Villa–Spurs: Match Thread
Not much to say. Marv’s back and on the bench, Ings is back, too, so guessing we’re doing the 4-4-2 again. Usual suspects starting, make of that what you will.
Wolves vs. Aston Villa: The Run-in Starts
If anyone were to ask what the most significant fixture of this season was, pretty sure a number of us would point to Villa’s collapse in the reverse fixture in October. So, in some ways, sitting a place and 10 points behind Wolves, who blew a 2-0 lead themselves against Leeds to lose 3-2 in their last outing, this match might be some kind of a measuring stick. Might mean nothing.
But with seven left to play and five clubs level or within three points of Villa, the goal of a top-half finish ought to lend some importance to the outcome.
Aston Villa–Arsenal. Who Cares?
I want Villa to win, whatever there is to play for. And I swear, it has nothing to do with Whinging Arteta. Well, that and some points off the top eight.
West Ham vs Aston Villa–Match Thread
The Hammers are a bit of a bogey for us of late, having taken maximum points the last three times out. They lost a tight Europa league match against Sevilla Thursday.
Good time to play them? You never know.
Leeds vs Aston Villa: Desperation versus Progress
Given Leeds’ precarious position, Bielsa’s demise comes as no real surprise and only made sense. And it will no doubt have a heavy influence on tonight’s game. Leeds desperately need something, and Jesse Marsch is convinced they’ll see the same Villa set-up that beat Brighton and Southampton. Can’t say I disagree.
His key to the game is bottling up Coutinho, of course, but that’s easier said than done if he’s on song and carries its own risks if it takes more than one player. It also means everyone else needs to help create space and options then do something with it.