I think about this game and struggle to stop myself from laughing.
It’s really not funny, but if I don’t laugh about it, the possibilities of what could happen are just too depressing to think about.
I said before the Arsenal game that I was actually more worried about that one than the City game, although I also said that it wouldn’t surprise me if we managed to keep the score reasonable, which we did.
I’d like to think we can do the same in at least limiting the goals against City, but I just don’t see it happening.
Which leads me to the headline, where I can see Emi getting a real workout in picking the ball out of the net.
Given that our defence has more holes in it than a fishing net, I find myself wondering if Gerrard will try and tighten us up by playing a more defensive setup. Maybe he will, maybe he won’t, but I’m not sure it will make any difference as I fail to see past Man City beating us convincingly.
Straight into squad news and only Diego Carlos is injured for the Villa.
City have Aymeric Laporte out for a few weeks, but Kalvin Phillips, Nathan Ake and a certain Jack Grealish are all available, as is new signing Manuel Akanji.
Oh, that we had similar options to the Citizens, eh?
But we haven’t. Instead, we have a load of players who are either badly out of form, or more likely just totally demoralised by a manager that seems out of his depth at a club where the fans are seriously worried for the future because the super transfer window we thought we were going to get failed to materialise, leaving us with major inadequacies still to be remedied.
And I’m sorry, but while there is nothing intrinsically wrong with players such as Bednarek or Dendoncker, they ought to be just backup squad players if we’re supposed to be pushing on the way we thought we were.
The point has been made that top six Prem clubs have spent lots of money and indeed we apparently had the 13th highest gross spend of £63 million, with a net spend of £25 million. It’s a good point and we all know we’re not going to be competing with anybody, let alone the top six, at this rate.
I’ve previously said that perhaps because the hierarchy doesn’t trust Gerrard anymore.
If that isn’t the case, we need to be seriously concerned.
So we go with what we have and frankly hope for the best, which is at least a half decent performance.
Worryingly, I can see a red card today, particularly if McGinn and Ramsey both play and if we do get one, you can see things getting really nasty if you’re a Villa fan.
There’s been quite a bit of talk about Haaland being rested for this game, as he won’t be needed.
You’d normally think that’s crazy, seeing as he’s on target for three hat-tricks in a row, a feat that’s never been achieved in any major league anywhere in the world.
But Pep doesn’t do sentiment does he?
If he thinks the player needs to be rested, he will be.
Regardless, I see that as the ultimat insult to the Villa, yet it says it all about us currently as a team.
I’m going for 0-3, which given our current level probably wouldn’t be classed as a disaster, or at least is no worse than we’re all expecting.
But it’s the fans’ reaction that I’m more interested in.
It seems pretty unanimous that Gerrard needs to go if you read anywhere on the internet, but it’s the fans at the match who are the ones I take the most notice of.
If I had some hatches, I’d be battoning them down.
The club’s (Gerrard’s) treatment of Freddy Guilbert is nothing short of a disgrace. Why don’t they explain to fans why good players who haven’t don’t anything wrong are treated this way? If I was a footballer, I’d have serious qualms about signing for AVFC. Likewise, why has Nakamba been ditched?; the team looked solid before his injury last season. Bizarre and poor.
Maybe Guilbert is the problem. I have no idea but it does seem strange that successive managers have frozen him out. Also, clubs he has been on loan at haven’t bought him even though I suspect he wouldn’t cost much.
He has great attacking stats, but I’d love to know why. Same with Sanson.
A royalist I am and a Royalist I always be, God Save the King. I agree Big Fat Ron daggers are out again and Villa seems to keep stabbing player’s in the back. Villa seem to be doing what they did in Dougs days players are two a penny and its wrong, we have half descent players being thrown out when face don’t fit. Too be honest it one thing that makes me mad players let go before we see them play and us knowing we have crap coaches at Villa Park .
Rest in peace Queen Elizabeth II.
Interesting to see Villa’s updated squad includes Sanson and Guilbert. Of course it doesn’t mean they will feature in the games upcoming but I would like to think they will get an opportunity if they prove themselves in training and their attitude is good.
Good to see that DS is getting a bit of a tune out of Norwich. Looking to go six in a row tonight.
Should still be at the helm at VP (imo)
Sadly no Villa players in the England squad
None of our English players are good enough. Maybe Ramsey can be one day. This is why we are where we are in the league. We have too many players who are average at best with an inexperienced manager who looks out of his depth. A defeat tomorrow and he should be shown the door.
Tonights conundrum. A Villa win, or an ass kicking by Saints and bye bye Stevie G?
An impeccably maintained minutes silence. Take note Anfield.
I’m worried, very worried , 18 minutes in and I m seeing nothing to say we are going to win this. In fact we are second best .
It’s bloody boring, I’ll say that.
I was wondering if anyone else was watching, Bill!
Don’t look like it Bum Bum , think they’re all throwing themselves in the cut ..
One up!!! Jacob Ramsey!
Think we should ring Badger? Our Hitch both gone awall..
Probably both have realised it’s a non event! Or sensibly down Balsall Heath having a curry…
I’m watching not very exciting though.
Bailey bad and good mostly bad young playing well again though. Last pass not there again though very annoying
What does McGinn have to do to be taken off?
Apart from the goal it’s been as dull as dishwater. Shouting shoot for a Luiz corner was amusing. I think Bailey needs to up his game or he will be replaced.
I can’t stop thinking about curry now…
Who Edwina Curry ?
I am NOT John Major.
We are poor. No cohesion. No pattern of play. Disappointing but is sacking Gerrard the answer? Only if we choose better but would we?
Can it get much worse?
Hi Guys – still here 🙂 Been away and now have friends staying from Canada.
Actually didn’t think we were that bad – although it helped that Southampton were worse 🙂
Badger been really busy at work.
Hitch, no swearing on here , Work ? Not done for 17 years . We was bad Hitch no creation just physical we must not lose attitude but a win is a win .