It’s game-day! Aston Villa play Bournemouth in their opening day fixture – let’s hear how Liam perceives the fixture as it’s time for… PRE-MATCH THOUGHTS.
GENERAL FEELING AND PRE-SEASON
The nerves grow larger and larger as that 3pm kick-off time grows closer and closer. The Premier League season is back and our beloved Aston Villa return to action after a very pleasing pre-season outing. Mixed with the nerves is that classic “it’s going to be our year” excitement, and I for one cannot wait to see the boys back on the pitch on Saturday.
From Douglas Luiz scoring goals from corners to Joshua Feeney’s Cruyff-turns in his own box, the last four weeks seemed to have it all. The Villa boys remained unbeaten and we have seen many players spark into life just in time for the upcoming campaign – pre-season is something else!
The competitive season has swiftly come around however, and Gerrard and his team would have got down to the ‘nitty gritty’ since returning from Rennes. I’d imagine the general feeling around Bodymoor Heath has become more serious and assertive this week as the serious business emerges.
Getting off to the best possible start is what every team craves heading into that season opener, and this group of individuals will be no different. It is poised to be a mammoth ten months for many of the players and the manager, and Steven Gerrard would have drilled the importance of winning and coming out of the blocks quickly over and over again across the last six weeks.
Newly-announced captain John McGinn exercised this point in his recent sit-down with VillaTV, stating: “we need to start on the front-foot” when discussing the fixture at the Vitality Stadium. Translating the winning feeling and adopting the play-styles from pre-season will be key, and something the Aston Villa faithful will hope to see this weekend.
MATCH VERDICT
To start, I think the game will be played to Aston Villa’s tempo. Whilst we are away from home and there will be that ‘fresh start’ atmosphere at the Vitality, I believe the quality in the side will eclipse that and the Villans will be well in control of the tie.
Here, players like Boubacar Kamara and the two centre-backs will see a lot of the ball, and it will be there job to find the line-breaking passes into the feet of the forward players. These individuals then have to be effective and precise. I feel Bournemouth may sit deeper and deeper after a high-energy start, and the creative talents in claret and blue therefore need to be clinical in transition.
The forwards in the side, namely Danny Ings and Ollie Watkins, will have to be ruthless too. There has been plenty of talk surrounding the pair over the summer, and whoever plays will have to make their mark and ensure their chances are taken. Goals will be the only thing on either of their minds as it grows confidence and promotes form. Both will want to score more than they did last season, and this opening game presents itself as the perfect opportunity to initiate that prospect.
Another area of the team that needs to improve from last season is the defence. Diego Carlos is of course a massive addition (quite literally), and I believe he will certainly better the backline. I think I remember one of Steven Gerrard’s first quotes when arriving at the club being “I want us to be hard to beat”, and this thought will still remain; he’ll want to see this throughout the season, starting with Saturday’s game on the south-coast.
The new five-sub rule will play into Villa’s hands and, whether winning or losing, we now have depth on the bench to bring on and affect the game should needs be. Forward Cameron Archer will be more eager than anyone (should he not start) to make an impact off the bench, after signing a new five-year deal with the club yesterday afternoon. He’ll want to top his proud week off with a first Premier League goal to show just how capable he is at the highest level; warranting his place in the first team.
SCORE PREDICTION
The first goal in this fixture could be pivotal, and if it goes the way of the home side, I fear it may be a long afternoon for Villa. If it is the travelling Villans that score first however, I feel we can settle any early nerves and really begin to kick on from there.
Predicting the first of the season is really difficult as there is very little to go off – you just hope your side is fit and ready for battle. Pre-season couldn’t have been more different for the two teams heading into it, but all that matters is who turns up on match-day wanting it more.
I will opt for an Aston Villa win in game-week one though, as the quality we have compared to the troubled ranks of The Cherries is too significant. I’ll go with Bournemouth 0-2 Aston Villa, with Ollie Watkins to start the season positively and Leon Bailey to continue his superb pre-season form.
As well as a win, I’d like to see a strong performance all round today, with new signings impressing and Gerrard’s system in full flow. I think it will be tough, but we can do it. Come on the boys, and Up the Villa!
AUTHOR | LIAM DAVIES
Author’s UTV PODCAST archive liamayrtondavies – UTV Podcast | An Aston Villa Blog
MATCH PREVIEW & TEAM NEWS
UTV PODCAST HQ
SUBSCRIBE
Enjoying this article – then please subscribe to UTVPODCAST | An Aston Villa Blog to help us grow and support the site; you’ll receive instant email notifications of all released article.
Plus, it’s completely free.
VILLA BELLAS
Villa Bellas is the Official AVFC Womenβs Network. In an unequal and often unrelenting world we work to break down barriers for equality.
Our network aims to raise the voice of women and non-binary people at @AVFCOfficial We support inclusion & diversity and with our allies, we can challenge sexism and misogyny, creating a safe and welcoming environment for the fans in the stands and the women on the pitch.
Let’s celebrate ourselves and champion each other while having fun doing it!
Twitter: @villabellas Instagram: @villa.bellas
DONATE
UTVPODCAST | An Aston Villa Blogβ is accepting small donations, which will help to support the site’s ongoing evolution.
Thank you so much for your support.
SOCIAL MEDIA
Facebook and Twitter readers, click the respective icon below to follow our utvpodcast social media accounts.
UTVPODCAST is pleased to partner with Official AVFC Store, Fanatics, Kitbag, and Classic Football Shirts. Throughout the season, we will bring you special offers and discount codes.
ASTON VILLA | AVFC STORE
2022/23 Aston Villa Home Shirt – Shop Now
ASTON VILLA | CLASSIC FOOTBALL SHIRTS
