Team News
Ex-Viler Craig Gardner is available again after suspension and Alexander Hleb has shaken off his knee injury. Jerome and Beausejour are still out.
For Villa Mark Albrighton is suspended while Stilian Petrov and Gabriel Agbonlahor will miss the game through injury.
Last Meeting
Out last meeting was in April where Blues played really well but were beaten by a dodgy James Milner penalty in the 80th minute. The game at St Andrews also finished 1-0 to them and Villa are on a run of six straight wins against us. Their luck has to end one day!
Recent Form
Blues jumped up to 12th last week with the win against Blackpool but that was our only win in the last six league games. We have not won away since March.
Villa have won two of their last six games but only sit one point above us in the table. Both sides won in midweek to make the quarter finals of the Carling Cup.
Outlook
It’s that time of year again. The time when the brave few Blues fans risk the foot and mouth to make the short trip to Villa Park. For a change the away fixture is first up and it comes at a time when both sides are struggling for consistent form and sit just a few places apart in the table. They also are in the strange situation where neither can claim to be the top Midlands team as West Brom are a few points clear. That won’t last though. Of course points and positions are not the only thing at stake on Sunday. On Monday schools and workplaces all over the city will be affected by what happens in this game.
I’m expecting a close game with not too many goals. Both sides are missing some attacking talent and have good solid defences. Blues will most likely drop back into 4-5-1 with Gardner replacing O’Connor. We can’t play the diamond against Villa as a lot of their threat comes down the flanks with Downing and Young. It will be important for us that our midfield players like Fahey, Hleb and Gardner get forward and that we don’t play too many long balls to an isolated Zigic. I expect Gardner will be itching to score against his former club. In defence I hope that Heskey doesn’t have his one game in five when he is actually any good. We’ve also got to watch out for the dodgy penalty as referees seem to be lining up to give those against us this season.
March 20th 2005. That is the last time we beat them. Five years of hurt needs to end and tomorrow is the day to do it. I think there is every chance if we can raise ourselves for the fixture (Which they should do). Having said that a draw wouldn’t be a bad result and that is what I am expecting. I hope for more of course.
My prediciton 1-1. Gardner for us. Dodgy penalty for them.
Come on you Blue Boys!!
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