I have to say I detest the whole idea of the play-offs.
The idea of a league is to see who does best over a prolonged period and those that finish highest are rewarded; simple.
And if three teams are to be promoted, that’s what it should be. The top three, even if that wouldn’t include us this season.
I just don’t see why a sixth placed team, say, ten points behind third should deserve to be promoted on the back of just three games.
The whole thing is just a money spinner and to my mind it makes a mockery of the whole thing.
That said, that’s my moan of the day out of the way and the truth is, it’s really good that we’re involved and it does extend the season a little.
Nerves are just beginning to set in, but only slightly as, having a pretty good record of late in calling results, totally based on my confidence, I really think we’ll beat Albion over two legs.
There’s always the worry that I’m being overconfident and that’s something the club will have to watch out for too, but my feeling is that although the tesco bags have the better record against us this season, it just strikes me they played us at our worst time.
Squad news and it’s good on our part, as everyone is fit, apart from Nyland and I’m not bothered about that.
As for Albion, Robson-Kanu is suspended after his red card last week. Chris Brunt will probably be ok, but Jake Livermore is a doubt.
I think we all know pretty much which side Dean Smith will play, but I have seen it suggested that Elphick should come back in to partner Mings at the back. I don’t think there’s any chance of that and surely it has to be Hause?
The only other issue for me is do we play Whelan or Hourihane?
I personally would go with Hourihane at home and maybe Whelan away if things go as we want tommorow, but it’s a nice problem for Smith to have. The reality is both might get game time tomorrow.
While I’m a bit nervous, I still feel able to make a prediction.
We have goals in us and hopefully Tammy Abraham will be feeling rested and bursting to go.
It’s a 2-1 win for us, although anything better would be brilliant.
Here’s hoping and now it’s literally Up the Villa!
Can we get it right when it really matters?
I think we can.
Badger, surely it has to be Tuanzebe alongside Mings? With regards to Whelan or Hourihane, it is a tough call. I would go with Whelan probably because of experience although both are capable. With Abraham back could Kodja play out wide with El Ghazi on the opposite flank? Or does Smith go with Adomah or Green? It’s good for Smith to have so many options.
finally the day has arrived 🙂 but why the 12 30 ko. thats my one day where i get a lay in fooked. off the game i expect it will be a tough first leg, baggies will be playing on the break and sitting rather deep, but i expect villa to draw them out epically with smiths tactics. under past managers we would struggle against the bus / 11 men behind the ball.
villa need a early goal its a old cliché, but couldn’t so true today. the longer baggies are equal they will gain in confidence. fast pace tempo along with the movement which is our second nature under smith should win over the countering albion. 2 nil villa
You get a lie in until 12.30!!!!! Haven’t slept after 6.30 since we had kids 9 years ago!!! Jammy git.
Anyway, we’ve started well.
Shit. Great save!!! Phew!!!
Watched Baggies against Derby and they seemed to lack mobility in defence. They play three at the back and they are all big but not quick (at least on the evidence of that game). Brunt coming back will improve them and they are dangerous on the counter with two ‘20 goal’ strikers up front.
Tuanazebe alongside Mings for me with Whelan (can we all really believe we’re actually selecting him to start?) and Green to start. The rest pick themselves. We have the pace and mobility to upset their defence and we now have a strong and reliable defence.
I said earlier that I thought we had enough to beat Albion over two legs so not going to change that but we need to reverse a four games without a win sequence of which we have lost the last two at home.
UTV
Badger
I do agree with squeaky bum time. I really think we are the best team in the playoffs, but that will not guarantee promotion.
I am praying we are promoted as I can see the core of a good team developing. I would hate to see the scavengers pick off our best players.
UTV
We could do with a win without conceding a goal. I don’t think I can bear to watch the game. Last year was different, I expected Fulham to beat us in the final so it was just a case of waiting for the inevitable. This year we are currently the best team in the play offs. If everyone is fit and switched on we will win today and get whatever result we need at the Baggies to finish the job.
If we make the final I really don’t know who we will meet. Momentum is in favour of Derby, and I have a sneaking feeling it could be them.
Tuanzebe and Mings at the back for me today. Whelan would give us decent cover in front of our back 4. Smith might well go with Hourihane and bring Whelan on later in the game, hopefully when we are in control.
UTV
One thing we need to make sure of is that we don’t concede early. There are many times this season when we have been slow starters. We can’t afford to give Albion something to hold onto especially when they are a good counter attacking team. I really think the team we field today is the best one we have had for quite a few years so pressure really is on to do the business. I will refrain from predicting a result despite last weeks defeat which wasn’t really relevant. UTV!
Seems I’m in the minority going for Hause, but on reflection, it probably will be Tuanzebe.
Oh, it is;
Steer, Elmohamady, Tuanzebe, Mings, Taylor, Whelan, McGinn, Grealish, El Ghazi, Adomah, Abraham. Subs: Kalinic, Hause, Jedinak, Hourihane, Green, Kodjia, Davis.
It’s hard to fault that eleven.
COYL!
Please Holte, I’m doing the same, got on now and he’s gone for Whelan .
Squeaky bum? Best keep your flatulence habits to yourself Badger!!! 😁
We’ve got this one sorted… I hope!!!!
Jeez, fingertip save from Steer, but it’s off anyway.
Shit Gayle scores after a Whelan mistake.
Now that was a shit mistake.
We will still win this. We look much hungrier.
Hope so!
Haven’t paid that much attention to the game due to Lerner nearly destroying our club, but we look a great proposition now! Best football I’ve seen us play in 10 years. We actually play the ball forward with our first touch instead of backwards or sideways. Good stuff!
Worryingly, Albion look more dangerous to me.
They’re very vulnerable at the back…
Have to agree with you Badger. We’re not moving the ball quick enough – not had a shot on target – Steer already made one tremendous save.
If a player is unable to continue after 5 minutes of treatment, they should automatically be subbed for the protection of the player if nothing else.
Poor first half for us. We don’t look very fluent.
We need Smith to come up with a big team talk.
I see changes, as we’re not threatening enough.
I have a bad feeling on this, they shutting up shop on us, Adomha has no influence on the game what’s so ever.
Too much play it careful back and sideways….that’s how the mistake happened……