What a shocking lineup by ASTON VILLA against CRYTAL VILLA……

We’re thrilled to welcome Sky Sports journalist Dan Bardell as our exclusive Aston Villa blogger; each week, he’ll share his thoughts on the club’s most pressing issues…

According to Dan Bardell, Aston Villa will capitalise on their great home form and make a “fast start” against Crystal Palace in response to their 3-0 loss to Liverpoo

Bardell claims that Villa must trust in their stellar home form (Eight consecutive league wins) and put pressure on the Eagles to try and get an early goal to silence any growing doubt.

Speaking exclusively to Villa News, Bardell said: “Palace are a good team under Roy Hodgson, they’ll be in absolutely no danger whatsoever with the summer they’ve had. I think they’ll finish in the top half.

“However, I believe Villa will beat anyone at Villa Park.” You’ll notice them freshen up a little, make a few tweaks, and devise a game plan. Emery places a high value on rallying the crowd and incorporating them into the game plan.

“I anticipate a quick start and a reaction to the Liverpool defeat.” Villa frequently scores in the first 15 minutes of home games, so that will be the strategy. Go after Palace early, try to put them under pressure, and score early.

“Once we’re up 1-0, I expect Villa to see the game out and finish it.”

In other Aston Villa news, a broadcaster delivered a frank assessment following a Fabrizio

Aston Villa: ‘Silly offer’ may force Ollie Watkins to leave Villa Park – BBC pundit
Alan Hutton, a former Aston Villa full-back, has joined us as an exclusive columnist. Each week, he’ll share his thoughts on the hot topics at Villa Park…

According to Alan Hutton, Ollie Watkins will only leave Aston Villa if a “silly offer” comes in for him this summer.

Watkins, 27, has been in superb form for Villans since the turn of the year, netting six goals in his past seven Premier League games.

The seven-time England international has pushed his way back into Gareth Southg

One disadvantage of having a player in such strong form is that other teams will eventually take notice – but Hutton doesn’t see Watkins departing anytime soon unless a major offer is made.

When asked if top Premier League clubs will be interested in Watkins this summer, Hutton answered, “Yes, possibly.”

“As a player, I really like him. He works extremely hard, which leads to goals, and he scored again this weekend.

“Everyone is searching for strikers, those who can put the ball in the net. It’s quite difficult.

“There will be people around, but I believe they’re training in the right way, they’re trying to make something happen, and they’re aiming for those European spots.”

“I believe Unai Emery will be given funds to make that happen this summer.”

“I’d like to be a part of that unless a ridiculous offer comes in that you have to listen to.”

“Aside from that, he’s in a good place right now.”

GW3 Differentials: Ollie Watkins