So I’ve nailed my colours to the mast and said already, that I don’t think Steven Gerrard is our future.
Well, lets just say that this is the first chance he has to change my mind.
I had got it in my head from somewhere that the Seagulls were in freefall and it just so happens we have the same form over the last six games as Brighton, in one win, two draws and two defeats. Given that we’ve lost to Newcastle and Watford and drawn against Leeds at home, I’d say we probably edge it in having worse form.
Straight to squad news and the only change is that Ezri Konsa is back after suspension. Will he get straight back in?
He probably would for me, but I suspect he won’t.
I don’t expect any changes otherwise and I’m not even sure there will be any change in tactics either.
As for Brighton, Adam Webster (groin) and Enock Mwepu (hamstring) are out. Graham Potter has talked about illness issues and I assume he means covid, but there are no details. On the plus side for them, Lewis Dunk is back from suspension.
I currently have very little faith in our side.
The midfield can be walked through at will with very little resistance. Our attack creates chances, but our finishing is abysmal and our fullbacks are all too often caught out of position, while the defence looks like it will concede every time the opposition looks at it, let alone threatens it seriously.
You’ve probably guessed that I don’t think we’re going to win this one then.
Which means that I think our only hope is a draw.
It’s been a while since I had such a lack of confidence in the Villa, but I’m struggling to even contemplate another loss.
Hence I’m going to predict a 1-1 draw.
Since I struggle to get predictions right, that probably does mean another loss, as I’d be surprised if we scored more than one goal.
I can’t say I’m even looking forward to the game and that’s a first in a long time too.
Come on Stevie/Villa. Prove me wrong.
UTV!
All our points lost have been from officials, bad decision bad refs now we have a ref with no experience. When will it end .
Well, that wasn’t very good, but I thought we looked a bit better over the last 10 mins.
Luiz seems to be playing a bit higher up and I’ve liked his distribution at times.
We need to play better second half – can’t see Brighton being as poor.
Their left back’s a dirty player.
Maybe Brighton are concentrating too much on throwing themselves to the ground?
Cucurella?
Yes, he was the same last time.
It seems they want to get one of our players sent off and this ref is helping them. He’s awful.
Slight aside, I’ve just nearly been fooled by a NHS email asking to renew my covid passport. It’s a 100% scam.
Referee is too weak. He is falling for their dramatics. 1-0 up so cue a piss poor second half performance.
Watkins has to come off, I can see him being sent off,
Agree Bill. He’s offered nothing. Time for Bailey.
I think you might see that Bill.
Buendia warming up.
Watkins really struggling – no confidence at all. Agree with Bill, SG should hook him off.
Yep. He’s got worse and worse this season.
The trouble is Ings offers even less in my eyes.
Referee has lost control of this game. There’s going to be a red card!
The game is out of control. Didn’t realize Brighton were such a dirty team.
They’re not normally.
Probably down to Potter who I’m sure is a nose.
Welbeck – another nemesis.
Yep, scored 5 against us over the years. He’s crap as well, I think.
Luiz giving the ball away in dangerous parts of the pitch. He’s a liability now.
Yes, second shocking ball from him today.
He was doing well earlier too.
Get Luiz off now!
Watkins
Haha and then Watkins scores after getting the ball from a long punt by Mings.
I’m laughing.
2-0 and surely game over.
That was a confident goal. Like the Ollie of last season.
Yesssss. Hopefully gives Watkins some confidence
We need it lads , 2 nil come on you Villains.
Sanson on for Luiz.
Ashley Young for Ings. Haven’t seen him do Jack all game – like every game.
Young about to come on for Ings, who’s blowing like Thomas the tank.
Invisible by him again today.
Flagging now, Oll being one of them , 8 minutes to go,.
This is better. We’re actually pressing them more than of late.