RichardCanning Posted November 9, 2007 Share Posted November 9, 2007 Think it boils down to Gabby's finishing on Sunday, the SHA defence won't be able to deal with him the same as a lot of better defences haven't managed to, if he takes 1 or 2 of the chances that come his way we'll come away with 3 points. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RuberyVilla Posted November 9, 2007 Share Posted November 9, 2007 I play football down here on Thursdays and on entering the gym told everyone i was off to see the Villa play Birmingham on Sunday, "Birmingham City, is it a cup game"? no i replied, premiership, "are Birmingham in the premiership"? was the baffled response, er yes, well we didn't know that! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Grievemeister Posted November 9, 2007 Share Posted November 9, 2007 I've heard that the shitty still have 4000 seats available due to the high prices. Can anyone confirm? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LoweyVilla Posted November 9, 2007 Share Posted November 9, 2007 yep cant even fill their poxy ground for derby days.. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jez Posted November 9, 2007 Author Share Posted November 9, 2007 Birmingham's tactics to beat Villa Birmingham City boss Steve Bruce must decide what formation to play against long-ball specialists Villa at St Andrews on Sunday. With Villa boss Martin O'Neill preferring to play what could more politely be described as a "direct style" of football, Bruce must decide whether to opt for 4-4-2, 4-4-1-1 or a mixture of 4-5-1 and 4-3-3. However, while the decision would be a crucial one in any other match - and arguably far easier to make - Bruce has suggested the rulebook goes out the window when it comes to the second city derby. Bruce was quoted by the Birmingham Mail as saying: "Does it really make any difference in a derby game? We played Wigan and played really well and scored three goals, we played well at Man City with one off the front, Man United too. "The team has been playing well. However, we haven't been getting the points we deserve. I am looking at it - deeply I am looking at it, absolutely - and I have always tended to play 4-4-2 in my managerial career. "If I was going to pick a formation I enjoy playing, then it would be 4-4-2. However, I am also wary of what we are trying to be here. Sometimes to take people on with a 4-4-2, for instance Man United, well I'm sorry but they are better than what we are. Same as Chelsea. We wouldn't do ourselves any favour." While the Blues are clearly not (yet) on the same level as Manchester United, Sir Alex Ferguson's side humiliated Villa by keeping the ball on the floor and making quick, short passes to negate the physical tactics Villa sometimes employ. Close control in the middle of the park, with pace out-wide when on the attack, could prove to be Bruce's best option and, as was seen against Man Utd, could be used to exploit Villa if their heads drop. Fortunately, Birmingham have the players who can cope with the fiery atmosphere that is guaranteed to engulf St Andrews on Sunday. Whether Villa players have the same mentality - even those who have played in Old Firm derbies - remains to be seen. Perhaps the best way to beat the historians will be by ensuring all 11 players in blue are still on the pitch at the end of the 90 minutes! clicky Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Maradona10 Posted November 9, 2007 Share Posted November 9, 2007 Bruce says that about Cahills goal, but Blues will never score from a throw in again will they? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ahamaad Posted November 9, 2007 Share Posted November 9, 2007 Long ball? They have been watching us play this season I see. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
slowandlow Posted November 9, 2007 Share Posted November 9, 2007 First chance ive had to post this, as i havent been near a computer, but yesterday, I saw Mr Reo Coker outside the apple stroe in the bullring. The brief convo went something like this: Me: "Nigel!" NRC: "Alright mate, how you doing?" Me: "Good mate. You all ready for Sunday? Good Luck!" NRC: "We dont need luck. Were ready". Hand shake and end of exchange. That boy is pysched up. Roll on sunday!!!! well lets hope we get a performance from him, were due one, and we need one! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
OutByEaster? Posted November 9, 2007 Moderator Share Posted November 9, 2007 Jerome and O'Connor are out for them aren't they? At home, without your first choice strikers, against your superior local rivals, with the bottom three looming? Sounds like pressure to me. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Maradona10 Posted November 9, 2007 Share Posted November 9, 2007 I think theres a lot of mind games going on regarding players fitness. Jerome will play no doubt, depends on whether he goes with 2 up top! But this is about Villa, i would start Carew if hes fit! Just his presence will scare the shit out of them! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ikantcpell Posted November 9, 2007 Share Posted November 9, 2007 First chance ive had to post this, as i havent been near a computer, but yesterday, I saw Mr Reo Coker outside the apple stroe in the bullring. The brief convo went something like this: Me: "Nigel!" NRC: "Alright mate, how you doing?" Me: "Good mate. You all ready for Sunday? Good Luck!" NRC: "We dont need luck. Were ready". Hand shake and end of exchange. That boy is pysched up. Roll on sunday!!!! lol..seems to be a very cool lad Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
terrytini Posted November 9, 2007 Share Posted November 9, 2007 Long ball specialists ? Even on the occassions we do it we certainly aren't special at it !! Who the F/// wrote that ? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
OutByEaster? Posted November 9, 2007 Moderator Share Posted November 9, 2007 I'm starting to feel a bit fired up for this one. 38 hours odd to go and I'm ready to start. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
avfc89 Posted November 9, 2007 Share Posted November 9, 2007 I will love it if we beat them 4 or 5 nil. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ikantcpell Posted November 9, 2007 Share Posted November 9, 2007 Let's hope for a great derby game with some real passionated support from the villa fans and that you get home from the game without being attacked by the knuckle draggers.. Iam gonna stay sober on saturday night just to be in good shape when iam watching the game Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
terrytini Posted November 9, 2007 Share Posted November 9, 2007 What a hypocrite. Clearly it runs right through the club from the boardroom downwards. Was this this not the fat, ugly pig who danced a jig on our pitch when they scored a late goal a couple of seasons ago. Yes - it is the same fat ugly pig. And it wasn't just Cahills goal, it was the other two aswell, and the one in the previous game. So I suppose he means if we hadn't scored 4 to their 1 we MIGHT have been in trouble ....and yes, if my Dad had been a Monkey my brother would be in the zoo. clearing in the woods. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jimzk5 Posted November 9, 2007 Share Posted November 9, 2007 im back on the fags cus of this **** game. its all ive thought about all week, i havnt felt this wierd since i took my driving test, that strange feeling of fear, adrenaline, anger all rolled into one = smoking Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
holte_k1 Posted November 10, 2007 Share Posted November 10, 2007 Sorry but the last link from Jez was one of the biggest piles of bullshit i've read coming into this derby. Firstly how do Blues have the players to play Man Utds system, even suggesting it is daft. Secondly how are Blues players suited to a hotbed derby atmosphere? Based on what exactly? All the big, intense pressure games they've played? The experience there players have? What exactly? I don't know where it was linked from but its a shite article. I think i'll make one up now that we're sure to stuff the scum by playing Barcelonas system of slick passing, skill and deadly finishing even though we play nothing like that. Lets **** do em. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
markavfc40 Posted November 10, 2007 Share Posted November 10, 2007 Your right that article about them trying to play like Man Utd was the biggest load of shite I've read in ages. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rjw63 Posted November 10, 2007 Share Posted November 10, 2007 I will love it if we beat them 4 or 5 nil. I'll love it if we beat them, full stop. Don't care if the goal is a 60 yard deflection off the refs knob Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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