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League Cup Preview: Aston Villa v Wigan – McCormack, Richards & Elphick feature.

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Transfer Talk

Transfer TalkMATCH PREVIEW

Villa go into the match buoyed following a four goal win over Norwich.

Whilst this lifted some of the simmering discontent brewing around Steve Bruce’s early season struggles, The Villa Underground would like to see Villa progress in the cup.  Whilst this stage of the competition is decidedly ‘Mickey Mouse’, the reality is that these days you’re never far from an interesting tie or even Wembley.

On the flip side, there’s the view that the Cup would be an unwanted distraction from a season where the club needs to get back to the Premier League.  The Financial Fair Play implications alone are perhaps pause for thought.

With that said, there is nothing like a cup run to galvanise a club and squad.  Villa need to get into a rhythm of winning football matches sooner rather than later.  A dumping out of the Cup to League 1 opposition would hardly set the tone.

With both sides expected to rotate their starting 11 significantly, any desired progression to the next round may be a bit of a lottery.

A positive for Villa in respect of any rotation is that this will see a number of youngsters given an opportunity, whilst peripheral players can work to impress any potential suitors.

Kick off’s at 7:45pm and is free to season card holders.

Team News:

KEY FACTS

  • O’Hare features after impressing in 1st round win over Colchester.
  • Onomah out after going off against Norwich at the weekend.
  • Gabby still out with injury.
  • Multiple changes – with peripheral figures like Elphick & Micah Richard’s set to feature.
  • Kick off 7:45pm – Villa Park
  • Game is free for season card holders.
  • Jed Steer expected to retain spot as “Cup” goalkeeper.
  • Wigan have won 4 on the bounce.  Also unbeaten in last 6.
  • Visitors are currently top of League 1 after 3 games. (+6 Goal Difference)
  • Mile Jedinak not included in squad despite being match fit.
  • Visitors have former Man Utd striker Nick Powell in their ranks – he’s scored 3 already this term.
  • Villa have won all 3 encounters since 2012.
  • Villa won Wigan’s last encounter 2-0.