Wycombe brings mixed emotions for Villa supporters. I like to think back to a time when Villa conspired to concede three goals against our hosts, before managing to score eight (2005 Carling Cup). More painful and etched into the memory of most fans will be the embarrassing episode in January 2016’s FA Cup face-off. Not only did Villa barely scrape a replay in that particular third-round tie (1-1), it was also the infamous scene of the Micah Richards stand-off with the away support. How times have changed.
Embed from Getty ImagesUnai Emery and Pau Torres are the antithesis of Remi Garde and Micah Richards. Villa travel in outstanding form to Adams Park, and whilst we might expect some rotation, conscious of the fact that this must be considered a winnable competition. This statement could be interpreted arrogantly, but this is a trophy that we should be trying to win. More controversial perhaps? It’s a competition that we should also be prioritising.
Villas triumphed in 1994 against Manchester United and then again in 1996 against Leeds United in this competition. The League Cup, like the FA Cup has since been devalued in some quarters, but the honours lists of all the greats proudly reference and count their victories alongside others. Take a glance at the new North Stand trophy facade the next time you wander past…
Whilst Emery’s eye is without doubt upon the Premier League and being competitive in The Champions League, one can’t help but think that Villa’s wise coach has one eye on this. We will find out immediately on Tuesday evening, firstly by the squad that is sent to challenge Wycombe, but secondly by the application that those selected put in. What determination will our fringe players have to impress? As highlighted above, times are very different, we have a decent squad, presumably with a number amongst it who would like to demonstrate their attributes ahead of high-profile ties with the likes of Bayern Munich, Manchester United and Juventus looming.
There are of course some considerations concerning specific departments where we dare not risk our prize assets. Emi Martinez has a hectic schedule compounded by long international journeys to South America. It might be chance to see our new Australian ‘keeper in action. Jhon Duran has more than earned a nod and it provides a chance for Watkins to recuperate after withdrawing from the recent England squad and taking a knock against Young Boys. Barkley could easily give Tielemans a breather too. None of this is either weakening our prospects, nor showing disrespect to our opponents or the competition itself.
These are the kinds of games that can be easily dismissed. They are the seemingly unimportant, the “so what” fixtures. It couldn’t be further from the truth. A professional display and victory over Wycombe would not only continue our superb start to the season, but potentially set in motion a cup run to our first meaningful silverware since 1996. UTFV.
Embed from Getty ImagesMATCH DETAILS
Competition: EFL Trophy 3rd Round
Kick-Off Time: 8pm [GMT]
Opposition: Wycombe Wanderers (‘The Chairboys’)
Venue: Adams Park (Away allocation 1848).
Where to watch and stream: Sky Sports Football, Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Ultra HDR. You can stream the game via NOW TV. Note a subscription is required. Villa’s away ticket allocation is SOLD OUT.