As always, getting something up just before kick-off. Not that there’s much to say. Villa beat Everton 2-1 a couple weeks ago, and the Toffees were poor. Which seems to be their vibe at home. At Villa Park? We’ll see soon enough.
As Dean Smith plays out these final matches, it’s clear he’s taking a long look at what he’s got and basically auditioning the squad in advance of the summer. I’m not expecting him to unearth any surprises, as I’m pretty sure they know what they’ve got. But, you keep faith with your players by giving them every chance to finish what they started. And there’ll be some big decisions to make. It’s a tricky moment. Stalwarts and ever-presents may becomes substitutes in three months.
The season’s winding down, another match without Jack, and calls for the youth after another impressive Cup performance. And all eyes are turning firmly to the summer window. Naturally, I understand the calls to blood some of the kids at this point. It’s one of those things that seem to make sense. Me, I have no idea whether it actually does. Some obvious pros, but also a couple of cons, to be fair.
That was quite a ride, wasn’t it? The European Super League’s short, abominable, and controversial life lasted about 48 hours. It ended in an ignominious and rather churlish fashion in the face of widespread outrage, condemnation, and fan unity. Naturally, of course, an undermanned Villa will host one of the more tepid traitors, the Sky Blue Manchester Team. Is there enough pride and fight to get a result?
Following a late, three-goal outburst against a fragile Fulham to get their second win without Jack, Villa will go without him once again today. Trouble is, Liverpool are a slight step up in quality.
