I really don’t like Bournemouth.
I used too, but they’re such a tricky side to play.
They were absolute rubbish early in the season, but they’ve now proven to be a very resiliant, physical side, which is exactly the sort that doesn’t suit us. Quite like Lille, if you like.
That said, they’re not quite doing as well as I thought and currently sit in 13th place. Then again, their form over the last six games is excellent. They’ve won 3, drawn two and lost only 1 game. That’s a record that’s only bettered by City and Arsenal.
Now add in that we’ve only faced them seven times in the Premier league, yet they’ve beaten us four times.
So this is going to be a tough game, given our heroic exploits in Europe on Thursday.
Squad news and according to the Beeb, Alex Moreno has a minor calf issue and will be sidelined for a number of weeks.
How does that work, if it’s minor? Hmm.
Luiz will serve his second game suspended and Zaniolo will be assessed after his awkward fall on Thursday.
Bournemouth have Antoine Semenyo back. Tyler Adams and Chris Mepham are out, while Sinisterra has aggravated a hamstring injury.
Not that I was worried about any of those.
The one that worries me is Solanke. I think he’s a beast and offers a big threat.
Prediction time then and oh….
You’ve got no chance of a prediction out of me now and I won’t predict another result this season. I’ll only jinx us.
I will however, say, it’ll be close.
And that I’m reasonably confident, IF things go well for us.
What’s that? I’m hedging my bets there?
Too right I am. I’m not the superstitious sort normally and it’s only re footy where I remotely am. I’ll do anything if it means we win and that includes keeping my mouth shut.
UTV!
I think this is going to be tough and I hope I am wrong.
Last week against Arsenal we were magnificent and that was after playing 3 days before. Same again, but extra time and the emotional roller coaster may well have an impact.
In a perfect world we win and place massive pressure on spurs. Pre Emery Villa would blow this tie. I really do hope we do the business.
Good retort Sid, which sums it up and blimey, that was fast!
It’s just fingers crossed for me, same as it has been for a few weeks!
I think they’ll be physical and play with speed, exploiting the Villa players’ fatigue. Villa will try to dictate a slow pace but they might struggle to contain Bournemouth, who will no doubt go for the jugular. An early goal is the order of the day so I think Unai will try and start us fast with the aim of scoring, then slowing it down and controlling, and picking them off with fast counters. On paper we have to beat these at home, and Unai and the squad know it. But it’s never that simple.
UTV
BFR, that sounds about right…We may be knackered or perhaps the adrenaline will carry us through. 2 more wins and I’d say 4th place is ours. This is one of those games I’ve got down as a win. Not to capitalise on the Arsenal win would be shit. I’d say it would be typical of us previously but this is the ‘New Villa’ so hold onto your hats!!!!
Hopefully they will have learned from the Brentford game. No Dougie today but they did well enough without him last week. A win today is a must to get that 4th place. It would create a 6 point gap which would be a big psychological advantage.
I think it’s going to be a tough one though and I’m worried about how much we have in the tank to go again.
Down to bare bones. Zaniolo injured and with Luiz out the only ‘experienced’ forward / mid field player on the bench is Duran – otherwise it’s the kids!
Villa: Martinez, Cash, Konsa, Pau, Digne, McGinn, Tielemans, Bailey, Rogers, Diaby, Watkins.
Subs: Olsen, Carlos, Chambers, Lenglet, Duran, Kesler-Hayden, Iroegbunam, Munroe, Kellyman.
A familiar look. We do miss Luiz and of course another half dozen or so. Fingers crossed for another ugly win.
1E Martínez
2Cash
4Konsa
14P Torres
12Digne
31Bailey
8Tielemans
7McGinn
27Rogers
19Diaby
11Watkins
Substitutes
3Diego Carlos
16Chambers
17Lenglet
24Durán
25Olsen
29Kesler-Hayden
47Iroegbunam
69Munroe
71Kellyman
Jeez, that was close then. Villa looking, er, dare I say, Good.
Bailey and Diaby playing the same side?
I’d have thought one would have gone left. Unai obviously sees a weakness there.
Great save from Emi! Surprised Carlos didn’t start with fresher legs today…
VAR. No Bournemouth penal.
The more I see Chesty play, the more I like him. Very tenacious and very strong. Great woth the ball at his feet.
I think we’ve got an absolute steal there.
Oooooooo…unlucky just Diaby.
He’s quality mate. Better than Ramsey, if I’m allowed to say that over one of our own.
This Rogers kid and McGinn have enough up to now. Good stuff.
We’re doing okay, but we need to be careful about the counter, as we look open to conceding.
Penalty.
Cash, you twat.
That’s Diarby’s fault Badger, he’s having a mare mate.
Disagree.
Cash made the crap tackle when there was no need.
He doesn’t lose the ball the ball don’t come into the box! Fact!
Yes, shit by Diaby, but a worse tackle by Cash?
He doesn’t lose the ball that situation doesn’t arise?
But it did and Cash should have done way better, imo.
He didn’t need to make that tackle.
We’ll have a agree to disagree on this one 😁
Bugger. Game on.
So what was looking like a straightforward game now looks to be a chase to win it.
We need a better RB, as has been said for a while.
Well he needs to hook Diarby off, we are playing with a man short.
U have a short memory! If it wasn’t for Cash we’d be out of the Europe!
It was a crap tackle though, granted…
This game is nowhere near over!
We are due a win over the Cherry’s.
I think Bournemouth are looking to have a player sent off here.
Not at all.
Yes, he can do the odd good thing.
But he’s not on a par with Digne/Moreno on the left, imo.
Rogers scores!!!!!
This is so annoying, because it’s normally the lb that is the weak point.
Solanke beats the high line and Konsa saves with a great tackle.
I’m suddenly worried.
Hey, I’ve just heard Tielemens name mentioned.
I didn’t know he was playing.
0 shots on target.
Shite overall.
Get in Chesty!
GTFI!
Rogers is the kid.
Chesty!!!!!!!! I effing love this club!!!!!!!!