You could say we’ve been somewhat unlucky in our games against Spurs and Bournemouth.
First, because we possibly outplayed Spurs for a good part of the game, where Erickson changed everything.
And second because we gave Bournemouth a flying start, which was somewhat irretrievable, very early on.
We possibly outplayed them too, over the course of the game.
But it doesn’t matter.
What does is results.
Against Spurs, they had a player a class apart in Kane, who quite simply punished us.
Bournemouth? Well, they just played a canny game and held out.
Before I make my guess on the result, here’s what we know;
Hause is available. Kodjia is in light training, but won’t be available tonight, while Chester is still out with a hamstring problem.
Have we seen the last of Chester for us? It wouldn’t surprise me, a final bow apart.
As for Everton, Lucas Digne has recovered from a thigh strain he picked up last weekend and Leighton Baines is also available.
So both squads in good shape then.
What to say about Everton?
Well, I see them as a very decent, consistent middle table side, who are good all over.
They’ve yet to concede this season, having opened with a goaless draw against Palace and then winning at home against Watford.
The good news is Idrissa Gueye won’t be there to bite us on the proverbial, but Everton do have Fabian Delph, although I doubt he’ll feature.
It’ll be interesting to see who starts on our part, as there has been a lot of clamour for Taylor and Elmohamady to be replaced by Matt Targett and Freddie Guilbert as our fullbacks.
I can mostly see why, as the old guard have produced nothing of note in attack.
But they’ve also done very little wrong in defence either, to my mind.
While I still have Dean Smith’s “you score three, we’ll score four” quote very strongly in mind, the reality is he has to be careful about how he applies this approach.
While I think the Bournemouth game was one where we could be a bit more adventurous, I don’t think this is the case tonight.
What concerns me, is that Guilbert hasn’t even been on the bench yet and you have to wonder why we bought him, if we’re not going to give him a runout, at least.
Thoughts then and sadly, they’re not good.
The best I can see here is a draw.
I really hate to say it, as it goes totally against the optimism that is flowing through the club, but I definitely see this as a game too far above our hopes and very admirable effort.
My money says we’ll continue to make stupid mistakes and give the ball away far too easily.
If I had to put money on a scoreline, it would be a 2-1 loss.
I really hope I’m wrong, as if we lose again and Wesley doesn’t score, I dread to think of the pressure that is going to be applied even more on his shoulders.
Dean Smith insists he’ll do the business, but if anything, that’s just applied even more pressure on him.
The kid needs a goal and I really hope he gets it.
Comments
76 responses to “Villa – Everton; I don’t know what to think”
Tbh, I’m a bit worried about this one 🙁
Badger, don’t fret, 3rd game in early days, I’m believing we are not going to be the worst team in the league for from it. Yes tummies will roll for every game but I believe we have the making of a good side, if you put this team against last year’s team I would say no chance of staying up.as Langford would say Villa won’t go down.
Team
1Heaton
24Guilbert
22Engels
40Mings
3Taylor
6Douglas Luiz
17Trézéguet
7McGinn
10Grealish
23Jota
9Wesley
Substitutes
8Lansbury
12Steer
14Hourihane
15Konsa
21El Ghazi
27El Mohamady
39Davis
Badger
Let’s role with it tonight. If we don’t make silly mistakes we have a chance.
Only third game in. Guilbert is playing, bet he gets booked! However, if we play to our potential we can draw and long shot sneak a win.
I’m looking forward to Guilbert and Jota tonight. They linked up well in pre season although tonight’s game is a much sterner test.
We simply can’t allow any mistakes but I think there will be while the team gets to know each other.
I predicted Villa to lose 2-1 last time out on the super 6. Tonight I have a gut feeling 0-2 to Everton. I hope I’m wrong but I really think Everton could break top 6.
Holte Holte. You on the sauce ? Villa to lose , no mate I feel the vibe Villa to win today as its Bank holiday, I’m banking a win. Utv. .
Hope you’re right Bill but not feeling confident .
UTV
Just playing down my expectations Bill as usual. A big worry with Mings!
Mings has a groin problem????
And WTF is that shirt?
Looks like Mings has a problem. I am worried if he does not play. However, it’s an opportunity for our back up players.
Has he been injured in warm up as named in side and, if so, are we allowed replacement
Not known yet Hitch.
Mings okay according to Sky
Mings starts! I hope he doesn’t do himself a long term injury. He will be vital for our season.
Mings did pick up an injury.
But is fit to start.
WTF?
That’s Sky for you.
(I daren’t say a woman commentator).
Villa players smiling and happy in the tunnel.
I like that.
Good atmosphere too.
The Best Badger, come on you Villians,x
Guilbert booked already for sticking a foot out.
What happened to letting players get into the game ?
I can see Mings going off.
He just doesn’t seem right.
Badger keep the faith mate, they are finding space, we are playing football.
We’re having problems finding our men. 34% possession at home isn’t good….
Agreed, we haven’t settled at all.
Weak down the right and far too direct to wesley.
YUYYYEEEESSSS Wesley
What a ball from Jota.
Wesley scores!!!
1-0
Lovely goal from the big man. Heskey my arse!
We’ve looked outclassed up to now, but that’s awesome!!!
Nearly a second for Wesley! He’s looking worth every penny of the 22 million at the moment.
Engels saves off the line.
Good defending.
I’m happy to say that Wes looks a canny player.
Seems to me we’re defending too deep.
Good job they don’t have a target player.