So there’s no way I can get to the game and there aren’t any live streams available. Hence I’ve decided to give AVTV a go for the live commentary. I used to listen occasionally a while back and wasn’t impressed, so I hope it’s improved.
Anyway, we face Rotherham today and the big news is that our £8 million signing from West Brom, James Chester is available for selection. It seems we made the deadline by one minute and it’s good news as surely he’ll be thrown straight in after Wednesday’s debacle?
On the injury front, Nathan Baker will be assessed after his head injury. I’d expect it to be pretty academic, as it’ll be Elphick and Chester at the back anyway.
Otherwise, Di Matteo has the luxury of having the whole squad available, although I’m not sure how much of a luxury that is nowadays.
Rotherham skipper Lee Frecklingon is set for a spell on the sidelines after suffering another calf problem last week.
Joe Newell and Aimen Belaid are long term injuries.
Defensive duo Kirk Broadfoot and Joe Mattock should be fit for the trip.
No, I’ve never heard of any of them either, I’m afraid.
It’ll be interesting again to see who starts and how we line up.
It already seems apparent that our midfield is a problem, as even Luton cut a swathe through the middle of the pitch at times. We need to address this quickly, in my opinion and hopefully it’s being done as we speak.
What to think then?
While I’m tempted to say this ought to be a very straight-forward win today, I really don’t find myself convinced.
I was convinced we’d beat Luton, but look what happened there. That defeat really knocked the wind out of my sails.
Rotherham got a point at home to Wolves, but lost 4-5 at home to Morecambe midweek, so I’m not sure what that tells us.
At the moment I refuse to believe that we’re going to seriously struggle against every Championship side that we’ll face this season, but the nagging doubt is there.
While we often read that a match is a “must win”, for me this one really is if we’re not going to go into a spiral of even more lack of confidence and belief.
We simply must get 3 points today, no ifs and no buts, to get the season rolling.
Villa to win 2-1. I hope
