Back to the grill again. This week West Ham take on a rejuvenated Aston Villa in a Monday night game at the London Stadium. Ahead of the game I once again chatted to James Rushton managing editor of Aston Villa blog 7500 to Holte to discuss everything Claret & Blue.
Hi James, the last time we played was at the very end of last season, when you got a point at our place to keep you in the division. A tense end to the season, were you at all worried on the day?
Yep, I was terrified! Anything can happen in football, and one moment of bad luck could’ve ended it for Villa – thankfully, that didn’t happen and we’re still going. It was a nailbiter though.
This season you’ve had an incredible start including that phenomenal victory against Liverpool. That must have been a happy day! What’s caused the change in form?
I think we’ve toned down our naïve attacking intent a little, and focused a little more on quick counters. It’s worked wonders and the system with a deeper line and a quicker forward in Watkins is making all the difference.
Jack Grealish looks to be getting better and better, you must have breathed a heavy sigh of relief when he signed his recent contract? What are his main attributes?
Absolutely. I think he’s quite unique, his change of pace and when dribbling and the fact he can cut across players with ease stands out for me. He’s got all he needs to be one of the very best players in Villa’s history. He’s also got a brilliant eye for a pass, and he just makes it look so easy.
Tyrone Mings also seems to be having a good season from where I sit. Is he deserving of a permanent place in the England squad?
I know people pick on Mings for some of his errors, but as a left footed and progressive defender, he’s worth a call-up for that alone! He’s solid, mostly reliable and has grounded Villa’s defence. I really like him.
Villa have got a few players in during the close season, who of your new imports are impressing you?
EMI Martinez has been a revelation. I genuinely didn’t think a Villa goalkeeper could be so consistently good! Worth every single penny. Seems to block everything, make all the right decisions even when he concedes and is a leader.
Although you beat Arsenal a couple of weeks ago, you’ve had a couple of poor results as well recently, where do you realistically see Aston Villa finishing at the end of this season?
Momentum could die out quickly, but I like the way we take to away fixtures. We seem to spring out, hit hard and hit fast. We are perhaps overconfident at home and gear that approach up too much. I’d love a top ten finish, but anywhere from 10-12, where I think we’ll finish, will be a massive sign of progress.
At the moment you sit just above us in the table, but with amongst others, both Manchester clubs, and the aforementioned Arse, where do you think West Ham will/can finish?
I think you might be in the same boat as us, maybe a little better or maybe a little worse. We’ve had positive starts and now we make the most of it – or try to. Maybe 11th?
Still early days, but while we’re in the mood, who will win the League, and who will fill in the next three positions?
I believe Liverpool will take it again. Backed up by Liverpool, Chelsea and maybe Spurs? I think the latter side could wing it this season.
Who are your three early picks for relegation?
Honestly, it was us, you and maybe West Brom or Fulham? I was a little wary of the Baggies’ momentum coming up. However, that prediction seems to be a load of tosh now.
How will Aston Villa line up against West Ham on Monday? Players/formation?
Pretty much how we did last time, apart from the new players. It’s always a variation on the 433 and the only thing that changes is the role of a few players. Grealish, Watkins and Trezeguet will lead the line. McGinn, Traore and Douglas Luiz will be the likely midfield trio and Mings, Konsa, Targett and Cash along with Martinez will back us up at the back.
Finally, how do you see the game going on Monday, and are you confident if a victory? Prediction for score please?
I think Villa are a good away side, and not to take anything away from West Ham, but this should be a Villa victory based on prior evidence! 2-1 to the Villa.
Many thanks to James for his time and considerations. Although we haven’t played brilliantly in our last two games, we have still won, so I’m hoping we can continue that: 3-1 to West Ham. COYI