The Opposition’s View: Aston Villa vs Bristol City

The packed Christmas schedule continues on Monday as Villa host promotion chasing Bristol City.

After coming off of a narrow loss to Wolves last game Bristol City are looking to gain back there automatic place spot with a win against Villa.

I’ve asked 16 year old Finley Smith (@Finley_Smith10) who has been a Bristol City fan throughout his life to give his views on the club and the upcoming match.

I think if people said we would be 3rd come the end of the year most City fans would’ve called you mad. However, from how this season has panned out so far I feel anything other than a top 6 spot would take away the charm of our season so far, and would leave fans wondering “what if”.

The squad as a whole this season has been exceptional, however we do have some stand out players. Bobby Reid has been on fire this season with 13 goals and 5 assists in his first season as a striker. He is a player that never stops running and the Villa defence could struggle to cope with him. Joe Bryan is another player who has been amazing this season. He never runs out of energy and could cause Villa problems down the left hand side. Jamie Paterson is another one who can produce a piece of magic out of the blue in the number 10 role. Lastly most fans in the Championship know the threat of Aden Flint from set pieces.

We have hit with lots of injuries to key players this season such as the ones to Callum O’Dowda and Famara Diedhiou. I feel some squad players are needed in the January window to strengthen the depth and also give us other options. In my opinion a striker is a must as we have a bit of a injury crisis at the moment in the front line. We were linked with Jordan Hugill who in my opinion would be a brilliant signing and show a lot of intent to where we want to be come the end of the season, promotion to the Premier League. A central midfielder is also needed as we are also light there with us only having three fit. With the lack of depth due to injuries, to be 3rd in the league shows the grit and determination of the City players.

Tammy Abraham who we relied massively on last season and without his goals we would’ve been in league 1. A real striker who has that natural instinct for a goal and always wore his heart on his sleeve.

Albert Adomah, City fans love him and he is a great character. His pace and trickery would be a great option to have and also his eye for a goal this season would be crucial if City were to get a automatic spot come the end of the season. Another mention is Conor Hourihane who is a player that has always caught my eye and would be what City need.

I could tell when City signed Baker in August, Villa fans formed quite negative views on the situation. Baker has been class this season and in my opinion he is our best defender at the club. He is a man who is willing to put his body in front of everything to not concede and him and Aden Flint have formed a tremendous partnership at the back. Many striker have found it difficult this season scoring goals with them two at the back.

City would be eager to bounce back after the defeat on Saturday however I feel with the lack of depth and fatigue affecting the squad at the moment I feel City would happily take a point so I’m going to go for a 1-1