Previews of Aston Villa matches, both competitive and non-competitive
Here we are traveling to the Riverside to take on Middlesboro and try to avoid a slightly embarrassing record of FA Cup exits. I’d think that in itself would spur Emery on. But obviously, how seriously Villa take the competition has to be viewed in a larger context.
First off, hope everyone had a good Christmas. I might have overindulged in some of the revelry, but what can you do. A hangover was the perfect sedative for watching us blow a 2-0 lead at Old Trafford.
It’s City, finally, and a funny time to be playing them given their recent form and the 3-3 draw with Spurs. They’re not at their best and they need a win, never mind the three points.
For Villa, it’s inevitably going to be seen as a referendum on both our aspirations and quality. Anytime you’re an outsider dancing around the top 4, well, there are going to be questions until you notch a signal victory. Is tonight the night?
Legia have become Villa’s clear rivals to top the group. Winning the group isn’t everything, but it does avoid an extra high-stakes fixture and minutes on the players’ legs. Legia of course shocked Villa in Warsaw, and have proven to be a tough, disciplined outfit.
Villa travel to London a little banged up from international duties for what is turning out to be a fairly significant match at this point in the season. After today’s results, Villa could leapfrog Spurs into fourth, just two points off the top.
