In the latest edition of the podcast, you’ll hear the thoughts of Villa Underground, My Old Man Said & BUDD ahead of the first of Villa’s semi-final playoffs against West Brom.
So much has happened, so much has turned on its head and much of it in a mere matter of weeks.
In this full length episode, we briefly touch on the final game of the Championship campaign against Norwich.
Whilst a much-changed Villa side fell to a first defeat in thirteen to the league Champions, this leads us to consider the impact of Abraham, Mings, McGinn, Grealish, El Ghazi & Elmo (all rested).
What approach might Dean Smith adopt at Villa Park?
We ponder whether Albert Adomah’s attacking pedigree is fading, opening the door to Andre Green. However, might Adomah’s defensive qualities see him play a role, with Green still far from the finished product?
There’s also a nod to Glenn Whelan; what importance might the resurrected Irishman have over the two legs?
We then take a look at Villa’s overall improvement, Smith’s aggressive attacking style and how we couldn’t hope for better form and fitness ahead of the Playoffs.
COMPETITION
We examine the wider playoff competition, looking at the latest facts, figures and form.
Derby County surged late in the season, going under the radar with a run of twelve games that included just one defeat.
West Brom have frightening similarities to ourselves last season having been lingering in the playoffs without threatening the automatic spots for most of the campaign. Despite having two 20+ goalscorers, the Albion are also a team that’s shipped the highest amount into their own net in the top ten.
And what of Leeds? After the madness of the 1-1 draw at Elland Road a couple of weeks ago, what can we make of Bielsa’s side? Unpredictable, ill-disciplined and possibly reeling from having fallen away from a second spot that seemed all but certain. Will this hamper them mentally or be their motivation?
AND FINALLY
There’s the usual look around the wider footballing world, with the regular ‘Three Points’ section.
Don’t miss what’s likely to be the final instalment of the Scott Hogan Touch Count Meter!
Learn which former Villa midfielder has won both the Player of the Season and Players’ Player of The Season Award at their current club.
And what’s the blueprint for Villa to follow? We take a quick look across the top European Leagues – and whatever you do – don’t forget to suckle down on a thick, tasty VillaDog mmmmmmm
LISTEN NOW
SUBSCRIBE & SHARE
There’s loads of ways to listen, whether it’s on the tube, your daily commute or even whilst riding the “porcelain bus”.
Don’t forget to spread the word on the terrace or on socials.
NEWSLETTER
The only place to get the latest from the wild and wonderful world of The Villa Underground is via the Newsletter.
Best of all it’s completely FREE.