I’m a bit late writing this, but I’ve had my e-mail account hacked and sorting that out was even more important then the Villa tonight.
The thought of someone being able to read all my mails is positively scary, but I’ve sorted it now.
So, as we all no doubt know, Pool will be playing their kids because they’ve prioritised the World club cup or something. I can’t say I blame them to be honest, as the latter is worth more money and prestige and money and it’s not often you get the chance to enter it.
The big news on our part is that John McGinn is highly doubtful as it turns out he’s suffered a tear in his thigh muscle, meaning he’s been taking painkilling jabs so he can continue playing.
Many fans have complained that this is utter madness and he could have been allowed time to heal when we were playing clubs we were unlikely to win against, ensuring he was fit for the games where we have a better chance.
I totally agree with them.
It looks like Dean Smith will rest a few of the usual players, but I’m sure he’ll keep some big guns on the bench, just in case.
This is probably sensible, as we really shouldn’t need to play our best side to beat what are basically kids. Experience alone ought to ensure we get the win, but we’re talking about the Villa and anything is possible, so I’m definitely taking nothing for granted.
As for Pool, I know absolutely nothing about them, but I’m sure they’re going to come at us, as they’ll have nothing to lose and will be anxious to put on a show.
Hopefully we’ll be able to pick them off and I’m going for 3-1, although we really shouldn’t be conceding at all.
Teams
Aston Villa: Nyland; Elmohamady, Chester, Konsa, Taylor; Lansbury, Douglas Luiz; Jota, Hourihane, Trezeguet; Kodjia. Subs: Kalinic, Guilbert, Hause, McGinn, El Ghazi, Grealish, Wesley.
Liverpool: Kelleher; Hoever, Van den Berg, Boyes, Gallacher; Kane, Chirivella, Christie-Davies; Elliott, Longstaff, Hill. Subs: Winterbottom, Clayton, Norris, Clarkson, Dixon-Bonner, Bearne, Stewart.
That’s actually a pretty strong side, I’d say.
Good to see Chessie back. Kodjia with 2/3 goals will help his confidence.
3 shots on target and 4 goals Bill!
Now that’s clinical finishing 🙂
Liverpool 8 attempts Villa 3. Might be Kodjia got 3 of the goals.
I’m wondering if he might try that Hitch, they say Kodjia claiming the one Elmo crossed that gives him a hat trick. on the way out for second half.
Of course this is a no win game for Villa. However they played all the plaudits would go to the Liverpool team.
This for the Villa is more about trying to get some confidence before Saturday.
Kodjia to start Saturday or perhaps we should try playing Wesley and Kodjia as a two up front?
Wesley to come on second half?
Kodjia, as greedy as he is, is just miles better than the way Wesley is playing atm.
Ok, this is different level, but it’s plain to see that Kodjia is just way more likely to at least get in scoring positions.
I’d actually put Wesley on now, so he can get a bit of practice, as Pool’s defence is as naive as the first team’s, but I’d prefer Kodjia to get his hand in and start in the Prem for the next few games.
He might still be poor, but I’d take him over Wesley anyday, atm.
All that aside, to be 4-0 up is almost embarrassing.
Whatever, I’d expect this to be be Kodjia’s Swansong, as he’s guaranteed gone in the window, imo.
Just upped his value then! 🙂
Wesley getting ready to come on .
Kodjia off Wesley on .
Yep let’s see what he can do. Or not.
Typically, we’re sitting back now and he isn’t going to get the same chances.
Chester off for Hause.
Looks like he enjoyed it and fair play to him.
It’s fair to say that Nyland has prevented this from being 4-4
My MOM is Nyland 🙂
But we’ve had more good chances in the second half but couldn’t put any away.
Conclusion from tonight…job done and underwhelmed!
Wasn’t that always going to be the case Holte?
Very true!
Hold the back and front pages as Wesley scores!
Holte – you’re a genius
A case for two strikers on Saturday Hitch?
I’d like to see Kodjia and Wesley play together – yes but will Deano have the balls?
When Kodjia pulls wide Wesley can take the middle and Wesley is capable of producing opportunities.
Oops – I was watching on a two minute delay 🙂
You’re still a genius though
Apologies for the spoiler alert 🤫
Was going to ask you for this weeks lottery numbers! 🙂
Sorry, I don’t want to share the jackpot 🙂
🙂 🙂
And Wes nets for 5.
Believe it or not, i’m glad for him.
Will lift the club which can only be a good thing and we’re in a cup sf.
Oxford or Colchester in the semi final. I’m not fussy!
Was impressed with Luis tonight.
Do you think Smith will start with Chester Saturday? His experience could be vital with Mings out,
Luiz was our best midfielder. I prefer him to Nakamba. I’m glad Chessie played without any setbacks but will be surprised if he starts Saturday. I would expect Hause and Engels to start. I hope Smith puts Grealish back in the middle behind Wesley and Kodja. A 4-1-3-2 formation.