This really isn't going to take long as I'm not in a good way. I've had a cold now all week and have spent most of it in bed and as soon as I've written this I'm going back to let you lot discuss the merits of Gabby starting or not.

The reason I mention Gabby is because Martin O'Neill has said this week that he thinks Gabby may be fit for the match on Sunday.

If I were Martin O'Neill, I'd not be wearing ladies clothes like David O'Leary, but I'd be starting with the same eleven that started the second half against Newcastle - only because they deserve that opportunity.

But I'm old fashioned - I mean, why change a winning team? Hell, it doesn't really matter what I say, it's just a drugged up opinion based on a great result and great second half performance last time out. If it were me, though, and I've got one of those feelings that I'm repeating myself, I'd start with the team that started the second half against Newcastle. Must be the drugs.

Anyway, I'm predicting a win and as such I'm also going to have a little flutter on it also.

The bets this weekend are as follows; The Banker: £10 on Arsenal, Portsmouth and Manchester United would pay £35.36. The Lazy Bet: £10 on Arsenal, Liverpool, Wigan, Villa and Blackburn will pay £142.56.

Right, I'm going for one more Lemsip and then to bed. Enjoy your Friday nights.

Comments (11)

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Dan the villa fan said:

Yeah iagree,Harewood definatly deserves a start longside big John, then if needed bring Gabby on with bout 20 mins to play agains a tired reading defence and watch him cause havoc, however not 100% sure bout playin Gardner instead of Olly cus with us playing away i may be a bit more inclined to play the more defensice option, and then if we need a bit more attacking impituce then bring Gardner on but Martin knows best! Prediction 2-0 win carew and Harewood the goals.

February 22, 2008

Dizzy Mugs said:

I think that cold has really gone to your head, since we played Fulham 3 weeks ago. We're playing Reading, mate.

February 22, 2008 | url

Damian said:

for anyone a little confused about what Dizzy Mugs is syaing for the first half an hour after publishing this story i had the title as Fulham - not Reading it is because i'm on another planet .. so, sorry. it is fixed cheers dizzy. i'm really going back to bed now

February 22, 2008 | url

kenbodia said:

Definately shouldn't change anything from 2nd half v Newcastle. Gardner, Harewood (and Maloney) are all hungry and have something to prove. (let's not forget the lacklustre show at Fulham - Carew and Harewood will give a more physical presence up top, and it would be nice to see Harewood from the start so we can finally get to see what he can/can't do And like Dan says, Gabby for the last 20-25 is a great option and we should win

February 22, 2008

Foley said:

Damien NEVER back your own team!!![removed]void(0); cry

February 22, 2008

the_flabster said:

I noticed the Fulham thing but thought you were talking about your bets, then i realised that you hadnt listed Fulham anywhere in your bets so i was abit confused but just assumed I had missed something. Now lawro has predicted that we will lose 2-1, now I dont think he is totally wrong with what he is saying. it will be a touch match, Reading will fight for everything but I think as long as we score we will win. I dont think it will be a score draw. I have a feeling it will be a 0-0 personally. We should beat them but I just dont think we will, hope im wrong.

February 22, 2008

VijayD said:

Id keep Gabby on the bench so that he's ready for Highbury next weekend!

February 22, 2008

Olof the other reindeer said:

Vijay - while Gabby's in Highbury the rest of us will be at the Emirates Sorry to put the downer on us but I think Coppell's home form will be enough for them to get at least a point off us. 2-2 draw..

February 22, 2008

Villa_Rules said:

I think a comfortable win Be good to see how gabby responds should he play that is Lets just other results go our way to should be a intersting weekend I hope spurs stuff chelsea anyway sorry had to let it out

February 22, 2008

B6 Boy said:

its gonna be a DRAW, im going for 1 - 1

February 22, 2008

Chrisodon said:

Marlon Superwood wouldn't have the same impact if he started in my opinion much better being a sub to come on and make an impact.

February 23, 2008

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