I know we’re talking about the Villa and we should never count our chickens, but surely if you can’t feel confident for this match, you’re not going to at all, are you?
I know Reading were supposed to have been quite unlucky after going two down last week, but the fact is they are not getting points and only have 1 from four games.
Contrast that to us, where Brentford apart, we’ve played poorly, yet still sit on eight points.
The only news really is that Anwar El Ghazi will definitely get on the pitch, as long as we get International clearance.
I’d expect him to go straight into the team, myself.
So who drops out for him?
You have to suspect it’ll be either Whelan or Jedinak, which makes sense. They’ll both need a bit of looking after over the season.
For me, I’d go for Elmohamady at RB, Tuanzebe at CB, Adomah on the right and either Whelan or Jedinak in front of the back four.
That should be sturdy enough.
And if El Ghazi’s not quite on it, Green subs for a few more minutes that he definitely needs, as frankly I think he’s been poor.
The only doubt is Alan Hutton who has broken his nose.
I really don’t see that being enough to put such a good pro off though and even if he has to wear a mask, I’d expect him to start too.
It’s really fingers crossed, knowing how we messed up against the likes of Bolton (who are off to blinding start this season! it’s a funny old game indeed) last season, but I have to go for a home win, hopefully combined with just a little bit of arrogance and flair, just like Wednesday.
And of course assisted by lots of hard work.
Villa 3-1
And I suspect Kodjia might get another.
Here’s hoping!
