Barkley Gets the Nod in Baggies Showdown
Almost in defiance of supporters, Dean Smith has put Ross Barkley back in the starting XI. He’s taking a big chance here. Is Barkley is capable of seizing it?
Villa at the Run-In: Why We Are Where We Are
One of the criticisms in Jack’s absence is along the lines of “Villa don’t have much to show for £250 million.” Which is a tad unfair, I think. We are still sitting 10th with just 10 to play. So, once again, a little perspective on where that money went, and why, to me, it’s nothing like what it seems.
It’s Burnley, and an Ungracious Dyche for Villa Tonight
A busy day in the league, and another important match for Villa. They’re all important of course, but, like Newcastle, we’re facing one of those games you sort of “have” to win to stay in the top half. That said, Sean Dyche’s Clarets have started to wake up and lay claim to the their generally mediocre destiny. Which isn’t to say they don’t punch over their weight. They make the most of what they’ve got, as the Liverpool result shows.
Changes for Villa as Burnley Start to Wake Up
Off the heels of Villa’s dramatic, injury-time victory over a dogged Wolves side, it’s time for Burnley. Which is never really a game anyone wants to play. But, they’re in the league, so you have to.
Despite Everything, Villa Are Still Alive
Villa managed to record a vital, but costly, away win at Turf Moor on New Year’s Day, outlasting Burnley 1-2. The match was notable not only for getting us back out of the drop zone and seeing a new formation from Dean Smith, but also sadly for season-ending injuries to Wesley and Tom Heaton. What already looked to be an extremely important window suddenly became even more so.
