samjp26

Just saw, 100% going to go purchase a Benteke 20 shirt to give to my future children, to see their father once met that player who now plays up top with Lionel Messi.

Is this confirmed?

Morpheus mate do you actually support Aston Villa, jesus christ I don't get how you compared him to that many awful players, and the worst thing is hes always showed something from the first game its not like hes played shit.

Carlton Cole ffs

Damn right he doesn't, still needs a kick in for bringing in he who shall not be named.

Thank you Randy for bringing in Lambert and giving him the backing to purchase the players he wanted. I'd also like to tip my hat for backing the purchase of Benteke who was signed for a fee that a team with 'no money to spend', as many press outlets described us as, could afford.

I agree right back cover is needed, and probably another left back dependent on Bennett's performances, I wonder if Vlaar could play in front of the defence?

He was with the rest on the bench having a laugh and bullying Delph, one of them threw something at Delph's head actually it was quite funny not sure if anybody else saw it. I think he could have been ill, a bad chest infection is hardly something you run around a pitch with, and if that is the case hats off for at least being there watching the game with the rest of the lads.

Yeah straight after the match

Exact same boat as me haha, still contemplating it - I didn't think the student ticket was any cheaper though?

Being as I see no thread regarding it, I thought to create one, seeing as its obviously a hot topic in most conversations on here at the minute. I do remember us winning it, although cannot remember watching the game as I was only 7 years old at the time, in 1996. I still have that dark turquoise AST Computers away kit to boot, Yorke and Milosevic my favourite players. Obviously we also came close in 2010 and I think this year, based on the teams that are left, we have a really good chance of going all the way. I for one will definitely be down at Wembley for the final should we make it and I think as much as other teams may belittle it, it would be fantastic to get some new silverware in the cabinet to create some new heroes and bring back some glory. What League Cup memories do you have? If we get into the final will you be going to Wembley? Do you think we'll win it this year? Are you bothered?

He misses the game on Wednesday, but will be back for the game against us on Sunday.

I'm all for them doing that, and I hope Leeds win - I'll take Leeds, M'Boro or Swansea over Chelsea in the Cup anyday.

They practically have no time to prepare for our game unless, as I stated in the match thread, they put the League Cup tie against Leeds aside and focus on us.

Poor display really from Chelsea, trying and trying but unable to break down the defence and take their chances, similar to Liverpool yesterday. I don't think they will be fired up, they hardly look interested and Torres looked quite sulky again, Ramires is a shadow of what we saw of him last season. We now must wait to see how the Leeds match goes, but those players look knackered and they won't even be back in the country until Tuesday.

A 3-1 away win in December, denting the Top 4 hopes of a side that was expected to give the Villa a thrashing by many pundits. The result against Liverpool this weekend is reminiscent of our win last December at Stamford Bridge, where Ireland, Petrov and Bent dealt the damage following a good opening spell from the European Champions. With their FIFA World Club Championship game today (playing a full-strength team), a long flight home from Japan and their League Cup Quarter-Final on Wednesday, it will be interesting to see whether Chelsea take the League Cup seriously or rest their key players for the tie with Leeds. This could turn out to be a win/win situation for Villa; if Benitez opts to rest his players on Wednesday, it is probable that Leeds could snatch a win, leading to an easier draw for Villa in the Cup. If Benitez decides not to rest his key players, the slick counter-attacking football we have seen at Anfield and Carrow Road this week could be replicated against a tired Chelsea side. The Young Lions will be no doubt be buzzing with confidence following their continued cup efforts and unbeaten league form, and any slack from Chelsea will most probably be punished by the flourishing partnership of Benteke and Weimann. The togetherness being shown from our lads is excellent, but it isn't much of a shock being as 6 of our starting 11 against Liverpool have played together for many seasons as part of our youth set up. Add to this the technical ability of Christian Benteke, the non-stop defensive efforts of Matt Lowton as well as the consistent level of passing from Ashley Westwood, and it isn't too farfetched to believe our current unbeaten run could continue. Of course, if Benitez fields his best men they will very hard to beat, especially at Stamford Bridge, and many of the Villa faithful would probably be happy with simply getting another point on the table. I personally will not be making a prediction until after Wednesday, but I have no doubt in my mind that we can take it to Chelsea and come home with a win, just like we can against any other team. Up the Villa and lets get some more points!

Yeah, was also Skrtel who he flattened late in the second half, was also Skrtel who gave him a dirty push from behind in the dying seconds. Somebody clearly didn't like being bullied.

Indeed, what I'm more happy about is the fact that so far all he has picked up is 2 yellow cards, showing that he can clearly control his temper even if he does want to crush the likes of Johnson.

Loving all the Arsenal fans on Twitter calling for Wenger to sign him in January, unaware of the fact that this is indeed impossible.

Cool story bro

If we continue to play three center backs it will be Vlaar, Clark and Baker - which based on form will be some defensive unit!

Incorrect sir, we do not own him, he is not ours, he is ONE OF US!

You don't want it Johnson, I can see the fear in your eyes, stop fronting ar' kid.

I think his passing percentage was 88% today, overall 86% since his debut (correct me if I am wrong). Consistent level of play and consistent high percentage of completed passes, destined for success!

Hopefully some of the more indemand youngsters that Lambert wants will see what he is doing here, it could be the deciding factor if we were to go in for somebody like Ince for example, knowing that coming here will help them to grow and that they'll be involved rather than being bench warmers.