A week ago things were going quite well for Aston Villa. However, the game against Middlesbrough at the Riverside Stadium takes place amid an ongoing results crisis at the club. Villa have only won one game in six and performances during that time have been anything but inspiring. Conversely, Middlesbrough goes into the game having won three of their last six.
Things have not been plain sailing for them either. Indifferent form during the season saw Gary Monk receive his marching orders. The new manager is no stranger to Aston Villa. His name is none other than Tony Pulis, the ex-Albion Head Coach who made many comments about his old club’s ‘illustrious neighbours’. The game will give Boro fans their first impression and there is no doubt that he would enjoy a first win against one of his old Midland enemies.
Pressure On?
Meanwhile, the Villa faithful will be focusing on their own man in the dug-out. Steve Bruce has come under a lot of pressure from the supporters in recent weeks. After a self-destruction against Sheffield United and a most pitiful performance against Brentford, some are questioning his ability to gain promotion. Certainly, it has been noted that his tactics have failed against clubs around the Top 6 this season.
Having fallen out of the Play-Offs this week, Boro now sit above us in seventh and the game will provide Bruce and the players with another stern test against promotion rivals. Never favoured for his own tactics, Pulis will no doubt set up as defensively as Bruce. The difference between the two may only be the fact that the former is newly appointed and will have the natural morale of a new manager behind him. On the other hand, the Aston Villa squad will be tired and downbeat after a poor run of form.
Key Players on the Day?
As The Gazette report, it appears that a dead certain starter for Boro will be ex-Villa midfielder, Stewart Downing. However, the biggest threat to the Villa goal will no doubt be Britt Assombalonga. The striker has already notched up twelve goals this season and usually provides clinical finishing. With Villa conceding a couple of dubious goals in the last couple of games, a solid defence will be essential if we are to get our season back on track.
With John Terry and Chris Samba still out, Tommy Elphick deputised well for the most part against Brentford, despite some questionable defending for the second goal. Going forward, much has been asked about Conor Hourihane’s exclusion against Brentford. The partnership of Jedinak and Whelan appeared slow and lacked attacking intent. Meanwhile, Jack Grealish has been a breath of fresh air since recovering from his pre-season injury. Could another attacking-orientated midfielder help him create chances?
Next: We review Aston Villa's 2017
The final question revolves around who will any chances fall to. Steve Bruce selected Scott Hogan for the last match, introducing young Keinan Davis later in the game. After loosening up, many felt Hogan added some movement to the team last week. Personally, I really rate Davis’ hold-up ability and strength. Is now the time to try and amalgamate these traits into a partnership?
Expectations?
In terms of getting Villa’s promotion push back on track, a victory is the only option for the boys in Claret and Blue. Nonetheless, a realistic viewpoint would suggest that avoiding defeat is the priority. The styles of Steve Bruce and Tony Pulis might just cancel each other out. Or the fact that both men have something to prove may bring forth a solid victor.