The festive season is upon us, and we’d like our first present in the form of three points against Sheffield United. Doesn’t seem like much to ask, given that their recent run of form is worse than ours. And if we’d like to stay in the playoff places a week Monday, a win is rather obviously what we need. I find myself saying that every week, and it’s getting more true as time goes by.
Villa head to Pride Park to take on Derby County. If nothing else, this fixture and Sheffield United following will not only have a bearing on whether we remain in the playoff mix come the new year, they’ll also tell us something about our prospects if we do make the playoffs.
As I have thought about our trip to Elland Road, which seems a lifetime ago, we had some interesting things to ponder after. A rough first half, a better second, subs that changed the game, a point salvaged, and a final stretch that looked more likely to see Villa grab a winner.
Cup ties haven’t been much to look forward to for Villa the last several years. This season might not be so different except for the fact that Villa have a deep squad and a number of players looking to either reclaim their places or earn further consideration as future starters.
So here we are, third game coming up to close out a week of revelations that’s seen Villa score—score, not concede—eight goals in two games. Count ‘em: Eight. What in the world is going on? This is not our Villa.
