The headline says it all doesn’t it?
Put it this way. If we can’t beat Ipswich at home we’re in serious trouble.
I’ve just been looking at the Championship table and it makes for some very depressing viewing. When I see the likes of Blackburn are above us, it just highlights even more how badly we’ve done recently.
That’s not some sense of entitlement or disrespect on my part against Blackburn, but given that they’ve had practically no resources to work with for years now, our current position borders on scandalous.
Then add in that only two clubs in the league have conceded more goals than us and it rams things home even more.
There is some good news though and Ipswich are one of those teams who’ve conceded more than us.
They’ve had a poor season up to now, having only won three games this season and sitting rock bottom of the table.
We all know that doesn’t mean much though, as we’re almost a charity to any club that’s doing poorly or has been on a terrible run.
And then of course, we have new manager syndrome and a certain Paul Lambert to throw into the mix.
The other piece of good news is that I’m currently on holiday in Sri Lanka and guess what? It just so happens to be on the international AVTV list, so I may actually be able to watch the game. Not that I’m holding much hope that the hotel wi-fi will actually be able to handle a video stream, but I’ll at least be able to listen to it.
Squad news and Mile Jedinak and Glenn Whelan are both fit, which is interesting, because although I can see a reason to play Jedinak to shore us up against high balls, do we really need him today against Ipswich? I’m not convinced, but Dean Smith may think differently.
Jack Grealish is close to outdoor running, but it’s far too early for him.
What to think then?
For me, this is the shoe-in of all shoe-ins and losing today really is unthinkable.
Fortunately, I don’t think we will and although it wouldn’t surprise me if we make things awkward for ourselves, I can’t see past us winning.
I’m guessing it’ll only be by the odd goal, but I’ll take that.
It’d be great to actually go out and thrash Ipswich today, but I really don’t see that happening.
What I’ll be looking for mostly is the level of intensity we bring to the game, especially after Smith has asked for it.
If it’s not forthcoming, I can only see us struggling for the rest of the season.
Villa to win, 1-0
