For the first time in a while the Gaffer was able to confirm at today's press conference "Everyone is available for tomorrow’s game ”. The news from the Villa camp is that both Adomah and Grealish are doubtful, which is good for us if correct and not a bit of bluff from the tactical minded Bruce. For obvious reasons can't comment on their team without mention of John Terry ... whatever your take on the man, there can be no doubting he's brought a degree of confidence, and arrogance, to the side. Up front that 'pain in the bum' Snodgrass will inevitably be a constant threat. Despite any call offs, Bruce is likely to stay with a 4-1-4-1 formation, with new boy Hogan up top. The set up looks kind of defensive on paper but in practice is anything but. They attack wide quite ferociously, and especially down the right where El Mohamady and Snodgrass have a great understanding. Set pieces are however where they really capitalise - evidence Terry's only goal of the season so far, and against us in the game at Villa Park !! For us there are quite a few conundrums. Does Cairney start or will he be brought on to either consolidate our position or to push for a result? Who starts from among Piazon, Kebano, Ayite and Ojo? Will Kamara or Mitrovic start with the intention of harrying Terry ? Or will it be the fleet of foot Fonte who sets the pace and either of the other two ... for surely Jokanovic won't repeat the error of playing both .. coming on when the opposition are tiring? But you know what, think he may just start the same Xl for the third game running: .........................Bettinelli.... ..Fredericks...Kalas...Ream...Targett.. .........................McDonald... ...........Johansen........Norwood... ......Piazon.........Fonte....Sessegnon....
I think we should go with pace up front. Villa defenders are good but slow, tire them out, biggest game of the season by far
Bettinelli will have to be at his best and the back 4 have to perform as defenders. Not sure I'd choose Fonte, I'd go one of the other 3, Mitrovic if they want to occupy both the central defenders, or either Kebano or Kamara if they want to use speed to wear them down. Think I'd choose Ayite instead of Piazon, then bring on Cairney and Piazon from the bench.
I watched Villa's game v Birmingham, they were very professorial using every trick in the book. We always seem to struggle when faced with this and can only hope the ref is not conned too often. Mrs 2 and I are coming across the water to watch the game tomorrow and in McBride's Lounge before and after, really looking forward to the day with a couple of days in the smoke to follow. COYW's
Been looking forward to this all week. I think the speed in our side needs to be used to the max. I'm not buying the injuries to Grealish and Adomah but if true that has to help us. Grealish has been on top form. We just need to play our game. The squad will be up for it, the fans up for it, it's going to be a good interesting game. I'd keep Cairney back and bring him on second half so he can either steady the game or push us on if we are still drawing. We've got another important game on Wednesday so we need to use the squad sensibly. I think a win on Saturday will boost confidence all round if we are still eyeing the second place spot. In the end though I trust the gaffer with what ever team he puts out.
The man we've got is Tony Harrington. On another forum the Cleveland via Hartlepool whistler was described as "a right fussy plonker" ! This will be Harrington's third time reffing us this season, all at home, and in the two previous occasions my memory of him is exactly that. The last time was in December and the 1-0 win over Birmingham. The basic facts - Ojo scored for us after 14 minutes, their guy blasted a penalty over the bar in the 74th, two players booked (Norwood for us) - don't tell the real story. He called a total of 27 fouls, allowing Birmingham to constantly disrupt things and didn't in any way let the game flow. The previous game was the 1-1 draw with Cardiff. Seven players were booked; Mollo, McDonald, Johansen and Button for us. And Harrington called an incredible 40 fouls. Same conclusion but with a bit more emphasis on Cardiff's 'professional' robustness. For the record, he has handed out 91 yellows and 4 reds in his 25 games so far this season. Footnote: McDonald and Fredericks are fast approaching the 10 yellow suspension mark - both are on 8 and the amnesty period isn't until sometime in March.
Another brilliant win for us, wasn't sure what to expect today as Villa had been in decent form themselves, but this is a big statement from us now. Look forward to hearing about the game from those that were there.
2-0 flattered Villa after that second half. Well deserved three points - KMac was excellent today (and their keeper was terrible!).
A Master Class. Fairly tentative first half but when young Sess scored 7 minutes into the second the result was never in doubt. From then on we were in charge and really should have scored 2 or 3 more. We did get one of course - Credit to Ayite for eyeing the opportunity but wouldn't want this to get in the way of pretty poor decision making from him up to that point. However even he bounced with confidence afterwards. As for the rest of the lads? To a man ... terrific, with Matt Targett probably taking the major plaudits. A mention for Cairney, simply because of the space he creates together with the balance and composure he gives the team. And one for Mitrovic for his five encores, including one with the ref, when he was subbed in the 80th minute.
Villa came for a draw and in the 1st half were well disciplined and despite huge possession we found it hard to create many changes. Their guy marking Sessegnon I thought was good. Villa looked to catch us on the break but although a tight affair first half we always looked in control. Our goal in the 2nd half started the Villa collapse and we battered them. We could have scored more but it was an altogether professional performance and a lot easier than I thought. We did benefit though from the absence of Grealish and Adomah who I am sure put up a better fight. It was a real confidence booster going in to a run of some tough games.
A great game,credit to the well disciplined team performance,very difficult to pick out a MOTM, but Matt Target really has added a new dimension to the defence. another couple of goals would have been nice,but a win is a win. Preston can be a bit of a roughhouse team but then we have our Serb lion tamer.
I can see how Villa are doing so well. Their style of play is actually a good match for us, but very few teams (can) play like we do. The first half was tight, with Fredericks making hay down the right (he had a great game and is in a great run of form) and Villa trying to thread a pass between Kalas & Ream, and 0-0 was a fair result at that stage. From the second half kickoff to the final whistle, there was only one team in it. Villa had one good chance (Hogan blasting a volley high and wide) and Fulham had 5 or 6. It was actually pretty comfortable once Sess had scored and despite only scoring one more (after a catastrophic clanger from the Villa keeper), we played all the football. It would have been nice to put at least one more in the net, as goal difference may yet be relevant, but I have no complaints after a very competent performance.
Footballs a funny game, I ve just managed to watch the highlights and the free kick to Villa was never a foul by Mitrovic but the ref gives them a soft one and we score from it!
I was mid-chunter about it never being a foul when the ball dropped to Ayite. Needless to say he shut me up!
