Any regular reader on here will know that I’m inherently and massively pessimistic when it comes to how the Villa are going to do. It’s a self defence mechanism bred over decades of watching us underperform compared to the likes of Pool and Utd, where if we do poorly, I’m not so much upset and disappointed and if we do better than expected it’s a bonus.
So imagine how I feel when I say I think we’re going to beat City. On their own turf. Thinking about it, I’m terrified, because the pessimist in me knows I’m setting myself up for a very big fall and monster disappointment.
It’s all Emery’s fault. He’s got us on good form when it matters and looking incredibly strong for this stage of the season. It’s all even scarier that I think we’re finishing stronger than any other team in the league. Liverpool don’t look all that; Arsenal are doing their usual bottle job; Forest are having at least a blip, although I suspect they’ll beat a poor Spurs later and Chelsea were somewhat lucky to beat Fulham, I felt.
All in all, it just seems to me that we’re in a very good position. We beat PSG on the night and destroyed the form side in the league who had scored a boatload of goals on Saturday. What better can we do as a run-up that must give the lads supreme confidence?
Add in we have the whole squad available, with some superb options to bring on and I just feel this is as good an opportunity as we’ll get.
I said the Newcastle game was a season maker/breaker, but the truth is, this one is too. That said, if we can beat these, I feel all our remaining games are ultimately winnable and Champions League is achievable.
There’s no team news to report yet, but I don’t see that we’ll have any issues and you would imagine everybody is itching to play.
I don’t care about City’s team news, but all I can say is that they’re not the side they were a season or two ago. It just shows you can’t let a team age too quickly and I think that has caught even Pep out.
Who would I play and how would I play it? Well, I don’t have a clue. And whatever I say anyway, Unai will just make me look like a mug as he does his usual something I didn’t expect.
So all that’s left is to predict the score.
And given that I think we’re going to win, it has to be 2-1.
Blimey, I feel even worse now I’ve written it.
UTV!
I’d get McGinn on. We miss his terrier like tenacity at times…Asensio would offer trickery too…
We need to stop twating around at the back
Malen on for Rogers for a bit of fire power from the right? Chesty’s not up to much this evening…
Morgan winner on 87 min then 😂
Is Rodger playing ? I personally think Unai weakened the team tonight they are not together in play . Badger think you’re right about Cash a frightened man with their winger. Same old same old standing on wings and nobody seeing their play .
Pep has put three players on Rogers – that’s how much he worries him
The Watkins we saw at the weekend would demolish these
Martinez is not on his best form. Distribution poor.
I await our second half subs to win the game.
Lacking a little intensity and making some poor decisions which results in us giving the ball away in midfield.
I would take Digne off at half time for Maatson – can’t afford for him to get a second yellow.
This is like my wallet. Nowt in it.
I don’t think we’ve been great, but I’m expecting the full 5 subs and when you consider who those fresh legs are going to be, I’m encouraged.
Just don’t concede the early goal.
We are lucky to be level at HT. Rogers and Onana not doing much, Konsa keeping an eye on Torres so unable to help Cash. Change of tactics or personnel required.
Cash looks like he will cost us, especially if Doku comes on. And I have to agree about Martinez who is having a poor game. Get Olsen on ðŸ¤
Bench looks really strong. Make the changes a bit earlier, say 60’, and blow them away. I would like us to make changes before them rather than reacting to what they do
We’re our own worst enemies.
Citeh’s finishing is poor tonight. Let’s hope it stays that way.
5 mins. Get the subs on. De Bryne amd Gundogan both have old legs. Get some speed and teeth on!!!
Citeh are there for the taking. Hit them on the break!!!!
Really can’t see us winning this.
We’re losing the midfield.
It’s no good putting on two players without players who plays regularly together , one midfielder and one back ? Don’t make sense to me . Now comes our nemesis Doku now we’re had it .
Kamara has been outstanding again, imo.
Come on Malen!!!!!
Bastard. I knew it.
F***ing knew it.