Ollie Watkins - Villa’s PL record goalscorer.

[Somniloquism]

I would say it is looking perfectly good for him starting on Saturday, which is why he wasn't risked in our last pre-season friendly.

Really? Starting the season without a single minute of pre-season? I genuinely don't think I've ever seen that before.

Quick look at some of other major teams with English and Spanish players show no Stones or Rodri, although Rice, Manoo and Saka did get some minutes on the weekend.

I would have preferred to have seen Watkins with some of the newer players, especially now Luiz isn't there to work with him but it seems most Euro/Copa America players have had lots of extra time off this pre-season.

[Toronto Villa]

I was listening to a podcast yesterday about Man City and the numerous players they had missing this pre season. Many of whom reached the latter stages or final of international competitions. Pep was saying because of their late arrivals some might not be ready until 2 or 3 games in. Of course, he has the luxury of being able to do that. We wouldn’t with a player as vital as Ollie and to how we play.

[eamonn]

It would be a cruel summer if he left.

That's a  it of a leap!

Always thought he was a Swifty.

[Tuscans]

[Bad English]

Hello, Ollie
It's the Holte, Ollie
It's so nice to have you back where you belong
You're lookin' swell, Ollie
We can tell, Ollie
You're still runnin', you're still scorin'
You're still goin' strong
We see the Villa playin'
While the Holte's singin'
One of our old favorite songs from way back when
So take the ball, Ollie
Stick it in that net Ollie
Ollie's gonna score again and again!

[dave shelley]

Hello, Ollie
It's the Holte, Ollie
It's so nice to have you back where you belong
You're lookin' swell, Ollie
We can tell, Ollie
You're still runnin', you're still scorin'
You're still goin' strong
We see the Villa playin'
While the Holte's singin'
One of our old favorite songs from way back when
So take the ball, Ollie
Stick it in that net Ollie
Ollie's gonna score again and again!

 

[Bad English]

Can't waste any time when you're in the trap.

[Footy-Vill]

So excited to see Watkins and Villa start the season.
We all know even if he doesn't start against West Ham he can come in and score
Watkins record v West Ham
8 games 4 goals.


Watkins away from home last season
10 goals

I hope Watkins the hero is pens this season !

[Footy-Vill]

Fantastic to see Watkins starting !!

[Footy-Vill]

Rusty today with some touches but that’s ok got a solid playing time and be ready for next week v Arsenal at Villa Park. Can’t wait !

Record v Arsenal 8 games 5 goals

[Bad English]

Saka scored, Kane scored, Ollie was not match fit though. Tsk!

[chrisw1]

It was a bit odd tbf.  I assume he must have picked up some sort of niggle.

[Dave]

It was a bit odd tbf.  I assume he must have picked up some sort of niggle.

He does tend to start seasons slowly for us. Even in his spectacular last season his first league goal didn't come until the end of September. The two seasons before that he was stuck on one league goal until the end of October in both.

[Risso]

He just looked like a player who hasn't had a pre-season. He wasn't in tune with the rest of the team, and he didn't appear to be properly match fit, in either body or mind. A couple of times his first touch was absolutely horrendous.

[Clark W Griswold]

Yep, you could tell within the first few minutes that he was well behind the rest in terms of preparation for the new season, but we know why. He'll be fine in a few weeks, but i'd say this might be a good time to give Duran more game time than we typically did last season whilst Ollie gets himself fully up to speed.