VILLA vs. READING
What with our outside chances of making the playoffs extinguished by the draw at Burton last weekend, it would be easy to write of Villa’s interest in the campaign.
Indeed, irrelevant of the unexpected playoff chase that emerged, Villa have much to prepare for next season.
As has been discussed [as part of the podcast and countless times since the turn of the year on this blog] we are actually in “pre-pre season”.
An obvious success story to mirror would be that of Leicester City. Leicester, who looked absolute bankers for relegation in 2015 from the Premier League, carried their survival form into a league winning season.
Villa should therefore look to emulate the momentum of such a run, with a view to being quick out of the blocks in 2017/18.
With our aspirations put on hold for now, we should focus on beating Reading and embedding a winning mentality.
KEY FACTS
- Jonathan Kodjia is expected to return from injury.
- Bjarnason & Agbonlahor are out injured.
- Reading lost their last game 7-1 to Norwich.
- Villa unbeaten against visitors in 6 attempts.
- Villa haven’t conceded or lost at home in 5.
- Bruce is on a run of 27 points from last 22 available.
- Reading are currently 4th in The Championship.
- Villa beat Reading in the reverse fixture.
- Villa are 3rd in form last – Reading 7th (Last 6)
- Villa could go as high as 9th with a win.
OPPOSITION VIEW
Read: The Villa Underground caught up with Royals fan site ‘Hob Nob Anyone?’ to get some insight into Reading’s season, players and predictions.
We’ve been shocking away from home all season. We’re top six with a negative goal difference thanks to away thrashings.Villa are on form while we’re hoping to make the play offs on home wins alone.