Well, this game should be pretty straightforward, shouldn’t it?
After all we beat them on their own patch less than a fortnight ago, so it just makes sense.
Except it just doesn’t work like that with the Villa, as we know all too well.
Just as I said the last time we played them, they’re fighting for their lives so will give us no quarter.
The good news is we shown we can equal anything they care to dish out.
Squad news and the main one is that Ezri Konsa is out for twelve to sixteen weeks. As the manager pointed out, it’s not the worst time to have this sort of injury, but it will still mean the stalwart defender will miss the pre-season.
There’s no way we’ll be selling him in the window.
Emi Martinez has a “small issue” but he’s expected to be okay.
Otherwise, it’s as we were, with Hause and Bailey still out.
As for Burnley, Ben Mee and James Tarkowski are possible players but Matej Vydra, Ashley Westwood and Johann Berg Gudmundsson are all set to miss out with fitness issues.
Thoughts then and while this ought to be, not easy, but a definite win, I won’t be having a bet on the game. I just always have a nagging doubt that we’ll do something stupid and throw it away.
To be fair, it was pointed out on this site that we’ve won the vast majority of games we’ve been expected to win. I checked this for myself, as it just didn’t seem like it, but it is indeed true.
So it would seem my doubt is very much misplaced and I can predict the result with a bit more confidence.
So a Villa win it is.
I’ll go 2-1
UTV!
Comments
109 responses to “Villa – Burnley; The points are in the bag. Aren’t they?”
Why am I watching this?
One down…
We currently sit 14th. I didn’t expect this at the beginning of the season. Just Southampton sitting between us and the 3 fighting for the remaining survival place.
Well what did I think, Olli walking around, Chucki a liability, there is a air of I don’t,care. Or it don’t matter.
So slow and boring to watch. A couple of shots from McGinn and remind me again why we employ set piece coach MacPhee?
Burnley are playing 3 centre half’s and we have just Watkins up against them. But worse no pace to get behind them. SG needs to take a good look at himself this half time.
Sorry, but Chucky off. Ings on. Make the change at half time. Not quarter on an hour into the second half.
I remain completely unconvinced by Gerrard.
Look at what Viera has achieved at Palace, Howe at Newcastle, Franks at Brentford etc, and we’re supposed to have a stronger squad.
Disgruntled Villa fan
SG is tactically unaware so he won’t do anything.
Gerrard needs sacking just for giving us this awful football.
It’s not just a one-off either. We’re utter dogshit and have been in most of our games for weeks.
I’d still expect us to come back from this, by the law of averages alone.
Let’s see.
What were the odds on a Burnley win Badger?
You might have missed a trick here!
It annoys me when they say they have one foot on the beach or whatever narrative to suggest players not giving 100%. How many of us say to our bosses that our performance levels will drop a few weeks before our holidays? It’s more of a piss take when they are paid mega bucks.
The stupid goals tally this season is massively against us. Needless penalty, adds to the number we conceded that we did not receive back from any opponents. 75% possession, Burnley had not had a single effort on target and then Buendia does that. Prat.
Chucky has actually looked progressive with the ball, him, buendia and Ramsey are the only ones trying to play quick 1-2 passes. It’s Luiz that needs to come off he’s so slow on the ball and because of that slows our whole play down. Luiz off Ings or Coutinho on and get someone up top playing next to Watkins, who has actually been terrible.
Watkins has had zero service so he can’t really be accused of being terrible.
Agreed. You can’t blame Watkins for us not getting him on the ball.
Bring Coutinho on and you’ll just see him playing deeper and deeper for the same reason, imo.
To be fair it’s hard to break down any team putting 10 men behind the ball, but the football has been utter shit for ages now and I find it hard to believe that’s the players fault
Barnes should have been sent off for that elbow.
And Buendia should stay out of our own penalty area, not the first time this season he’s cost us a goal.
Agree on Barnes – that was a deliberate (and dangerous) use of the elbow.
VAR is useless
Bugger me – Buendia.
That’s a good goal.
Great ball in by McGinn
And Buendia makes amends.
1-1 and I love this bloke (in a fan way, that’s all!).
Think Buendia / Coutinho conundrum been answered?
Still fail to see anything special in Chumbawamba (is it just me?)
Some of McGinn’s balls are just sublime.
And he’s been pretty consistent with it too, of late.
McGinn has been excellent all game Badger
We’re looking the better team now.
I say if we get a second Burnley are in serious trouble.
Traore warming up.
For Chucky, who’s done less than nothing, I wonder?
Yep, Chucky indeed.
You need to show a lot more than that kid. Sign or clear off, for me.
Everton – Palace 2-2!
Can anyone tell me why Gerrard put Traore on?
To put him in the shop window?
Must be a Charity Shop then 🙂
The basket outside mate (-:
Was just about to add that charity shop comment myself!! Lol!!!
Toffees winning now…!
So VAR spend ages checking a non hand ball by Digne and dismiss Barnes deliberate elbow on Mings.
Which was more obvious?
It was never a handball for me because of the high boot that needed an arm to go up.
Meanwhile, why do so many of our players continue to fall over/slip?
It’s just ridiculous and I struggle to believe someone at the clubhasn’t looked at this.
Everton 3-2 up. Wow.
Ings on for Watkins. Fresh legs and he nearly scores first touch.
with Coutinho having come on too, you would think we’re a scary side to play against.
Ing’s wide with his first touch!
(nothing new there then)
In fairness, Traore has looked really lively here. Nice header too then that Pope does well to save.
Jesus, Martinez and Mings heroics then!