From memory, Bolton made a very good start to the season, but a quick look at the table shows that results soon tailed off.
So much so that they’re actually sat two places below us in 19th.
Even better, they have the equal lowest goals scored, with 11 in 15 games, which hopefully means our defence might have a slightly easier time of things.
Which all in all means that coupled with home advantage, we really ought to win this one. On paper.
Actually, now I’ve just typed that, I’ve realised that the thought of losing this game is unthinkable.
But we won’t.
Bolton have the single worst form record in the league, with a solitary point in their last 5 games.
If that doesn’t spell a win for us, I don’t know what does.
Dean Smith has had another week with the players and while Bolton don’t seem to have the weakest of defences, if they struggle to score, hopefully we’ll be able to play a high press and give them things to worry about without them catching us on a typical counter, a la QPR.
I’m writing this on Thursday night, because I won’t have time to write it today, because I’m actually going to the game, taking a few of the family with me.
Yes, the Dean Smith effect and the thought of watching some decent football has actually enticed me to get off my backside and get down to watch.
I fully expect to witness a win and I’m going for 3-1, although I’ll be quite happy if the grandkids get to see simply a victory, combined with the Villa showing them how you should approach the game.
I’m quite looking forward to this.
I think we will win tonight. The extra training time will help, but I think we are playing better anyway and expect that to translate to results sooner rather than later.
Also going for a Villa win. I’m actually looking forward to watching it on TV tonight which makes a change.
Fact – ‘Aston Villa have never lost a home league match against Bolton Wanderers outside the top flight.’
Let’s hope that’s still true after tonight.
When it comes to Villa on TV, confidence is one thing that I don’t have. We should win but Pat has just tempted fate, and you know how Villa like to end an opponents poor run of form and produce ‘firsts’ recently! The fact is we must win. A draw isn’t acceptable and I think we will win, although I reckon it will be tight. Prediction 2-1.
Hourihane or McGinn playing the holding role in midfield?
really looking forward to watching the game tonight.smith has had a week to prepare and get his ideas across on the training field. we have improved off the ball, that is really noticeable already. i think tonight we will see us improve vastly with the ball. iam looking for more accuracy with the ball and faster passing. i think when we improve on this there will be no stopping us in this league.
bolton will cause trouble from corners and set pieces, so lets hope we play clever and restrict these opportunities. 4 0 / or 4 1 should be a good confidence booster for tougher games ahead
I think Smith has done the right thing in dropping Elmo. Adomah and Kodjia both like to beat their man and should give us proper width. That will cumulate in a win. i think its the main thing thats been missing so far under smith.
Jack!!!!
1-0 up
Watching bbc live text in Barbados – seems like a typical Villa display – lasting all of 15 minutes! Those watching can put me right.
Villa coming close but riding their luck. At the moment I’d say that Bolton could easily be level despite us having most of the possession.
Thanks Pat
The impression I get is that we are still failing to dominate games and our defence (particularly Nyland) is vulnerable. We’re also failing to take chances. Wouldn’t bet against Bolton equalising.
Hitch, quite a good summary of the first half I’d say. We desperately need a second goal to make Bolton’s heads go down.
It’s too close to call at the moment. Hoping for a magical half time talk from Dean.
Defence is a real problem. Every cross into the box causes chaos. Keeper is a bag of nerves. He will need replacing as soon as possible. You would assume Bolton will score 2nd half so we need to get at least one more.
Possession is useless unless you make it count. Bolton more shots, more on target and 5 – 1 up in corners. Not encouraging
YES!
Chester gets his goal!
That’s a relief – now let’s see what they can do
Abraham’s first touch is poor a lot of the time. He’s a handful though and decent when he has got the ball under control.
Bolasie on for Adomah. Good sub for me
Not totally convincing perhaps as Bolton could have had a couple yet we could easily have had a couple more as well so we probably just about deserved the win.
The team still has its defensive frailties but there were some good performances especially from Jack and McGinn up front, Tammy worked hard and Bolasie looked quality when he came on. Both Chester and Tuanzebe looked the part at the back.
The team looks like its getting its shape at last and most of the team seemed to know what they were doing. I’d be willing to bet that we’ll give someone a real tonking before long when things really click.
Well done the lads!
Well done Aston Villa!
Well done Dean Smith!
Well done on a positive style of play!
Well done on showing improvement over the last 4 matches!
Interesting comment by Smith on Taylor this week. He said he was lacking confidence. Well tonight he got a tune out of a player we thought was near
Impossible.
I did read we were Tom Hearon from Burnley in January. Although I think Nyland is a good shot stopper, he does not command his area creating uncertainty and is not consistent in the basics.
Overall well done the Villa.
A win and a clean sheet will hopefully give us a platform to start climbing the league. We need to improve our away form and Derby up next will be tough but we have a chance if they perform like they did in the 2nd half tonight.