I’m a bit late writing this, but I’ve had my e-mail account hacked and sorting that out was even more important then the Villa tonight.
The thought of someone being able to read all my mails is positively scary, but I’ve sorted it now.
So, as we all no doubt know, Pool will be playing their kids because they’ve prioritised the World club cup or something. I can’t say I blame them to be honest, as the latter is worth more money and prestige and money and it’s not often you get the chance to enter it.
The big news on our part is that John McGinn is highly doubtful as it turns out he’s suffered a tear in his thigh muscle, meaning he’s been taking painkilling jabs so he can continue playing.
Many fans have complained that this is utter madness and he could have been allowed time to heal when we were playing clubs we were unlikely to win against, ensuring he was fit for the games where we have a better chance.
I totally agree with them.
It looks like Dean Smith will rest a few of the usual players, but I’m sure he’ll keep some big guns on the bench, just in case.
This is probably sensible, as we really shouldn’t need to play our best side to beat what are basically kids. Experience alone ought to ensure we get the win, but we’re talking about the Villa and anything is possible, so I’m definitely taking nothing for granted.
As for Pool, I know absolutely nothing about them, but I’m sure they’re going to come at us, as they’ll have nothing to lose and will be anxious to put on a show.
Hopefully we’ll be able to pick them off and I’m going for 3-1, although we really shouldn’t be conceding at all.
Teams
Aston Villa: Nyland; Elmohamady, Chester, Konsa, Taylor; Lansbury, Douglas Luiz; Jota, Hourihane, Trezeguet; Kodjia. Subs: Kalinic, Guilbert, Hause, McGinn, El Ghazi, Grealish, Wesley.
Liverpool: Kelleher; Hoever, Van den Berg, Boyes, Gallacher; Kane, Chirivella, Christie-Davies; Elliott, Longstaff, Hill. Subs: Winterbottom, Clayton, Norris, Clarkson, Dixon-Bonner, Bearne, Stewart.
That’s actually a pretty strong side, I’d say.
Er, this should be very straightforward, shouldn’t it?
Everything to lose and nothing to gain! That’s the view that will come from the critics anyway. A semi final at stake although with Man Citeh, Man Ure and Leicester being the likely other semi finalists, we will probably go out in the next round, if not tonight’s banana skin.
A sensible selection and hopefully Grealish or McGinn won’t be called upon although I wouldn’t be surprised if they are needed. I’m going for 2-1 Villa because simply put it’s Villa!
Beat me to it Hitch, we are crap , lost shape slow on ball you name it that’s us.
And we don’t do things simply do we?
Why change a habit of a lifetime – well, mine anyway 🙂
Opportunity for players like Jota, Kodjia, Chester and Lansbury to show they deserve a starting berth in the EPL – heaven knows we need some new inspiration.
UTV
Surely this is a game made for Hourihane?
They already look better on the ball than us.
This is embarrassing
Are we cr*p or are we cr*p?
Goal hurahane
Thank f*** for Hourihane. That’s why he should always start. More goals than Wesley this season!
Hope it settles us down, having a go now Langsbury across goal ,no one there.
2 goals now
Looks like Elmo. Playing now . That might hurt them..
Flattering score line although I’m not complaining.
Liverpool playing the better football
Calling Jacks name thinking about it this is where he would shine more, loads of room for him to move.
Nice save by Nylan , hes greedy is Kodja again not passing the ball , tries to do it all pressing now, down the right, throw in . Hand ball Villa player.
7 Liverpool attempts to 1 by Villa!
3 Kodja
Yes Hitch 3 time they might have scored, Liverpool might have young guns but old heads are winning at the minute.
4 Kodija
How is it 4-0?
Smash and grab Holte – 3 shots and 3 goals plus a fluke.
Holte ?
Good to see Chessie back. Kodjia with 2/3 goals will help his confidence.
3 shots on target and 4 goals Bill!
Now that’s clinical finishing 🙂
Liverpool 8 attempts Villa 3. Might be Kodjia got 3 of the goals.
I’m wondering if he might try that Hitch, they say Kodjia claiming the one Elmo crossed that gives him a hat trick. on the way out for second half.
Of course this is a no win game for Villa. However they played all the plaudits would go to the Liverpool team.
This for the Villa is more about trying to get some confidence before Saturday.
Kodjia to start Saturday or perhaps we should try playing Wesley and Kodjia as a two up front?
Wesley to come on second half?
Kodjia, as greedy as he is, is just miles better than the way Wesley is playing atm.
Ok, this is different level, but it’s plain to see that Kodjia is just way more likely to at least get in scoring positions.
I’d actually put Wesley on now, so he can get a bit of practice, as Pool’s defence is as naive as the first team’s, but I’d prefer Kodjia to get his hand in and start in the Prem for the next few games.
He might still be poor, but I’d take him over Wesley anyday, atm.
All that aside, to be 4-0 up is almost embarrassing.
Whatever, I’d expect this to be be Kodjia’s Swansong, as he’s guaranteed gone in the window, imo.
Just upped his value then! 🙂