roonst83

Its always someone else's fault isnt it 'Arry.....

Although its almost certain that any players we'll be going for will be young and inexperienced with the Premier League, we should remember that we made a last ditch cheeky attempt to try and get Dempsey on August deadline day. So you never know, there could be a surprise signing.

Has anyone got any photos from Wigan, pre match and during the game?

This is the only time i'm starting a match thread this season without bricking it before the game.... So, Wigan away - thoughts?

Norwich 2-0 and safe

100% this

Any official word on whether Pets will be there or not?

Introducing Aston Villa...

This.

Didn't Turner get the equaliser against us (from a corner, no less) in the league game in October? *refuses to check google* Disappointed Bassong is back, he's a beast.

Agreed. Everything, for once, points towards a Villa win. This is worrying. Except the bookies, apparently.

I'm out West so will try the Three Kings. I went last week to watch Spurs-Wigan game and they could only confirm which games they were showing on the Saturday morning, so I assume they'll do the same this week. Although there's a lot of 3pm games this weekend so we may not make the cut

Anyone planning on watching the game in a pub anywhere in London?

good idea....was conscious of breaking rules so thought id try here first

Not sure about too many points already. Is 37 enough to stay up?.... depends on Wigan. However I think they will win at QPR Well I can't see them losing at QPR and they don't have to play Wigan like we do. Agree, Newcastle with Collicini returning will get another win somewhere. They're the sort of team who can get a result when they need - i.e. Fulham at home (last gasp winner) which looked to make them safe at the time. I see them being safe.

This thread is starting to sound a bit like what we were told the Sunderland board was like prior to Monday's game... But fans being confident and the players being over confident are two different things - we need to stay disciplined and try get the job done. Hopefully stay tight for opening 30 mins then try to counter attack

Anyone meeting up anywhere for Norwich game?

Agree with this.

For me I can't see us getting anything at home to Chelsea. We just can't beat teams that are much better than us. Oscar, Mata, Hazard etc will be too much for us I feel. So our hopes of survival rest on our games against Norwich and Wigan. Hope I'm wrong about Chelsea but can't see it

For me its clear that our best chance of beating any teams around us is with a three man midfield. We showed against Reading and QPR that we have the ability to win two on the bounce and its no coincidence that we had a three man midfield for both of those games. Norwich will be a stern test for sure - their crowd will be on Lambert's back all game no doubt. But like at Stoke if we can keep them at bay for the opening half hour etc then their crowd may get restless and nervous. This will be close for sure and people like Hoolahan, Holt, Snodgrass can all hurt us if we let them. Keep the same team and formation as last night, for me.

Tarabt , Hoilett and Townsend are players us take from QPR I'd we manage to stay up. Also Spurs will never let Townsend go after he's shown his quality. For me, Tarabt would be perfect for us - ESP as a counter attacking side with Gabby and Weimann along with Tekkers. When we played QPR and they brought Tardbt on he was the best player on the pitch by a mile

In the games where Bannan has started recently (Reading, QPR) he hasn't been making any. 'Hollywood' passes - he was making simple and short passes and nearly always finding his man. He's been decent recently in my opinion

A lot of what you say I find myself agreeing with

There will be Villa all around the ground, no matter. And a load of Blues apparently...if the rumours are true.

He didn't look jaded to me against Fulham and United. He's lost his finishing touch but he still makes more runs than any other player. Agree, he's a constant menace and is always tenacious - he hasn't had his finishing boots on but I cant see Lambert dropping him