Oggy set to continue at central defence
The absence of Villa striker Jonathon Kodija has been described as leaving the team “threadbare” in attacking areas for the clash with the Irons on Monday evening.
Discussing the game in Birmingham Live, local reporter Ben Husband declares: “His absence leaves Villa threadbare in attacking areas, particularly with Trezeguet’s suspension for Monday night against West Ham.
It leaves Smith (manager) with Keinan Davis as his only alternative to first choice striker Wesley, as they look for back-to-back home wins.”
Kodija’s absence was finally admitted by manager Dean Smith at his presser today when he declared: “”The only one who’s now injured is Jonathan Kodjia who’s fractured his cheekbone in a training ground injury.
He just clashed heads with Marvelous Nakamba in a non-competitive part of training. We thought it was OK but they’ve picked up a fracture at the hospital and he’ll have to have an operation on that now and will be out for the next two to three weeks.
The team will also be without midfield Trezuguet – an attacking midfielder – but it’s all good news for the Hammers as they bid to make it four wins on the trot.
The Hammers will surely emerge as favourites for a match which could cement their place in top seven of eight should they take the points and with Trezuguet in particular missing out powerful midfield could have a great night.
Kodjia’s absence too is good news for a defence which, whilst keeping a clean sheet against Norwich, has caused concern on some occasions.
The central defence looks likely to remain unchanged with Angelo Ogbonna partnering Issa Diop and Ryan Fredericks and Arthur Masuaku continuing at right and left back.
I hope that our players don’t read articles like this. It is this sort of mindset and mentality which cost us points at the likes of Cardiff etc last season. Villa are at home, have a decent side and a good manager. We will need to be at our best to win there
Agree with Tony, Villa have actually played well John McGinn, Grealish, Wesley are all a handful, Villa are a good side with a good manager, we should set out with confidence but know that we need to be on our game as we do for every PL game.
Threadbare Villa ? Ridiculous statement,Hugh’s typical 10yr old approach. Yes we have a great chance to win but Villa are at home and playing well. Think it might end up 2-1 to us or 2-2.
Did u actually notice that Hugh didn’t make the comment or do u find it difficult to read beyond headlines or realise that when a word is enclosed within double quotes it is because it belongs to somebody else? No course not. Just SHUT UP or start your own bloody website!!!
One more crack and you are done here. You btw have no approach at all other than to read stories and adopt the ten centuries old approach of slamming others despite the fact that the criticism has no validity at all given the explanation below. Just shut it Davey boy.
i don’t know that 10yr old’s know what threadbare means
Just a slag off merchant for its own sake.