Aston Villa left Switzerland worthy 3-0 winners over Young Boys in their first appearance in the Champions League, such as it’s become. And just like that it’s back to the league and an opponent in Wolves who’ll likely give us more trouble than Young Boys, especially given they’re still looking for their first win of the season; no matter how they’re going, it’s always a difficult fixture.
Now that the dust has settled and the links are flying fast and furious, it’s probably time to turn our heads to the rumors gaining steam. It’s also probably not overly dramatic to say this may well be a crucial summer for Villa’s and Emery’s project.
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?
The sides Villa have faced so far have been on very good form, domestically. They’ve been well-drilled, athletic, mentally tough, and play nice football. Alkmaar, currently unbeaten in league play, have only lost once in their last 15: to Zrinjski. It’s also their sixth consecutive season of European football. And of course Alkmaar were West Ham’s semifinal opponents last year.
Another interminable international break (well done, Ollie), and now another bogey team for Villa. Dunno what it is, but winless in 10 against the Irons since 2015 is something Emery will want to put right, especially given the next three league matches are ones Villa will think they should be winning.
