Premier League - Aston Villa vs Ipswich Town Preview & Matchday Thread

[Frosty]

Ipswich Town v Aston Villa



Saturday 15th February 2025– 15:00


Villa Park








Pre-Match Thoughts - Bluemike



What a refreshing change to have a week off from the rigours of the premier League and our quest for survival, the cup trip to Coventry City gave us all a bit of a lift with a solid and fairly routine performance which saw us triumph by a 4-1 score line which I suppose in truth did flatter us slightly as I felt over the piece it was a little bit closer than the final outcome suggests. That said we clearly deserved the win and scoring within the opening couple of Minutes did our chances no harm at all even if we did contrive to surrender the lead pretty quickly, thankfully we regained our composure to add Three more goals to our tally which was more than enough to get the job done.

Kieran decided to go with a completely new line up as expected and it is fair to say that by and large it paid off and we did ok. For me it was really pleasing to see Jack Clarke have his best game in a Town shirt by a country mile, of course the level of a opponent cannot be ignored and it could just be that this is the level Jack is at right now but confidence breeds confidence and it will have done his chances of improvement nothing but good, he took his goals well and showed a coolness in and around the box which we have been waiting to see, hopefully he can kick on now and do it more often where it really matters.

The other big plus for me was the debut of Alex Palmer in the Town goal, he showed a calmness in much of what he did and I just felt safer than at any time this season where I keepers have been concerned, a couple of quick clearances to get us on the attack were very impressive while his handling also looked pretty assured, yes there was One kick that went astray but by and large it was a pleasing debut for palmer who surely will very quickly be looked upon as our Number One.

There was some nice play too from the likes of George Hirst, Jack Taylor & Connor Townsend while Jaden Philogene managed to open his account which for me was important he did look a little out of touch and lightweight at times but hopefully he will grow into his role quickly. A couple of negatives were another injury to Sammi Szmodics and the lethargic showing of Kalvin Phillips who I have to say just does not do it for me at all. Szmodics seemed to go off with another Ankle issue which hopefully won't keep him out too long as he started the game quite well and was involved in the move which saw us win a penalty.

Phillips seems to have really lost his way in the game, this was a chance to really grasp his chance and boss the game, basically he didn't, he had the odd neat touch hear and there but for what we are paying for this guy it just does not merit it, I felt Jack Taylor was far more involved, his pass in the opening minute to George Hirst was lovely with good vision and basically created the move from which we scored. I don't see Morsy or Cajuste losing their place to the former England man anytime soon.

The win saw Town progress to the Fifth Round for the first time in quite a while and with it a tough trip to Nottingham Forest who overcame the plucky Exeter City by the finest of margins. Forest are having a tremendous season and will fancy their chances of cup success but the Grecians showed what can be done and with Ten men for a fair chunk of the game they were well in it, sadly for them, and dare I say it us, the premier league outfit prevailed to give us a really awkward tie in our quest for a Quarter Final slot, but this is the cup and you just never know on the day what may happen.

This weekend sees us back in league action as we go in search of crucial league points, while it is not yes terminal we simply cannot afford to lose anymore ground on Wolves and Leicester who realistically are the only Two clubs we are likely to catch now, Wolves are Three points above us with a superior goal difference but do have a tough game against Arsenal to contend with, not that our trip to Villa is exactly a walk in the park, it's going to be a very hard game and One that should we come away with something would be a real bonus, not to mention a big boost to our chances.

Coming up against a Villa side who sit in Eighth place and boast names like Ollie Watkins & Marcus Rashford looks daunting, especially given our recent poor league form, the defeat at home to Southampton was gut wrenching to say the least and at the time looked fatal but we have to believe it can still be done, we have to scrap for anything we can get in every game and hope our relegation rivals stumble more than we do.

You never really know what our starting line up will look like as the tinker man continues to swap and change things, too much in my opinion, especially in the defence where for me it is key to get some continuity into partnerships etc, it will be interesting to see if any of those who impressed against Coventry last week get their chance to start in this game, personally I am not sure they will, except hopefully Palmer between the sticks.

The time is here where we simply have to start avoiding defeat as often as we can, the odd point in games like this could well make all the difference, we can do it, we should have beaten Villa at home earlier in the season but we were also looking a bit better than we have in recent weeks, if we can just get that mojo back and with a bit of luck here and there all is not lost, however, another heavy defeat here will definitely set the alarm bells ringing loud and clear. It's a tough one to call but I think we may just come up a bit short again, hopefully I am totally wrong. Surprise us Town. COYB'S.



The Opposition – Aston Villa Honours



Domestic


League


First Division / Premier League

Champions (7): 1893–94, 1895–96, 1896–97, 1898–99, 1899–1900, 1909–10, 1980–81
Runners-up (10): 1888–89, 1902–03, 1907–08, 1910–11, 1912–13, 1913–14, 1930–31, 1932–33, 1989–90, 1992–93

Second Division / Championship

Champions: 1937–38, 1959–60
Runners-up: 1974–75, 1987–88
Play-off winners: 2019

Third Division

Champions: 1971–72


Cups


FA Cup

Winners (7): 1886–87, 1894–95, 1896–97, 1904–05, 1912–13, 1919–20, 1956–57
Runners–up (4): 1891–92, 1923–24, 1999–2000, 2014–15

Football League Cup / EFL Cup

Winners (5): 1960–61, 1974–75, 1976–77, 1993–94, 1995–96
Runners-up (4): 1962–63, 1970–71, 2009–10, 2019–20

FA Charity Shield

Winners: 1981


European


European Cup

Winners: 1981–82

European Super Cup

Winners: 1982

Intertoto Cup

Winners: 2001
Joint Winners: 2008



The Manager – Unai Emery








League Table as at 12.02.2025






Form Guide




Aston Villa



4 Jan Aston Villa 2 - 1 Leicester City

15 Jan Everton 0 - 1 Aston Villa

18 Jan Arsenal 2 - 2 Aston Villa

26 Jan Aston Villa 1 - 1 West Ham Utd

1 Feb Wolverhampton 2 - 0 Aston Villa




Ipswich Town



5 Jan Fulham 2 - 2 Ipswich Town

16 Jan Ipswich Town 0 - 2 Brighton

19 Jan Ipswich Town 0 - 6 Manchester City

25 Jan Liverpool 4 - 1 Ipswich Town

1 Feb Ipswich Town 1 - 2 Southampton









Head to Head







Match Referee – Robert Jones








ASTON VILLA 1 IPSWICH TOWN 1

[hallamblue]

In for a penny, in for a pound, as they say. I've gone for a surprise win. We should have beat em at our place

COYBs

[shabba]

Rashford and Asensio are a worry, both looked lively when coming on the other night; even though I personally feel Rashford may be ‘done’ as a footballer - something doesn’t seem right there - a Deli Ali situation.

It’ll be very interesting if we go for 4231 or the 343 formation.

[mendipblue]

Rashford and Asensio are a worry, both looked lively when coming on the other night; even though I personally feel Rashford may be ‘done’ as a footballer - something doesn’t seem right there - a Deli Ali situation.

It’ll be very interesting if we go for 4231 or the 343 formation.

It will probably be 5 4 1 without the ball 🫣

[marko69]

Will read preview a bit later when more time……. But the ref?? Get to the breast clinic dude. That looks serious!

[TODD66]

Last time I saw Town physically playing live at Villa Park was the 80/81 season when we won 2-1 - Brazil and Gates scoring.

Made a specticle of myself as I was in the main stand (tickets procured by my uncle who was scouting for Villa at the time) and I forgot myself when we scored!!

Heres hoping for a similar result, although I have put us down for a draw above.

[ITFC2024]

Philogene could be a key player in this match; he may have something to prove. Unfortunately, I don't think it will be enough. Villa home win.

[Shed on tour]

Think this will be a comfortable 2 or 3 goal win for Villa. After the Southampton result really can’t see us staying up.

[Frosty]

I am thinking a 2-2 draw.

I believe are fast reaching the point in the season where we literally have to go for it.

Obviously that equally leads to risk defensively, so I wouldn't be surprised to see some higher aggregate final scores for the remainder of the season.

My one concern is that having watched every match this season, is that in trying to make opportunities on attack we are giving away stupid final passes, or on far too many occasions our attackers are isolated.

I think we have the finishing ability, I am just unconvinced that our attacking midfielders has the creativity/skill/experience/positioning, whatever, to get us to this point.

I have been actually meaning to pose the question to people that attend as you get a far better perspective of the attacking movement, from the TV perspective we look better on attack going through the middle, rather than out wide?

[ITFC2024]

One thing I noticed watching Man City/Real Madrid recently was the amount of RM players going forward as a group. Man City failed to contain the high press of RM, and obviously RM created opportunities and made MC pay.

I know we’re not of that caliber, but our midfield always seems to be a void, there’s no group or cohesion of players going forward when attacking. As a result, we’re outnumbered offensively and defensively if we lose the ball.

In my opinion, that has been our main weakness. Too many individual players going against numerous opposition players without back up from the midfield and wing backs.

[hallamblue]

I think our biggest problem is our slow, ponderous midfield. We get over run nearly every game and there’s minimal link up play between defence and attack.

Often we struggle to get it of defence, simply because there’s no outlet, our forwards have almost zero service. Opponents have sussed that Delap likes to run at defences ( usually from the half way line).

There’s minimal hold up play up front ( which is why id love to Hirst in there)….

But we should remember our forwards are largely very young and inexperienced. But overall I’d say our midfield is our weak point. Shame it’s pivotal to an efficient defensive to attacking display.

That’s my two pence worth guys .

[marko69]

One thing I noticed watching Man City/Real Madrid recently was the amount of RM players going forward as a group. Man City failed to contain the high press of RM, and obviously RM created opportunities and made MC pay.

I know we’re not of that caliber, but our midfield always seems to be a void, there’s no group or cohesion of players going forward when attacking. As a result, we’re outnumbered offensively and defensively if we lose the ball.

In my opinion, that has been our main weakness. Too many individual players going against numerous opposition players without back up from the midfield and wing backs.

I think this is the main reason for all you are saying, 24. To the point where is could be viewed as an entirely different sport. Last Friday it was Ayr v Hibs......, then caught snippets of Brighton v Chelsea on Saturday night. Was like they were playing a completely different sport. And then use that example further for Ipswich in relation to Citeh.

Sometimes I wonder what people like George Best must've thought when playing for Hibs in the early 80s. I think thats why he went out and got pished on a Friday night pre Easter Road Saturday game, ......, because he knew his worst would be better than most on the park.

[marko69]

Didn't know Rashford had gone to Villa. Finger OFF pulse.

With Shed On Tour on this. Reckon it'll be a pumpin' ! 2 or 3 nil, possibly 4.

0-3 ITFC.

Caption:

Emery: "You know, Robert, I was a rather brilliant surgeon in my last job. Perhaps I could help you with that tit hump!"
Ref: "What tit hump?!"

[ITFC2024]

Well yeah I agree to a point, there is a major difference as far as talent and athleticism. But for me, it’s more to do with positional awareness and tactics…or is that not achievable with less talent and athleticism? Maybe, but I haven’t really witnessed a viable attempt to execute that philosophy. Maybe those are the instructions and for some reason that isn’t interpreted by the quality of players we have, but for me that process is key to modern day football especially at the highest level.

[Bluemike]

I am thinking a 2-2 draw.

I believe are fast reaching the point in the season where we literally have to go for it.

Obviously that equally leads to risk defensively, so I wouldn't be surprised to see some higher aggregate final scores for the remainder of the season.

My one concern is that having watched every match this season, is that in trying to make opportunities on attack we are giving away stupid final passes, or on far too many occasions our attackers are isolated.

I think we have the finishing ability, I am just unconvinced that our attacking midfielders has the creativity/skill/experience/positioning, whatever, to get us to this point.

I have been actually meaning to pose the question to people that attend as you get a far better perspective of the attacking movement, from the TV perspective we look better on attack going through the middle, rather than out wide?

Yes agreed, we are definitely better attacking through the middle, mainly for Two reasons, first off Delap, his performances by and large have been exceptional for one so young and inexperienced, he's a powerhouse of a talent which is why 60 million quotes to one of the big boys are being bandied about and also why he's even being touted for England.

The other reason is the relatively poor performances of our wide attacking players, Hutchinson, Clarke, Burns, Ogbene, etc etc have by and large produced very little by way of attacking threat.

[Blue Wilf]

I am thinking a 2-2 draw.

I believe are fast reaching the point in the season where we literally have to go for it.

Obviously that equally leads to risk defensively, so I wouldn't be surprised to see some higher aggregate final scores for the remainder of the season.

My one concern is that having watched every match this season, is that in trying to make opportunities on attack we are giving away stupid final passes, or on far too many occasions our attackers are isolated.

I think we have the finishing ability, I am just unconvinced that our attacking midfielders has the creativity/skill/experience/positioning, whatever, to get us to this point.

I have been actually meaning to pose the question to people that attend as you get a far better perspective of the attacking movement, from the TV perspective we look better on attack going through the middle, rather than out wide?

Yes agreed, we are definitely better attacking through the middle, mainly for Two reasons, first off Delap, his performances by and large have been exceptional for one so young and inexperienced, he's a powerhouse of a talent which is why 60 million quotes to one of the big boys are being bandied about and also why he's even being touted for England.

The other reason is the relatively poor performances of our wide attacking players, Hutchinson, Clarke, Burns, Ogbene, etc etc have by and large produced very little by way of attacking threat.

For me, from day one, our main problem (other than Muric and
KM's intransigence - sorry but it is true) has been one of pace on the wings. We have been killed by the pace of our opponents as they have left the likes of Davis for dead on numerous occasions and scored, but also our lack of pace as Burns, Hutch, Broady, Philogene and Clarke ALL lack the pace to beat opposing defenders. This was shown vividly against Liverpool in the first home game when Salah cut in from the left with pace and scored and also against Man Utd at home when Amad did the same to Davis in the opening seconds. Pace kills at this level and whilst we have players we consider to be fast, at this level, they are not even close to the best (oe fastest). Even Kyle Walker at 103 years old would leave our team standing in a sprint.

[The Odious Mr Rossi]

I am thinking a 2-2 draw.

I believe are fast reaching the point in the season where we literally have to go for it.

Obviously that equally leads to risk defensively, so I wouldn't be surprised to see some higher aggregate final scores for the remainder of the season.

My one concern is that having watched every match this season, is that in trying to make opportunities on attack we are giving away stupid final passes, or on far too many occasions our attackers are isolated.

I think we have the finishing ability, I am just unconvinced that our attacking midfielders has the creativity/skill/experience/positioning, whatever, to get us to this point.

I have been actually meaning to pose the question to people that attend as you get a far better perspective of the attacking movement, from the TV perspective we look better on attack going through the middle, rather than out wide?

Yes agreed, we are definitely better attacking through the middle, mainly for Two reasons, first off Delap, his performances by and large have been exceptional for one so young and inexperienced, he's a powerhouse of a talent which is why 60 million quotes to one of the big boys are being bandied about and also why he's even being touted for England.

The other reason is the relatively poor performances of our wide attacking players, Hutchinson, Clarke, Burns, Ogbene, etc etc have by and large produced very little by way of attacking threat.

For me, from day one, our main problem (other than Muric and
KM's intransigence - sorry but it is true) has been one of pace on the wings. We have been killed by the pace of our opponents as they have left the likes of Davis for dead on numerous occasions and scored, but also our lack of pace as Burns, Hutch, Broady, Philogene and Clarke ALL lack the pace to beat opposing defenders. This was shown vividly against Liverpool in the first home game when Salah cut in from the left with pace and scored and also against Man Utd at home when Amad did the same to Davis in the opening seconds. Pace kills at this level and whilst we have players we consider to be fast, at this level, they are not even close to the best (oe fastest). Even Kyle Walker at 103 years old would leave our team standing in a sprint.

Got it in one - and to take it a bit farther I'd say the lack of pace is not just in running speed but extends to vision: we just don't seem to see offensive passing opportunities early enough and are content to play the whole game at a very pedestrian speed.

[marko69]

Getting to the EPL way too early has just been disastrous for the club. Other than the money, which has no doubt been great, (from an “affording the wages” standpoint) But nothing is “positive”.

For one so young, Omari Hutchinson is a VERY good football player and would've continued to get better and thrive and raise his value in the Championship. But being in the EPL has stifled it. It’s a real issue for him and a few others like him in the team.

No doubt same with McKenna. Another young guy who worked miracle wonders that NO ONE saw coming, but still needs areas ironed out in his managerial learning curve.

Hopefully the more exasperated of fans can get back onboard if & when the winds of change turn back to the positive again.

I personally believe it’ll all come good with the current regime at the helm. Whether its relegation then TWO seasons in the Championship, I reckon the lows of the Mevans era are gone and its a much brighter future.

[Cabanas Blue]

I've just seen that Watkins and Mings look likely to be able to play for Villa tomorrow and Spurs are getting players back, just our luck.

[Blue Wilf]

Getting to the EPL way too early has just been disastrous for the club. Other than the money, which has no doubt been great, (from an “affording the wages” standpoint) But nothing is “positive”.

For one so young, Omari Hutchinson is a VERY good football player and would've continued to get better and thrive and raise his value in the Championship. But being in the EPL has stifled it. It’s a real issue for him and a few others like him in the team.

No doubt same with McKenna. Another young guy who worked miracle wonders that NO ONE saw coming, but still needs areas ironed out in his managerial learning curve.

Hopefully the more exasperated of fans can get back onboard if & when the winds of change turn back to the positive again.

I personally believe it’ll all come good with the current regime at the helm. Whether its relegation then TWO seasons in the Championship, I reckon the lows of the Mevans era are gone and its a much brighter future.

I am not sure it has been disastrous, Marko. It has certainly been a wake up call for many as to just how biased against promoted clubs the PL has become. I too think (hope) that the MA regime will get it right and the future is rosy (well certainly better anyway), with or without KM at the helm. The future is still blue

[MasseyFerguson]

Head says 0-2, heart says 1-1.

[mendipblue]

No Morsy or Davis in the squad. Townsend and Phillips start.

[hallamblue]

No Davis today. I wonder if it's tactical or injury/ illness? I'm looking forward to seeing how Enciso gets on today. He's had another week or two of training and getting yo know the squad and style of play.

Bring it on Town

[Cabanas Blue]

Minor injuries to Morsy and Davis according to KMc.

[hallamblue]

Picked up in training. Another high intensity session was it??

[Bluemike]

Not sure about that line up but hopefully it comes up trumps

[ashfordblue]

Encisco off Jack Clarke on not sure of the injury hope its not bad

[AzzurroMark]

The injury curse strikes again - Enciso off Clarke on!

[AzzurroMark]

Encisco off Jack Clarke on not sure of the injury hope its not bad

Beat me by a split second I'd say!

[hallamblue]

I’ve just noticed both Villa and Town are playing in white shorts. I didn’t think that was allowed?

And I think we’re not doing too badly atm either. Keep it up Town