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Aston Villa: Robert Snodgrass should have a field day against Blues

ByJosh Tonti|
BIRMINGHAM, ENGLAND - JANUARY 01: Conor Hourihane (R) of Aston Villa celebrates with team mate Robert Snodgrass after scoring their fifth goal during the Sky Bet Championship match between Aston Villa and Bristol City at Villa Park on January 1, 2018 in Birmingham, England. (Photo by David Rogers/Getty Images)
BIRMINGHAM, ENGLAND - JANUARY 01: Conor Hourihane (R) of Aston Villa celebrates with team mate Robert Snodgrass after scoring their fifth goal during the Sky Bet Championship match between Aston Villa and Bristol City at Villa Park on January 1, 2018 in Birmingham, England. (Photo by David Rogers/Getty Images)

Robert Snodgrass’ loan signing has been nothing short of a coup for Aston Villa Football Club. Snoddy holds the key to defeating Birmingham City on Sunday.

Robert Snodgrass has been good. Robert Snodgrass has been really good for Aston Villa this season. The 30-year old Scotland winger is enjoying a career year with another spell under Steve Bruce.

Snoddy’s six goals, and incredible 9 league assists, are a major reason why Villa are where they are in the league table – exactly one win from jumping Derby County for an automatic promotion spot.

Birmingham City will be without their starting left back on Sunday. Jonathan Grounds, enjoying a decent season, per WhoScored, will be replaced by one of 21-year old Cohen Bramall or nominal right back Maxime Colin. Shoud Colin switch flanks, Carl Jenkinson could get the nod at RFB.

This is where Robert Snodgrass comes into play. Birmingham City’s wide midfielders do not have a good track record of defense on the year. On-loan Chelsea youngster Jérémie Boga is enjoying a pretty good season in England’s second division. However, his defensive numbers, size (5’8″), and general inexperience create an opening for Aston Villa to attack.

Boga averages 0.6 tackles, 0.5 interceptions, 0.3 clearances, and 0.7 aerials won per 90-minutes. WhoScored had no problem listing his weaknesses as “Defensive Contribution” and “Aerial Duels”

Couple a back-up option at left back and a less-than-average defensive left wide-player and Robert Snodgrass could have a field day against Birmingham City. Villa’s wide production holds the key to victory on Sunday. Blues have a strong spine led by former center-back target Marc Roberts and goalkeeper David Stockdale. Albert Adomah, Jack Grealish Robert Snodgrass pushing the outsides should create space for Scott Hogan to capitalize on in the eighteen yard box.

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Snodgrass’ injury update earlier in the week created some cause for concern, but it seems as though he should be close to 100%. Then again, groin injuries are pesky.

Go Snoddy, Go!

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