Aston Villa v Reading match thread

[De Kuip]

Thought I'd get this on the forum as it's tonight, I'll add some opinion later!

[The Utterer]

A problem game for us as Reading have zero pressure on them and we have to win (If the not giving up on automatic stories are genuine) Otherwise if it's playoffs we're talking about a draw wouldn't be the end of the World.

I predict 1-1, a typical "not quite good enough" result which would typify the season.

If we did win then it kind of prolongs the same situation we are in now but definitely would put us as strong favorites for play offs.

We need goals from somewhere as they've dried up since Wolves.

[De Kuip]

Right, well if we don't win this one we really do need shooting.
Whilst Reading come to Villa Park off the back of an excellent win against previous victorious guests QPR, they have injuries of their own to contend with. Kermogant and Elphick are out as is Dadi. Possibly could see Pelle and Smith up front and if fit, Kelly back in as well as possibly Bacuna.
They,'ll likely stay compact and hit us on the break, they have pace so our back 4 will need to be switched on - not a game for giving possession away.
We have everyone fit which means multiple opportunities for Bruce to fuck things up.
Personally I'd like to see Bjarnnason in the team but that ain't gonna happen.
We must see Paul Clement's team off to regain some momentum and I think the team will be 4411:
Johnson
Elmo Chester Terry hutton
Snodgrass Bjarnnason hourihane Adomah
Grealish
Kodjia

3-1 Villa

[deadbuzzardalive]

For me anything less than a win is totally unacceptable, as was one point from QPR, Bolton and Hull, that kind of form can't be allowed to continue. The fact that we can cut Cardiff's advantage to seven points, with them then having to face Wolves next, and then us at Villa Park, should be incentive enough for us to be fired up to go and get the win, if we're not fired up tonight, then I think serious questions need to be asked.

[smetro]

Easy win 2 or 3 -0 !

[Dazzle]

This is exactly the type of fixture I’ve grown used to Villa underachieving in. We’ve had our season high “cup final” win over wolves and completely downed tools ever since, I expect nothing. The only positive I’m currently holding onto is that I think Fulham will overhaul Cardiff to finish 2nd, thus removing a far superior manager and team from our remaining route up via the playoffs. Bruce will now be pinning all his managerial “nous” on Kodjia finding last seasons form and scoring the individual goals that give us some sort of chance in games, Kodjia may well be up to match speed by the time playoffs arrive. I’ll go for a 1-1 tonight.

[Dazzle]

For me anything less than a win is totally unacceptable, as was one point from QPR, Bolton and Hull, that kind of form can't be allowed to continue. The fact that we can cut Cardiff's advantage to seven points, with them then having to face Wolves next, and then us at Villa Park, should be incentive enough for us to be fired up to go and get the win, if we're not fired up tonight, then I think serious questions need to be asked.

Aston Villa FC should be fired up for every game, and that’s the problem. Teams can’t simply flick a switch and decide to be “up” for certain games, and that’s a managerial issue. Too often we seem to be “not up for it”, when in reality we simply get out thought by the opposition, making us look lethargic.

[FoxyAV]

For me anything less than a win is totally unacceptable, as was one point from QPR, Bolton and Hull, that kind of form can't be allowed to continue. The fact that we can cut Cardiff's advantage to seven points, with them then having to face Wolves next, and then us at Villa Park, should be incentive enough for us to be fired up to go and get the win, if we're not fired up tonight, then I think serious questions need to be asked.

Aston Villa FC should be fired up for every game, and that’s the problem. Teams can’t simply flick a switch and decide to be “up” for certain games, and that’s a managerial issue. Too often we seem to be “not up for it”, when in reality we simply get out thought by the opposition, making us look lethargic.

Bruce has (by sheer luck and injuries) worked out our best starting 11 but doesn't appear to know what to do with it when plan A (try to score while not conceding, be men, look angry) doesn't work. I don't know what Hourihane has done, it seems completely out of character for Bruce to have replaced him with Lansbury if he's not injured, even if he's had a couple of crap matches. After the Wolves win we could have done with some fresh legs but I'm not sure there were any changes to the starting 11.

I'd also like Thor back, in a 4-1-4-1 and I'd also like Kodjia back simply because he can bring down Bruce's beloved hoofballs and can score from absolutely nothing, which in an isolated striker is a very special skill. I think I'd still play Hourihane with Jack because he has goals and assists in him and while I do like Lansbury I think we're better off going with the player who's done so well for us this season. And if he doesn't do anything bring on Lansbury then.

What will happen is if we aren't doing well by about 60 minutes Bruce will start to replace the midfield with strikers. I'd stick Tuanzebe, Lansbury, Jedi, Grabban and this is a big one, Green on the subs bench. Adomah isn't looking so confident on the ball and against Hull seemed to stop and wait rather than take on his man. We need a bit of pace and the opposition won't be expecting him. Jedi to shore us up for the last 20 minutes if we're winning, Tuanzebe in defence, Grabban so Bruce can bring on at least one striker and Lansbury alongside either Grealish or Hourihane. Honestly I'd love to see Lansbury and Hourihane between Thor and Kodjia but Bruce will not do it. Plus I'd start Jack every time if he's fit.

Wouldn't it be nice to think with Kodjia on the pitch we could see Adomah and Snodgrass crossing the ball? Or do they just not do it because they're both playing on the wrong foot/side?

[AstonThriller]

For me anything less than a win is totally unacceptable, as was one point from QPR, Bolton and Hull, that kind of form can't be allowed to continue. The fact that we can cut Cardiff's advantage to seven points, with them then having to face Wolves next, and then us at Villa Park, should be incentive enough for us to be fired up to go and get the win, if we're not fired up tonight, then I think serious questions need to be asked.

IMO it's do or die tonight. Either fight for it or just bore off. Cardiff looked absolutely shocking last night and will be there for the taking If they lose to Wolves I think. Just have to get our act together now and win the bloody game.

[FoxyAV]

For me anything less than a win is totally unacceptable, as was one point from QPR, Bolton and Hull, that kind of form can't be allowed to continue. The fact that we can cut Cardiff's advantage to seven points, with them then having to face Wolves next, and then us at Villa Park, should be incentive enough for us to be fired up to go and get the win, if we're not fired up tonight, then I think serious questions need to be asked.

IMO it's do or die tonight.

It's been do or die all season and it just hasn't happened but yes, everyone needs to go out tonight and completely destroy Reading.

[De Kuip]

Taylor and Hogan start then.

[deadbuzzardalive]

Pretty much the line-up that I would have gone for...

[De Kuip]

[De Kuip]

Ha took me that long to remember how to post the image you'd beat me to it!

[AstonThriller]

I'm Ok with that team. Even though Taylor wasn't that great against QPR and Bolton, he gives us some natural width down that left-hand side. Hogan starting Is also Ok because let's face it, we were winning matches comfortably when he was In form so let's hope he can nick a goal tonight.

[Saunders82]

I think our lot will have had their arses kicked by the management team & Terry, so I think we will come out all guns blazing if we get an early breakthrough then I can see the floodgates opening, what we don't want is missed chances and a lacklustre performance. UTV

[FoxyAV]

Two strikers, three defensive midfielders, a goalie and one attacking midfielder on the bench. Not quite what I'd hoped for with Green but there you go.

[Army villain]

Let's hope they make a game of it, need a vast improvement then the last few games. UTV.

[De Kuip]

Sounds like a bright start from us with a volleyed attempt by Jack.

[FoxyAV]

Shame it's not on Sky! Anywhere to listen or watch this please?

Edit: just found it on the radio (I'm close enough to Reading).

[VTID85]

Reading down to 10 men with over an hour to play.

[FoxyAV]

Sounds like we're all over them.

Edit: and then we make a sloppy back pass and are nearly punished.

Thor seems to be having a very good game.

[deadbuzzardalive]

Reading down to ten men, If we can't win this now, then it's an utter abomination of indescribable proportions. Need a goal before half-time.

[De Kuip]

Only worrying thing is the amount of chances we're missing.
Would be good to close the goal difference gap on Fulham.

[De Kuip]

Fulham ahead wolves ahead

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