There’s something about Leeds that I really, really don’t like. It’s only a recent thing, as they’ve never even been a threat to us in the vast majority of my time supporting the Villa. Yes, they’ve won trophies and some even more recent than us, but otherwise I’ve always found them to be meh.
Until they got promoted and were then immediately loved by all the media for absolutely no reason that I could see.
I think I just detest media darlings.
It’s quite an interesting game for me, this one as we really have been very similar this season.
We’re four places and four points above the Whites, having both played the same number of games.
Our form over the last six games is similar too. We’ve won two, lost two and drawn one, whereas they’ve won two and lost three.
Hopefully being at home will be to our advantage.
Squad news is not much different for us.
Traore probably won’t be involved because he only finished the ACON on Saturday. It’s doubtful he’d have been involved anyway, in my opinion. He might make the bench as an option, I suppose, because it’s probably too early for Leon Bailey to be involved and he won’t be risked. Trezeguet has joined Istanbul Basaksehir on loan and I don’t think he would have featured either.
As for dirty Leeds, the good news is that cheating striker Patrick Bamford is out because of an ongoing foot injury.
It couldn’t happen to a nicer person.
The stupid break we’ve just had has been kind to Leeds, as Jamie Shackleton, Adam Forshaw, Crysencio Summerville and Charlie Cresswell have all recovered from injuries.
It’s probably a game too soon for Junior Firpo, while Liam Cooper and Kalvin Phillips are also close to a return.
It’s yet another game where I’m not sure what to think.
Leeds don’t score that many goals, which suggests they’re missing cheating Bamford’s contribution. That’s good for us.
But then we struggle to take our chances.
They concede decidedly more than us, but I don’t see many goals in this game.
I’m tempted to say it all depends if we can get off to a flying start and apply the press from the off.
Leeds have superb workrate, as we all know, but I haven’t watched them for a while, so don’t know if they’re suffering any sort of burnout or not.
Our problem is we sometimes struggle to play at a good pace and that crisp, fast passing we saw when Gerrard first arrived is all too often missing.
It all boils down to the fact that I don’t see many goals in this game.
I do however think we should have enough to beat them, given our home advantage.
I’m going for a 1-0 win.
I’m even going to say John McGinn will get the goal.
God knows why; I just have a feeling.
So you can bet that’s wrong then.
UTV!
Well Badger, you worry too much, Nerves was the start for us , Courtinho q goal two assists, Ramsey two goals what more do we want ..
God, our defending again.
It’s pathetic and we’re making James look world class.
Well Badger, you worry too much, Nerves was the start for us , Courtinho q goal two assists, Ramsey two goals what more do we want ..3-2 now more to come..
I’m with Badger on our defending – completely bonkers game.
Coutinho still magic – one goal, two assists but just how good was Ramsey? Two superb runs from deep and cracking finishes.
I know it sounds daft but I’m still not confident.
For a couple of minutes I was feeling smug about my 3-1 prediction. Unfortunately every time Leeds attack our defence is chaotic. I have always thought James as overrated but typical Villa making him look world class. Mings has been great in attack but defensively he is all over the place.
I would settle for a dull nil nil second half tbh. This could end up as any score
I would imagine Mings has been told to keep James out of the game.
If he has and he can’t do it, I reckon SG will get rid.
I was a massive fan of Mings originally but he’s too accident prone. It happens too often.
Buendia is going off, but I think it’s only precautionary.
Carney coming on.
Go on son.
Mark Carney? The ex Governor of the Bank of England?
Isn’t Mervyn King a Villa fan? Maybe it’s in the job description for Governor of the Bank of England…
He is indeed. Wasn’t he on our board for 5 minutes during the Lerner years?
Mings partly redeems himself.
3-3
Jesus Christ, I don’t believe this.
We’re going to lose this game
I’ve just said the same.
Our defence is horrendous.
Mings getting slated on Sky Sports. 3 bloody 3.
No wonder!
Is that Coutiniho down?? Please no!
Well well well, what a mess ,this game is comical our defence is none active,Where Konsa, where’s Mings, Minns getting all the flack because it’s down to him every time, ok gets caught in games beause the pressure on him most game, Konsa free kick . Yes seen that Konsa on Cash caught his ankle.
All Leeds now.
Coutinho looks in trouble and now Cash is down. It’s us trying to hang on for a draw now.
This second half is proving costly. Buendia, Coutinho and Cash pulling up with injuries plus Mings has been dire apart from goal line clearance. I can see us losing this now.
Now Luiz gives the ball away and puts us under pressure again.
37% possession says it all.
Young on for Coutinho.
We have little or no creativity on the park now with Coutinho off.
Only one side going to win this and sadly it’s not us.
Why no Sanson?
Chuckie no pace .I feel game lost our midfield not active giving pressure on our defence. .
Agree with that Bill.
Mings takes a shot.