Hasn’t the new season come around quickly? It seems like only yesterday that we were all cowering behind our sofas as Villa pulled off a miracle in the final games of 2019/20. Ultimately securing Premier League survival on the final day, of course.
Fresh off the back of the news that Jack Grealish has signed a FIVE year contract to keep him at the club until 2025, Dean Smith tonight takes Villa to Burton in the 2nd Round of the Carabao Cup.
Villa enjoyed a fine run in the League Cup last season, somewhat in contrast to deteriorating form in the Premier League. This culminated in a Wembley defeat to Manchester City (2-1), despite a spirited display from a side very much considered the under-dogs.
Whilst many can all too readily dismiss the cup competitions, days at Wembley should remind us of the appeal of competing. Further, it’s been all too long since our last piece of noteworthy silverware, a 1996 League Cup win against Leeds United.
Before we get ahead of ourselves, first up is a trip to Burton Albion.
KEY FACTS
- This will be Villa’s first competitive fixture of the 2020/21 season.
- Villa were runners up to Man City in last season’s competition.
- Burton got to the semi-finals themselves the season prior (2018/19).
- They managed to reach the quarter finals the year before that.
- The Brewers are now managed by Jake Buxton and are in League 1.
- Burton finished 12th last term, but lost their opening game to Fleetwood.
- Burton beat Accrington on penalties in Round 1.
- Burton beat a changed Villa side 1-0 in this competition 2 years ago.
- Dean Smith may opt to field new signings Ollie Watkins and Matty Cash.
- Villa overcame Manchester United 1-0 in a friendly last Saturday.
ASTON VILLA TEAM NEWS
The confirmed Villa side to face Burton at the Pirelli Stadium:
(GK) Orjan Nyland
(DEF) Elmohamady
(DEF) Mings
(DEF) Hause
(DEF) Taylor
(MID) Lansbury
(MID) Nakamba
(MID) El Ghazi
(MID) Ramsey
(MID) Grealish – Captain
(ATT) Watkins
On The Bench:
Steer, Guilbert, Konsa, Luiz, Jota, Davis, Samatta
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