A *Bumper* Pre- WBA Match Round Up

A quick look at today`s game v West Bromwich Albion.

The traditional Villa derby in fact, albeit I realise for many the **** game has overtaken it.

Paul Lambert says form means nothing in a derby, "But it doesn`t matter if you`re doing well going into a derby or where you are in the league. On that given day, anybody can win. That`s why I love these games."

Former Baggies and Villa player (and we`ll not mention where he is now!!!) Curtis Davies has stoked the fire in The Sunday Mercury saying the Baggies are now the biggest club in the Midlands.

Those who know me know I`m not over bothered in these spitting contests and the playground 'who is bigger than who` stuff however, sorry, we win hands down in spending, all time premier league position, attendance, capacity ... need I go on?

Oh, sorry I got carried away there, he says strongest, it was just the headline that misled me!

"Right now, in the Midlands, Albion have to be the best team because of the way they`ve started and the way they finished last season. You have to say so, because they`ve got a very strong squad and have brought in some top players. You would be a liar if you said anything else"

Ok, I can take that. But Villa HAVE to reclaim this!

Lambert wants Villa Park rocking: Lambert Relishing First Derby

TICKET NEWS: www.avfc.co.uk

Poll, who would you play upfront v Baggies: SO.. Who Do We Play Up Front v Baggies?

Forum match thread: Click Here

Lawro and Mystic Mug both agree on the result, but what do they predict: Mystic Mug v Lawro Predictions v WBA (Villa Park)

As we gear up for this weekend's derby, I collared Baggy Boy from Vital Baggies to answer our pre match interview. It was colourful last season, so with thanks! 1) What are you expecting from the season? See: An Interview With A Baggie 27/9/12

Video: Tony Morley & Bomber Brown Interviewed (Video)

Lambert on the local derby atmosphere and him calling for calm heads on the pitch: 'In a derby, you will do things you never thought were humanly possible to do in that 90 minutes. You will go in for challenge and think 'why did you go for it' when you've got no right to go for it. The atmosphere and adrenalin gets you there. 'The confidence will be sky high and the fans will be buoyant. That's your marker, you always judge it by what the fans think as well. They are right behind us at the moment and I'm pretty sure the stadium will be jam-packed which will be great." full interview: www.dailymail.co.uk/sport

Dan Harrison: Gabby Agbonlahor wants to regain his status as derby day king against West Brom on Sunday - after admitting his midweek cup heroics have left him feeling stronger than ever. Agbonlahor boasts an impressive record in West Midlands derbies with six goals overall against Birmingham City, West Brom and Wolves. See: www.avfc.co.uk

You can still vote on the win/lose/draw poll and don`t forget to return for the man of the match vote.

Paul Brown has done a preview looking at the local derby: www.avfc.co.uk which makes for good reading.

They have some injury team news in there:

Brett Holman [knee], who missed the 4-2 win at Manchester City, has recovered in time for the Baggies derby.

Joe Bennett [leg] came off at the Etihad Stadium but should also be fit for the game.

Stephen Ireland [wrist], Gary Gardner [knee] and Richard Dunne [groin] miss out.

If you aren`t at the game, don`t forget to join in on the Vital Villa match thread: Click Here



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Click here to join in the debate on the club forum.