and it’s about time for me, as the internationals just bore me witless.
England competing for a trophy is about the same as Villa winning the league, in that there’s no chance.
Leicester are probably strong favourites after their very decent start and we’re very much underdogs, given that the media think we’re doomed to struggle again.
But I feel this is an interesting game; one that might prove we’re not quite the soft touch the media see us as.
Hence, while we might be expected to lose, I suspect it’s one we should actually be looking to win, if we’re to be showing any signs that we’ve moved on.
Unfortunately, the realist in me doesn’t quite see it like that and I do indeed expect us to lose.
Why?
Because this is the sort of game that scares me.
Leicester play a pacey game, similar to us, but I feel they currently do it better, as they have a more regular, settled side.
And I feel we’re going to play into their hands, if we attack them, as is Sherwood’s apparent want.
The manager particularly mentioned that we made a mistake in selling Albrighton, a point that I strongly agree with and said so at the time.
And if we don’t set up right, he quite simply will hurt us, in my opinion.
So, I expect Sherwood to take a more careful approach.
Which might also be our undoing, as if we don’t attack, it would seem that we’re definitely going to concede.
Because that’s what we do, isn’t it?
I’d personally go for a five at the back, or 3-5-2 if you prefer, with Sanchez in the middle and a defensive approach, aimed at getting a point, but I just don’t see it happening as we all know Gabby’s going to come straight back in, isn’t he?
Which means it’s going to be two up top, in my opinion.
Who the two are, god knows, as if Gabby is included, all bets are off on my part.
Maybe it’ll be Gestede.
The simple truth is, I don’t know what’s going to happen.
Squad-wise, Leicester don’t have any problems at all.
On Villa’s part, Grealish is a maybe, Gana is doubtful and Traore is a 50-50.
I’ve had about six attempts at writing this blog and whatever I write always seems not quite appropriate.
Suffice to say, if I’ve got to hang my balls on the block, it’s going to be a 1-2 defeat.
While I like the way we’re looking and progressing, I suspect this is just an ask too far.
Oh, I’ll put a poll in to see what you think.
[polldaddy poll=9073429]
This was always going to be a tough match. Even at 2-0 they were still well in the game. I haven’t read all the comments just the last page but I think it’s a bit over dramatic. Yes you would expect to win from 2 goals up, but it’s not always that simple.
A number of things from my POV. 2 great goals, but I would have pulled Gil before his goal. He is too weak and loses the ball too often, and offers nothing defensively. When you have Agbonlahor up front, with Gil, Sinclair and Grealish as our attacking threat, you are going to be weak at defending from the front. This 4 were too easy to get past for Leicester’s defence/midfield, and then there was too much for Westwood and Sanchez to do.
Bacuna isn’t good enough defensively, much as he tried.
Guzan’s attempt for the third was just embarrassing, and only minutes before he made a real hash of coming out to a ball dropping into the box. He just isn’t tough enough in those situations.
I don’t understand the criticism of Lescott who I think is a good addition and played well.
I think Gil for Ayew was just to get fresh legs to hit them on the counter attack, but yes, Veretout may have been a better option.
Sack Sherwood? Come on. Traore and Gana were big misses today. They will add a lot to the team when back in, and I am sure we will have enough quality to keep out of the relegation fight this year. Wins against Baggies and Blues and things will look a lot better.
thank fuck a sensible post
I just switch off when the loopy loons comments start…
I don’t want to see bacuna in a flat back four again.
as a wing back yes.