Brighton v Villa, fri 18th Nov. 2016. Kick off 19.45: Match build up and thread.

[De Kuip]

Right, well this is where my unbeaten match thread starting run may come to an end, but I'll be positive and forecast a 1-1 draw.
B&HA are one of the tougher opponents this year and are currently looking good for auto-promotion. They are prolific scorers and have been very, very strong in recent weeks. They do concede though, and our new found confidence and greater solidity will give them something to think about. That said, our team is still in need of strengthening in some key positions, and whilst I think we have enough to hold them at the Amex,  I'm not sure we have enough to get the victory we'd all love.
Obviously plenty of time for folks to add thoughts and things to happen in the next 7 days.
Predictions/observations?

[Wriggle]

Did i read somewhere that Bruce wasn't going to consider Jedinak because of the travel he is doing for the National squad and after seeing how tired he was last time he come back he wasn't going to take the risk again??

Australia only have one game this time and that's in Thailand on Tuesday, so surely he'd be back in plenty of time and fine to play??

[WendyOz]

Heat in Thailand at this time of year drains the life outta you.
Better he doesn't exhaust the Jedi further, that's if Ange Postecoglu plays him of course. Despite him being in the squad I think he's nearing the end of his time in the national team.

[De Kuip]

Yep that's what I read as well - something about 3 days not enough. Personally given Jedi''s current form compared to the last break where he was only just finding this level of improvement, I'd risk him as A) Even tired he''s at least as good as he was earlier in the season when fresh, B) let's do all we can to keep a settled line up C) even knackered jedi is better than some alternatives - please please not Westwood starting.....

[Guest]

I want three points.

[VTID85]

A hard fought and nervy 2-1. Brighton to go ahead just before half time and our boys to bounce back for the second half, goals on 77 and 84mins then arses to the wall for the remaining 10mins where Brighton throw the kitchen sink at us.

[Dions_Bald_Head]

I don't usually predict but my brother's a Brighton fan so I'll go for...

3 for us & 0 for them.

[The Utterer]

This will really test us for sure. Lets hope Brighton are knocked out of their stride a little by the international break which can ruin momentum sometimes i've noticed if a teams was on a hot streak.

I doubt it as they'll be truly after our scalp as they were Norwich's who they stuffed 5-0 but one can always hope.

[NARLA24]

Keep the faith DeKuip.........We will win this one and push on
And you do realise that should we win or draw you will hold the honour of having the longest unbeaten match thread starter since TBAR started.
People will line the streets.....Everywhere you go you will be recognised.....People may even offer you sexual favours to continue as match thread starter........Well, maybe the first one is wishfull thinking

[Saunders82]

Could this be the victory that marks the upwards turn? I think it could be.

[DelboyVilla]

Hopefully GG can give Brucie a few pointers but also you have to remember that Hull played Brighton 3 times last year and won one, drew one and lost one. Bruce will have a fair idea what to expect?

We won't lose this one IMO and a point or more is a good result for us now!

[De Kuip]

Keep the faith DeKuip.........We will win this one and push on
And you do realise that should we win or draw you will hold the honour of having the longest unbeaten match thread starter since TBAR started.
People will line the streets.....Everywhere you go you will be recognised.....People may even offer you sexual favours to continue as match thread starter........Well, maybe the first one is wishfull thinking

D'you know what NARLA, feck it, I'm changing my prediction and going for 0-1 to the Villa. I simply have to capitalise on the potential for being offered sexual favours........

[avfc forever]

I'm also going for a 1-1 draw.

[jeffvilla]

I am going for the mighty villa to win 2-1 with a last second goal from Grealish. Now where are my tablets !!!!!!!!

[andrew24561]

I have removed my claret and blue spectacles and put on a pair of reality goggles, gonna be a long trek back from the south coast after Brucie loses his first match as Villa manager, Brighton to win 3-1...............but don't trust me I'm a lousy forecaster couldn't pick my nose

[Trotters]

Nil for everyone. Think it'll be a bore-fest.

[DaveAV1]

8 goal thriller it is then Trotters! 5-3 Villa

[smetro]

Sorry 2-0 Brighton for me. (we ain't that good...... yet )

[Boldfinger]

i think we score, but it may only be a consolation goal. 2-1 to brighton. they are a well formed experianced team and they will be a good yard stick for us to see how much more is needed from us.
(obviously i would love us to bash them)

[NARLA24]

Keep the faith DeKuip.........We will win this one and push on
And you do realise that should we win or draw you will hold the honour of having the longest unbeaten match thread starter since TBAR started.
People will line the streets.....Everywhere you go you will be recognised.....People may even offer you sexual favours to continue as match thread starter........Well, maybe the first one is wishfull thinking

D'you know what NARLA, feck it, I'm changing my prediction and going for 0-1 to the Villa. I simply have to capitalise on the potential for being offered sexual favours........

My pleasure

[Saunders82]

i think we score, but it may only be a consolation goal. 2-1 to brighton. they are a well formed experianced team and they will be a good yard stick for us to see how much more is needed from us.
(obviously i would love us to bash them)

I never thought we would bash em, but I think with the rub of the green we can squeeze a win to surprise everyone.

[Guest]

I'm going for 2 - 2, also the jedi has declared himself fit and raring to go

[Guest]

Not sure I like Friday KO's, but lets fucking win. Cmon boys. Get stuck in.

Three man midfield please.

[Villa_Dan]

Gabby starts...

3 man midfield, Adomah, Gabby and Kodjia up top

[VTID85]

Westwood and Gabby in the lineup by the looks of things. Shit.

[Sponsored content]