Aston Villa vs. Sheffield United: What not to miss in tonight’s action
The first game to inaugurate the restart of English football is Aston Villa welcoming Sheffield United. What not to miss in this evening’s encounter?
FOOTBALL IS BACK! Thank you, God, and all the hands that were involved to make this Premier League dish a true success. Most importantly, let’s not forget to stay at home and support from home. It does not mean because football is back we lose all sense of responsibility… AMEN!
It’s been 99 days since Aston Villa last played a game of football. When that was, they were totally and comprehensively beaten 4-0 by a fine-tuned, Leicester City. The sad reality, they welcomed the break. The Villians needed to recover, rethink, and redo.
Our travelling side’s last bit of football fun was an even longer stretch than Villa’s 99. They having been waiting 101 days. But they were the team buzzing the most behind the leaders, Liverpool. The Blades were living their best lives and really wanted time to elapse and their return to the Premier League be stuck on repeat.
Chris Wilder’s side ran out 1-0 winners against the most likely to get regelated, Norwich City. They were on an unbeaten run of six games, across all competitions, before they were rudely interrupted. His side, though, were one of the sides who had players not so eager to get back to business. This due to the ongoing pandemic.
Prove it or move it
Tonight, many will be watching Jack Grealish. He has been linked with some top clubs, predominantly Man United. This match will be a good event to showcase his skills and help add reason to his possible transfer.
Another young man who was shown love across England from his parent club all the home is Dean Henderson. The stopper was mooted to one day become Man United and England’s number one after a stellar first EPL campaign.
Gareth Southgate will especially have his eyes on the Blades’ number one. Jordan Pickford’s performances leave many question marks, the most prominent… Is he really good enough to be the Three Lion’s first-choice keeper?
The man we’ve actually all been waiting to see play is Chris Wilder’s new midfielder, Sander Berge, who joined surprisingly during the January transfer window. The £22m Genk transfer is one to watch for now and throughout the Project Restart. Let’s hope he is in the starting 11.
Smith and Wilder ready
Dean Smith has it all to play for, his job mostly. They must win every game till the final day. The worry of getting relegated is there. They can set a good pace by emulating the form that got them back to the big stage.
The only issue he still carries with him since before the forced break, he still without his club’s record striker signing, Wesley. Samatta will have to do for now, but we all know the weight is on Jack old boy’s shoulders.
Wilder has had his fair share of trips to Villa Park. The two promoted sides get to show off on the opening night. Wilder will be hoping his team picks up right where they left off. They lay seventh in the Premier League standings, with a chance to already mount pressure on the Gunners (who player later) and Spurs (who play the weekend) in the race for Europa League football.
Predictions of the game
Predicted Aston Villa XI:
Reina; Guilbert, Engels, Mings, Targett; McGinn, Hourihane, Douglas Luiz; Grealish, Al Ghazi, Samatta,
Predicted Sheffield United XI:
Henderson; Basham, Egan, O’Connell; Baldock, Berge, Stevens, Norwood, Fleck, Sharp, McBurnie
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