Once we had a titanic battle with them for the League Championship back in 1981, but now it’s been over a decade since Villa have played Ipswich Town. Games between the two clubs traditionally have been evenly matched (Villa have won 22, Ipswich 19 in all meetings). In the FA Cup, it’s level-pegging at 2-2, with this the team’s fifth meeting. Villa might see the return of a few attacking players including Gabby Agbonlahor, Darren Bent and N’Zogbia. The midfield though, lightens further with Ashley Westwood injured and Karim El Ahmadi off to the African Nation’s Cup. Villa’s defence…remains on it’s last legs.
Match Difficulty Grade
C The home draw was key here, especially with a cup semi-final in mid-week to follow. Saying that, Ipswich Town are marginally better away from home, although overall Mick McCarthy’s team aren’t having the greatest of seasons. Still the Mad Mick factor means they’ll put a 100% effort into the tie and there could be a potential shock on the cards if Villa are thinking too much about Tuesday night.
Form is Temporary
Aston Villa: Last five Premier League matches home: W 1, D 2, L 2
Ipswich: Last five Championship matches away: W 3 D 0, L 2
In the last five visits to Villa Park, Ipswich have won once, and lost four.
Facts to Sweep Under the Carpet
Villa are without a home goal in three games (thank god for reduced ticket prices at Villa Park for this match) and the defence has leaked 17 goals in the last four games. Since reaching the semi-finals in 201, Villa have exited at a progressively earlier stage; fifth round in 2011 and fourth round last season. So, if this run continues, it’s an Ipswich win. Also Ipswich manager Mick McCarthy orchestrated Wolves first win at Villa Park in three decades in 2011.
What We Pray the Football Gods Will Provide
An improved overall display by the team to pay Villa fans back for the last two woeful and humiliating recent performances witnessed at Villa Park. Lets hope the reduced ticket prices also fills up the stands to lay the foundations for a decent cup atmosphere. If Villa are on song, it’ll also be a decent chance for Benteke and Weimann to add more goals to their promising partnership
Why Villa are Totally 100% Going to Win
Nobody messes with Villa in the cups this season. Villa may be the lowest scorers in the Premiership with 17 goals from 21 games, but in the League Cup this season, they’ve managed 14 goals in just four games (including Norwich and Manchester City away). Benteke is going to score a hat-trick soon, isn’t he? Maybe this will be the game? UTV
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