Author: Sam Burnett
After our Second City Derby triumph, it was natural for the Villa faithful to head into Wednesday’s midlands matchup with confidence sky high. I was one of 2000 fans who made the short trip along the A50 to the City Ground. I thought I would share my experience of my trip and what Nottingham Forest had to offer. A very convenient car park that comes in the form of Meadowhall stadium – home of Notts County FC, is just a 15-minute walk across the Trent Bridge to the Forest Stadium. If you haven’t been to City Ground before, then it…
With the big derby game against Birmingham City approaching, Dean Smith has a bit of a selection headache. After battering Derby last weekend on Jack Grealish’s return, it will be difficult to drop anyone from that winning side. John McGinn has finished his suspension and is once again available for selection. He has arguably been our best player so far this season. The question many will be asking is, will Smith find a way to get him back his side? Or should he sit on the bench and earn his position back? Conor Hourihane If you believe McGinn should start,…
Ladies and Gentleman, boys and girls, the news we have all been patiently anticipating is finally upon us. Jack Grealish, the best player in the league according to Dean Smith, is back. And to make it that much sweeter, he is available for selection this weekend. The midfielder has been out with a shin injury for three months now. His absence has proven to be a big loss for the Claret and Blue men. Smith openly admitted in his interview yesterday that the results have dropped off since Grealish picked up his injury. However, he did say that he didn’t…
Two defeats at the hands of West Bromwich Albion. Two draws before that against Reading and Sheffield United and Reading. Aston Villa has failed to pick up three points since our game against Ipswich Town in January. Villa and Dean Smith are in desperate need to get another three points to avoid splitting down the league. Can we return to winning ways against Stoke City on Saturday? Stoke City Things were bad for us when we first got relegated. They aren’t exactly great now but let’s take a look at Stoke. The Potters currently sit 17th in the Championship and…
Aston Villa has had a disappointing run both home and away of late. It is now our time to step up, take advantage, and push for the playoffs. Results have gone our way recently and we must jump on this before it is too late. Nottingham Forest conceded late on last night against West Brom, at the Hawthorns. Birmingham fell at the hands of Bolton which gives us the opportunity to leapfrog them with a win over Brentford. Brentford Dean Smith will be eager to get three points on the return to his former club. Brentford seem to be our…
Dean Smith signed Tyrone Mings on transfer deadline to strengthen the defence. He also chose to recall Tommy Elphick from his loan spell at Hull giving him 7 defensive options. I am not saying that all 7 defenders are good enough but it is nice to finally have some options. Let’s take a look at the options we have in each position should he play a flat back four. Left-back We will start with the left back position. Smith probably doesn’t have as many options as he would like in this position. The only natural left-back is Neil Taylor. New signing,…
There is no doubt in any Villa Fans’ mind that, for the most part, Jack Grealish is our best and most effective player. We have seen a dip in the quality of our performances, all since Jack was ruled out injured. Some Villans would argue that we are not a one-man team. While others would tell you that we just don’t tick without Grealish in the side. During Grealish’s absence with a nasty shin injury, Dean Smith has opted to play a more defensive minded midfielder in his place. We have seen both Birkir Bjarnason and Glen Whelan come in.…
With Congo international Yannick Bolasie cutting his loan short, it gives the opportunity for Andre Green to step up. Different outlets have reported different things regarding the reason behind the loan deal being cut short. Some have reported that the Everton winger returned to Goodison in order to free up wages at Villa Park. Others suggested that the player himself exercised a clause in the deal. Regardless of the truth behind it, I think we can all agree it is a good thing for Villa. Bolasie never really hit the highs on a regular basis. His reported £70,000 a week wages…
Jack Grealish suffered a nasty knock to his shin in the 2-2 draw against West Bromwich Albion and hasn’t been seen since. It has become more clear with every passing game just how important Grealish is to us. Without Jack, it is clear to see that we are not half as threatening when in an attack. We just can’t see to find that final ball in the final third. Two disappointing draws and a horrendous performance and defeat to Wigan tells you all you need to know about our current form. It is simply not good enough for a side…
It feels like it has been said a lot this season. At the end of each month, we approach the next one knowing that the new month would be important to our season. January is no different. It is big for Aston Villa’s season. After what has been 2 very disappointing draws against Preston and Queens Park Rangers, it is clear to all fans and hopefully Dean Smith that some business is needed for us to compete this season. There are many ways in which our squad needs strengthening in the January transfer market. I am hopeful that Smith has recognised…