Sorry for the terrible title, but it’s as good as anything else I can think of.
I’ve seen it said a few times over the last couple of months that we’re on the edge of hammering someone, but you could have fooled me and I don’t know what game they’re watching. In fact we look more like the team that could get hammered, with our defence, in my opinion.
Not today though and I’ll be watching this one with some interest. Firstly, because we only knocked the Irons out of the cup a couple of weeks ago. The big questions are was the reason they lost last time because Potter hadn’t had any time to work with them and has he managed to improve what wasn’t a great side?
And then there’s Donyell Malen, who, when you consider we got £20 million plus £3 million in add ons for Philogene, was a bargain at an initial fee of £21 million, rising to £27.7 million. That’s for a Dutch international and it seems to be a really excellent purchase and a great bit of business by Monchi and the Villa. Or is he just somewhat over-hyped and we’ve just got him at fair value? I suspect not.
Let’s hope playing on the right (which I’ve no doubt is where he will play) proves more fruitful for him than it has for a fair few players over the last few years. The position seems to destroy players for some reason and it’s a bit of a coincidence that I believe our biggest weakness is who will no doubt be playing behind him; IE the right back.
Regardless, Donyell has talked about how he wants to get goals and assists, but has recently talked about how training has involved defending. And this is the part I’m interested in. How well does he track back and help out? It took Bailey ages to learn to work back, after all and I hope it’s not the case here, because as much as we want that attacking part of the game, defence is equally important in my eyes.
I believe the Dutchman has decent pace too and that’s something we sorely need.
Squad news and nothing has changed. McGinn is training with the squad, but it doesn’t sound like he’s ready yet. Onana is still training on his own and is obviously miles away, as is Pau. Ross Barkley still isn’t ready either
As for West Ham, they have central defender Konstantinos Mavropanos out having been red carded last week for two yellows. Fellow central defender Jean-Clair Todibo is also a big doubt. Jared Bowen isn’t ready and it’s the same with Crysencio Summerville. Michail Antonio and Niclas Fullkrug are definitely out.
Am I the only one who’s never heard of most of those players? Whatever, it sounds good for us defensively and attack-wise.
After hearing of West Ham’s woes, I’m encouraged. They beat Fulham in their previous game but lost 2-0 to Crystal Palace at home in their last game. It doesn’t seem Potter’s had enough time to change much and given our home advantage, I have to go for a Villa win. I’m going to stick my neck out and say I think Malen will get a goal too. Perhaps that’s wishful thinking, but I do see goals. If we can’t take advantage of a West Ham side without their two best defenders and a weakened attack, well…….
So what do I think the score will be, then?
I’m tempted to say 3-1. But I think a repeat of that previous 2-1 win is more likely.
I’ll take either.
UTV!
Let’s hope I’m not here after the game ripping the side to pieces again.
Bet I’ll be. 🙂
Two bits of Villa rumours.
Reported Buendia has signed a new contract to 2027 and doesn’t want to leave the club. If so – good news and supports my view that Emery didn’t want him to leave.
Second – confirmed the Bode deal is off and Villa now pursing Juan Foyth from Villareal who Emery knows well and it’s said a player that he’s been ‘pursuing’ since taking over from Mr. G. Don’t know anything about him – anyone wiser?
Great news on Buendia. The footballing equivalent of the Duracell Bunny; a fan favourite and for good reason(s). Proper playmaker who would cost 70 million plus in today’s market. Get him match fit and watch him go – no winding up needed.
One of the lads reckons Foyth is injury prone.
He has had his share of injuries, his last one being a shoulder injury which kept him out for some time. However, he is a decent player and one that Emery knows well having managed him at Villareal. I’d guess that Monchi will be more than aware of Foyth’s medical status before any bid is put in.
Just the job, then.
One change from the Tuesday night debacle and Ramsey comes in for Buendia who drops to the bench. Maybe he’s saving him for Wednesday?
Does Unai actually watch the same game as we do?
Good news is McGinn’s on the bench along with Malen and new signing Garcia.
Spurs losing at home to Leicester – I suggest their manager might be in trouble if they lose this. Mind you Leicester do have a habit of imploding.
I’m very surprised Malen isn’t starting. Maybe he has a niggle or something?
He could hardly be worse than Bailey of late, after all.
As for Ange, I’d be worried if I was him. That’s a shocking defeat.
Who would have thought we could have a bench like that with our injury list.
Badger
To be fair Emery rarely ever gives one of his Bills signings a full debut after signing.
Normally introduced as a sub.
Moreno came on for Digne being injured
Torres came in for Kings when he did his ACL
Barclay was on as a sub.
I can only think of Onana being given a full debut after signing. Maybe use his pace when West Hans 10 man defence becomes tired in the last 20
minutes.
So head on the block. 3 goal difference to Villa and watch for a clever set piece. Boy do we need some goals. So many teams on same points and we are bottom on GD. Its like having a point taken away. C’mon the Villa
Oh my days what’s happening we’re playing football and what is this playing the ball forward business all about?
Some worrying signs when Wham have the ball though. I don’t think it’d take much to turn the momentum against us in this one. We need to take one of these chances soon. Bailey still absent – I think we’ll see Malen at some point for sure today.
Literally just tuned in to see Mings down. Absolutely gutted.
Mings. Jesus wept. I hope it’s not as bad as it looked.
It was inevitable. Sell Carlos. No replacement. Knowing Mings is fragile. And there you have it.
And why he came back on to do more damage is beyond me. 🤦
Yet another injury to a CB – gutted for Mings; just hope it’s not serious.
We’re going to be short on defenders for Wednesday – maybe folly letting Carlos go?
Without getting one in first is a massive error of judgement.
That’s 2 new centre halves required this week
I hope the club are prepared to have their proverbial pants pulled down. The alternatives are do nothing and bin the season, or go bargain basement shite. The sensible choice would be one quality signing and one quality loan. But are they available?
Failing that, Nathan Baker is still only 33 and willing to come out of retirement to help out at the weekends…
I read Loic Bade turned us down over concerns of playing time…. might see that one resurrect if so!
Good point Texas
Peter Banks – yet another sh**e referee.
Please ignore my earlier comment, normal service has been resumed 🤦♂️
Actually – probably owe him an apology – not an easy game to ref.
And Paqueta cheating again – what a prat he is.
Dirty, cheating side West Spam
I know. I can’t stand him at similar level to Bruno Fernandes. Bad attitudes to sportsmanship.
Whatever we do in the transfer market isn’t going to help us Wednesday.
Only one fit experienced CB, a tough game against West Spam; Celtic must be licking their lips.
Yep.