Aston Villa, build up and match thread

[leftpeg]

Probably doesn't want to burn Mascherano out after his international shenanigans.

[Resu]

Agger or Riise to score first

[reddragon]

Probably doesn't want to burn Mascherano out after his international shenanigans.

[bigfooty]

ah but 1st/2nd choice in Europe?

He may start during the week but I don't think you can say that he's first choice in Europe considering he started only one game from the Barca, Chelsea and Milan matches last season.

Oh well, if Kuyt ends up spending this game in midfield and it's a boring 0-0 then at least Crouch will be spared the "same old" stuff

[justcruisin]

so at what point of the game we can expect kuyt to be substituted

[Skillz]

If Rafa does not want him busting a gut,then Rafa is looking out for the player rather than the team.Rafa would not want a player in the squad if he was not 100%.We dont have time to be letting players gain sharpness and match fitness in important premiership games.That is what reserve games are for.That goes for all players

Well seeing as Rafa admitted (in his own words) he played him at 60-80% fitness in 05-06 i will dismiss this post.

I will add though, Rafa wants Harry as fit as possible for this season (not preseason) and i am sure there has been a meticulous program set for Harry to have him as ready as he can be for this season, starting with today. If he did not perform at all in the preseason games i would worry a bit, but at the end of the day it is obvious he is being set for the season proper.

Lets just give him a real game or two (or three) and see how he is going.



Edit: **** it, he is going West Ham

[JPK]

Never likely to play today due to his late starting Preseaon - shocked that Kewell has not even made the bench though. Really though I'd seen the last of Riise as our make shift left sided player though

Riise always chips in with his few goals from there.I agree that he is'nt a natural winger though.

[thesilverfoxlfc]

Crouch 4th choice

He'll only have a bit part this year.

Surpised the Crow isnt on the bench after his startin pre season

[JPK]

Well seeing as Rafa admitted (in his own words) he played him at 60-80% fitness in 05-06 i will dismiss this post.

I will add though, Rafa wants Harry as fit as possible for this season (not preseason) and i am sure there has been a meticulous program set for Harry to have him as ready as he can be for this season, starting with today. If he did not perform at all in the preseason games i would worry a bit, but at the end of the day it is obvious he is being set for the season proper.

Lets just give him a real game or two (or three) and see how he is going.

Hope he is ready to watch this game from the stands:bird:

[rushscored4]

Surpised the Crow isnt on the bench after his startin pre season

He is isn't he?

Pretty strong squad considering there's no Kewell, Benayoun, Mascherano or Crouch in the 16...

[Guest]

Solid team but a little bit static and rigid for me. Riise isn't gonna switch flanks during a game as he's limited to that left flank. Would be good to see Stevie supporting the front two. Rafa has gone for a classical cautious line up, hopefully a win will follow suit.

[rushscored4]

Solid team but a little bit static and rigid for me. Riise isn't gonna switch flanks during a game as he's limited to that left flank. Would be good to see Stevie supporting the front two. Rafa has gone for a classical cautious line up, hopefully a win will follow suit.

A boring 1-0 win will do me...

[JPK]

so at what point of the game we can expect kuyt to be substituted

After his third goal to get a standing ovation

[thesilverfoxlfc]

He is isn't he?

Pretty strong squad considering there's no Kewell, Benayoun, Mascherano or Crouch in the 16...

You're right Iain he is, i was looking for the crow not Andriy Voronin

Mash is probably not there because he's a few weeks behind the rest in fittness. Yossi is a surprise but im happy with the squad for today

[redblood]

Lets roll lads, lets fukin roll !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Number 19 - its time to come home

YNWA

Hey Brucie how you doin mate.
Come on Red Men.
I think we'll beat these today they'll have to come at us which will suit us.