The good news is that this game is actually on, after it seemed very much in doubt with Stewards etc threatening to go on strike after not being paid for weeks.
Bolton were bought out last night and although I have serious doubts about their buyer, Laurence Bassini, who has been previously been banned from the game, it’s good news for the club in the short term at least.
I’ve seen a few comments from other Villa sites that we shouldn’t take the proverbial about the club’s threat of bankruptcy and rightly so.
How close were we, less than a year ago?
So while there is the threat of a “good feeling” type bounce from Bolton, it should be remembered that if we beat them tomorrow, they’ll be relegated.
The simple facts are that Bolton have scored 29 goals all season, which is the lowest in the whole championship.
They’ve also conceded 72, which is the equal lowest in the league.
You should, by now see where I’m going.
Squad news and on our part, Jack Grealish will be back.
Dean Smith quite rightly says no player is guaranteed a place, but you can bet your boots he’ll be straight back in.
Tammy Abraham is ok, after what seemed a worrying knock.
Hause will miss the weekend with a hip problem, but Tuanzebe is fine.
Chester and Elphick are progressing, but the weekend is too early for them and we have Mings back anyway.
As for Bolton, They’re likely to be missing Jack Hobbs and Luke Murphy.
Not that I care much, to be honest.
So while some of you have been understandably too scared to predict the score in case you jinx things for us, I’ve been extremely confident for quite a while now and will continue to be for this game.
I know. I’m leaving myself open for a fall.
But I just can’t see past a two goal victory as a minimum.
We have goals written all over us and we’d have to have a serious off-day to not pick the points up here.
It may be a bit bold, but I’m going for 3-0 to the Villa.
I think that’s the highest I’ve predicted in a very long time, so you can guarantee I’m probably wrong.
We’ll win anyway; I’m confident of that.
Oh, given that I think a 3pm kick-off on a Friday, is totally stupid, even if it’s Good Friday, a few facts;
Bolton are winless in their past eight league matches played on Good Friday (W0 D3 L5) since a 1-0 win at Leyton Orient in April 1963.
Aston Villa manager Dean Smith has never lost a league game on Good Friday.
This is Aston Villa’s first league match on Good Friday since April 1999, when they drew 0-0 at home to West Ham United.
Noses in front against Derby. Hope they keep it up.
Smith and Terry need to get the message across at half time that it’s NOT OK to drop points today! MUST keep the winning run going! I’d take a 1-0.
Only Championship game without a goal! Wouldn’t have expected that. Need to turn it up a gear. Maybe put Green on to stretch them a bit…
bolton nil villa nil lol two forced subs for them. their goalie is taking a age over his duties. steer forced into making a good save and one error which could have ended badly. villa moved the ball around, they need to inject some urgency to the passing and the first goal will come and many to follow,
Grealish, yes!
Great work by Abraham.
That should open the floodgates.
Goal Jack
GET IN! I guess they had a word! 😉
2-0, Abraham.
Here we go.
Goal
It could badger Alberts goal they are not sure.
Ok,confirmed Tammy goal but he’s injury in the goal mouth.
Abraham looks to have done his shoulder.
Davis coming on to replace him.
That looks like it could be serious.
Kieran coming on Tammy is really injured. Arm or shoulder.
Albion losing at home to Hull.
Tuanzebe injured now.
You’d think this warm weather would be good for players, but they’re dropping like flies.
Hourihane on for McGinn.
Jedinak on for Tuanzebe.
Probably just precautionary and very wise, imo.
A wise move indeed, especially as McGinn can’t afford any more yellow cards
Gedi coming on, .
Hope Tammy’s not too badly injured. We need him on Monday
Fortunately we do have both Kodjia and Davis should Abraham be sidelined. Hope for the best, plan for the worst!
Free kick just outside the box for Villa, corner Villa, how many corners Villa had 15 I think, goal kick,