Well, I know it’s easy to think that we should easily whup Burton tomorrow, but we all know it doesn’t necessarily work like that does it?
At least with the Villa, it doesn’t.
Still, given that Burton’s goal-scoring record is the second worst in the Championship (only the scum are worse) and they concede loads of goals, you’d have to think that we have at least a very good chance of winning this one.
I’m a lot less confident than I used to be though and I still think back to last season’s equivalent fixture on Boxing day, where although we won, we seriously struggled.
Then again, I’d say we’re a much better side now.
Did anyone else notice that Burton signed Darren Bent on loan, last week?
I only knew because I’m working in the Derby area and a local told me, but it did immediately make me wonder what the chances of him playing and scoring against us are.
So what do we know, squad-wise?
On Burton’s side, winger Lloyd Dyer should be fit and will possibly go straight back in after a back niggle.
Jacob Davenport might make his debut and Bent might make it after suffering a knock against Reading.
What price Bent getting at least a few minutes, as I’ve suggested?
As for us, we’re in very good shape, with only the regular long-termers out.
Which is a very good position to be in at this time of year, I’d say.
The big question has to be will Grabban start?
I doubt it, myself.
Like-wise Axel Tuanzebe, although I’d expect both to get minutes if we’re in a decent position in the game.
Otherwise, you can probably bet the house on Bruce changing very little and rightly so, in my opinion.
Stick with a winning team etc…..
Prediction time then and even though I hate to be overly confident, I can’t see us doing anything other than getting our 6th win on the trot, which would be the first time since 1990!
And the crowd is bound to be at least vibrant, which will help.
That said, while I’ve got something like a 3 or 4-0 in my head, so I really don’t think it will be that easy.
Burton will be up for this, as much as they’re struggling and I think we still might not be on top form, just as we saw against Sheffield.
I’m going to go for a 2-0 win.
Which will do very nicely, ta.
Just a few thoughts on the loan window.
Grabban’s a very solid signing, who scored plenty in a poor Sunderland side.
Tuanzebe, on reflection, is probably ok too, although I did at first wonder why?
I suspect it’s about his versatility, more than anything, but I am concerned about what promises have been made to Man U and the player himself.
We should not be playing players for the sake of it and they should only start if it’s totally justified, I say.
But Bruce knows best and as long as we keep performing, we can’t complain, can we?
Ross McCormack? I think it’s unfortunate that he’s come back and Bruce’s suggestion that he’ll sit down with the player doesn’t wash with me at all. I’d suggest they just don’t get on and that’s it.
Who’s gone?
De Laet, which has turned out to be a poor signing up to now. Badly injured and then doesn’t get a sniff when he’s fit. That’s a shame and I suspect the club have done him a favour in letting him return to Antwerp.
Elphick, who while he might not be many fan’s favourite defender, performed well when he came back in.
I feel it was harsh to immediately drop him for Terry, but that’s how it is and I wish him well at Reading.
And Tshibola, who I suspect is finished at the Villa. No disrespect, but when you’re reduced to Scottish footy, well…
I’m sure one or two of the kids have gone out on loan too, Easah Suliman to Grimsby, for example, but I forget. Whatever, I of course wish them well and hope they improve.
Regardless, let’s keep up the roll, eh?
