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Follow us on Twitter @claretandview // Words by Mark Jirobe (@VillaMarkPGH)
Let’s face it Villans.
Burton shouldn’t ever, in any universe, be threat to the mighty Aston Villa on this day.
But, in the event that they are…The Claret & View has you covered for what you need to know, for what you didn’t know, and for what the road ahead might throw at us.
Burton Albion are currently sitting at rock bottom. Yep, you guessed it. Burton are sitting in 24th on the Championship table. 24 points from 29 games played. A goal differential of a staggeringly woeful -33. A manager who doesn’t believe in the squad, as well…
According to the Twitter feed of ITV News Central, Burton Albion head coach Nigel Clough has said that his team could be defeated by Aston Villa with their substitutes on the bench, not to mention the first-team that Steve Bruce will most likely field. This could be an unstable statement by a coach to try and vitalize his team against stronger opposition. But, it really comes off as a man who has no faith in his players. This statement should not only make Villa supporters froth at the mouth, but should also tell a cautionary tale that it could be far, far worse for Aston Villa and for those that give their all for the Claret & Blue.
Burton Albion have not won a game since the 1st of January. They have lost four games consecutively since that win. In those four games, Burton have a goal differential of -10. When it rains, it pours and in buckets for the Brewers. A side that is doomed for relegation from the Championship, their leading scorer is Lloyd Dyer. The 35 year old English midfielder has 5 goals to his name.
One more time for the people in the back…
Burton Albion are relying on a 35 year old midfielder to score goals. Dyer has played for no less than 8 teams and is considered in most circles to be a journeyman footballer. Aston Villa could not possibly find themselves in a position to be rattled by Dyer…right, Villans?
Oh, by the way…Lloyd Dyer is injured. He has a back ailment that will most certainly keep him away from the pitch. He will most likely make way for the 20 year old midfielder Jacob Davenport, who would be starting his first ever game for the Brewers. Familiar striker Darren Bent will also be touch and go right up to kickoff as he sustained a knock in the 3-1 loss to Reading earlier on in the week.
Steve Bruce has also won five of six previous managerial tilts against the Brewers, winning five and drawing once.
With Robert Snodgrass scoring or assisting in five of the last six games for Aston Villa, he should be the man that is certain to create havoc and a few wet eyes against an opponent and supporters of lesser opposition.
Aston Villa are now five games won on the bounce, and have an absolutely memorable January. There are loads of praise coming to Villa in the past week. Villa have topped the tables in a mountain of categories, especially best form in the country coming out of a prosperous January. There are far too many players to name that have had a substantial impact for Aston Villa in the past 31 days, but it can be said that Villa are keen and definitely expected to take capture all three points at Villa Park against Burton Albion.
And they should. Easily.
