The Much Awaited Return of Promotion Maths

[old man villa fan]

This season is starting to remind me of 1974/75 when we hit form at the right time and grew stronger as the season went on.  Although playing in a different position, Grealish's form and growing influence is similar to Brian Little in that season.

[mike]

one game at a time.  Lets just win the next one

It's always going to be about the next game but in a thread about promotion maths, you have to speculate as to what the "maths" will be.

You’re right of course, but I come on here every day then after reading it all think, all that matters is we’re one point ahead of third with 15 matches to go... that’s how it gets you.

[Clampy]

I'm taking it one game at a time as well and i'm sure the players are as well. No harm in speculating though.

[Brassneck]

one game at a time.  Lets just win the next one

It's always going to be about the next game but in a thread about promotion maths, you have to speculate as to what the "maths" will be.

You’re right of course, but I come on here every day then after reading it all think, all that matters is we’re one point ahead of third with 15 matches to go... that’s how it gets you.

I'm enjoying our new found confidence and run of form.  can't stop thinking about our next match... and the one after that etc. Games can't come around quickly enough for me. While I'm waiting, I can't help but look at fixtures and think ahead further than the next game. I'm currently focusing on the next little run of fixtures leading up to the Wolves game, which after Saturday are all winnable.

Fans are different to players who have it rammed home regularly not to think further ahead of the next game. We are no different to fans of anyone in the top 10 of this division - They will all be speculating and looking ahead at not only their own teams fixtures but also of those of the teams around them in the league.

Ultimately it means nothing of course because it is impossible to predict results but many find it enjoyable and I dare say some even find it therapeutic.

On that note, I'm just going to search to see if Cardiff or Derby have any injuries ahead of tonights games. The way the fixtures fall thick and fast, it's often the case that a promotion rival is playing before your next game anyway - Which fans the flames of the speculation further.

I'm enjoying every minute of this - I never thought we were going to be in this position after some of our earlier games and even as recently as Boxing Day, I thought the play offs were the highest we could aim for. Now, I'll be disappointed if the play offs are all this team can achieve.

[curiousorange]

In hindsight we'll be able to pick out sliding doors moments, but if we do end up with second, it'll be Steve Agnew coming in or Scott Hogan's performance at Brentford on Boxing Day. The former because we've been so much better seemingly since the minute he arrived, and the latter because finally it seemed to click between him and our midfield. He bagged his header against Bristol and has been indispensable ever since.

[XXVilla]

Derby losing. Ey-up

[MONCABA]

Thank you Sheffield Wednesday.

[footyskillz]

Interesting  after those results. Villa hold to second. 21 GD and point ahead

3rd 32 played  Derby 58pts GD 22
4th 31 played Cardiff 58pts GD 20

[IFWaters]

If we can beat Fulham that would be a 10 point lead on them with 14 games left, really would be huge for us. I can see Bruce going for a point though.

[footyskillz]

Thank you Sheffield Wednesday.

Next 3 matches this week are Fulham away Preston Tuesday and sheff W away Saturday. I think Sheffield Wed could be when we draw but villa win next 2 which means 7 points this week.

Cardiff have 3 matches. Boro h, Ipswich a, Bristol City h.  3points

Derby have 2 matches Leeds h Reading a. 4 points.

My forecast by Sunday 25th Feb

Villa       66 points 34 matches played
Derby     62 points 34 matches played
Cardiff   61 points 34 matches played.

[curiousorange]

Next step is to start putting teams away. First Fulham, then Cardiff, then Derby. We have an excellent chance to do so now.

[MONCABA]

Next 3 matches this week are Fulham away Preston Tuesday and Wednesday away Saturday. I think Sheffield Wed could be when we draw but villa win next 2.
[/quote]

That'll do for me.

[olaftab]

 After tonight Derby are out of it for 2nd place. It's a bit too much for Fulham so between us and Cardiff.

[mallo]

I think us living up to our potential will set the nerves going in the other clubs - when you've never done it then you somehow prey on your own mind that the experienced players will find a way, and therefore allow them a way in your own mindset. Terry was a masterstroke because the will of Aston Villa is connected with the will of John Terry who just wins. Where is the Derby equivalent or the Cardiff equivalent - they are going to have to dig a hell of a lot deeper and the classic is supply to the strikers and their belief - wobble and it all falls apart.... I don't think we'll wobble anywhere near as much as the rest.

[SoccerHQ]

After tonight Derby are out of it for 2nd place. It's a bit too much for Fulham so between us and Cardiff.

Have a look at Cardiff's run from Mid March. Derby away, Sheffield United away, Wolves home, Us away and Norwich away all within four weeks.

Derby blowing up is very good news.