and it’s about time for me, as the internationals just bore me witless.
England competing for a trophy is about the same as Villa winning the league, in that there’s no chance.
Leicester are probably strong favourites after their very decent start and we’re very much underdogs, given that the media think we’re doomed to struggle again.
But I feel this is an interesting game; one that might prove we’re not quite the soft touch the media see us as.
Hence, while we might be expected to lose, I suspect it’s one we should actually be looking to win, if we’re to be showing any signs that we’ve moved on.
Unfortunately, the realist in me doesn’t quite see it like that and I do indeed expect us to lose.
Why?
Because this is the sort of game that scares me.
Leicester play a pacey game, similar to us, but I feel they currently do it better, as they have a more regular, settled side.
And I feel we’re going to play into their hands, if we attack them, as is Sherwood’s apparent want.
The manager particularly mentioned that we made a mistake in selling Albrighton, a point that I strongly agree with and said so at the time.
And if we don’t set up right, he quite simply will hurt us, in my opinion.
So, I expect Sherwood to take a more careful approach.
Which might also be our undoing, as if we don’t attack, it would seem that we’re definitely going to concede.
Because that’s what we do, isn’t it?
I’d personally go for a five at the back, or 3-5-2 if you prefer, with Sanchez in the middle and a defensive approach, aimed at getting a point, but I just don’t see it happening as we all know Gabby’s going to come straight back in, isn’t he?
Which means it’s going to be two up top, in my opinion.
Who the two are, god knows, as if Gabby is included, all bets are off on my part.
Maybe it’ll be Gestede.
The simple truth is, I don’t know what’s going to happen.
Squad-wise, Leicester don’t have any problems at all.
On Villa’s part, Grealish is a maybe, Gana is doubtful and Traore is a 50-50.
I’ve had about six attempts at writing this blog and whatever I write always seems not quite appropriate.
Suffice to say, if I’ve got to hang my balls on the block, it’s going to be a 1-2 defeat.
While I like the way we’re looking and progressing, I suspect this is just an ask too far.
Oh, I’ll put a poll in to see what you think.
As I said, whichever way I look at this, I can’t see past a 2-1 defeat.
How can Sherwood set us up to win, if gabby is playing?
Talk about playing with a broken leg and that’s what Gabby is to me, at least with his current form.
I always thought Sherwood played his best players, but I reckon it’s not true when he’s under orders.
Which, I think this it what it is.
Come on Tim, surprise me and just leave Gabby out.
My prediction too Badger I think 2.1 to Leicester I’m afraid
He’s not under orders, he has his favorites and players he doesn’t like. Spurs fans hated him for not playing Lamela, probably one of Spurs best technical players that obviously had to leave because he didn’t get to play and show what he can do. There’s players he likes and players he doesn’t.
Got a feeling this is going to be the game of the weekend, 5 goal thriller, Villa 3-2 whether Gabby plays or not. If he plays, he scores!
I think we’ll win, Watford beat Swansea and ended their unbeaten run so we can too. Leicester are in great form but I think we have enough to beat them. Especially with Sinclair in form and hopefully we’ll see someone new get a goal.
If shabbys playing imo that’s like a player sent off for us,all depends on the line up 3 points would be nice but a point realisticly.
That’s how I see it Giddy with Abonglahor, he doesn’t contribute to a game no more, likes to watch what’s happening, I see it like you Badger, and until we get that settled side we will only get draw’s or lose by a small margin, hope I’m wrong but I see it as 2-1 Leicester.
I thought traores injury weren’t too serious he’s had a good fortnight to rest the ankle please don’t make it one of these injuries that drags on.I hope he’s playing today aswell as grealish unfortunately I think a fit shabby won’t be bench warming anytime soon.
Adeybour Free agent now . Will Sherwood make a move ?
No, we have a 25 man squad that’s been registered, meaning we’d be paying him till January to do nothing.
If Grealish, Gana and Adama all start, I think we will win, I’d start Ayew too, he scored a good goal for Ghana, works hard and makes intelligent runs. Please no gabby!!
Only one of them is fit in Grealish. Sanchez and Westwood should be enough in midfield though.
That Defoe having a blinder against his old club, now that’s what’s Abonglahor should be doing on balls through the middle, half time 0-0 at the minute think Sunderland will get this game. Hope Hitch found a pub with the game on? I’m ready and all for it, utv.
https://scontent-ord1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xfp1/v/t1.0-9/12009564_798895286890209_2875276432595883200_n.jpg?oh=8071e02311be2afc03f7262866faba43&oe=56A0C89B
No traore! Looks a good team on paper except for Gabby
He’s injured, as is Gana. Surprised Gil’s starting. Gil and Grealish behind Sinclair should be trouble for them and I think Westwood and Sanchez are strong enough in the middle. Still annoyed not to see Kozak.
I’d have put Gestede on for Gabby and we’d have better chance
At least Gestede offers some threat in the air unlike shabby who offers FUCK all
I see Mr VILLAs starting that’s a handicap before a balls even kicked.SHITE
Should be Gestede on we need someone more physical too many lightweight players today
DEADWOOD OUT!!
I still wanna know how Kozak can’t get a bloody game, not even off the bench. Stupid as hell. Probably our current best striker.
Like you stated in a previous post Sherwood clearly his his favourites. He’s a typical English manager. Doesn’t pick players based on form he picks them based on his relationship with them and their name.
DEADWOOD OUT
He must be best mates with Gabby then as no one remembers when Gabby even had half a decent reputation.
Aaaarrrrgh Gabby Aaaarrrrgh. FFS!!!!!!!!
Not sure I like that line up (even ignoring the shabby factor) – we could get ripped to pieces as we are light in defensive midfield without Gana. Don’t agree we should have played Gestede either – not in that line up.
Would have preferred to see Mutton at RB with Bacuna playing right of midfield and no shabby – much better balance. If Sinclair is going to play a true CF then it’s either hi or Gestede and on for and experience has to be Sinclair – but then what do I know!
I thought traore had a soar ankle a couple of weeks ago nowt major.
Still we can’t accuse of TS of not going for an attacking approach – looks like stand off at the OK Corral – first one to blink. Reckon I’ll go for 3-3!
In all fairness, Leicester have some pace out wide – Gabby could be in there to help out there.
I can only hope that Jack and Gil can give Gabby and Sinclair’s pace something to feed on.
Glad that Sanchez is playing though. They need him as cover.
Keeping fingers crossed as I have absolutely no idea how this is going to go.
UTV
I haven’t seen the line up yet so I can’t guess at the score, but think we will net 2.
Come on you Lions!
Ahhh, whatever the lineup for the 90 minutes I am fully behind every Villa player on the pitch – I’d love Gabby to prove all of us wrong (probably won’t). UTV – let’s go for 8th.
If we win and do go 8th no doubt we will have a huge injury list with everyone suffering from vertigo!!
Agree about Kozak, gutted he cant get in the team.