Aston Villa Vs Norwich – Preview

Can Aston Villa finally get a win? Aston Villa have been struggling recently, with their last win back in January against West Brom, Villa’s last goal was against Everton that same month. Since then Villa have lost to West Ham and Newcastle and tied against Cardiff. But this weekend it could be a different story. Ever since Paul Lambert has arrived at Villa, Norwich have struggled to beat Villa. Last fixture Villa defeated Norwich 1-0 courtesy to a debutante goal from Libor Kozak.

Both managers are under pressure, Chris Hughton and Paul Lambert have been unable to fulfill expectations with both clubs expected to be higher up the table. Last weekend, Norwich’s 1-0 victory over Tottenham relieved some pressure of Chris Hughton. Additionally, this fixture often highlights the tension between former boss Paul Lambert and Norwich city following the manager’s move to Aston Villa.

Grant Holt may play against his former club this weekend. Holt made 154 appearances for Norwich in over 4 years at the club scoring 68 goals. Both Holt and Lambert are in Norwich’s hall of fame. Jed Steer may also face against his former side, Steer joined Villa from Norwich this summer, he has made three Cup appearances for Villa.

Team News:
Ashley Westwood will be fit for the game against Norwich following a dead-leg in the game against Newcastle last weekend. Ryan Bertrand has also recovered from a virus and is available for selection.

Norwich will certainly be without Leroy Fer who is suffering from a hamstring injury. Johnny Howson and Ryan Bennett have recovered from injury and may feature this weekend. Jonas Gutierrez, Michael Turner and winger Elliott Bennett are still long term casualties, apart from Gutierrez who is still short of match fitness.

Match Facts:
Aston Villa have lost just one of the last 11 Barclays Premier League games against Norwich City (W5 D5 L1).
The Canaries have won just four of their 32 Barclays Premier League away games under Chris Hughton (W4 D9 L19).
No player has had more headed shots (20) or scored more headed goals (4) in the Premier League this season than Christian Benteke.
Leroy Fer has committed more fouls than any other player in the top division this season (49).
Only Crystal Palace (7.89%) have a lower shot conversion rate than Norwich City in the Premier League this season (7.91%).
Paul Lambert joined Aston Villa from a spell as manager of Norwich City. His win ratio with the Canaries was 32% compared to 26% with the Villans in the Premier League
Aston Villa have conceded a joint-league high seven goals in the opening 15 minutes of games, but a joint-league low four times in the final 15 minutes.

Predicted Lineups:

Guzan
Bacuna-Vlaar-Clark-Bertrand
Albrighton-Westwood-Delph-Agbonlahor
Holt-Benteke

Van Wolfswinkel
Hoolahan
Redmond-Johnson-Howson-Snodgrass
Olsson-Bassong-Yobo-Martin
Ruddy

Match Prediction:
Aston Villa 1-1 Norwich

Aston Villa can win this game, but I reckon it would be best not to be over confident or confident at all in this game. Aston Villa are playing some dire football right now and the only way to change that is by changing the system. I reckon that Holt will start, simply because it’s his former team but Albrighton will be a key a figure this week (if he plays). Still I reckon it’s going to be a draw, will it be a great game to watch? Eh, not sure, I predicted a boring game last weekend and there’s little to suggest it will be different this week. Still I hope Villa can play a win out of the bag, and not for Lambert’s sake but more for the fans sake.