I’m starting this early, because I’ve got a grueling shift coming on tomorrow and probably won’t be too interested in writing anything before the game.
I’ve been looking forward to this game for a few weeks now, because it seems exactly the sort of game where the result will sum us up.
Note I say result and not performance.
Of course the two generally go hand in hand, but a point I’ve been making over the last few weeks is that I think we haven’t been performing very well, yet we keep racking up the points.
I’m still very minded to think that if we do perform well and get the points, then we’ll truly be doing well, but I’m happy to see things continue as they are.
Which is where I see this game as a bit of a test.
Yes, it’s Newcastle, who seem fairly established with their position in the league. They’re worth their current third place, imo.
So you would think they have the win in the bag.
Except I actually think we can beat them.
I don’t take too much notice of recent history now, because the one thing Emery seems to have achieved more than anything, is the fact that seemingly foregone results don’t happen anymore and we look capable of beating anyone.
Even though we don’t look very good, to me.
It is surely a sign of a top manager, who offers that something extra, is all I can think.
That apart, I can’t offer any reason why we’ll beat a team that has excited football fans this season.
I’m hoping I can add a bit more something before the game; squad news at least, but suspect I won’t.
So I need to predict.
I’m actually going for a 1-1.
I just don’t have the balls to predict a win, because I still have the age old feeling that if I do, I’ve jinxed it.
Come on Villa, I really want this one, as much as I’m probably over-playing things.
UTV!
Win this and the world’s our lobster.
I just have a feeling this is a real indicator of where we are.
Not just the result, but the character of the team, imo.
I know what u mean Badger. Possibly our most important game for a long time. I’d love it if Kamara was back in the squad. Effing Palace!!!
Think Kamara still out along with Cash and Coutinho which does continue to leave us very short on options.
I agree with Badger that this game will show us how far we’ve progressed. And like Badger the old Villa feeling hasn’t been entirely eradicated – so 1-1 doesn’t seem a bad call.
Won’t be able to watch the game as we have visitors for the weekend.
You’ve said how I see it Badger, this will tell us what we want to know , whatever the result we have the knowledge that we won’t struggle to stay up and better times are coming .
Newcastle fans are obsessed with us for some reason. Every time this game comes around News Now is full of Newcastle blogs. This time trying to play down Villas form saying we’ve not beaten anyone of note recently and that we are over achieving. Well if we are then they also are, the likes of Joelinton, Willock, Wilson, Gordon etc dont get in to the previously established big 6 teams. The only players I can think of that do would be Guimaraes and Isak. Very much the same for us I dont really see any of our boys other than maybe one or 2..They just have a top manager like us and a squad that is together and playing to the best of their abilities…. like us! When this is the case we are two very evenly matched teams IMO. The result could go either way tomorrow, it could be a big Newcastle win, or a big Villa win, or a draw or a close fought 2-1 or 1-2, I personally think Newcastle will edge it but that’s because Villa have made me take a more pessimistic approach in recent years.. Expect the worst and be happy if the worst doesn’t happen kind of thing! I’m excited though for tomorrow and a win would be a real statement of intent. UTV.
I’m very much of the same opinion as Adam. I feel a defeat is likely although it will be a close call i think, rather than the hammering we got at their place.
I would feel more hopeful if we had a fully fit Kamara alongside Luiz playing the way they were before Palace game. Having Kamara out as compromised how Luiz plays and as forced McGinn into a more defensive role just as he was looking good in that attacking midfield position he plays for Scotland. Having Bailey out is no problem for me because he offers next to nothing and Dan Burn would have bullied him anyway. That’s why i’m unsure whether Traore should start. Personally i would play Dendoncker or Chambers or even Carlos alongside Luiz and push McGinn further forward to offer us more presence.
If we can get a win and with Emery there is hope, it will be a big statement on our capability of finishing top 6 or 7. Unfortunately our threadbare squad is probably going to cost us and i think we will lose 1-2.
Agree with what you say – particularly about someone coming in to allow McGinn more freedom to roam forwards; we’ve seen over the last couple of seasons that he’s not a defensive midfielder, and his potential is wasted in that role.
Like most of the comments above, I’m reluctant to think we’ll win this one, so I’ll go for 2-2 (which would still be a decent result in the big scheme of things this season).
I’ll join the other pessimists with experience. I think the current Geordies are a typical Eddie Howe team with goalscorers all over the squad. We can’t defend against that variety. I am surprised to read that Howe thinks Villa always play the same way, because Emery has made tactical changes depending on the opponents.
I can’t see Villa succeeding if they go behind and have to chase, but I can see Newcastle losing a man to a red card for a last man tackle and that may give us a chance to hold a lead.
There’s hope when the Newcastle fans and the manager diss us as a team – over achievers that can only play one way.
They must be worried 🙂
Just looked on Newcastle blog , they are worried like us , Maximin not available so it’s going to be a tough one that’s for sure. As I’ve said what will be will be and cannot grumble up till now .
I’m gonna buck the trend and go for a 2-1 win!
What an end to the season! So much for safety and mid table mediocrity!!!!
Slight diversion – Ramsey goal assisted by Archer and two for Archer in the first half against Norwich. Only downside Ramsey off injured.
Surely Villa have to look seriously at this pair for next season?
Nearly got a 3rd and MOTM!!!
Looks like Eddie Howe thinks Gordon can give Young a nightmare. Needs to be backed up which is probably why Traore doesn’t start.
Just watched Olli on BT I’ve got so nervous whisky going down like pop .also takes me back to the time I ran things at Villa Park like ground control, Bum Bum we have a manager that will use that strike force next season you just cannot ignore talent like that .spare a thought for our ladies tomorrow in the semi finals it’s great to be a Villa fan we are going places.
Martinez, Young, Konsa, Mings, Moreno, McGinn, Dendoncker, Douglas Luiz, J.Ramsey, Buendia, Watkins.
Subs: Olsen, Sinisalo, Diego Carlos, Traore, Chambers, Duran, Digne, Revan, Patterson.
Couple of possible debutants in Revan and Patterson. Neither made the squad before. Sign of the tyimes.
Very aggressive start by us and should be one up, with Ollie hitting the post.
How costly could that be?
Yeeesssssssssss!!!!!!!!!!
Get in!
1-0 Ramsey.
What a lay off by Ollie.
Our lads are running themselves to bits her.
Possibly the best assist I have ever seen
Bastard crossbar now.
Unbelieveable performance up to now and we’re tearing them to shreds.