As per usual over the festive period, Villa won’t have had much time to lick their wounds after the 2-3 setback against visiting Leeds United at the weekend. And now Deano will deal with an issue Steve Bruce was very familiar with: injuries.
After wobbling through the opening five fixtures to the tune of two wins and three draws, the wheels finally came off for Villa: first in the cup exit to Burton Albion, and then more decisively at Bramall Lane, where Sheffield United notched a comprehensive 4-1 victory.
Reading, for their part, have had a rough start to the campaign under Paul Clement, losing three before also drawing 2-2 in their last outing. I’d prefer today not be the one where they start putting it together. Villa aren’t too far off the pace, and could well have either won or lost the game midweek. Maybe today, Villa can build on the good moments against Brentford and start putting together a full 90 minutes that sees them comfortable and assured.
Writer Sam Gee makes the case that Aston Villa may be done with incoming transfers. Is that likely?
Which talent pool, domestic or foreign, will perform to the quality we aspire to? Writer Josh Cattier wants to know.
