Hmm, perhaps the headline says it all really, but I am very confident about this game.
We’re currently in fine fettle, having won 5 out of our last 6, with the only loss being against Huddersfield; a game that I felt we were somewhat unlucky to lose.
We’re top of the table for 6 game form, basically (quickly brushes over the previous 6 games, ahem).
Norwich, on the other hand have only won 1 in the last 6, having drawn 3 and lost 2.
They’re managerless and it’s hard to see that there’s anything that’s going to make them reverse their recent run.
And talking of form, over the last 5 games, there are only 4 teams that have won 3 games or more.
Which I find very interesting, because even Newcastle and Brighton have only won twice and the latter have actually lost 3.
Sheffield Wednesday have won only 1 in the last 5 and they’re currently 6th in the table.
Why this fascination with form?
Well, it’s because it gives me hope and that’s exactly what Footy should be about.
It means the season isn’t quite finished yet, as if we were to win every game we have left, there is still a faint hope of a play-off placing.
I know. I’m deluded. It’s not possible.
But stranger things have happened and there are always teams that seriously struggle and a team that sneaks in at the end of it all. We currently look like that sneaky team.
But that’s where the “I think” part of the headline comes in.
It’s the Villa and just when you think things are going well, so they kick you in the whatnots.
I suppose I live in somewhat vain hope.
Squads then and Norwich are missing Wes Hoolahan, who’s a decent player.
Louis Thompson remains out and defender Mitchell Dijks is banned,
Nelson Oliveira and Graham Dorrans are available and Youssouf Mulumbu might be too.
On our side, Nathan baker and Jack Grealish are apparently fit, as is Gabby, but he doesn’t count as he won’t be anywhere near starting, simple as.
So how do we line up?
Well, the main question is if Steve Bruce will play Mile Jedinak or rest him and put Baker straight back in.
I’d expect there will have been a conversation between Jedinak and the manager as to how he feels.
Which strikes me as good management, in that they talk and consider each other.
I’d expect Jedinak to start, but probably be subbed for Baker if the game’s going ok.
Makes sense to me, anyway. You rest the old-timer and give the previously injured party minutes.
Taylor will play at LB. Bruce has made it quite plain that he needs to get on with things after that tackle.
Very sensible advice too, in my opinion.
The only other decisions revolve around Hogan, who surely comes straight back, meaning Adomah moves back to the right.
And Lansbury comes back in for Gardner.
The rest of the team pretty much picks itself, although there might be an argument that says Green might start instead of Amavi?
RB is a choice between Bree and Hutton. I’d be ok with either and guess they’ll get swapped out.
Genuine choices; what a luxury.
And I’d suggest that’s probably very close to our best side?
So, as you might have guessed, I’m going for the win.
I also have a sneaky feeling that we’re going to score more than 2.
And for the third game running, I think Hourihane will get one.
I really shouldn’t count my chickens, should I?
I very much doubt I’ll get to see or hear this one.
I hate my job.
looking at norwich and villa seasons. we both struggled this season. which i thought norwich would have sailed this season without any difficulties. but it didnt turn out that way. i think we have now sailed our rough seas, ironed out our problems. we look stronger in all areas of the field. we just need to gel into a stronger team with the ball. norwich seem worse than they did at the season kick off. currently without manager. who again i think is a decent manager. wrongly gotten rid off. norwich needed to freshen up alittle instead they gambled on mainly the same side that got relegated. that failed. as we know its sometimes hard for a team used to losing. too start wining and regular enough to win promotion in one year. they managed it before but failed this season.
villa should beat these sparrows 3 0 hopefully hogans in among the goals
Didn’t they sell Brady in January – poor form since then may not be a coincidence. Norwich this season seem to have blown hot and cold – let’s hope today is a cold one! Anyway my Ipswich mate will be rooting for us.
The Jedi being fit enough to play is crucial as is the ability of Horgan and Kodjia to gel playing two up top. SB has suggested it’s too early for Green but suppose he might be on the bench – reckon Green is going to be a key player next season.
Can we continue winning – let’s hope so but I have a feeling this may be a draw, particularly if the Jedi is knackered from all that travelling. I hope I’m wrong though.
Bl***y International breaks!
i think we all under play the confidence of the teams that get relegated. thats why most freshen up or do a total rebuild. norwich have been a team that went down and bounced back with that manager doing much the same as this season. but this time his same tactic of not doing much changes didnt pay off.
yeah selling brady didnt help i guess but they were like you said hot and cold before he left. they are in need of new players or new direction. thats why i don’t see them a threat anymore, now i did fear them before this season started. just because they had a settle team that had done this before .
strange how it didnt work this time for them. goes to show you, theirs no one way to get this promotion. what works one time might not work the next time. i can see them struggling for a few years. hopefully we have rough out the worst. next year is our last real strong chance before our squad has to be reduced in quality as funds dry up
I like the heading, we should win this great that the footie is back on.
” I like the heading “…….wheres new badge ??……footies back and moaning already…lol
1- o that man again..
Assist fron Hogan. Hopefully they will strike up a partnership.
Hogan injured – anyone know what the problem is?
Anyone else getting fed up of us winning every week. IV got sod all to moan about. It’s getting boring now I know what it was like to be a Utd fan in the Fergie years losing is loads more fun 😓
Brilliant Oohah – love it mate
😄lol
I’m being serious lol
7 games to go, could we possibly……nah!, don’t even mention it.
There are too many teams above us that are quite capable of a winning run. Lost too much ground at the beginning of the season and again in January (shades of MON). Still a work in progress but we should be capable of a real tilt at promotion next season.
Whist promotion this year would have been great, I always thought we would need at least two seasons to repair the damage of the Lerner years.
We are where I hoped we would be at the start of the season. Looking like promotion contenders for next year. The defence is getting meaner and there is only one member of my Bomb squad getting a start.
while its my belief we will be in championship next year. i would say another season will be a real benefit. we are not quite ready for the premiership.we still could sneak into the playoffs granted teams have to slip up above us, but looking at fulham fixtures they are difficult and have to play us. sheff wed are feeling the pressure. i wouldnt write this season off quite yet. we could help relegate the scum. continue winning our remaining games, nevermind these boring remakes wining is wining after last season losing all the times. makes a refreshing change
We would have to win every game if we did we would finish top 6 imo. A tall order especially with the scum at home just typical of them tossers to turn us over 😡
i don’t believe it will happen, even if we won all remaining games. but its a sort of bet i would take two weeks ago, we was 100 /1 to finish top 6 playoffs. after todays game 23/5 maybe thats a error on website.
teams like wednesday and fulham have to win games and they will find it hard to now the finishing line approaches.
I think we have a 50/50 chance plus there is no pressure on us anymore we can just go out there and enjoy it.
i think we can win all the remaining games. i would be happy with just that, finishing top 6 now depends on fulham and wednesday but fulham drop points against derby & norwich away or slip up against ipswich and against us the week after. we would be within striking distance of them with 3to play
like you said we are playing with freedom. its much easy to chase down than hold onto the final spot. will be interesting finish to see how these two finish
Great result! Im really starting to get that winning feeling before each game. Another clean sheet, kodjia on fire. Playoffs are 10 points away, from 7 games its going to be close if we keep this up! But whatever happens were building well and looking like a team once again! UTV.
Great win today. So impressed by this turnaround. Momentum is the key (just don’t say that to Jeremy Corbyn supporters!). Well done to the Manager, squad, owner and AVFC staff all!!!! It will be close regarding the play offs but let’s just enjoy it!
Thanks to H60 and Badger btw for suggestions about taking my lads to their first VP experience! I think it’ll be next season now…maybe a wet Tuesday night at Grimsby!!!! 🙂
UTV!
Could be a bit of a damp squid that Bum Bum 🙂
Kodjia’s first goal, brilliant; his second pure poacher instinct. One bit of transfer dealing RDM got spot on. Credit where it’s due.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=reDCJq9Rr5U