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!
Comments
98 responses to “Villa – Leicester; Maybe another superb Semi final night?”
Nyland makes another great save.
And our defence is still shit.
That was a glorious save, top drawer.
Mike Dean being a dick, as usual…
Nyland having an absolute stormer, looks a completely different player to last year.
Samatta should’ve stabbed at it with the outside of his right foot. Better luck next time…
Ooh, chance then for Samatta.
He already looks better than Wesley, in that he’s in the right place.
Fair play to Mike Dean , in telling one of the leicester players to shut his rattle.
Can’t think of anything to say not already said so UTV COYL
We were under the cosh at the start and end of the half but in between I thought we were decent. Samatta looked better as the game wore on. Can we keep a clean sheet second half?
I think it would be a good idea to throw Davis on around the hour mark if we are still leading. He will offer us a good outlet when they turn the screw!
TBF Nyland has kept us in this tie, at their place and first half here. If we can stop giving away possession we could win this, but you feel sooner or later they will score, and probably from a mistake from us. Is it just lack of confidence or something more fundamental?
I believe we can, 5 at the back seems to be holding them off, problems we have is what’s on the bench in Vardy and Albrighton.. it’s on .
targett set Jack up again, good effort.
we need to keep taking it to them.
Vardy warming up.
I’m worried over Minns, he’s pulled his card again but car ring on.
Vardy on for perez.
Shit, he scares me.
Konsa boked, but I don’t think that means he’s suspended for the final????
His card, shit. His carf.
Can Konsa, appeal, it was a throw in for Villa.
The mail says any yellow will not stop a player in the final, Bill.
Leicester keep shooting and you think they’ll get at least one.
We can’t defend for toffee.
Jesus, great ball from Grelish and Samatta should have scored.
Very unlucky.
See we’re having to play Dean as well as Leicester. Nothing new there then!
I think Davis has come on?
I don’t know who for, as I had to take a piss.
Samatta
Thanks.
So – we give it away again
I suspect Mings is playing with an ongoing niggly problem re his leg.
And Leicester score.
It was so obvious with our utterly shit defence.
1-1
I cannot see us getting back now, either pens or they will score.
Agree Bill but think they’ll get another.
Another leaky second half performance
They’ll definitely get another – we’re all over the place