Blackburn v Aston Villa – Pressure is on to make Villa history

February 7, 2009 by Martin Banks
Filed under: Aston Villa, Match Previews 

0pic2Brad Friedel returns to his old place of work today but there will be no room for sentimentality in a game that Villa will be gunning to clinch a club record string of away wins. Friedel will be mostly welcomed back with a cheer to Ewood Park, though a small contingent still feel animosity for him leaving not too long after professing his future to the club, but Friedel gave 8 years of loyal service to the Lancashire side and proved to be a sensational signing for them.

Making history

If Villa win it will be 7 away wins on the trot, which has never been achieved in the clubs proud 134 year history. We have won the last 6 away games;

  • Portsmouth 0-1 Villa
  • Sunderland 1-2 Villa
  • Hull 0-1 Villa
  • West Ham 0-1 Villa
  • Everton 2-3 Villa
  • Arsenal 0-2 Villa

The last time we managed such a long away wins string was in 1897. I don’t remember it very clearly myself, do you?

The Goodies

Both Stiliyan Petrov (suspended for 5 yellow cards) and Emile Heskey (didn’t sign in time) missed the midweek home victory over Doncaster but are available again today. Wilfred Bouma is still uncertain to be ready to return but it’s got to be soon now. Marlon Harewood is injured but I doubt too many Villa fans couldn’t sleep last night because of this. He joins Martin Laursen and NRC on the sick list.

The Baddies

Blackburn are near full strength, with just long term absentees Brett Emerton and Steven Reid missing from their midfield. New signing El-Hadji Diouf could get his Blackburn debut today after signing in the transfer window, so prepare for the fouling and spitting commence.

Predictions

After battering Wigan and not managing a goal, Villa will go out today angered and desperate to score. I predict an early goal for Villa and a 3-1 win.


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