Preston have 5 points from 10 games.
I don’t think I need to say anything more than that, apart from they’re either going through a torrid time or are totally rubbish.
So it has to be a Villa win, right?
Well, yes, of course it should be, but do you have any faith that we’ll get the victory?
I think we will win, but I no longer expect it, even against clubs that are going through a worser patch than us.
Straight to the squad and Tammy Abraham is a doubt after his being subbed off in that awful Bristol City game because of a calf problem.
Scott Hogan and Keinan Davis, the former supposedly close last week, are still out with groin problems.
The good news is Bolasie might start.
Whether he’ll start as a winger might well be debateable (ahem).
As for Preston, Josh Harrop is out for the rest of the season.
The good news for them is that Calum Woods and Michael Crowe are close and might feature.
It’s Bruce’s latest comments that I want to have a look at though.
My thoughts are in bold;
“We’ve been close. We’ve lost twice in 10 games. The three or four draws we’ve had could have been wins.”
Er, Should have, could have, would have. Quite simply, they weren’t, even after the easiest start we’ve had in years. Just to remind you, we’re 15th in the league and if you draw, you might as well have lost, if you’re supposedly challenging for promotion.
“We could quite easily have been four or five points better off – and yet we’re still only two points behind the play-offs.”
True. And six points behind the leaders. Is that where you’re aiming for, the play-offs again?
That’s not good enough.
“I know patience is a dying art in football, but I am convinced that we will be fine the longer the season goes. We’ll get there.”
Bloody right it’s a dying art watching the crap football you play. We had a monster crowd against Sheff Wednesday, yet you probably cost the club at least a couple of thousand fans who won’t turn up again while you’re in charge.
That said, I believe you’re correct in saying we’ll get better.
But we’ll always be playing catch-up, as we’re miles away from looking like a challenging team.
“The nucleus of this team is fine. We’ve just got to stay patient and let the new signings settle into their surroundings.”
I totally agree, it’s a great team on paper.
So why do they look like a total bunch of amateurs that don’t have a clue what to do?
It’s not just the new signings either. McGinn apart, I’m struggling to think of a single player who looks on top of his game.
I really doubt that’s much to do with new signings.
I’d like to see one of the interviewers ask Bruce about the 2 wins in 21, or whatever it is now, as that’s quite simply a shocking record.
I read an article today about RDM and it seems he was sacked for having a very similar record to Bruce, at this point.
I don’t believe it matters what Bruce says.
His head is on the chopping block if he doesn’t start winning consistently.
Another two or three weeks of not winning and we then go 10 or more points behind.
I’m going for a 2-1 win, purely because I don’t see us not conceding, even against poor sides.
The win is purely because we’re at home.
Regardless, I predict another rubbish game to watch.
Because that’s what you get under Bruce, as it stands.
Yeesss we’re winning! Crap we’re winning! Can’t decide what’s best. Looks like Bruce is safe for another international break.
Penalty for Preston.
Decent few minutes for them
Chester sent off presumably for the last man rule.
It looked like he just clipped his heel. Unlucky.
Got the bl**dy app to work but now wish I hadn’t. What a soft penalty and no Chester for three games. Don’t really fancy our chances now. Typical Villa.
Hitch Won’t it be just the one? It wasn’t violent play was it?
Any road up – where’s Elphick when you need him?
I forgot the 3 game suspension.
Damm, that’s bleak.
So what we were all worried about (Chester being out) has actually happened.
Every chance that will cost Bruce his job, imo.
Hard to see from the red button camera. It’s so far away and no replays. Typical Villa though. Pedestrian and conceding momentum. Still hope to win this but cannot wait to see the back of Bruce.
Good pen from Johnston. i thought him and Robinson might make it for us. So many seem to show promise but fade. They all seem to be comfortable at this level though, and do a job for their teams.
Down to 10 men you need to control the ball and take the pace out of the game. Hmm.
Classic Steve Bruce 2nd half, come out asleep and it’s time for us to get a draw or lose
The pen is good.
2-1
Sat deep since start of second half and got what we deserved. Bruce probably said hang on at half time.
Bree on for Abraham.
Oh crap the chances are coming, come on let’s fight this out show us your spirit
Why is it always like this, up and down, can’t just see a game out comfortably. What the smeg did Bruce day hslf time, should have been get at them for the first 15 and the game is ours
We seem to allow crosses too easily. They will score from a header before long
Hitch/Badger you’re right. The only decent centre back we’ve got will now be missing for the next three games.
Getting shot of Elphick looks like a really good move now. doesn’t it?
Totally fed up
Preston floated free kick leads to a good attempted header,
Things looking a bit ominous now.
Grealish booked for throwing the ball away.
He’s one booking away from a ban.
Typical Villa, how to turn a relatively comfortable easy game into hanging on for dear life.
Kodjia off for Bolasie.
Fresh legs and minutes, I suppose.
I wonder how his defending is?
Absolute puke football. I think if Preston could win this, Bruce would be gone tonight. I’d never want us to loose a game……. Or would I?
Nmeca hits the post (I think).
Johnson good shot but a goos save from Bunn.
I can see them scoring.
McGinn booked.
Taxi for Bruce
There’s the goal from a Gallacher free.
2-2 and we’ll probably lose this now.
“Villa fans leaving in droves. They’ve seen enough.”
Can’t blame them. I’m so glad that I can’t watch this one.
Time to press the button marked ‘Plan B’