This game is being shown on ESPN, which is just as well, because I’m currently sunning myself in a lovely apartment in Barbados, which means I’ll be able to watch it.
Actually, it’s this one here. (Click to view) and I can highly recommend it.
The good news is it’s owned by one of our posters and I got a very decent discount.
The even better news is that any readers of this site can also get a similar deal. Just contact me and I’ll put you in touch.
Do not book through that site if you want the discount.
Anyway, straight to squad news and for Villa, Mbwana Samatta could make a start tonight.
Well, I say could, but surely it’s a certainty, given we have no alternative?
Kienan Davis is training, but I’d be surprised if he came in for this one, although he’ll possibly get minutes, depending on how the game goes.
Danny Drinkwater is ineligible because he previously played for Burnley in the cup. Some might say that’s not a big loss, but I actually think he does at least add a bit of grit.
Otherwise it’s no change for our long term injuries.
As for Leicester, the big news is that Brendan Rodgers has said that Jamie Vardy will definitely play some part tonight, which is bad news for us. Lets hope he doesn’t start eh?
Wilfred Ndidi is also fit, but Nampalys Mendy and Wes Morgan are both out.
Logic tells me that this should be a quite comfortable win for Leicester.
But it doesn’t always work like that, as our comeback against Watford and indeed, the draw in the first leg have proved.
It’s a massive game for Samatta to step into and I’m playing down any expectations I have of him as quite frankly the £8.5 million we paid for him is peanuts for a Premier league striker.
You never know though and he might prove to be one of those hidden gems that can sometimes be found.
We don’t often get lucky though, do we?
The rules for the Carabou cup are that there is no extra time and a draw would mean we go to penalties, where anything can happen.
I think I see this as our best possible bet, because while I don’t see us winning the game, I can envisage a draw.
And that’s what I’m going for.
1-1
If we can get a result here, it would rank as high as the Bolton and Tranmere semis, which were truly magical.
Here’s hoping and UTV!
Don’t forget, if anyone’s interested (and that includes anyone outside the UK) contact me first.
Anyway, fingers crossed.
That’s a dream place Badger, what got me was the bar. I know who you got it off and as you know I had a lot of problems over Xmas knocked me back . But I will take the offer after my cruise with the wife,heaven knows we need it. At the minute a new car just been purchase and drowning my sorrows in that. Well I’m all set for tonight’s game and hope we get through, should see the new player along with Drinkwater. Have a nice time you jammy xz@$. Have one for me.
I don’t know what you have been going through Bill but hope you’re ok mate.
Not very confident – wish I was!
Went to Tranmere and Bolton semis (latter as a business ‘jolly’). That Tranmere game was something else – what a night. Was Bosnich lucky to still be on the pitch at the end – good job he was though!
Anyway, back to tonight’s game. I am interested in seeing how Samatta shapes up and what sort of set up Smith goes with – although I’d be surprised if he changes it round much from the last four games. I wouldn’t be surprised if Samatta starts from the bench.
Good to see Davis back in training and available for tonight’s game. At least we now have two fit strikers!
Ndidi and Vardy key players for Leicester who have quality all over the pitch.
So, I’m going 1 – 2 Leicester.
Just hope they might be a little complacent having whacked us last time they were at Villa Park so you never know!
UTV.
I’m sorry but I don’t think we should play our best players tonight. Yes, there is a chance we could scrape a win and have a final. Unfortunately the likelihood is Samatta will get injured or another key player will. If we do get to the final I would expect a bigger hammering than the one we lost to Arsenal 5 years ago.
Let’s focus on the more important game against Bournemouth with our best team well rested.
As much as I hate to say it, we have a team with just a few quality players and the financial importance of Premier league football trumps the Carabao cup!
I know what you’re saying Holte, but we’re talking Wembley in a cup final and how often does that chance come up?
I’d be very surprised if Smith plays a weak side.
Nyland, Konsa, Hause, Mings, Guilbert, Nakamba, Luiz, Targett, El Ghazi, Samatta, Grealish.
Subs: Sarkic, Elmohamady, Chester, Hourihane, Lansbury, Trezeguet, Davis.
Reina not even on the bench?
Samatta starts, Davis on the bench and Chester isn’t going anywhere.
Interesting that Reina doesn’t appear. Is that a reflection of Holte’s point re injuries? Does Smith see Reina as crucial to our EPL survival?
It’s a strong line up. Is Reina injured or ill or ineligible?
Of course I want us to win but just as important we do not pick up any injuries. It’s looking grim on getting another player in before transfer window shuts.
Prediction wise, even with our strongest team I can’t see anything but a Leicester win. 0-2!
Reina can’t be ineligible Holte as he hasn’t appeared for any other club in this season’s competition.
I think it’s more your point about protecting him for the EPL.
I think maybe it’s a pat on the shoulder for Nyland as well. he hasn’t let us down in the last two ties so maybe that’s Smith showing some faith in him, as well as protecting Reina. Fingers crossed that he performs tonight as it would probably finish him at Villa otherwise. He’ll need the defence to be at it as well.
Looking forward to seeing us playing with a striker though.
Just can’t call this one. Keep thinking back to that Tranmere game and I’m getting goosebumps! Lets just give it a good go and see how it goes. Interesting to see Samatta but not going to expect too much from him tonight. Its a big ask on your debut in a semi final.
But surely you’d have him on the bench, as how often do keepers get injured?
Maybe more contractual, methinks.
Leicester have been pretty poor of late, and we could have easily walked away 2-0 winners of the first leg, I’m not so sure it will be as easy for Leicester as everyone thinks.
That’s the spirit!
I hope you’re right, Guest.
Reina has a ‘tight calf’ according to Sky
OK that’s why then!
I fancied us with Reina in the team. With Nyland in goal, not a chance.
I have to say it worries me. A lot will depend on how we get at them. The first leg we were on the back foot, and he was really good then. At least let’s give it a proper go.
See it’s our favourite referee Mike Dean 🙂 and we’re kicking the wrong way first!
Jeez, good stop by Nyland from Maddison then.
I know it’s early days, but Samatta looked to really lack pace against their LB.
End to end start to the game.
We need goals as our defence looks dogshit.
Again.
Early days, I know.
All over us like a rash!
Maddison has a third attempt!
Nyland our MOTM so far.
Yes! targett after good work by Jack.
1-0!
Bloody hell
Grealish super vision and some kind of flick.