The term “they are too good to go down” has become a common cliché in football with a number of teams suffering the fate of relegation despite having a quality side on paper. But we all know that football is played on grass and for one reason or another, teams like West Ham, Leeds and Newcastle United have all faced the drop from the Premier League. We are in the thick of the ‘business end’ of the season and there are plenty of contenders for relegation but one team stands out, former European Cup winners, Aston Villa. Could Gerard Houllier take them into the Football League?
When I first considered this outcome a month ago, I thought it would be highly unlikely especially with the January transfer window signing of Darren Bent, not to mention players with high creativity like Ashley Young and Stewart Downing, I expected to see Villa sitting in the top half of the table by now. However, the Midlands club currently sit in 13th position on 33 points, only 2 points separate them from West Ham in the relegation zone.
Although there are 4 teams between Villa and relegation, there are some causes for concern that could see them thrown into a relegation battle during their remaining 9 fixtures. Most recently would be the reported bust-up between key defenders Richard Dunne and James Collins with the Vila backroom staff on a club bonding trip last week.
Manager, Gerard Houllier had taken his squad for a game of paintballing to increase the spirit of his team followed by a break in a Leicestershire spa. Midfielder, Jean Makoun spoke highly of the trip saying it was fantastic for the team morale and the squad had a good time, however reports indicate that the ‘bust-up’ was influenced by alcohol as an open bar was allowed at the Spa hotel.
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With Villa facing a tough home tie against near neighbours Wolverhampton Wanders, who are looking to get out of the relegation zone, it could’ve countered any team bonding that was achieved. It’s a big six-pointer that would see Villa go seven points clear of Wolves if they are to win and move closer to mid-table security. However, a defeat and other results going against them could see Houllier’s men sucked into the relegation zone.
Forward, Gabby Agbonlahor has said that relegation hasn’t even been mentioned around the club and he believes the squad has enough quality to make a good finish to the season. But if him and his team mates come unstuck against Wolves, they face a tough trip to Everton the following weekend and Villa have one of the worst away records in the league, winning just 2 games on the road.
They also face two tough tests away from Villa Park with trips to West Ham and West Brom who are other teams fighting for survival and if it goes down to the end of the season, Villa’s last two games are a trip to Arsenal followed by a home-tie with Liverpool.
Alternatively, Villa are still in contention of a European place this season – 7 points adrift of Bolton in 7th place and if they are to record some back-to-back wins the talk of relegation will quickly be ended. It will be very interesting to see how the team respond on the pitch against Wolves at the weekend, a defeat would certainly be a huge cause for concern.
To see what other teams could face the drop this season, follow me on Twitter @Verbal_Football
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