DamsonwoodVillan

Bolton game was gutting as I actually thought we played some good stuff going forward all afternoon, surely if Ash had put away the penalty we would've got the 3 points. Anyway its all ifs and maybes, boy have we thrown away a lot of points this year. We've been made to pay for some horrific injuries at the back, and in my view some mistakes in the transfer market. Houllier is going through the mill big style for not replacing Warnock in January, and at centre back we've been really poor. As well as Clark has played overall, in my opinion he has made one or two errors/bad tackles that have cost us, Dunne and Collins just dont seem to have played this season. This game for me doesnt quite have a relegation feel to it yet, but if we don't win, then every game after to the end of the season will have exactly that feel. It must be the defining game for Houllier so far, its full circle for him as his first full game was at Wolves, a great away win we came out of with quite a few fans I'm sure secretly (or un-secretly) hoping it was the start of a bright dawn for us. How badly we've been let down since then. GH has led us to seemingly brighter days in the transfer window with strong acquisitions.. But has continued MON's trends of persevering playing players out of position, stubbornly refusing to pick players out of favour, and encouraging the players to back off and hang on when we get our noses in front. The third or fourth game I've said this in a row but: a win puts much needed space between us and them, a draw no good to either team really, a loss leaves us vulnerable to other results (which is definitely not what we want). It should be: Friedel Walker Collins Cuellar L.Young Albrighton Makoun Reo-Coker Downing A.Young Bent but no doubt it will be: Friedel Walker Cuellar Baker Delph Downing Petrov Makoun Albrighton Young Bent I will go with a very tough and hard to take 2-2 draw. Come on lads.

I would say Bent has done ok but today I just couldn't understand it. Stuck away a routine gimme on 15 mins and should've gone on to get 2 or 3, but in his subsequent chances he looked like he wanted someone else to do it. The one-on-one and the miss in the second half were very poor. Downing was poor in his chance, and Young's penalty was dreadful. I'm not jumping on the Houllier-out wagon tonight but the set pieces are his responsibility. We just need to get to 44 points now and then just wind the season down building the team around the young players. This is definitely the lowest I've felt this season, and how important is the Wolves game now?

Disgraceful performance collectively at the back. Its infuriating and confusing however, because I would say that individually L.Young and Walker had decent games. Baker got found out at left back for me and his future lies at centre half, I actually thought Clark looked very weak and shaky today which is not what we've come to expect from him. The decision to not go after a new left back after the Warnock debacle is turning out to be one of Houllier's biggest faults of the year. We have been a bit unlucky with injury this year but it has not been a great year anyway for any of Friedel, Collins, Dunne or Cuellar. ASSUMING WE STAY UP, pre-season has got to be about getting a solid goal keeper and defence combination that will turn in week after week performances next year. Ash didn't fancy the penalty and what was wrong with Bent today? After scoring a routine early chance I expected a couple possibly a hat-trick but he looked so nervous and indifferent in front of goal. Another really hurtful result for the boys and it will take a big big effort to beat Wolves now.

Absolutely gutted if we don't take maximum points from this game. I think the first half has shown that we have better players all over the park, but as the GD column for the season reflects, we've again been wasteful in attack and sloppy at the back. I really thought if we could go into the 2nd half 1-0 up our power on the counter attack would hurt them as they searched for goals playing a high line. Just needed our noses in front. Now the momentum's with them again. We have to get a goal before the hour mark for 3 points I reckon.

I've said in another thread this is the first of 3 games I think will define Houllier's reign. If we don't get a win in this one the game against Wolves becomes a MASSIVE game, if it wasn't before. If we could get 3 good results now, 7 points or more, I think we could have a good end of season and be set up well to start preparing for a good season next year. 3 bad-uns and surely Houllier will be getting the boot. Too close to call this, I think we've got better players in spite of the injuries but they are playing well and scoring goals at the moment. I'll go for a blood and thunder but ultimately frustrating score draw. Friedel Walker Collins Clark Baker Albrighton Reo-Coker Pires Downing Young Bent

Thought Young, Albrighton and Downing really showed some class in the second half. I was totally bemused by the team selection but turned out to be a great switch by GH. Supposing we go with the same team against Bolton I guess Collins, L Young, Cuellar, Bannan, Heskey and Agbonlahor will be nice and fresh and up for a big match on Wednesday. Its just nice to change the team around and win.. I've now said that twice after a Blackburn match in a matter of weeks. I really hope certain people are right in these somewhat tentative claims that we are becoming a good footballing side. I felt sorry for Friedel and the defence today because I felt they all did well and didnt deserve to lose the clean sheet to a really fluky looped goal like that. Putting a level headed look on it Blackburn let us play today, like they did in the cup, whereas Fulham and Blackpool didn't allow us to. Owen Coyle's Bolton will no way stand off and be that vulnerable to the counter attack as Blackburn were today. We need to develop a formula for those awkward tight teams we never seem to beat.

Think its a weak looking line up. Gabby scored last game and dropped today? If Pires being in the team gives the likes of Young, Downing and Albrighton more freedom then fair enough but I would rather have seen Bradley or Delph start. Will stick with my 1-1 prediction. Come on lads!

My team would be Friedel Walker Dunne Clark Baker Downing Bradley Petrov Young Bent Agbonlahor Very tight one to call, as is always the case with us. I'll go with 1-1.

Don't know what to expect from this game, no result would surprise me. They'll be up for it as Holloway will be desperate to beat Houllier. Also think Adam will want to do well more than usual. It is the sort of game that I could see us going into a lead, but then letting Blackpool back in with our customary 'sit-back as deep as possible and make desperate clearances and tackles for the last 25 minutes' approach. Think there's goals in it, the team with the most goal power and the team that wants it most will win. 3-2, 3-3 or 2-3! Friedel Cuellar Collins Dunne Clark Downing Bradley Makoun Young Bent Agbonlahor Would be my choice anyway. Big big game this one, come on Villa.

Really difficult to predict this one. If we continue to play in the same vein then I don't think its a walkover for Utd, but they do have enough power and quality to beat us when we are playing at our maximum. I can genuinely say any result - home win, draw, away win - wouldn't surprise me. We've definitely got the side to go there and give them a match, I just hope we want it badly enough if we get a chance to repeat last year. I suppose most likely a tight home win. 2-1 Utd. Friedel Cuellar Collins Dunne Clark Downing Reo-Coker Makoun Agbonlahor Young Bent I would play all 4 of those lads at the back including Cuellar to give us a bit more of a shout with grabbing a set piece goal. Our central midfield, without Bradley, is so short for aerial balls.

Really difficult to predict this one. If we continue to play in the same vein then I don't think its a walkover for Utd, but they do have enough power and quality to beat us when we are playing at our maximum. I can genuinely say any result - home win, draw, away win - wouldn't surprise me. We've definitely got the side to go there and give them a match, I just hope we want it badly enough if we get a chance to repeat last year. I suppose most likely a tight home win. 2-1 Utd. Friedel Cuellar Collins Dunne Clark Downing Reo-Coker Makoun Agbonlahor Young Bent I would play all 4 of those lads at the back including Cuellar to give us a bit more of a shout with grabbing a set piece goal. Our central midfield, without Bradley, is so short for aerial balls.

Really difficult to predict this one. If we continue to play in the same vein then I don't think its a walkover for Utd, but they do have enough power and quality to beat us when we are playing at our maximum. I can genuinely say any result - home win, draw, away win - wouldn't surprise me. We've definitely got the side to go there and give them a match, I just hope we want it badly enough if we get a chance to repeat last year. I suppose most likely a tight home win. 2-1 Utd. Friedel Cuellar Collins Dunne Clark Downing Reo-Coker Makoun Agbonlahor Young Bent I would play all 4 of those lads at the back including Cuellar to give us a bit more of a shout with grabbing a set piece goal. Our central midfield, without Bradley, is so short for aerial balls.

I think Ireland is injured at the moment, due back in just over a week, should be fit for the United game. I'm really hoping Bent coming in gives him as an individual a lift to get going again in Claret and Blue. As a lot of us are saying, of course he's a really talented player and he should add to that list of good attacking options we have. At the start of next season I would say a fully fit and firing Bent, Young, Downing, Albrighton, Gabby, Heskey, Delph, Delfouneso and Ireland would be a formidable Premier League force. Ireland can have a fantastic future with us I'm sure. If we can just hang on to him this month, and he comes in and has a few good games before May.

Don't know what to expect from him really, only remember ever seeing him when he scored that goal for Lyon a while back that knocked Real Madrid out of the CL. From everything I've read I'm sure he will be a decent addition, my main (onyl) gripe about yesterday was the ball being cleared long in the 2nd half and time after time it looked as though we had no midfield and it was straight back in on us again. If Makoun can work with Petrov, Delph et al to get our foot on the ball more in midfield he will be a great signing. I hope one of the unsung advantages of him coming in will be his game will allow Young, Downing, Delph and Petrov to chip in a few more goals, which they're all capable of doing.

Wigan away has been kind to us in the past. Really don't want to - and obviously can't - count any chickens here but we should have far too much for this lot. Bent has kind of set the expectation now that every chance he gets he should score, if the defence is that strong from now until the end of the season we should arrest this alarming goals against tally from now on. I actually think Downing should be the one to make room for Makoun, Cuellar deserves a run in the side on last night's showing. Friedel Cuellar Collins Dunne Clark Albrighton Makoun Petrov Agbonlahor Young Bent 0-2 Villa.

Absolutely over the Blue Moon with the boys. What a way to have a home debut Darren, that finisher of chances inside the box - what we've missed for so many years and what I believe you will be! Collins and Cuellar I have to say were absolutely superb after an edgy season so far. Collins my MOTM but very closely followed by Petrov, Cuellar and Clark. With Warnock now gone Clark really has to be careful with all these yellow cards, but I do think that big tight back four of Cuellar, Collins, Dunne and Clark looks strong - just needs better midfield support just in front of them that maybe Makoun can provide. Was only disappointed with how clearances seemed to just by-pass Young and Downing in midfield and come straight back on us, but it was a very talented side in Man City at the end of the day. The back 4 were trojans nevertheless. Well done Villa, just go out and smash Wigan then we can start looking up at where we should be once again. Cracking.

Not got the best of feelings about this one. Blues have gone through today, so as far as I'm concerned we have to progress as well. The quarters and semi will both be winnable in my view, despite our success in the Carling Cup, to go out of the FA tomorrow would be a huge missed opportunity. No doubt there will be a few changes but I dont think MON should go mad. Keep a strong spine to the side and take the opportunity to play no more than 3 of the fringe guys. I would play: Guzan Cuellar Davies Collins L.Young A.Young Petrov Delph Downing Carew Delfouneso

Think the original article is excellent. I agree with the call for calmness to be honest. Like PB I've seen nothing yet which would indicate to me that we can get the amount of points required between now and the end of the season to claim 4th. We lack the quality to take games in our stride, and we frequently turn games into a kind of 'battle' of wills, challenging teams to be better than us in making the running and creating the goals in very open games. I accept that more often than not we come out on top in these pure footballing battles we get into, but our style of play won't guarantee good results all the time. I've made a lot of the following points in previous posts, but I stand by my opinions concerning the team as a whole. Friedel is very strong in goal. He is so consistent with all the half chances/minor scares in our area and rarely makes a big error. On the other hand for me he doesn't save any of those really good efforts that the opposition have. I know that may sound a weak argument but Friedel doesnt make enough great saves over a season, he will always be an 8/10 keeper and no more. Hopefully Guzan will be able to go even better. On the whole we look very good at the back with a lot of good options so we cant really complain here like we could in years gone by. Up front I'm reasonably happy with how Gabby, Heskey and Carew are playing at the moment. However, as well as they can play all 3 have big limitations, we are lacking that all rounder type of forward who can do a bit of everything, but most importantly hit the back of the net week after week. If we are not seriously looking at this for next month then I do worry for our prospects in the run in, a natural goalscorer could be the only difference between 7th and 4th place for us. As a team we seem to do well and put a battling shift in every week. But we aren't good enough at keeping the ball, and creating a good deal of chances in all games. Which in my view separates us from Man City, Liverpool and Spurs at the moment. I think all we can SAFELY say for now is that we will be in the mix for European qualification come the end of the season. We did go on that run in October to November where we only seemed capable of battling for draws in these tough fixtures and I wondered where our away wins would come from, who would have thought that the Portsmouth carling cup game would signal such a turnaround for us? My point is we are well capable of going on a nightmare run like this again, pray we keep churning out 3 points in those awkward games against mid tablers. Getting to the carling final should be a priority for me. Talk of top 4 is way too premature until Feb. Great games coming up next week. 2 wins and its once again ours to throw away, 2 defeats and we could suddenly find ourselves back in 6th and struggling for wins again. 2-4 points from these 2 would be awesome. Come on Villa!

For me last night's match summed up everything that is good and negative about us at the same time. Friedel had a very strong game in goal. He is so consistent with all the half chances/minor scares in our area and rarely makes a big error. On the other hand for me he doesn't save any of those really good efforts that the opposition have. I know that may sound a weak argument but Friedel doesnt make enough great saves over a season, he will always be an 8/10 keeper and no more. Hopefully Guzan will be able to go even better. Beye had a very decent game but we looked a bit imbalanced without Young right and Warnock left. But on the whole we look very good at the back with a lot of good options so we cant really complain here like we could in years gone by. Milner is probably our top player just at the moment, but again I would put him into a similar category as Friedel, as a very good player in his position, but just lacking that extra bit of wow factor to make him a truly great player. Petrov is doing a good dependable job in there but has a few weaknesses to his game such as carrying the ball, speed and goal threat that limit him overall. Reo-Coker I've always felt is an excellent player on his day, but we just don't see that cutting edge to his game often enough. For every really good performance he puts in, we see 7-8 really average ones like last night. Ashley Young I'm not sure what to say at the moment. Over the past 2 seasons you'd probably have said he's our one truly top player. This season nothing seems to be happening for him. He's somehow lost a bit of swagger going past players, and his final ball this year has been 6-7/10 at best. He really needs to prove his worth between now and May to get to South Africa, and also to turn some of these draws into much needed wins for Villa. Very average so far this year. Up front I'm reasonably happy with how both Gabby and Carew are playing at the moment, and Heskey seems to be in a bit of form to make him a decent option off the bench. As well as they can play all 3 have big limitations, we are lacking that all rounder type of forward who can do a bit of everything, but most importantly hit the back of the net week after week. I hope that Downing can step up to the mark soon, but I think a creative central player and a striker should be key acquisitions to aim for in Jan. As a team we seem to do well and put a battling shift in every week. But we aren't good enough at keeping the ball, and creating a good deal of chances in all games. Which in my view separates us from Liverpool and Spurs at the moment. Yes we will have a few games like the Bolton one where teams play into our hands by getting caught too high up the pitch, and not coping with our set pieces, but any team that has a degree of organisation at the moment - Burnley, West Ham, Blackburn, Spurs, even Wolves, have coped with us fine. A lot to do to stay up there in my opinion, we look a top 8 or 9 side at present.

Cuellar was dreadful in the air leading up to Boltons goal on Saturday - beaten really easily for the flick on to Cahill in our box - but other than that he was good. Dont know if he's a bit similar to Knight in that he plays basically well for 85 mins but always has a horrendous error up his sleeve. Could not understand how he managed to hold on to the right back spot for so long, surely L.Young gives us more pace, tenacity and balance down that side. I suppose there is no reason why he shouldnt play the next game keeping his place at centre back, apart from the fact I think Collins is better. Jury still out for me, a good 3rd or 4th option, we have better who should be in front of him in all back 4 positions.

Really tough one, I didnt feel very good about the Blackburn game and I feel similar about this one if Im honest. 1-0 up for most of it, they will get it back right at the end. 1-1.

I will be gutted if the best team doesn't play both the Wolves and Sunderland game to be honest. Bar possibly Guzan and L.Young coming in for the league cup match. Why change a winning team? The only change I would even consider making at this stage would be to put Reo-Coker back in for Carew, who isnt quite firing yet. L.Young will presumably be back in for Cuellar in the next couple of weeks. The Wolves game is now the biggest game of the season, we can't fall behind Man City and Spurs, even at this early stage. The Chelsea result will count for nothing if we muck up this weekend.

Not much between Laursen and Southgate but I went with the Great Dane only because I think Southgate played with a lot of decent players around him for much of his time at Villa. I genuinely believe Laursen made the difference in some fairly average defensive line ups MON sent out in his first 2 seasons in charge. Here's hoping Dunne can pick up where ML left off back in winter!