The above is a clip from today’s press conference and even though it doesn’t mention the game,
I found it interesting because I wanted to gauge how confident and upbeat Sherwood sounded.
Now I don’t know about you, but that sounds like a man who is under massive pressure and knows his days are numbered.
His brashness and charm are non-existent and although he’s doing his best to try and convince us otherwise, I’m not persuaded he believes we’ll stay up this season.
Of course, you might think differently, but it doesn’t look good for tomorrow.
With that particular clip, it’s easy to be downbeat.
Looking at our current form, it’s even easier. The plain fact is we’re bottom of the current form league, we are the only team that haven’t got a single point in the last four games and we have one out of our last six games.
Chelsea’s form is surprisingly not much better, but they’ve still won two, drawn one and lost three of their last six games.
Even more surprising is the fact that they’ve only won one of their last four games at home.
And that’s where I see a glimmer of hope.
Now I don’t profess to know what’s going on at Chelsea, but I’ve seen talk that Mourinho has lost the dressing room, while at the same time I’ve read that their fans expect their side to give someone a right tonking.
It just makes things all the more scary, doesn’t it?
Especially when we all know that if we’re facing a team down on it’s luck and totally out of form, we can always trust the Villa to change things for them.
If anyone is going to get a tonking, it’s going to be the Villa, right?
After all, I’ve seen some of us saying it.
Hmm.
Squads then and the main story for Chelsea is that Branislav Ivanovic is injured.
The good news for Chelsea fans is that they feel he’s been by far the weakest link in their side.
The bad news for us is that they have four possible replacements;
“I have four solutions: I have Azpilicueta, I have the adaptation of Zouma or Ramires and I have Ola Aina, an 18-year-old who has never played a Premier League game but he’s a boy with lots of potential. He’s also an option. It depends on matches, opponents, the moment, but we have solutions.”
How the other half live eh?
Never mind them though and the Villa news is that the squad is fit, apart from Okore and Clark.
Traore’s ready, as is Gil and Grealish is match fit(!).
Even Charles N’Zogbia is training with the squad and there’s actually talk that he might get some game time. If that happens, then I’ll be calling for Sherwood’s head (unless he has a blinder, of course, which he won’t).
Clark’s a pretty big miss, as he would have been nice to have on the bench or even take the place of Lescott, but that apart, there are no major excuses for Tim Sherwood to use on the squad fitness front.
Tactics then and the truth is I don’t have a clue as to how Sherwood will approach this.
Logic says that we should sit back and try to hit Chelsea on the counter.
They’re a clever side who have plenty of weapons to pierce our flimsy defence, so perhaps the solution is to go totally defensive and put 10 men behind the ball?
After the showing against Stoke, I don’t see this, although in fairness, it’s also another reasonable option, again given our poor defence.
We have the pace to hurt them, that’s undeniable, so maybe we should go all out for the jugular?
That’s very risky and if it doesn’t work, that’s where we might indeed get a pasting.
But then, it’s how Sherwood likes to play the game.
Indeed, that’s my instinctive approach too; go for them from the off. Play with pace, pass the ball quickly, get in their faces and get an early goal.
We’re going to get thrashed anyway, aren’t we?
Only it just isn’t going to happen is it?
Because we’re far too lacklustre for too much of the game.
And if we only decide to play for the odd 20 minutes or so, like we have done lately, we’re going to get beaten.
Unless Sherwood can somehow get the players up for the game.
He’s told us how good he is, so now he needs to prove it.
No more experimenting; it’ll be pounced on by us fans and the press, who are smelling blood.
We’re going to get beaten, so it doesn’t really matter how we approach the game tactically, in my opinion.
It’s more about how we perform; If we’re beginning to show some shape and understanding as a team. And if we have a plan and stick with it, even if it fails.
Sherwood’s on a hiding to nothing for this game, as the law of averages says we should lose anyway.
Expect the screws to tighten on Sherwood come tomorrow evening then.
Except I’m not so sure.
I’m going to really stick my neck on the block and say we can win this.
I know, it’s daft. But I just have a feeling.
2-1 to the Villa
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Very worried about this one and I suspect it’ll make or break Sherwood at the Villa.
While I know many want him gone, this chopping and changing can’t be good for the club, imo.
2-3.0 to Chelsea I’m afraid. They are bound to hit form against us happens all the time
6-2 Chelsea I’ve got a horrible feeling about this one plus shabby starting with NZOG coming on a some stage.it’ll be time to hit the malt.
No win situation for TS if he comes across all cocky and confident he gets slaughtered and does not care, so because he appears to be under pressure his days are numbered. What do you want him to say?
Gabby out along with Clarke and Traore so he may go for broke. Chelsea have their own issues and are shit at the back. If TS plays an attacking game with either Gill or Grealish but not both, then who knows. Draw or Villa to win 2-1.
Ah, Rocky, someone who sees it like me.
I forgot about Gabby being out. That’s a plus on the whole, but I wonder if, if we’re going to play with pace, he might actually have been an asset?
Perhaps not, eh?
While I agree, Chelsea aren’t all that in defence and we know they’re vulnerable, if we try to play to Gestede’s head, I think we’ll struggle.
If that happens, Sherwood and Wilkins will need sacking.
I’m pretty sure Traore’s fit though, unless I’ve read something wrong?
Badger I meant to say Okore not Traore. I still believe that if we play two wide players in Grealish and Gil it leaves us light weight in midfield. I would play either one in the hole behind Awye or Gestede in a free role, or play 2 up front. Gestede can certainly give them problems as long as he does not have his back to goal, give him the ball from out wide and he will cause problems for them in the air. Maybe Traore will start?
We just need a morale boost and a win at any cost would be nice.
I will be there, my generous mate got me a pensioner’s ticket which is at a stonking discount, but I may need to wear a red coat and medals.
This is a game where the brilliant White Horse (Parson’s Green Tube and turn right) comes into its own. Only 10 minutes walk from the ground it has a range of Trappist beers of which I may need several to have any thing like an optimistic feeling. Hutton v Hazard is the sort of match-up which you really want to watch from behind the sofa. Richards v Costa through binoculars. If we are to have any chance of avoiding a hiding we need to keep the ball up their end by any means possible. Chelsea also have a goalkeeper the defence doesn’t trust and a defence who seem to have grown weary all of a sudden, if we can keep them moving then big gaps may appear. Not that I think this will happen of course – we will sit back and let Hazard run at Hutton OMG.
Originallondonlion, your a better man than me, last time I went to that ground I had 50 morons wanting to pull me to pieces.and may I add I hate horror shows. Red coat you say?l did at one time put one on with medals, mind you it was a fancy dress invite, sorry but the score might be 4-0 could get one goal though? with luck. Thanks for flying the banner and wish you luck on the day.
Rocky, yes, totally agree they make us a bit lightweight, but it might be worth a go to see if we can get them on the back foot early.
Sherwood has said he sees this game as a free shot and he’s right, imo.
But as you suggest, if it goes wrong, then a thrashing is definitely on the cards.
OLL, you’re correct of course, but let’s not forget Chelsea have issues of their own and I’ve just read something that suggests the players are knifing the manager behind his back, according to one of the London papers.
Their last few games suggest that they are nowhere near unbeatable.
In other news, Sherwood insists the fans will be singing his name in a month.
Let’s hope it’s not “We want Sherwood out” eh?
I think he appears a little worried and respectful of the fact we are in the sh1t, if he appeared brash, cocky and jovial, he would get slated.
1-3 to the Villa – football is a funny old game!
You’re right Saddened.
Sherwood can’t win either way and I’m concerned that even if we were to win today, many fans won’t be at all convinced.
I’m beginning to think that it would just be best if he goes sooner rather than later, but also have it strongly in my mind that it all just seems a bit too knee-jerk a reaction.
If only we were in this position after having played some really tough games, I reckon a lot more fans would be willing to give him some time.
But we’re not and it all boils down to if you can’t beat fellow strugglers, you’re in trouble.
Sorry, no doubt we already know this. I’m just thinking aloud.
Problem is badger, if Sherwood leaves, who the hell would want the job…… I think the club is in a mess, in a very similar position to Newcastle…. And Randy would want someone on the cheap.
I’ve supported Sherwood up to this point, but if N’Zogbia plays, that might be unforgivable.
Grealish, Gil & Traore need to play and we need to show some shape and stop hoofing it to Gestede, it never works and Chelsea hate balls in behind them to quick players.
Agree, Holtender.
We have to go at them with pace and get the ball into the danger area quickly.
It’s why I’d drop Westwood and play Gana and Sanchez instead.
I’d probably drop Gestede too and try Sinclair and/or Ayew up top, but then Sherwood will be accused of experimenting again.
I really don’t think he can win either way, tbh, but some of this is of his own making, especially the Stoke line-up, which it seems cost him a lot of support.
Of course, the fly in the ointment is our defence, who just can’t be relied upon and it’s easy to see why many think we’ll get thrashed.
So yet again it’s a case of we have to outscore the opposition.
Only a few weeks ago I might have been tipping Villa for a least a draw but I’m afraid that my optimism levels have dropped to those of the Lambert era. After 8 games I have no idea of what the best team should look like and unfortunately neither does Tim.
Just have a feeling that this will be the game where Jose will once again find his mojo and once again I’ll be looking to see whats on the other channels at 10:30 tonight. (Big sigh)
UTV
Big game for both managers even mourinho could get sacked today if Chelsea lose or even draw. Hopefully we will win then sack Sherwood and get mourinho lol
But you’ve said a few times on other threads that even if Mourinho was manager it wouldn’t make any difference and we’d still be shit so what would be the point of getting him if he was sacked in your opinion?
What I mean is we still only be a mid table at best with the ownership and players we have.
Hate to say it but I see a thrashing. I fully expect us to concede within the first 10 minutes and at least 3 before half time. Second half the space around our back four will be ridiculous and we will concede another 3. 6-0 Chelsea. Makes me feel sick to be honest.
well if you stick your fingers down your throat, you will probably make yourself sick ..
what if you predicted a different scoreline .. you might feel better!
Can only predict what I feel mate. It’s the harsh reality of where we are.
Pat 57, just like me mate, I don’t want to keep having a go at the team, far from it, but if some fans cannot see how serious this is getting well ! Why wait till it comes, we might has well get rid find a good experience man and get back to getting behind a man knowing we do have a manager, this guy is unproductive to any club.let’s face it, he’s done some daft moves. 4-1 Chelsea.
Sherwood out? but I think we should plan even further than that, knowing all that we do about future results, we should get rid of Sherwood, approach a new manager with experience, get him in early once he is here – we should fire him immediately because lets face it if he is an experienced manager then he was fired for not doing his job by another club.
Once we get that out of the way and we then plan for the next manager – now we may not be able to get rid of him right away because it will cost too much, but considering every single manager that has managed us has failed in the end .. we could just possibly not hire the manager but just contact to let hime know that he has been fired.
Then our long term plans can really take shape, we could contact every manager or registered manager of a football clubs, possibly through agents or even just hold a summit in each country/league and inform them all that they are all fired from the Aston Villa post.
there will be confusion, but who cares, as knowing the results that will happen, and being aware of all our past failures and because football is a predictable science of cause and effect we will be effectively ensuring long lasting and guaranteed success.
lads lets just keep our knickers on until the final result, its been poor so far this season, but you never know – here is hoping ..
I have blindly tipped Villa to win every League game this season until today……gone for a Chelsea win so hopefully we’ll win. Does that make sense?
I think we should throw caution to the wind today and go for it – kind of Sherwood’s last hurrah.
Can’t see us getting anything from this. Sherwood should go for it and hopefully Chelsea don’t click today. It will be very interesting to see what team Sherwood buts out.
Richardson over amavi????hmmmm
@Kent
I think he has thrown caution to the wind playing Gil, Grealish, Ayew and Gestede.
No Amavi though??? If he’s not injured then that will be the most puzzling selection yet.
Not sure what I think of this
Am with you Pat don’t know what to make of it. If to works Sherwood will be a hero .
See Wastewood has again kept his place.Thank god Gabby ain’t fit!
B6, that mean side pass, back pass, and no creative strikes, looking good again, do anyone think this guy knows about management. Oh happy days.
Sad news about Howard Kendall, his Everton team were great to watch.
I think this is a bigger match for Chelsea than ourselves so I hope we take full advantage of the pressure Chelsea are under. I have a feeling we could win this and if we do it would be a great way to kick start our campaign and boost dressing room morale
Agree about Kendall.
R.I.P Howard.
Hopefully we’ll take a hammering today and end up getting relegated this season. Anything to Give Lerner his just deserts for running the club into the ground and pocketing the money he does every year. For an owner to have the ambition of simply surviving so he can take 60,70,80,90 million quid and run just takes the piss out of the fans who pay hard earned money to follow the club.
It’s a fuckin disgrace.
“Hopefully we’ll get relegated” – idiot, absolute idiot B6.
🙂
I know what you’re getting at though.
And what would that be?