Ha.
If only anything was straightforward with the Villa.
They’re a strange club, Bournemouth. Well, “strange” probably isn’t the right word. Nondescript might be better, but no, that’s not right either.
I’ve got it. Tiny. That’s more fitting.
So tiny that I’ve previously argue that they shouldn’t even be allowed in the Premier league as they are.
Their ground is only fractionally bigger than the Bescot stadium and frankly, I find it an embarassment in what is the biggest and best league in the world. Then again, I suppose a ground with a sub 12,000 capacity in a space not much bigger than someone’s back garden does make for a great atmosphere.
Southampton’s Dell used to be the same, but at least they got with the times and moved to St Marys.
But I’m doing the club a gross disservice. The ground may be poor, but the team’s performances have been a lot better. Bournemouth are one of those clubs that always go under my radar, yet they’ve firmly established themselves as a club definitely deserving of being in the league. Indeed, their progression is interesting, as they’ve gone from 15th, to 12th, to 9th and are currently 7th.
Their manager, Andoni Iraola, has the team very well drilled and we all know what they’re about. They like to catch you out and hit you on the break, at speed. Which is pretty much what we don’t seem to do anymore, but I digress.
Anyway, it’s always a tough test against them, is the point.
Squad news is that we’re not doing too badly. Youri Tielemans is a welcome re-addition to the squad and showed signs of his quality almost as sonon as he came on, on Thursday night, with a lovely ball through that is just typical of him. Apparently he’s getting fitter and if he’s anywhere near ready, I’m sure he’ll come straight back into the side.
And that apart, little has changed. Mings is out with a hamstring problem and Andres Garcia is still out for the long term, but Emi Buendia’s status is a bit more unclear. I’ve heard he’s definitely out or hoping to be back, depending which source you believe.
As for Bournemouth, Tyler Adams is fit again after sustaining a knock to the knee last weekend, Antoine Semenyo and Alex Jimenez are also available after knocks and the club are actually in a position where all players are fit.
Bournemouth had gone seven games undefeated until they met Man City last weekend. Losing to them is no disgrace though, so it’s fair to say they’re in good form. Meanwhile, we’ve won five at home on the trot, so we’re a tough team to play too, particularly at home, a point that Iraola made in an interview a couple of days back.
Bournemouth have had the whole week off, while we played Maccabi Tel Aviv on Thursday. Will that make any difference? It shouldn’t do, but it definitely might. Two games a week is obviously a big struggle after all (!).
My concern is that Bournemouth, (along with pretty much every other Prem club) defend well, while we’re week in the striking department. Ollie Watkins, after all is miles off it and looks totally out of sorts. He’d normally be rested, but Malen doesn’t currently look much of an improvement, unfortunately and that’s a problem. Will we sign another striker in the winter window? If we do, it’ll be cheap or a lesser loan type, you would think, so we really need Ollie to get his proverbial together and get back on the goal trail.
Hence, I don’t see many goals. I’m going for a 1-0 victory and probably another load of rubbish to watch. I’ll take it though, I suppose, as the result is what matters by far the most.
UTV!
Cracking game! Now just bloody well hold on!!!!!!!
FOCUS!!!!!!
Hi, Ho what a ridiculous end to the game!
Really pleased for McGinn – and Steve Clarke.
That was fantastic. Shamefully I cannot remember when I last enjoyed an England match like I enjoyed that tonight!!!!
Well done John McGinn’s boys!!!!!!
What a great game that was! 3 wonder goals and meatball is going to the World Cup. Delighted for him.
I read the EPL have agreed to dump PSR and move to SCR (squad cost ratio) as per Europe next season. EPL have a limit of 85% plus a complicated add on % before any points deduction clicks in.
Teams in Europe still have to adhere to Europes 70% limit although I believe Villa have some leeway over this next season – might be wrong!
Interesting the teams that wanted to keep PSR – mainly the upper middle table with no real interest in heavy investment just concentrating on staying in the Prem – Bournemouth, Brighton, Brentford, Crystal Palace, Fulham and Leeds – might, unfairly perhaps – describe the majority as selling clubs!
Of course it still hands a big advantage to the wealthy clubs with significant income streams, hence Villa’s attempts to significantly increase theirs.
Hitch, I’m in favour of the clubs with the huge financial clout being ‘anchored’ to the revenue of the smallest premier league club. That is the only way to stop the likes of Newcastle who have the financial backing of a state outspending every other club. It would be great if there was more emphasis on scouting networks, the recruitment of coaching staff and youth development. Chelski and Citeh stole a march before the rules came into effect. The likes of Spurs, Liverpool and Manure have a huge turnover advantage over Villa too. I can’t help but be concerned that Blues in 10 years time will be up there with their 62,000 under cover stadium which will compete with Spurs and push Villa Park into the background. No more international competitions after Euro’s 2028!!
But that option only got 7 votes (12 against and one abstention – a bit weird that) so was not favoured by a clear majority of the EPL – not just the wealthiest clubs.
Personally, given that there will be some form of financial regulation, the SCR option aligned to European rules is the most pragmatic and an improvement on the current PSR.
Has anyone watched the John McGinn story, parts 1 and 2 both on YouTube? A really good watch and great references from his teammates and former managers including at international level. When asked to describe himself in 3 words, I thought his final word was why he’s going to be a club legend.
Just watched it Holte – agree with you on his final word – absolute legend alongside the likes of Dennis Mortimer and, in my book, that’s praise indeed.
I was particularly impressed by Gordon Strachen who spoke with real thought and presence.
Also, a word of praise for AVTV – a really good and professional production. If you are a member (no fee required) you can still watch both parts on AVTV. Highly recommended.
Yes Holte, two days ago and it’s very interesting, I liked it when he said he feels home at Villa and they all get on.
Leeds. My dislike of this outfit is not about the players, manager or ground, it is the moronic chanting of the fans. All teams have songs, and much as I dislike Liverpool and United, their songs are quite witty. But Leeds fans can keep chanting ‘We all love Leeds’ non-stop until a goal or half time intervenes. In my irritation table they rank #2 just behind Palace.
We could go 4th with a win at Leeds today!! WTF!!!
Quietly does it… 2-0 Villa???
Awesome Forest win at Anfield. Citeh losing too. The wonderful topsy turvy world of football!!!
There really isn’t too much quality this season we have a great chance of champions league win today and beat wolves at home and we are right in the mix at the very top
2-1 come onnn tha Villaaaaa
I think football is going through another change. We’ve all tired of tippy tappy Pep Ball. And it’s hardly surprising the game is going this way with VAR ruining 90% of in-play goals.
Makes me laugh when the media are lamenting this change when essentially a goal is a goal. A win keeps us fans happy!!!
I’m glad Bumbum you’ve noticed like me, football has changed and some top clubs are suffering the consequences, surprisingly seeing Clop take a hammering and players not what they was 12 months ago. I’m beginning to see now how Unai is thinking he’s street ahead of the game. Hope your right on result not predicting footballs a funny old game as Jimmy Greeves once said. Utv.