**Official Pre-Match Thread - Villa v City**

[TDAGlobal Superstar]

Much the same starting line up, maybe see Bellamy back on the bench, with Kim starting on the left, but it would be great to see a positive approach.

Odenthingy gave Swansea plenty to think about as the lone striker and with Campbell able to come on for him when he tires, I think that tactic could finally start to pay off. There does need to be support for that lone striker from our midfield, keeping the balance between safety and adventure appears to be the difficulty.

Nevertheless, I feel City could win this one 1 - 0.

[RhysGlobal Superstar]

Yes, I agree with you tda in all points! Odemthengie to start, bells back on the bench with Kim out wide.

I have to say that I have found cowie a lot more impressive this season that last... seems very 'solid'

[Tyrion TannisterGlobal Superstar]

If back Noone over Kim wide. What we need in out wide players is someone who will provide service to the striker. Kim is still a tad selfish in my opinion, he wastes far too many chances by trying to be too clever when he should of just passed.

Of course, linking back to my big write up a while back. It depends what Malky actually wants the left winger to do...

[TDAGlobal Superstar]

I would love to see Noone given a chance to see if he can do it at PL level, but I think it unlikely that Malky would consider that at the moment, especially in an away game.

We can but hope that he gets some decent game time soon.

I agree with Rhys that Cowie has done a good job this season and deserves the starting role.

[davewebber65National Legend]

think i will go for cowie to replace whitts as i thought he was slow and without commitment on Sunday. noone in cowie's place

[*** G L O V E S ***National Legend]

Villa without Agbonlahor and Weimann by the looks of it. They're struggling to score goals, but doing well at the back on the whole. It will be a low scoring game - 1-0 to Cardiff or Villa.

[G-sterClub Legend]

I despaired at the inability to string 2 passes together in the first half versus Swansea so hopefully that can be improved. Also, apart from a set-piece or an error by the opposition I can’t see where a goal is coming from (and certainly no more than one per game).

While Cowie will do a decent job and works hard, he always drifts infield so Theophile is expected to cover the entire right flank at times. I would rather see Noone start on the left and Bellamy on the right since the combination of pace and width would improve the team no end. It would also give Turner the option of a diagonal hoof instead of just whacking the ball down the middle.

I thought Whittingham did OK in central midfield on Sunday and he certainly passes the ball better than Gunnarsson.

I predict a draw, probably 0-0 or 1-1.

[Tans TacheNational Legend]

same line up, per swansea 3-0 city

[RhysGlobal Superstar]

I despaired at the inability to string 2 passes together in the first half versus Swansea so hopefully that can be improved. Also, apart from a set-piece or an error by the opposition I can’t see where a goal is coming from (and certainly no more than one per game).

While Cowie will do a decent job and works hard, he always drifts infield so Theophile is expected to cover the entire right flank at times. I would rather see Noone start on the left and Bellamy on the right since the combination of pace and width would improve the team no end. It would also give Turner the option of a diagonal hoof instead of just whacking the ball down the middle.

I thought Whittingham did OK in central midfield on Sunday and he certainly passes the ball better than Gunnarsson.

I predict a draw, probably 0-0 or 1-1.

What? Malky putting Noone on his better side? Hahaha...don't be absurd!

[G-sterClub Legend]

I despaired at the inability to string 2 passes together in the first half versus Swansea so hopefully that can be improved. Also, apart from a set-piece or an error by the opposition I can’t see where a goal is coming from (and certainly no more than one per game).

While Cowie will do a decent job and works hard, he always drifts infield so Theophile is expected to cover the entire right flank at times. I would rather see Noone start on the left and Bellamy on the right since the combination of pace and width would improve the team no end. It would also give Turner the option of a diagonal hoof instead of just whacking the ball down the middle.

I thought Whittingham did OK in central midfield on Sunday and he certainly passes the ball better than Gunnarsson.

I predict a draw, probably 0-0 or 1-1.

What? Malky putting Noone on his better side? Hahaha...don't be absurd!

 
Yes, it was a bit ambitious

[KateVice Captain]

Right - big win for the boys today!   

Anyone know of a pub in cardiff that will be showing the game?

[Tans TacheNational Legend]

anywhere in canton will be kate,

[RhysGlobal Superstar]

Nice on tache - will be watching online again - this time with the old man.

My guess, 0-0 half time - 1-0 Cardiff Full time. Caulker again from corner.

[CyncoedslumdogNational Legend]

One change - Gunnarsson in for Mutch.

[TDAGlobal Superstar]

I think that's a fair change. Mutch wasn't at his best against Swansea. Longer term, I think the two could alternate the role, as both tend to get jaded after a run of games.

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