Match Day Thread ASTON VILLA v WATFORD

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ASTON VILLA v WATFORD

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Villa Park
Tuesday 21st January 2020
Kick Off: 1930 GMT
Notice the earlier kick off than usual

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Watford and Aston Villa face each other in the relegation six-pointer at Vicarage Road. The Hornets are six points behind the “safe zone” in the Premier League standings, meaning that Saturday’s football match is of big importance for Nigel Pearson’s troops.

That is what I started the home tie with against Villa on the 28th December, and a lot has happened since then.

Such has been Watford's recent progression that there would have been disappointment after only recording a goalless draw against Tottenham Hotspur at the weekend.

However, given that it was a contest which either side could have won, Nigel Pearson would have felt a sense of relief that his players were able to extend their excellent run of form.

While an FA Cup replay with Tranmere Rovers on Thursday night complicates matters, Pearson will demand that his players are fully focused on gaining what could eventually turn out to be a pivotal result come the end of the season.

The reverse fixture will also be fresh in the mind of both clubs, with Watford registering a 3-0 triumph with relative ease at Vicarage Road on December 28.

On that occasion, Troy Deeney played an instrumental part, scoring a double and bullying the Villa backline, and the Birmingham-born frontman will be motivated to heap more misery on the rivals of his boyhood club.

From Villa's perspective, they made the headlines for the wrong reasons when they suffered a one-sided 6-1 defeat at the hands of Manchester City last week, who arguably should have won by an even wider margin.

However, at a time when his team are still short of firepower, Dean Smith would have been hugely impressed with his team's spirit in claiming a share of the spoils at Brighton & Hove Albion on Saturday.

Despite the result not being enough to keep Villa out of the relegation zone, they at least ensured that they only remain three points adrift of 14th position, highlighting the competitiveness of the lower regions of the standings.

Jack Grealish took his tally to seven goals and five assists for the season at the Amex Stadium, and Smith may feel that the playmaker needs to produce another inspirational performance on Tuesday night in order to earn a result.

Team News

Despite the short recovery period, Smith is unlikely to make many changes to Villa's starting lineup.

The most likely switch is in midfield, where Danny Drinkwater could be replaced by either Douglas Luiz or Conor Hourihane.

Providing that no striker is signed before Monday's deadline, Trezeguet, Anwar El Ghazi and Grealish should form a front three.

Having suffered a hamstring injury against Spurs, Ismaila Sarr will miss out for Watford, which should lead to a start for Roberto Pereyra.

However, the rest of the team could stay the same, with Christian Kabasele having to make do with a spot among the replacements.

Our Officials for the game:

Referee: Martin Atkinson.

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Assistants: Gary Beswick, Stuart Burt. Fourth official: Graham Scott. VAR: Craig Pawson. Assistant VAR: Stephen Child.

This thread is dedicated to the memory of brian_66_ usa

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May he rest in peace

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Can you please expand on the news about Brian?

 

If you read the Predictions League table thread it is in there.

 

Very good luck to the Golden Boys

 

Life is so precious eh...

Let's do it for Brian

Come on You Horns.......

 

Sorry to hear about Brian!



Big game - even Pearson says it's must not lose.

I think 1-1.

We are due a bad result - hopefully not tomorrow!

Troy will be up for it!!

 

Danny Welbeck is edging ever closer to a return to action, with Head Coach Nigel Pearson at the stage where he is comfortable enough to say “we'll have to wait and see” if the England striker is in the mix for a key game at Aston Villa on Tuesday night.

Welbeck has been out of action since the game at Tottenham Hotspur in October with a hamstring injury that required surgery, but he's been back in full training for at least a week or so and has really impressed Pearson with his condition.

“Danny is getting closer and closer,” said the Head Coach. “Out of all of them [the injured players], he would be the one nearest to being ready for selection. We'll have have to wait and see [if he's involved] at Villa Park.”

 

Wellbeck will be on the bench, you could see it In Pearson's eyes. Perayra to start so still a strong line-up.

 

Aston Villa boss Dean Smith fears Watford captain Troy Deeney could haunt his side again

https://www.watfordobserver.co.uk/sport/18174874.aston-villa-boss-dean-smith-fears-watford-captain-troy-deeney-haunt-side/

 

Very sorry to hear about Brian's passing, his posts were always gentle and his support of our club genuine. A true Hornet in every sense of the word.

 

This is from Brian's son Simon who has just joined and can't post yet... . It’s truly astonishing the love and support we’ve recieved over past few days ,we all knew how kind and caring he was ,so it’s only fitting that he’s getting literally the best send off he deserves , he adored everything Watford ,he couldn’t get enough of it ,everywhere he went he was welcomed and made new friends from being online on here to being at games . Tonight’s game a banner will be held up by the fans he loved 5mins before kickoff . From all his family Thankyou for all your messages and for humouring or being kind to the man we loved so dearly . Such an amazing club we have he’d be so proud .

 

So very touching...
Football unites so many of us.....

 

Everyone who contributes to this forum is regarded as a proper human being who has seen the light and supports a true family club. We have seen it before, when Nic Cryws was disabled by some thugs at Wolverhampton, and of course without saying when we lost our Graham. Maybe it was GT who taught people to care a bit more about others, although I suspect that because we are a "small" club the fans did always stick together rather more than the fans who come and go as the big clubs succeed or fail. ( I don't mean you Paul)
Maybe Simon would like to carry on the the good work of his Dad and complete his seasons predictions. Whatever, everyone here will be happy to see the baton passed from father to son, and he will be very welcome.

 

Pereyra in for Sarr and Pedro on bench.

3 points for Brian and GT!

 

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I wondered whether Welbeck may have sneaked on to the bench... not quite ready yet

 

I cant see any working streams yet.... please post if you find them

 

I think we are a bit early yorkie. Firstrow have it on their schedule.

 

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