The thought of this game frankly scares me, as I quite simply think it will define our season if we lose.
That’s probably unfair on Remi Garde, as he’s only had two games to impose himself on the squad, but I’ve been telling everyone I haven’t spoken to in a while that if we can’t beat Watford at home, we might as well say we’re down.
Choosing one particular game might be unfair too, but let’s look at the facts: No club on 5 points at this stage of the season has survived in the Premier league. We simply have to get some points, else there’s every chance we’re going to be cut further adrift.
The absolute truth is I think we’re down already and another defeat tomorrow will just confirm it even more.
Of course, there is still a glimmer of hope and you could point to the fact that we got a point out of the Man City and Everton games, something most of us probably didn’t expect.
But I have too many questions, the first being who do we see scoring the goals?
Unfortunately we don’t create anything, so how do we get the ball in the box?
This is where Gestede has to come in for me.
I’m almost ashamed to say it, but we have to take the more direct route and try to get the ball on his head.
The problem there is Gestede isn’t suited to the ball coming from behind him is he? He doesn’t really hold the ball up and although he can knock it down, the players don’t get close enough to him to take advantage.
But I guess what I’m getting at, is that he’s the best we’ve got if we want to go direct, which isn’t saying a lot if Kozak can’t get a look in.
And then we come to the midfield, who I think are far too lightweight, something Garde alluded to when talking about Sanchez being different.
Dropping Grealish is a good move. Not so much for his escapades in Manchester (I’m sure we’ve all been out for a drink after a bad day at the office), but more because he’s frankly been rubbish for most of the games this season.
Gardner’s supposed to be fit, so he’s the one I’d call on to replace him, purely because you know he will graft and put himself about.
What about the defence?
That scares me the most.
Watford are a pacey side, so if we go at them, they will counter to good effect and you just know everyone is now going to concentrate their efforts on our left back.
If that’s Kieran Richardson, well….. I’m shaking my head as I write.
And they have Troy Deeney, the bluenose, who must be odds on to score against us.
I’m going to stop there, as I’m depressing myself now, but good grief, doesn’t it just show what a paucity of quality we have in our squad?
As for the squads, Gabby’s still out with his calf problem, something I’m indifferent about. I’d love for him to come in and save us by going on a streak, but doubt it would happen.
Better news is that Jores Okore is available, although I doubt he’ll get a start.
Watford’s Valon Behrami is a doubt.
Prediction time then and again I’m embarrassed to say that I think Watford are better than Villa, if only because they want it more and are willing to fight.
This is a team that haven’t beaten us since something like 1986 or 87.
I’m expecting us to go 4-5-1, with the aim being to try and at least earn a point, but this is where we’ll no doubt find out more about the manager and how he thinks.
My heart says 1-0 to us.
But the reality is more likely to be 2-0 to them and if they get the early goal…
As I said, this game scares me.
Come on Villa, just get the points.
Please.
Massive game. No doubt about it. Sad thing is we win and we’re still bottom. We lose and even the most optimistic fan is gonna start having doubt about our survival chances. Lets be honest though, we haven’t won a home game this season, if we can win tomorrow, then who can we beat?
As for team selection, I’m not sure what he can really do. He has to start Sanchez, as he and Richards are the 2 players that can maybe drag us out of this mess. At the other end Gil and Ayew are the key for us creating chances, so must start. Apart from that, I’m pretty indifferent.
We’ve gotta get some points on the board tough ask today a man city performance wouldn’t go a miss.3 points & nowt else I’m hoping a 2-1 but I feel this ones got draw written all over it.
I’d almost settle for a draw now because I think we might lose this one.
I posted a while back about the team having no fight and I think Richards kind of hinted at that too with regard to some players. I’d sooner Garde picked youngsters willing to run for every minute of the game than so-called ‘experienced’ players who obviously couldn’t give a toss.
But please, please, please Remi don’t play Guzan!
Today I feel we are going to see the new Remi Garde Aston Villa. I think we’ll win comfortably 2 maybe 3 – 0. Today is the day we survive.
Of course if I’m wrong, as you say we are probably down and out.
I’m going 3-0 villa though. Remi grades claret and blue army!! Need a massive crowd today!! Come on the villa boys!!! Vtid
I thought last weeks game would be an indicator of where we go from here. I said we’d somehow need ten points before Christmas to survive when Garde took over. We can’t blame Remi.
Sod the pundits, but I think it’s all over lads… 🙁
I pretty well said as much yesterday that today is massive in getting a result, do I think we will ?, No only because its been a big fuck up at our club for years, we have now players saying why should I run my legs off to be sold next year, Villa is rotten till we remove the board and the owner, will that happen, No, god how i dream of us getting out of this missive problematic situation but we dont have willing players that play for the club.At 3 o’clock my hands will be together and head bowed praying for a miracle, please win.
Who you gonna prey to Bill? God was created because of man’s ignorance. You’d be better off with a pint in your hands…
Can someone please get a photo of that twat Lerner’s face as he realises how much money he’s lost as we go down? I wonder if his family see him as a loser, like in an Agatha Christie story?
Richards comments are refreshing. It just goes to show that you need more than money in this game to make a difference. You need to CARE. You need PRIDE.
I’ve never been a religious person Bum Bum , but its my last grasping of help, a pint you say? I do have 20 cans in the fridge let you know if I can drink the lot by tonight.
Do it Bill. Then get the old lady to post a picture of you passed out on the kitchen floor!!! 🙂
It wouldn’t be the first time believe me,
😀 GET IT DOWN YER MATE.
Dunno about you lot, but waiting for 3pm is like waiting to go into an operation!!!!
And the surgeons your ex wife nasty.
I haven’t got one of those…yet!!!
My missis must love me because after 55 years she’s still here.
Forgotten what it’s like to win and after the past few moths can’t get positive for a win, really hope we do because I think it could give some positivity to the team. Hope Richardson doesn’t play, would rather give kinsella a go, can’t help but be nervous and worry
This is a must win game. I wont be happy with a draw unless the teams above us drop points . I don’t know what way to call this after last weeks preformance you have to fancy Watford. I just hope Garde put his boot up the players backside and we get a result today. Come on the f**k VILlA.
Guzans playing 🙁
Westwood on the bench 😀
Relegation fodder
Face it LADS we’re well & truly fucked