Aston Villa Life - An Aston Villa Blog

Aston Villa-Southampton Match Thread

Apart from Digne’s and Konsa’s absences, there are no changes to the side, suggesting the same tactics as last week. A bit harsh on Buendia, I think, but you understand not changing a winning side, and this approach isn’t leaving room for him if Philippe Coutinho is going to start. Which he is. Whether he can be more influential this week, we’ll be waiting to see. The Ings-Watkins experiment will continue, but the hybrid 4-3-3/4-4-2 is maybe not the worst idea at the moment.

by John Clark March 5, 2022

Brighton-Aston Villa Match Thread

Both Watkins and Ings will play, but with Coutinho in the front line, while Emi Buendia goes to the bench. Whether the two strikers are actually settling into the 10 slots or this portends a more flat 4-3-3, we’ll soon find out.

by John Clark February 26, 2022

Aston Villa-Watford Match Thread

A week after that desultory loss to Newcastle, Steven Gerrard has indeed made changes. Ollie Watkins makes way for Danny Ings.

by John Clark February 19, 2022

Gerrard’s Villa Honeymoon Comes to a Familiar End

Lots of frustration and anger after Sunday’s stinker, and fingers are pointing everywhere, which will happen. Most are singling out the players, and some have gone a bit further, logically, saying the performance at St. Jame’s Park would’ve gotten Smith sacked.

I was more hopeful of a glorious charge, didn’t want to be back here so quickly. Perhaps a shake-up will help in the short term. Whatever, if it gets us results, I’m all for it. If Gerrard is indeed ruthless, there will be lots of changes come summer. But one hopes that solves the problems, rather than this being a failure of system and evidence of obstinacy.

by John Clark February 15, 2022

Newcastle-Villa Match Thread

by John Clark February 13, 2022