In his lunchtime conference, Jol broke the dreadful news that Ashkan Dejagah will have an operation on his ankle and is probably out for the season. Also doubtful for Saturdayâs game is Enoh, which leaves a midfield headache - or not since there are so few choices. Looks as though we will again be on the back foot and set the team up for a draw. â¦â¦â¦.Schwarzerâ¦â¦â¦ ..Riether..Senderos..Hangeland..Riise.. ..Manolevâ¦Frimpongâ¦.Kara..Duff.. â¦â¦â¦â¦Ruizâ¦â¦â¦.. â¦â¦â¦â¦â¦.Berbatovâ¦. .
I'd prefer to see either Frei or Urby come in for Dejagah, Manolev isn't a natural winger and looked incredibly rusty last week against Newcastle.
I'd like to see Frei. Maybe a cheeky appearance for Mesca? He travelled with the squad last weekend...
In his internal video interview says there's still hope for Enoh. No mention of Frei or indeed any of the other youngsters like Mesca - it's all about the loan boys. So take your pick from them but subject to Enoh, I'm sticking to my original selection. [video=youtube;AiBeMttK16g]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AiBeMttK16g&feature=player_embedded[/video]
Chris Baird was training at Motspur Park this morning as were the U21s. So no unexpected inclusions in the main squad for Villa. Could this mean that Enoh has passed a fitness test?
Sounds like Richardson in for Riise and Urby in for Dejagah. Presumably that means Enoh passed a fitness test?
1-1 Our equaliser didn't even touch a Fulham player. Poor corner finds the first Villa defender, but he just heads it straight backwards into the net. Very odd goal!
And Sylla just went straight through Enoh, only a yellow. If that was Sidwell it would have been red.
A draw was a fair result in the end. Losing Duff early didn't help, but we were hardly inspired today. That said, we didn't play badly. Last on Match of the Day though, I expect!
MAGIC 40 POINTS Iâll take the point thanks very much. Poor first half from us and really only âsparkedâ after going the one down. And that goal was poor defending - what was Richardson doing just standing watching the Villa man shoot? I know he hasnât played in a while but thought he was pretty poor throughout. Yet again unfortunate to lose someone early on and when Duff went off we lost any balance there was. Generally we were very negative and neither Berba or Petric, when he came on showed, any sharpness in the final third. Bryan was so frustrating â¦.. Of the loanees Enoh again stood out, Urby had his moments but doesnât get involved enough and was weak in the tackle, Manolev didnât perform full stop. In fairness to Jol his options were limited because of the players not available and he obviously wants to give the âfringeâ players some sort of chance to prove themselves (or otherwise). And Iâm sure he was saving something for Wednesday. Anyway as said, happy to take the point and reach the 40. PS I believe we are 3rd on MOTD Surly - boy the other games must have been pretty drab!
Thought we didn't get into the game first half and were giving the ball away. Surprised Manolev came on for Duff, but thought he was OK when he came on but was expecting Rodallega to come on instead. Thought Richardson played well. Enoh impressed me, with all action style but in the first half Schwarzer saved us a few times with good reactions. so he gets my MOTM. Thought we stepped up the pace in the second half and kept the ball better, if only we had attacked with a bit more pace we could have taken all three points, because after we scored Villa were nervous. For those wanting to now about pubs at away grounds The Cap and Gown across from Witton Rd Station is designated an away Pub and an easy walk to the ground Although it's the first pub I've had to pay an entrance fee without entertainment. But it was worth it.
