet age and start offering official paid for streams.

I wonder every year why they don't offer this, any idea?

 

My guess is the rights to stream it probably come with the TV rights -- not held by the PL. Here in the states NBC Sports steams all the games regardless of what is on TV. 

A goal up the 3 CB formation should be perfect. Come on boys!

I think it is time for Lowton to get another chance at RB. Bacuna was poor at the back and did very little going forward. 

Benteke needs confidence so badly. When on form he makes the run to get on the end of Gabby's backheel. Frustrating.

Seems to me that KEA and Westwood both put in good performances...when there is only one of them on the pitch. I don't think they can play well together because they are trying to play the same role. Westwood started to grow last season once KEA was dropped. Start one of them with Delph & Sylla. 

Unbelievable. No give up in the squad at all. Credit to Vlaar, Baker & Clark for all coming up with big tackles/blocks to prevent any easy Man City goals. Really thought Villa would give on away in injury time. Up the F'n Villa!

Struggling to find positives. Clark and Vlaar were mostly good. KEA was just terrible-- gave away the ball far too often. Westy was uncharacteristically sloopy. Luna was eaten alive. Weimann made all the wrong decisions. Benteke couldn't hold the ball up. Ugh. 

How do you think your season will go?

Up and down. The team is still young and the backline still appears to be prone to mistakes. One week we'll out play some more talented teams and win...and the next lose one we shouldn't. Things I don't doubt  about the team: Going to be fun to watch up front, infuriating at times at the back, and nervous defending set pieces. 

What signings have you made this summer?

Okore - Stout defender, will probably start most games.

Luna - Attack minded Left back, will start.

Tonev - 2-footed AM (can take corners with either foot)

Bacuna - Versatile squad player can play Mid, Wing, and RB. 

Helenius - Young, big striker with a good eye for assists. 

Steer - Backup keeper

Who will be your star this season?

The easy answer is Benteke because he'll lead the line. But I'll say Lowton & Westwood continues to impress 

How do you feel about Christian Benteke asking for a transfer, only to sign a new contract?

Was bummed when he asked and thrilled when he stayed. I think Lambert did very well to tie him up for an extra year even if all that does is give the team better bargaining power next summer.

According to Wiki, Villa have planning permission to increase Villa Park to 50, 000. What are your thoughts on this? Presumably you must be very happy to be staying at VP. Are there any concerns about the impact of the works on fans (season ticket relocation etc) Also, what is the timescale for all this?

Being a stateside Villa fan, can't really answer this well.

If you could take one Arsenal player to have in your team, who would you choose?

Cazorla, hope not to see him in the starting 11 tomorrow. 

What signings do you think we need?

Another striker and a solid CB. 

How do you think we will fare this season?

Fighting for the 4th spot. If y'all make a quality signing or two you'll grab it, if not you won't.

What score do you think the game will finish on?

2-2

Who do you think will be the first goalscorer?

Gabby

Sylla named in the U21 starting lineup today, so doubt he starts Saturday. Probably means KEA (if PL goes safe) or Tonev/Bacuna (if PL goes with an aggressive lineup).

Certainly made a strong claim to start behind Benteke against Arsenal (provided the fabled star AM transfer doesn't materialize). 

Hope all three are injury free. One or more could be on the bench like Carruthers was on Wed. 

2pm boom

Looks like the story has been taken off the site, though the tweet not deleted. 

16 goals in 33 appearances, plus 7 assists. Sounds like a Lambert move (as in it sent me to Google to figure out who the heck he is). 

Lowton has the be careful with his 9 yellows (esp with Dowd). If he gets through this week the limit goes up to 15 so foul away. 

Villa take the lead: AFC Ajax 1 - 2 Aston Villa (Lewis 64')

1-1 Drennan 35'