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Football isn’t a complicated game.
Score goals. Don’t let any in.
In truth, Villa haven’t been very good at applying this straightforward footballing philosophy for a number of years now.
Last seasons debacle aside, this campaign alone has seen the type of goals conceded that as a supporter, leave you utterly baffled.
Add in the fact that the goals conceded predominantly come in the closing minutes of a seemingly won game. But you don’t need The Villa Underground to remind you of that.
Today see’s Villa head to Preston where the only objective can be kitchen sinking the opposition to get a win.
We all aspire to watch Barcelona football-porn. However, we will all take an in off the scrotum winner if it means that we can win.
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It’s also 420 days since our last away victory, which, is a scandal in itself.
Villa make the journey to Preston hoping that Tshibola and Jedinak can last 90 minutes. Equally, Ross McCormack, injured in recent games, may return and contribute to much needed trickery to the strike force.
Jack Grealish dropped against Newcastle, reappeared against Barnsley to limited effect.
We also have a huge problem at right back. Richie De Laet’s season ending injury had pushed Bacuna into the fold. However, the Dutchman is banned and the prospect of either Micah Richard’s or Alan Hutton deputising does bring cause for concern.
Most importantly is that tactically Di Matteo has been woeful.
We have now had ten games to analyse what we’ve seen and it’s fair to say that our gameplan, set-up and game management must improve.
Whilst our owner sits in Asia, pondering patience, he also fields questions from fans after most games, gauging opinion as he goes.
Di Matteo may not be sacked if Villa fall to Preston, but he could find himself on incredibly thin ice.
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Most would understand that this is reasonably a transitional period, but after diligent recruitment, the returns to date have been underwhelming.
Preston’s form has been mixed, including a 5-0 drubbing to Brentford are offset against good wins against Wigan, QPR & Cardiff. They also turned Bournemouth over in the cup.
Home form has been similarly mixed. Defeats to Derby and Barnsley stand out, particularly given County’s woes.
Villa Underground Prediction:
1-0 to Villa. (Kodjia to score)
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