We’ll Meet Again – Wigan Preview

[JohnCresswell]

The previous game at Villa Park ended with a chorus of “We’ll Meet Again”, directed at the depressed and hopefully soon to be relegated Birmingham City. At the end of Saturday’s game against Wigan Athletic, Villa fans could well be signing it for a different reason.

Here’s the match preview.

It’s a real damn shame that this seems to be the main talking point for our last home game of the season. This season the team has continued it’s improvement from last season – adding away form and scoring more goals than you could have dreamed of. The team really seems to have ‘clicked’ and we should be talking about making that final push to put the pressure on Everton for a slip up and to hopefully sneak into fifth place.

But instead, it’s talk about players leaving, and seeing a number of players for the last time.

Tommy Sorensen hasn’t been near Villa Park all season, though I think that’s more by being told rather than wanting to. With his contract up at the end of the season, and not even managing to be second choice between the sticks this year I think we’ve missed our chance to say ‘Goodbye’ to him.

The game has been dubbed unofficially as ‘Olof Day’, with a massive Swedish flag hanging off the ‘SuperBox’ (yet again organized by ‘MYSTERYMAN’ from the messageboard – well done that chap.) There’s lots of talk about people going dressed as Vikings, wearing Swedish shirts to send Olof off to Juventus on a high. So it’s a shame Villa’s season long stand in right back has apparently picked up a virus and may not play in the game now. That of course means we have a rather large right back shaped hole in our defence.

He’s not the only one who could be off though. This is Scott Carson’s last appearance at Villa Park under his current loan deal, and with Liverpool being rumoured to want £10 million for the ‘keeper, it’s likely we’ll be looking elsewhere in the summer. We also have club captain Gareth Barry, who, if you believe the newspapers has had his head turned by the opportunity of earning lots of money to sit on Liverpool’s bench (and ensure that nobody turns up to his testimonial in the meanwhile). It’s also been confirmed that Villa have missed the deadline to take up the option of an extra year on Wilfred Bouma’s contract, meaning that as things stand the popular left back (and only full back at the club) will be able to leave on a free transfer in August.

Patrick Berger, who seems to spend until March injured and then become rather important for a few months will also be saying goodbye to Aston Villa.

But for the next two games they are still Villa players and with Olof Mellberg’s virus as the only worry, I’m expecting Villa to field the same line up as they have for the past few games.

Last time out, at the JJB we face the embarrassment of having Titus Bramble score against us. Curtis Davies and Gabriel Agbonlahor scored the goals to hand Villa the win. Last year at Villa Park, we only managed a 1-1 draw – Agbonlahor equalizing Heskey’s 20th minute effort.

With Steve Bruce the Wigan manager, expect lots of “Sit Down Potatoface” chants. Just please, no silly songs about beating small heath. That was two weeks ago now.

Wigan are only one point away from safety now, so expect them to come to Villa Park and play for the draw. It could be a frustrating game. Heskey is said to be a fitness doubt for the Latics.

Betting

Padding Power is giving the following odds at Friday lunchtime.

Aston Villa win 4/7

Draw 13/5

Wigan win 5/1

First Scorer

Carew 9/2

Agbonlahor 5/1

Young 6/1

Heskey, King 9/1

Marcus Bent 10/1

Olof Mellberg 33/1

[John]

It’s also been confirmed that Villa have missed the deadline to take up the option of an extra year on Wilfred Bouma’s contract, meaning that as things stand the popular left back (and only full back at the club) will be able to leave on a free transfer in August

Where has that been confirmed John? Surely we have not been so laid back about sorting out his future as to run the risk of him being able to leave for nothing? :oops:

Wigan are only one point away from safety now, so expect them to come to Villa Park and play for the draw

For the first 20 minutes possibly, but then they will need to try to get back into the game that will quickly run away from them. I predict another 5-1 goal fest, with Olof getting the last one.

[villa89]

Mellberg 33/1 to score first. I wonder if I am the only one stupid enough to stick a fiver on that.

[John]

I think his scoring last might be the better bet villa89, say if we get a late penalty. But, I don't tend to cost the bookies too much, might it be worth looking at him to get either first or last @ £2.50 each to hedge your bets?

[villa89]

I think his scoring last might be the better bet villa89, say if we get a late penalty.

Thats good thinking.

[blandy]

All playing contracts run out in June of whatever year, so August isn't right, re our Freddie. It's in the rules, honest.