Positive Vibes from Paul Lambert as Albrighton Gets Nostalgic

Aston Villa v Leicester City

Despite parking the bus there’s no doubt the win over Crystal Palace was morale-boosting, and a Leicester City side distracted with internal conflict between manager and fans head to B6 on a run of bad form. But we all know what happens when we play teams desperately in need of a result…

Lambert’s good vibes

“Winning makes you feel good and that is how it is right now.

“When you look at it, we have still been harshly criticised this season I feel.

“To come through four games in a row without defeat is good because it’s not easy to do that.

“The spirit among the lads has never really wilted. They’ve kept at it and at it and then all of a sudden they find themselves only a couple of points behind Everton.

“It just shows you that it’s not all doom and gloom like some people portray it.”

Nigel Pearson to Leicester fan

“F**k off and die”

Albrighton on Villa return

“I’m eager to be in every squad, but this is a special one, so if I can get a bit of game time here I’ll be chuffed.
“I think being at Villa Park, the onus is on them to come out at us and have a go. We’ve got to try and exploit that, have a go back and take our chances when we get them.
“I’ve had some great times there. The people there are brilliant. I’ve made a lot of friends there – the youth coaches from when I joined aged eight until coming through with the reserves. It’s a massive club and one I hold close to my heart. It’ll be a massive day going back.
“Both sets of fans are going to need to get behind the players. I’m sure Leicester will sell out and Villa will have a few too. It should be a good atmosphere.”

Form is Temporary

Aston Villa – Last five matches at home: W 1, D 1, L 3

Leicester City – Last five matches away: L 5

Leicester have only won once in their seven five Premier League visits to Villa Park

One to Watch

Leonardo Ulloa – The striker has been struggling for goals lately but forced the opening goal against Liverpool last Wednesday. The Argentine has a point to prove.

Memory Match

30 August 2003 Aston Villa 3 Leicester City 1

Two goals from Angel (as well as a Leicester own goal) gave Villa the points the last time the two teams met in the Premier League.

Facts to Sweep Under the Carpet

There’s plenty of strange Villa traits, but it seems fair to say that it’s always the teams on a bad run of form that give us problems. Struggling teams always seem to enjoy playing Villa and there is reason to be concerned as Pearson’s men approach.

The under-fire Leicester manager has been distracted by talk of a ‘spat’ with a home fan over the past few days, but he claims that has galvanised the team. Just what Villa don’t need – especially with the continuing problems of our home form.

There was a clear difference in performance in the Burnley game compared to the Palace game. Cole’s injury hugely affected the way Villa played, and although we did go on to win we can’t adapt the backs-to-the-wall defensive approach against Leicester. With Cole still missing it could be a similar defensive line-up.

The last time we played Leicester Marlon Harewood was up front, so it’s difficult to read too much into past clashes, but Leicester just need a bit of luck after some decent performances, and a win at Villa Park could turn their season around.

What We Pray the Football Gods Will Provide

More of the defensive resilience that, like it or not, characterised the away win at Crystal Palace.

The last three Premier League games between Villa and Leicester have seen 13 goals scored so if history is anything to go by, Okore and Clark will have to match the performance levels of Wednesday to make sure those goals only go in our favour.

We’re still the only side yet to pick up a point after falling behind so taking the initiative with an early goal will again be vital.

Why Villa Have Got This Game in the Bag

Simply because of Leicester’s dismal away form.

When you’re down at the bottom nothing goes your way (to quote the cliche) and Leicester have only won once in the last SEVEN league matches against Villa.

Benteke’s confidence is bound to be sky-high after his goal against Palace. Villa didn’t get much in the way of chances but the Belgian, who has scored 14 more goals than any of his team-mates since joining in 2012, showed signs that he was back to his best on Wednesday night.

Nigel Pearson told the media that some fans should “stay at home” if they don’t like what they are seeing.

Lets hope that Villa get a result that gets our fans returning to Villa Park after the low attendances seen during the Southampton clash.

UTV.

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1 COMMENT

  1. Lambert at Bayern ,talking to guardiola , about time
    Let’s have so me of that at Avfc, Quote ” it was a real eye opener”
    Now your talking class, bring it here now please.

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