You’re probably aware that the site hasn’t been working properly lately.
I can only apologise. I’ve tried numerous things to sort it and it seems it may be partly fixed.
I’d reach out to WordPress, which setup and maintains the platform, but I wouldn’t have a clue what to ask them, as there have been so many different issues.
Trust me, I’m as frustrated as many of you probably are and am currently hoping that some update or other might resolve things. Meanwhile I’d ask that you bear with things.
Come to think of it, I’m going to contact the host and see if there’s anything they might be able to help with.
Meanwhile, onto the game.
This one so reminds me of the Luton game, where I thought it was very much a banana skin game.
The good news was though, that we went on to beat them quite soundly.
So while I think this could be similar in that we could either lose it, as is somewhat expected or win it, which would be more demonstrative of our relevant league positions, I do feel this is a tougher test.
Team news and the big one for us is Ollie Watkins’ fitness. Emery has said he’s not completely unavailable and I’m not sure what that means. Does it mean he could be ruled out totally or is it more that he just might not be up to a full 90 minutes?
The thing in our favour here, is that Bournemouth concede a lot of goals and their record is third worst behind only Sheffield and Burnley. With Villa being able to create goals from players all over the pitch, if Watkins is in any way doubtful at all, I’d rest him and save him for bigger games coming up. I think Emery will think exactly the same. That said, nobody will know better than the player himself and apparently he’s going to be looked at and asked the question this morning.
So while it’s not great, I’d expect him to be rested and we go with Duran, while not forgetting we could go with Bailey or Ramsey in another more forward role. Don’t forget Zaniolo has also been touted as a possibly very good centre forward too.
Blimey, do we suddenly have an abundance of options? It would seem so. Much of this is down to the way we play, with an out and out attacker not quite being the neccessity it usually has been, I feel. Particularly against a team that concedes a few.
Apart from the long termers, we’re all good and it’s a pleasant position to be in, with the squad at as full strength as it can be. I’m sure it’ll all be needed too.
There is one fly in the ointment and Kamara is suspended for this one for picking up five yellows.
I’ve also just realised that I’ve forgot about Traore. I’m relly not sure what his position is.
Bournemouth have Lloyd Kelly ruled out after being forced off last week with a hamstring injury.
Max Aarons, Tyler Adams, Alex Scott and Ryan Fredericks remain out.
They’re a strange team, Bournemouth.
They went 13 games without a win, but have now seemingly come good and have won 3 of their last 4 Premier league games, including a very good win and clean sheet against Newcastle. We all know how hard it is to beat the Barcodes, too.
And of the 6 times we’ve played them, they’ve won 4, so a bit of a bogey team too.
Prediction time then and as usual of late, I’m struggling.
Will we go at them, with Cash continuing to be used further forward? I don’t know.
I’m going to say Bournemouth will concede at least one goal.
It would be so easy for me to go for a 1-1 draw, but that’s just safe and boring.
We have to consider that we’re away and generally our results have been as good.
I’m going to be a bit bolder than 1-1 and say it will be 2-1.
Who to though?
Villa edge it, for me so there you go, a 2-1 win it is.
UTV
Here’s hoping. (that the bloody site’s okay now, too).
Badger
Thank you for all you do on this website.
Team is out and Zaniolo and Bailey to start. I assume Emery has one eye on Man City and Arsenal matches coming up.
It is an attack team and I expect a few goals. 1-3 to Villa😁
Looking forward to this game but for me it hinges on how we start. Start slow and let them press us high and we could potentially concede another early goal and make life tough again. If we are in control after 10 to 15 minutes I think we may go on to get the 3 points. A tricky tie and I’m sure Emery will have come up with the right plan (looking at the lineup) and it’s just on the players to now execute properly. Also, away to Middlesbrough in the FA Cup 3rd round.. why do we always seem to get so many away games? Yet City surprise surprise nice easy home game to get them going.
Cash rested, as was rumoured. I don’t like Konsa at RB.
Martinez, Konsa, Carlos, Pau, Digne, McGinn, Tielemans, Luiz, Zaniolo, Bailey, Watkins.
Subs: Olsen, Cash, Moreno, Lenglet, Diaby, Duran, Dendoncker, Ramsey, Iroegbunam.
Rubbish at the back again, the first time a bit of pressure is applied.
Carlos shocking pass.
0-1
Poor play by Carlos and we are now a goal down
Well there you go instead of a straightforward hoof out the constant passing from the back does us again. Sloppy pass by Carlos under no instant pressure at all. Keep this up week in week out and we will fall away very quickly.
They’re the better side and we haven’t got going yet.
Bournemouth 3 bookings already. That’s nuts.
Bailey!
Cracking goal and he’s really come good when he cuts in and shoots.
1-1
His stats for minutes played are miles above any other player.
Jeez, that should have been a red.
Villa score Carlos 1-2!
Is it my imagination or are we 2-1 up???
Effing VAR…sucking the life out of the game…
It’s off, after that “clear and ovbious error”. NOT!
VAR joke.
We’re losing the midfield battle and the defence looks half asleep.
Way too slow in attacking the ball at the back.
This is not good.
I’m noticing they are or have been if you lose the ball bring them down , foul after foul and only 3 Bournemouth booked .
Can anyone tell me the point of Zaniolo – I just don’t see what value he adds to the team.
I’m just about to say the same Sid he’s rubbish . adding no use to the game whatsoever.
How good is Konsa?
See what I mean about Zaniola slow look at that no yellow card