Aston Villa v Crystal Palace Match Thread

[jwarry]

Barkley is back in training. I don’t think him not being included is anything more than him getting back to speed. By the end of the festive period of games he will be starting again. As will Konsa. We have played well the last few games and should have 9 points from the last three. Barkley makes us better but we still should have what it takes to beat Palace without risking a key player too quickly.

3 games in 5 days will definitely have something to do with it

[Sexual Ealing]

There's a video of Barkley in his under crackers while McGinn rolls about in his turkey suit, so he must be in full training.

Have they signed for Blues?!

[Clampy]

Barkley can't play at Chelsea anyway so he would be back for this game and then miss the next one so I can see why he has been allowed extra time for recovery.

I've just said that in a whatts app group. Makes sense not to bring him back for one game.

[Behind Bluenose Lines]

We can still do this, despite no Barkley. I have a pile of ironing looking back at me in the sitting room to crack on with it soon, as I find it impossible to relax and watch Villa, even when they're on the telly (radio only commentary is worse though, mind)!

2-1 to us. Don't care who scores.

[kippaxvilla2]

I said after he got injured against Brighton and the prediction was one game we would see him back for the Manure game based on Villa’s version of injury clear ups.  I was only joking.  Jeez.

[villa_cads]

Another early goal would really help, hopefully an 'onside' Ollie goal if such a thing exists! Looking forward to this one.

[RamboandBruno]

There's a video of Barkley in his under crackers while McGinn rolls about in his turkey suit, so he must be in full training.

That sounds like a carry on film!

Bit gutted about Barclay and bit of a concern he’s not on the bench, but maybe it is just to give him extra recovery time. Won’t be an easy game this, we really need to win at home

[Monty]

There's a video of Barkley in his under crackers while McGinn rolls about in his turkey suit, so he must be in full training.

True, that's our most intensive fitness drill.

[Edvard Remberg]

COME ON YOU VILLA!!!!! Make my Xmas sweeter

[Risso]

No Engels on the bench.  Smith must really not like him very much.

[Monty]

COME ON YOU VILLA!!!!! Make my Xmas sweeter

Misread this as 'make my Xmas sweater'.

[JJ-AV]

Barkley can't play at Chelsea anyway so he would be back for this game and then miss the next one so I can see why he has been allowed extra time for recovery.

I've just said that in a whatts app group. Makes sense not to bring him back for one game.

To not have him on the bench though?

[The Edge]

Another early goal would really help, hopefully an 'onside' Ollie goal if such a thing exists! Looking forward to this one.

It existed against the baggies. Not his fault the dumb fuckwits at VAR chalked it off. Watkins to score a brace in a 4-1 win for the Villa boys from Aston.

[brontebilly]

No Engels on the bench.  Smith must really not like him very much.

He doesn't ....but only need one centre half on bench . Surprised that one centre back is Konsa, might not be fully fit I guess.

Barkley not even fit enough for a spot on the bench is worrying

[algy]

0-0 half time, Konsa to come on as a 78th minute sub. Scores 5, 3 assists, we win 8-0 and Ezri begins to restore his tarnished '38 goals a season' reputation.


Anything less will be a bitter blow.