On Sky
Now that yet another international break of untold misery for the home nations is finally over, those of us with a claret & blue persuasion can perhaps get back to concentrating on the dire fact that we are in a considerably sticky situation with respect to our Premier League status.
Another 3 points for the ever late-to-the-party Wigan FC and no doubt there will be many of us hopping mad over the prospect that we are heading into the tail end of the season with only one poisitve. What you ask? Well Npower do deals on dual-fuel where you get a free Championship team shirt.
Villa face a Liverpool side that are slowly starting to improve after a dismal first half of the season, which included the drubbing by Lambert`s limes that got the more over-excitable of AVFC fans dreaming of Champions League football.
The most important thing is though, that football`s funniest left-winger Stuart ‘bites your legs` Downing returns to Villa Park having made his big-money move to Anfield last summer (thanks for the cash LFC, love, every Villa fan!)
It`s Villa
Liverpool
No signing on, closed for Easter.
Preview!
Vital Quotes:
We start with some serious news which I`m sure will stun new-readers to my previews, however every now and again there are bigger and more important things than football-based humour.
Aston Villa boss Paul Lambert has spoken to the press regarding club captain Stiliyan Petrov and his continuing battle with acute leukaemia.
“‘I was round seeing him in the house recently, for dinner with his wife.
‘I don’t think many people realise what he has went through and the way he has battled strongly. He is doing great. I am delighted for him.”
‘Sources` have suggested that Stan has no intention of returning to the playing side of things, and Lambert was drawn out on these stories and commented that the club may be set to offer the Bulgarian international an extended roll beyond his contract, which expires in the summer.
“I don’t think he could do the stressful job of being a manager. I think he would maybe like to coach younger kids or something.
“He was a great player and could give great advice to everyone.
“Nearer the time I will speak with him, we will have to see how he feels. But the main thing is he recovers fully from a horrible illness.”
That`s all from the Villa side of things. There are no more important matters.
***
So we take a wander over to the red half of Merseyside where as per usual, whenever there is controversy or negative stories regarding Liverpool FC – the standard practice of deny all knowledge / bury the head in the sand was in full flow.
You see, for those who don`t know, Luis Suarez was caught during the international match between his native Uruguay and Chile, dealing with a minor squabble in his own unique way – punching Chilean defender Gonzalo Jara in the head.
Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers naturally avoided talking about it, because it was Suarez being a tit. Whilst Fifa investigate, Rodgers said:
I haven’t spoken to him but every time Luis goes away there’s always something.
“But all I’m aware of is that we have an outstanding football player who is giving everything for club and is very happy here.”
When quizzed further, Rodgers continued to duck the controversy with “‘I won’t speak about federations, only Liverpool.’
Interestingly however, it seems a kangaroo-court style punishment was dished out as the former Swansea boss has alluded to:
“‘He was back yesterday, we ran the medical team over him”
I think it`s safe to say that the majority of the Premier League`s supporters that aren`t red-based scousers would be fairly happy to see someone run the team bus over him!
Aston Villa Team News:
Aston Villa have been boosted by the return to training of expensive forward Darren Bent and tough tackling Karim El Ahmadi. Fabian Delph has now also served his ban for being a naughty boy and returns to the squad. There will be late fitness tests on both Ciaran Clark and Brett Holman, however neither, if absent, will be of a particular concern to this football writing Villa fan!
Villa are also boosted by the news that Liverpool midfielder Stewart Downing is fit to face his old side.
Winger Marc Albrighton has returned to training following a nightmare season of injuries, however this game will come too soon for the local lad
Player to watch: The American Eagle
Brad Guzan
Normally the busiest of busy bees – Guzan is certainly man of the moment so expect another superb performance.
Liverplop Team News:
Liverpool are looking to recall none other than Jamie Carragher and netminder Jose Reina to the squad.
Liverpool have been dealt a blow with the news that former Aston Villa midfielder Stewart Downing is fit to play.
Fabio Borini, Ashley Westwood`s hideously more expensive alternative Joe Allen and Martin Kelly are all set to miss out.
Player to watch: Stewart Downing
Lolz
Useless Facts:
I realised late last week that in my previous preview I forgot to include my normal musical interlude. So this week I have doubled up. Firstly, wiping the floor with the British Army`s Amarillo vid, is this excellent cover of the All American Rejects “Move Along” by a US Navy crew:
Secondly – who can resist?
Liverpool is North of Birmingham. To get there you have to drive past Stoke-on-Trent (Vital Villa advice – keep driving.)
Quite topical in the Vital Villa forum is the threat of nuclear war due to the issue in North Korea. So why not take some time just off of Junction 16 to visit the Hack Green “Secret” Nuclear Bunker. Boom!
Liverpool is known for the Beatles, Brookside, and unemployment.
There`s a ferry service, but I`m not sure what it crosses.
Famous Merseysider`s include John Bishop, serial tweeter Joey Barton, TV slapper Kim Cattrall (ask your girlfriends/wives), Paul O`Grady and most importantly, Rick Astley!
Any Derby based Villans, look out for me as I am heading to a city-centre pub in my new Macron-Man shouldered home shirt. Last time I did this was when we narrowly lost to Chelsea in December.
Ref Watch:
What have we done to deserve this? Only joking Lee Mason. According to the stats on the Lancashire born official, we should not be expecting any red cards tomorrow (happy news Fabian!) as Mr Mason has not dismissed a single player in any of his 24 league and cup matches this season.
He has however amassed a whopping 82 yellow cards.
Match Prediction:
Mystic Mug has suggested a 2-1 defeat. Mark “neutral” Lawrenson has said 2-0 Liverpool. Click Here for the results so far.
This prediction expert says 12-2 Villa.
Next Fixtures:
Once we dispatch of Liverpool, we are heading indeed up the M6 but turning off at Junction 15 in order to face the Stoke-on-Trent Rugby Football Club.
Thanks for reading folks. Please comment below and make sure you take some time to check out the Vital Villa forums. Murph
