Yes, it’s another incredibly tough game at a ground where it’s very difficult to get a result. You knew I was going to say that, didn’t you? Not only that, but without checking, I’d guess it’s the game where we have the highest number of goals against us too, over the past couple of decades. Newcastle regularly seem to put three or four past us and we must be one of their favourite teams to play against.
Will we see the same today?
I’m going to put the squad news up while I think about it.
Kamara is out for what may be the rest of the season, which is a serious blow. John McGinn’s injury needs more investigation because doctors aren’t sure of what his injury is and whether it’s a couple of weeks or a few months is very much up in the air. Hopefully we’ll find out this week, so fingers crossed he’s not absent for long, as he’s another important player and driving force for us. Onana should be available after he played a part against Fenerbache, Leon Bailey is fit and available. The one I can’t find any news about is Alysson. I have a sneaky feeling Unai wants to get him on the bench as soon as possible.
Newcastle have Bruno Guimaraes out with an ankle injury which could be good for us for two reasons. First, he’s their highest scorer this season, on eight goals.Second, in the eight games that he’s missed for Newcastle, they haven’t managed to win one. It’s probably just one of those quirky statistics and we all know how we’re everybody’s favourite club to play against if there’s a bad run involved, but let’s hope the run continues today. Dan Burn is also out, which is also good, because I really rate him. A proper defender, in an old fashioned way.
Talking of bad runs, this one is pretty sobering; we have only won one in the last seventeen games we’ve played at St James Park. That’s a really poor statistic and must be approaching our record against Man U.
Do I think we can win today? Definitely.
Will we win today? No, in my opinion. This is another one of those steps too far. But I seem to recall that I said that before the Fenerbache game too.
We’re a very resillient side these days and we know we can beat anybody on our day. Okay, we have some serious injuries, which have really weakened our midfield, but the game midweek showed we have players who can step up and the overall performance then was one I found encouraging.
So while I don’t think we’ll win today, I don’t see many goals against either.
I have a feeling we might pull off a draw, so I’m going for 1-1. If that were to happen, I’d probably be ecstatic.
UTV!
Martinez, Cash, Konsa, Torres, Maatsen, Onana, Tielemans, Sancho, Buendia, Rogers, Watkins.
Subs: Bizot, Lindelof, Digne, Mings, Bogarde, Hemmings, Bailey, Elliott, Guessand.
Come on Villa!
I would take a draw if offered it now. Konsa and Torres were both poor against Everton as well as Martinez so they should be thankful they start after their stand ins performed so well against Fenerbache.
Watkins is still without any competition for his place and he needs to improve massively if he wants to get to the World Cup in the summer.
Agree. Torres in defence isn’t the best. Surely we could have pushed him forward ond left Mings in?
Difficult to argue with Unai though.
Is it normal to have H Elliott on the bench?
Elliott on the bench, does that not have implications for Villa anymore
We have another 3 appearances before we have to pay the option, I think.
Jesus, Martinez save already.
Four more
Thanks Badger, great save. Two good goalies these days, just need to good goal scoring forwards now.
I’m ‘obligated’ to go for a Villa win!!! 😁
Love it Bum Bum
Joelinton – another thug
As if it needed confirmation. He should have had a red.
We seem to be playing a back 3 when we’re on the attack…
Shit on a stick!!!!!!!! Little Emi!!!!!!!
Buendia! Stormer!!!!
Good call bum bum
So far so good… 🤞
Tonali off after fouling Youri????
Yeaaasss woop if we can win this it’s huge comme onnnn UTMV
Joelinton takes TWO effing players out!!!!!
Onana off???
Disgusting player Joelinton – another kicker.
Another c*** like Palinha.
So Villa employ the dark arts while Newcastle resort to Spurs style kicking lumps out of our players???? Idiot commentators.
Watkins has got a first touch like a fakin bouncy castle. 🤦♂️
Martinez has been brilliant, twice.
That layoff from Watkins then, terrible.
Horrible, Badger. It’s doing my head in.
Have you all noticed how they’re playing a man off the ball?. Not going to mention our number 11, I’ve had enough of him now. Got to say Martinez top player today along with Buendia who have to say great footballing brain that man .
Watkins again. I don’t get it. It’s like he doesn’t believe in himself. Look up ‘imposter syndrome’; I think this is the issue. Villa need to get a sports psychologist in if they insist on selling better strikers and keeping him. There’s no conviction in anything he does. Exasperating.
Funnily enough, Ollie does actually a personal coach for this!!!
I’d like to see his credentials and know how much he charges. Because he’s not doing a good job.
Does he Bum bum? Then I’m volunteering to take over because he’s crap, did you see that then in the box? Lost the ball again.
A great first half and with a decent forward we could have scored more. They had a strong finish to the half though. Joelinton is a thug and we need to get him to lash out again for a second yellow.
They won’t send him off at St James’, even if he kills someone.
Respect to the late Uriah Rennie for showing Shearer the red one years back. Can still picture Ian Taylor rubbing his head and smiling in disbelief as the local hero walked.
Looking at Leroy on the bench and reading between the lines, I can’t help but think there’s more to Malen’s sale. If Villa knew Bailey was returning they had to offset his wages with someone. I don’t think it’s a coincidence Roma came in for Don. Digne tweeted something cryptic after the sale about ‘understanding the game.’ Maybe Don did want more minutes, but with two games a week, he was fully involved, as much as anyone else. It’s a PSR issue (again) and you can’t convince me otherwise.
It’s sad but part of this stupid system. Glad we have intelligent players who understand and can process this BS.
Pau looks like he’s still having a poo out there. Second half’s started, lad!
Mings would be up for the scrap, but Pau plays some great through balls…
We’re going to find out about Bailey