Opportunity To Close Gap For Villa
Next weekend’s Championship fixture give Villa a quick opportunity to close the gap on their rivals. Bristol City took advantage of Villa’s draw and Sheffield United’s loss to rise to third place in the league. Ironically, the Blades entertain Bristol City this week affording Villa the opportunity to pass at least one, or both, with a victory against Millwall.
Sheffield United (4th) vs Bristol City (3rd) – 8th December – 7:45pm
The home side are now three games without a win whereas Bristol City go to Brammall Lane having won the last two games. The Blades will be desperate to arrest their sliding form. Their last two home games have been a 1-1 draw against the lowly Blues and a high-scoring 5-4 loss to Fulham. Bristol City’s fortunes have been totally opposite with two away wins (Fulham and Hull) and a draw at Sheffield Wednesday. They have also beaten Cardiff in recent weeks. For Villa, a draw would present the opportunity to pass both teams.
Aston Villa (5th) vs Millwall (17th) – 9th December – 3:00pm
Has to be considered a ‘must win’ for Villa against a Millwall side buoyed by their shock win on Saturday. It was their first win in seven games which included a defeat to bottom-placed Burton Albion at home. This is another game, like Leeds, where Villa’s pedigree will be tested. In recent years, this is the sort of fixture where we have dropped points. Having received 28 bookings and 4 red cards already this season, Millwall will try to disrupt Villa’s rhythm with hard tackling. Self-discipline will be one aspect required on what could be a difficult day at Villa Park.
Reading (14th) vs Cardiff City (2nd)- 11th December – 8:00pm
The last game of the round and it should be a cracking match. Both teams are in form and Cardiff will know how much of a gap that Wolves have created and how much of a gap they have for the second automatic place.
Reading have won the last two games and will be looking to climb the table. Cardiff’s form is imperious, with five wins out of the last six, and could create daylight in the chase of the second place.