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SOS: Save Our Season (Reading Preview)

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Faster than a speeding bullet (pulled over by the police), more powerful than a locomotive (replacement bus service is in place) and able to leap buildings in a single bound (due to demolishment after repossession) I have returned to Vital Villa to give the masses a timely boost ahead of the 9 Cup finals (and a trip to Stoke City) that ultimately shape the near-future of one of the most famous clubs in English football, a Premier League ever-present, a club that brought you free bus travel and flags to wave.

Aston Villa travel to Reading knowing only two things:

1. We need all 3 points.

2. If you thought Doug Ellis was an egotist for having his own stand – What say you of John Madejski!

It`s Aston Villa
It`s Reading
Jokes over Villa Squad – It`s time to work!
Preview!

Vital Quotes:

Who in their right mind went out there and said this?

“I am not worried about us potentially coming back against Bayern, I am more worried about consequences that could manifest in the heads of our players.”

So Mr [name removed for guess competition] you are not thinking about a comeback, only defeat?

***

Aston Villa manager Paul Lambert has called for his players to battle (funnily enough) and when discussing his younger players chances of continuing at a high level, took a moment to talk about the kind of cutlery he was exposed to during his early years:

“I wasn`t born with a silver spoon in my mouth. Everyone talks about my time at Dortmund but the fact is, I went there on trial. I had to earn my deal.

‘I wouldn`t put that pressure on my players. They are giving me everything they have. But what I would say is that you don`t realise what you`ve got until it`s not there. It doesn`t get given to you. Even top managers and players have to earn it.


No silver spoons at Villa these days, more like Ikea Wednesbury bargain corner plastic spork set – you know, that bizzare section of the warehouse full of odd chairs, slightly damaged furniture etc. just before you pay for your flat-pack and go buy 30 packs of horsemeatballs.

Villa defender Matty Lowton, who has had a fairly good debut season with the club, has followed where so many have gone before during tough seasons, talking about a desire for a fight as the side attempts to avoid a drop in division that would be quite simply a catastrophe for the Premier Division ever-presents. Speaking to avfc.co.uk Lowton decreed:

“The next two Saturdays are massive games for us. We have to show the fight that we have done and the quality will come through to get the points we need.”

*****
Turning our attention to our opposition, Reading boss Brian McDermott, who always reminds me of a particularly angst-ridden Science teacher, has been churning out his own version of manager-of-relegation-threatened-side-rhetoric.

In quotes as published by my favourite morning newspaper for all the latest in South China, the South China Morning Post McDermott spoke of how he knows all about the feeling of relegation, having been the clubs chief scout when the team last dropped from the Premier Division:

“I was there the day we went down and I know all about that. It could go down to goal difference.

‘We went down by three goals in 2008 so we know it is important to stay in every game even if we are losing.

‘It might well be that at the end of the season everyone is looking at this end of the league instead of the other as I think that will be done and dusted by then. It would be nice if we weren’t part of that by the final day, but if we are then we are.”


Aston Villa fans Brian, will likely be looking neither at the top or the bottom of the table, the eyes will be firmly closed (what you can`t see can`t hurt you!)

Reading Team News:

The almost library-like silence of Reading (have a think) has been rocked by the news that by the news that Jimmy Kebe is likely to be out for a few weeks courtesy of a groin injury which is a massive boost for Villa as Kebe has been one of the Royals most creative players.

Brian McDermott is also set to be without Jason Roberts who`s season has been ended by a hip injury and Pavel Pogre…Pogbyan…Pogyak……Pavel Smith continues to serve his suspension.

Last but not least, Reading are without first choice stopper Adam Federici meaning it is none other than former Aston Villa back-up netminder Stuart Taylor that will take up position between the sticks.

Player to watch: Stuart Taylor

Quite simply Stuart can you kindly do us a favour? You`ve been quite error prone in the past, so one last slip-up?

Aston Villa Team News:

The Lions have been boosted with the news that captain Ron Vlaar should be fit following yet another issue with his calf (more MDF Ron than Concrete Ron) however Paul Lambert`s problems seem to be in the midfield. With Fabian Delph suspended due to picking up 10 yellow cards, none of which were his fault (lolz), it would have been expected that Karim El Ahmadi would have returned to the starting line-up, except he can`t, because he`s injured.

The word on the street, pointless as I live in Derby, is that this may now mean that January transfer window signing Yacouba Sylla may make his first Premier League start.

That said – knowing Lambert we`ll probably see Barry Bannan “protecting” the back four!

Darren Bent is still out as well as Richard Dunne so if any Reading fans are reading, can you perhaps suggest a good shopping centre?

Player to watch: Brad Guzan

Brad you are our hero – keep it up!

Match Facts & Stats

As welcome as a Jimmy Saville tribute act comes the traditional useless facts about Reading, with a couple of non-related ramblings just for fun.

As intimated early on in this preview, Reading owner Sir John Madejski has named the stadium after himself which will remind many a Villa about the “Doug Ellis Stand.” You`ve got to worry about the state of the London Olympic stadium, soon to be named the “David Gold Olympic Arena.”

Sad times.

Wikipedia suggests that Reading may have existed as a town in Roman times however it is suggested that the town has existed seriously since the 8th Century.

In 2007 an independent poll placed Reading 16th in the league table for best performing shopping areas. So ladies, it looks like you could have gone along as well.

There is a long list of notable people that have either been born in, or lived in Reading. This list includes seriously unfunny “comedian” Ricky Gervais, Sir Kenneth Brannagh, king of TV for the non-working Jeremy Kyle and Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge.

I am ending on a serious note – Reading was the birthplace of one Lance-Corporal Frederick Potts, who was awarded the Victoria Cross for spending 2 days under Turkish trenches during WW1 with a wounded comrade, before creating a sledge to drag the injured man over 600 yards whilst under constant fire.

Ref Watch:

A quick check of the Premier League Official site suggests that our referee today is none other than Jon Moss, whoever that is! Apparently he officiated our FA Cup win over Ipswich and in 23 games has only sent off one player!

Match Prediction:

Well the famous predictions are back. Lawro has sat on the fence suggesting the two sides will cancel each other out in a 1-1 bore draw.

I am more confident than that, 8-1 to the good guys.

Next Fixtures:

Next up will be an equally important game, with QPR coming to visit on the 16th March.

Thanks for reading (or is that Reading?) folks, will hopefully be back in proper action in time for the arrival of ‘Appy ‘Arry and co!

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