The big news doing the rounds the last couple days for me is not Villa-related per se, but would certainly affect the club, and it’s Liverpool’s bid to let teams negotiate their own international TV rights. I’m not surprised, as some teams have been able to do this in various leagues in the US, ie, have their own “networks”, but obviously it isn’t good for any English PL club that isn’t already massive in foreign markets.

The product is a league product, requiring all 20 teams to produce, and all revenue from television rights anywhere should be shared. This move, obviously, would only deepen the current competitive disparity. I don’t see it getting the votes, least of all due to managing director Ian Ayre’s comments that foreign viewers aren’t tuning in to watch Bolton, but Liverpool.

Not very nice there, Ian. Would they tune in to watch Liverpool play themselves? Do foreign fans really want to see uncompetitive matches in a league without surprises? I’m not sure that’s the long-term future. Barcelona may have their own sweet deal, but the EPL is a far more competitive league than Spain’s top flight, and that’s only good for viewing and interest over time.

Money has already ruined the competitive balance of the Premier League. Greater imbalance surely cannot be the answer. Raising the fortunes of all teams in the league is a much better idea.

Further Cuts to the Wage Bill?

There are reports that Randy Lerner is looking to reduce the average player wage at Aston Villa from £57,000 a week to £47,000. While some are speculating this would mean cuts to existing contracts, I’m not at all sure that’s possible, and if true, the move would only likely involve new contracts, I would think. Stay tuned. January might be interesting than we’d have thought.

Manchester City vs. Aston Villa

Gabby looks to be fit for the Manchester City game, which is obviously good news.

James Collins appears to remain a question mark, but has been in training. One hopes the steak-treatment does its job.

Nathan Delfouneso has picked up a hamstring problem, but it’s unclear whether he would’ve made the bench regardless.

On the City side, Sergio Aguero seems unlikely to play, and Mario Balotelli is a doubt, leaving Edin Dzeko the main threat. Who knows whether Carlos Tevez will play, but his suspension ends tomorrow.

Kevin MacDonald and the reserves

Alex McLeish is also saying the right things about wanting to keep Kevin MacDonald at Villa Park. Speculation abounds about who is really the top target to succeed Steve McClaren at Nottingham Forest.

Callum Robinson scored a brace against Wolves to see the Villa clear in a 2-1 win. Carlos Cuellar played 68 minutes, and Marc Albrighton and Ciaran Clark both featured.

The 30-Mile Rule

It might actually be a one-hour rule, but whatever the parameters, I think it’s a good one for all the usual reasons. However, it’s hard to say what effect it will have on future signings.

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