Aston Villa aim to get their season back on track against Everton, after an opening day loss. Let’s examine the upcoming fixture closely, in this week’s match preview.
THE BUILD UP
The season started in the worst possible way for The Villans against Bournemouth – in defeat. An early goal from stand-in defender Jefferson Lerma and a late header from Kieffer Moore trumped the away side. It was a dismal display from the Villa, and the deflated feeling has contrasted into this week’s build-up. A win at home however would certainly alleviate this feeling, and Gerrard will look to do exactly that this Saturday.
As for this week’s visitors, they are hoping to rebound from defeat too, after losing 1-0 to Chelsea at Goodison Park. A first-half stoppage time penalty from Jorginho was enough to dismantle The Toffees on their home turf. Frank Lampard’s side escaped relegation by the skin of their teeth last year, and despite losing their key man (Richarlison), are looking for a far better finish this term.
The situation between the two teams appears all too similar, meaning this week’s contest is set to be exciting. With two of England’s greatest midfielders at their helms, both clubs will battle it out for a big three points. Each side is packed with talent and quality, but which manager can piece it all together this weekend?
MINGS AND GERRARD
Former captain Tyrone Mings and Head Coach Steven Gerrard have been at the forefront of a controversial discussion this week. After having the captain’s armband taken away and being dropped from the starting line-up, there are reports that Mings has fallen out with his gaffer.
Gerrard stated Mings had the captaincy removed so it “can help him get back to his consistent best”. It is believed that the number five started from the bench last week due to a knock in training. To many it is a situation that has been blown out of proportion, and there is no issue between the two. But some believe there is significant concern, and fear that there is unrest beginning to surface around the club.
Steven Gerrard is a fantastic leader and possesses expert man management – shown through his time as Liverpool captain and as the Head Coach of Rangers. Tyrone Mings has been a superb servant of Aston Villa, representing the club tremendously on and off the pitch. Neither of the two would surely react or say the things that some outlets have reported this week? Also, why would either tarnish what they have achieved and built in their careers, especially at the dawn of a new season?
It appears some comments have been taken out of context, and reports have since emerged fabricating a senseless and inaccurate story. Steven Gerrard clearly respects Tyrone Mings and vice versa, and the two will work in tandem this season to accomplish the aims and objectives laid out by the club. Both of their best interests lie with Aston Villa.
A BIT ON EVERTON
Losing star forward Richarlison to Antonio Conte’s Tottenham Hotspur has been Everton’s big transfer story this summer. Although, The Toffees have invested heavily and have brought in five names to Goodison Park. Included on this list are former Burnley players James Tarkowski and Dwight McNeil. The pair leave the relegated Clarets, and hope to make an impression on Merseyside.
Also joining is midfielder Amadou Onana, who reportedly snubbed West Ham for a move to Everton. Onana moves from French side Lille for Β£30 million, and is expected to play a big part in the side. Former Villan Idrissa Gueye is also in line to sign for the club in the coming days. The Senegalese midfielder will provide quality and experience, and his know-how can be used to mentor Onana.
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Former Wolves captain Conor Coady is the latest arrival; joining initially on loan with a future option to buy. The 29 year-old is the perfect replacement for Ben Godfrey who suffered an injury last weekend, and is expected to partner James Tarkowski at the back.
Their final summer recruit is full-back RΓΊben Vinagre. The 23 year-old also joins on loan this season with an option to buy from Portuguese side Sporting. Vinagre spent last season with Bruno Lage’s Wanderers, and will therefore fit in well alongside fellow new signing Coady.
TO FINISH
Steven Gerrard has commented on his hopes of making Villa Park a fortress this season, saying: “Home form is everything”. The Head Coach will hope a win against Everton this week can set a precedent for the season, and visitors will fear the trip to B6.
This contest presents itself as an opportunity to make things right after the previous game’s miserable performance. Gaining three points from the first home fixture of the campaign will invite back all of the belief and excitement that the fans felt throughout pre-season; and the atmosphere pre, during and post-match will reflect that.
As for Everton, Frank Lampard will hope his current side can break a post-promotion duct with Villa. The claret and blue side are unbeaten against The Blues since regaining their Premier League status. Steven Gerrard on the other hand will hope this statistic can continue.
Will Aston Villa find their feet and put to bed any concerns or worries from their fans with a victory, or will Everton pile more pressure onto the Villans and leave the West-Midlands with a big three points on the road?
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AUTHOR | LIAM DAVIES
Author’s UTV PODCAST archive liamayrtondavies – UTV Podcast | An Aston Villa Blog
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One Response
There does seem a effort by the media to upset the squad at any opportunity.
First we had the rumours that john maginn was not liked and was a trouble causer.
Now we have rumours that Mings and Gerrard dont get on.
Only way to shut these rumours down is on the pitch with a positive result against Everton.
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