Our record at the moment is far from glorious. We only have 2 wins in 10 Prem games and haven’t recorded a back to back victory in 33 attempts. However the Carling Cup is our most obvious route into Europe and DOL will obviously field as strong a side as he can taking into account the injury crisis we are facing. With some battle and determination, we can sail into the fourth round.
Vital Quotes:
Phillips has called for an immediate improvement: ‘Saturday’s game is finished. We’ve got to learn from it. We’ve got an important game tomorrow (Tues night) and hopefully we can put in a decent performance.’
Mellberg said: ‘I think the standard in the Championship is high throughout. You need to work hard in those games if you are going to get the right result. But this is a chance for us to put the record straight and it is a big chance for us to go into Europe as well.’
DOL said: ‘It is a big priority for us and I think it is to most of the clubs in the country now. You saw that Chelsea wanted to win it last year and I am sure they will want to defend it this year. All the big boys take it seriously now because it is an early-doors way of getting into Europe. The draws can be very kind to you and you can get to the final and be in Europe instead of having to battle for 38 games.’
Cotterill said beating Villa last year was one of the seasons highlights and: ‘We know what size club we are and we know what we’re taking on in Aston Villa, so we were delighted with our performance last year. But that’s a year gone and I would imagine the sides will be different.’
Aston Villa Team News:
Aaron Hughes isn’t likely to be used after aggravating his hernia injury in the game v Wigan. Delaney should step in for his first appearance this season. McCann and Jlloyd have both struggled with injuries but should make the squad. Bouma is hoping his hamstring problem will have cleared up although I’m not convinced DOL will risk him – that said, with our lack of cover, he might have to. Cahill who spent a loan period at Burnley is out injured and Whittingham (who also had a loan spell at Burnley) is out on loan at Derby. Bakke won’t be able to play due to the terms of his loan deal.
Player to watch: Super Kevin Phillips
He had an off day and should have buried a few of his chances on Saturday. He will be looking to rectify that tonight.
Burnley Team News:
Only two players who were present in last years 3-1 victory over Villa, Michael Duff and John McGreal, are likely to feature tonight. Micah Hyde is suspended due to picking up 5 yellow cards this season. Duane Courtney, Chris McCann and Gifton Noel Williams are all competing to replace him. Danny Coyne and Wayne Thomas are out with injuries and Graham Branch is a doubt with a calf injury.
Player to watch: Ade Akinbiyi
Is in a battle with Garreth O’Connor to be Burnley’s top goalscorer this season according to assistant manager Dave Kevan.
Match Facts & Stats
Both teams will be looking to bounce back from 2-0 losses at the weekend (to Wigan and Crystal Palace)
Villa have got to the third round via a 3-8 win over Wycombe away.
Burnley’s route to the third round was via beating Carlisle United by 2-1 and Barnsley 3-0.
Villa are 4/9 favourites. Draw 3/1. Burnley 5/1.
Oh, and according to BBC weather, you might want to take a rain coat!
Ref Watch:
Data not available
Match Prediction:
Despite struggling to convert our chances against Wigan, Mystic Mug says there will be only one winner tonight. Home win. Villa 1-0
Next Fixtures:
29/10/05 (Man City)
05/11/05 LIVERPOOL
19/11/05 (Sunderland)
