I don’t know if my thoughts will make sense to anyone else or not, but I’m really full of confidence for this game.
I know, it’s away to Man U and we never win there.
But I haven’t seen anything about Man U to scare me apart from the rumour that we’re interested in Harry MaGuire.
I’m probably setting myself up for a fall, because that’s the Villa way, I suppose.
A lot depends more on how we perform, than how Man U do, I reckon, because I don’t think we’ve been at the races and have looked tired in the last two games. I’m not surprised really, as I’ve previously commented that the players have run themselves into the ground over the last few months.
This is where you need reserves and we’re sorely lacking in that area.
I’d expect that now that we have the players performing more to the standard that we always knew they were capable of, those upgrades will come, but that’s for the future.
So it’s about energy levels, which is the only reason I have doubts.
With decent backup, I think I’d honestly be putting money on us to win this.
A quick glance shows a Villa win at 18-5. Hmm, good job I’m not really a betting man, as that looks quite tempting.
Squad news and nothing has changed for both clubs.
Man U have the following injuries;
Lisandro Martinez (foot), Raphael Varane (ankle), Donny van de Beek (knee), Phil Jones (knee), Tom Heaton (ankle), Alejandro Garnacho (ankle)
Doubtful: Harry Maguire (knock), Scott McTominay (knee)
While Villa, just as a reminder, have;
Leon Bailey (hamstring), Matty Cash (calf), Boubacar Kamara (ankle), Philippe Coutinho (thigh), Jed Steer (muscle)
Doubtful: None
As I said, I seriously think we can win this, but I think the odds favour a draw, meaning we go 11 unbeaten. When was the last time we achieved that?
There are going to be goals, without a doubt.
So it’s either 1-1 or 2-2.
I’m going for 2-2, with an expectation of a 3-2 win either way.
I’m covering a few bases there and it’s not much of a prediction, as I think the result could be anything.
Watch it be a 0-0, where both teams cancel each other out.
UTV!
Come on Liverpool – two more goals and we’re fifth on GD 🙂
Or maybe 6th 🙂
Anyway academic as Spuds have pulled another back – Liverpool look awful!
☹️
The Buendia question is an interesting one. He’s undoubtedly incredibly talented, works his rocks off and has a great attitude, but something isn’t going right for him and i have no idea what it is. Every time he gets bullied off the ball, albeit fairly, he’s throwing a strop. I’d not even consider selling him and i don’t think it’s a lack of competition for his slot. Weird, but I’m sure Emery will get to the bottom of it over the summer.
Don’t want to think about todays match.
Holte/hitchens yes need about 6 players if want Europe next year.
At the moment there’s no one on the bench to bring on and change the game.
Buendia seems to comfortable with nobody to really challenge his place with coutino still injured
And why is he still out?
Maybe arron Ramsey could be better than Buendia?
I think ue needs time to build his squad in the way he wants to play,then go for Europe, possibly like Newcastle this year
Roy – interesting that you’ve mentioned Aaron Ramsey.
I think there’s a real chance that he, together with Archer, Iroegbunam and Hayden will figure in the first team squad next season.
Notwithstanding I expect us to try and buy a really top class creative midfielder in the summer with Coutinho (not Buendia) probably moving on.
One stat I’ve noticed is that Villa’s opponents are consistently guilty of committing substantially more fouls against us than we commit.
Again today United 16 fouls against our 7.
Are we still too nice and aren’t prepared to use the questionable tactics our opponents are comfortable with?
That’s the unpalatable but realistic situation Ashley Young has been trying to teach us. Nice guys don’t win. You have to play the game…Look at how Messi has got away with murder over the years.
It looks like the natural order of the Premier league has returned apart from Chelsea replaced by Newcastle
Again all the moneybags up the top,cream always rises to the top.
Villa brave effort but as per usual falling short at the end.
Probably a good thing really because they just don’t have the squad for Europe yet,and I fear would have struggled next season had they qualified
Hopefully we can hang on to 8th but 9th looking more likely
You’re probably right Roy. We need half a dozen new players and that’s not taking into account any players on the way out. I will be happy with 8th or 9th to be honest.
Players who need to be shipped out are the likes of Digne, Bailey, Coutinho, Hause, Steer, Olsen and I’m suddenly unsure about Buendia who has been woeful for quite a while now. Maybe keep him as a squad player off the bench. We need a more commanding number 10 who doesn’t lose possession easily and has an eye for a pass.
I’m sure Emery already knows who he needs to make the difference but it could be a big problem to try and introduce new players quickly. Hopefully he can get players like Moreno who looks like he has played in the Premier league for years.
I think it’s going to be an interesting summer ahead.
Roy / Holte fair comment.
Realistically the best we can hope for is 7th and a Europa Conference berth. Upside it helps to attract players; downside playing week in week out on a Thursday – how much has it influenced West Spam’s league position?
I agree that 8th or 9th seems more likely and a top half finish with a small squad hit by key injuries after such a poor start to the season is more than creditable.