I really don’t like Bournemouth.
I used too, but they’re such a tricky side to play.
They were absolute rubbish early in the season, but they’ve now proven to be a very resiliant, physical side, which is exactly the sort that doesn’t suit us. Quite like Lille, if you like.
That said, they’re not quite doing as well as I thought and currently sit in 13th place. Then again, their form over the last six games is excellent. They’ve won 3, drawn two and lost only 1 game. That’s a record that’s only bettered by City and Arsenal.
Now add in that we’ve only faced them seven times in the Premier league, yet they’ve beaten us four times.
So this is going to be a tough game, given our heroic exploits in Europe on Thursday.
Squad news and according to the Beeb, Alex Moreno has a minor calf issue and will be sidelined for a number of weeks.
How does that work, if it’s minor? Hmm.
Luiz will serve his second game suspended and Zaniolo will be assessed after his awkward fall on Thursday.
Bournemouth have Antoine Semenyo back. Tyler Adams and Chris Mepham are out, while Sinisterra has aggravated a hamstring injury.
Not that I was worried about any of those.
The one that worries me is Solanke. I think he’s a beast and offers a big threat.
Prediction time then and oh….
You’ve got no chance of a prediction out of me now and I won’t predict another result this season. I’ll only jinx us.
I will however, say, it’ll be close.
And that I’m reasonably confident, IF things go well for us.
What’s that? I’m hedging my bets there?
Too right I am. I’m not the superstitious sort normally and it’s only re footy where I remotely am. I’ll do anything if it means we win and that includes keeping my mouth shut.
UTV!
Happy 90th birthday to Peter (‘Packy’) McParland who scored both goals in our 2-0 win over United in the 57 cup final.
He also scored the winning goal in the first LC final against Rotherham which used to be two legged affairs in those days.
I did manage to see him play a couple of times – Bill probably has stronger memories of the great man.
I used to sit on the white wall with my legs sticking through the metal railings of the Trinity Road terrace when I was five. I loved the half that had Macca running up and down the wing right in front of me. He was as fast and as skillful as they come.
I remember once when a full back steamed in and wiped Macca totally out. Today it would have gotten a red with a three match ban but, back then, it was just a booking. Macca lay face down as though he was dead while the ref booked the player. He then took a quick look and, seeing that the full back was booked, he did a few press ups, jumped up, smiled and ran down the wing.
Still my favourite Villa player by far.
Yes Hitch remember him well he’d be 5 years older than me , thing is
I’ve still got videos of the game and I remember when I moved house
Too where I live now talking to a neighbour and finding out in the conversation his name was McParland ,when I spoke of Peter he replied it was his uncle. I then said I have Videos of that game he ask if he could see it as he was too young in them times , needless to say a happy happy seeing it.
Off topic but Bruno Guimaraes £100m?
Really?
So what’s Douglas Luiz, Ollie, Leon Bailey or John McGinn worth in this alternative reality?
I’ve watched Newcastle a fair few time and the geezer has never stuck me as anything out the ordinary.
Is it just me?
Rumoured that the Barcodes are looking to sell him in the summer and are looking for £80m. Given the inflated nature of the transfer market that’s probably about right imho.
Good player, RSS. Very much in the Luiz mould with his range of passing. I’d say if he’s worth that, it’ll be about the same for Dougie. I know which one I’d rather have though.
Fair comment lads,
I always thought he was a little reckless, good for the odd sending off but hey ho if people within the game think he’s worth that sort of money who an I to argue?
(But I wouldn’t pay it).