Villa – Ipswich: Must win? Is it even a can win? I don’t have a clue anymore.

The headline says it all doesn’t it?
Put it this way. If we can’t beat Ipswich at home we’re in serious trouble.
I’ve just been looking at the Championship table and it makes for some very depressing viewing. When I see the likes of Blackburn are above us, it just highlights even more how badly we’ve done recently.
That’s not some sense of entitlement or disrespect on my part against Blackburn, but given that they’ve had practically no resources to work with for years now, our current position borders on scandalous.
Then add in that only two clubs in the league have conceded more goals than us and it rams things home even more.

There is some good news though and Ipswich are one of those teams who’ve conceded more than us.
They’ve had a poor season up to now, having only won three games this season and sitting rock bottom of the table.
We all know that doesn’t mean much though, as we’re almost a charity to any club that’s doing poorly or has been on a terrible run.
And then of course, we have new manager syndrome and a certain Paul Lambert to throw into the mix.

The other piece of good news is that I’m currently on holiday in Sri Lanka and guess what? It just so happens to be on the international AVTV list, so I may actually be able to watch the game. Not that I’m holding much hope that the hotel wi-fi will actually be able to handle a video stream, but I’ll at least be able to listen to it.

Squad news and Mile Jedinak and Glenn Whelan are both fit, which is interesting, because although I can see a reason to play Jedinak to shore us up against high balls, do we really need him today against Ipswich? I’m not convinced, but Dean Smith may think differently.
Jack Grealish is close to outdoor running, but it’s far too early for him.

What to think then?
For me, this is the shoe-in of all shoe-ins and losing today really is unthinkable.
Fortunately, I don’t think we will and although it wouldn’t surprise me if we make things awkward for ourselves, I can’t see past us winning.
I’m guessing it’ll only be by the odd goal, but I’ll take that.
It’d be great to actually go out and thrash Ipswich today, but I really don’t see that happening.
What I’ll be looking for mostly is the level of intensity we bring to the game, especially after Smith has asked for it.
If it’s not forthcoming, I can only see us struggling for the rest of the season.

Villa to win, 1-0

63 Comments

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  1. nath
    nath January 26, 2019 at 4:08 pm . Reply

    started much better second half

  2. Bill Pearson
    Bill Pearson January 26, 2019 at 4:20 pm . Reply

    I’m blaming Hitch, he’s gone to the match and jink us, Bed Badger? are you on honeymoon. Abraham scores from pen.

  3. Pat 57
    Pat 57 January 26, 2019 at 4:23 pm . Reply

    2-0 Tammy again

  4. nath
    nath January 26, 2019 at 4:23 pm . Reply

    2 nil lets see if this brings confidence to play football. lets bring on hause for chester and ohare. chester is carrying a injury or pulling a cart. lets see ohare

  5. Bill Pearson
    Bill Pearson January 26, 2019 at 4:27 pm . Reply

    Now we cooking with gas, chances from McGinn Elgarzi, ball in their half time after time. Change Adomah off el Mahamady on .

  6. nath
    nath January 26, 2019 at 4:28 pm . Reply

    elmo for adomah

  7. nath
    nath January 26, 2019 at 4:34 pm . Reply

    another one long ball down the middle beat our defenders again. thats how many times this season

    lucky villa this time

  8. Bill Pearson
    Bill Pearson January 26, 2019 at 4:34 pm . Reply

    Shit they nearly scored. Free kick villa in our own half 16 minutes to go . 2-0 so far. They have scored

  9. Bill Pearson
    Bill Pearson January 26, 2019 at 4:35 pm . Reply

    2-1 Villa

  10. nath
    nath January 26, 2019 at 4:36 pm . Reply

    lmao 2 1 sears top shot, goalie nowhere near it

  11. Bill Pearson
    Bill Pearson January 26, 2019 at 4:36 pm . Reply

    All over the place now corner Ipswich, making big mistakes now Kodjia coming on Whelan off

  12. Bill Pearson
    Bill Pearson January 26, 2019 at 4:38 pm . Reply

    Free kick 5 yards off box shit hit the post we are struggling now.

  13. nath
    nath January 26, 2019 at 4:40 pm . Reply

    if this was boxing smith would be throwing the towel in. villa are hanging on now

  14. Bill Pearson
    Bill Pearson January 26, 2019 at 4:43 pm . Reply

    This is a terrible game for us, injury Ipswich 8 minutes to go, , goal kick villa, another change Jedi on

  15. DSVilla
    DSVilla January 26, 2019 at 4:44 pm . Reply

    Ok Badger I’ve paid Acorns! Can’t see us scoring 2 in the last few minutes. More likely to concede an equaliser. I’ll be happy for us to hang on for the points.

  16. nath
    nath January 26, 2019 at 4:45 pm . Reply

    jedi for el ghazi

  17. nath
    nath January 26, 2019 at 4:48 pm . Reply

    tammy almost grabs 3rd

  18. Bill Pearson
    Bill Pearson January 26, 2019 at 4:53 pm . Reply

    I think we are lucky to have won today, no idea in our midfielders. Unlucky Abraham great save Ipswich goalkeeper , corner VILLA, nothing came of it 4 minutes to go we would be lucky to get 10th place in the season on this showing.

  19. DSVilla
    DSVilla January 26, 2019 at 4:53 pm . Reply

    Well……3 points. Nice for a change.

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