Waiting for Chelsea (Perhaps)

This very late postponement of the match versus Burnley provides an opportunity to take a deep breath and review just where Villa is at right now. However, some of what I might say must be pretty apparent to most, viz. that Villa have regained some 'form', that the players seem to be re-energised and wanting to stretch themselves, and the fact that, if anything, the future of Villa's Youth Academy graduates looks to be even more rosy.

The season seems to have been well re-ignited, doesn't it?

There is no doubt about it, the outcome of the preceding six matches is a sense of far more positivity and (for me at least) the feeling that this manager/coach has taken the bull by the horns and established an ethos and match management that has evoked a great response from everyone. There appears to be far more sense of knowing where we're going right now, which is to get better and better and to get up the table.

For me, there are improvements all over the outfield, but the two that have been under most of the spotlight these past few months - Mings and McGinn - seem to have received some kind of message that has pepped up their game. On top of that in the defensive sector, Cash has at times seemed to be playing out of his skin (though there's room for improvement), Targett has improved on his earlier play this season, while Konsa remains just the under-rated and super-cool Konsa.

Of the others, injuries have to some extent prevented a settled attacking midfield and attack from being formed, but an outstanding response has been seen in young Ramsey, while Watkins may well repeat his scoring record of last season as things stand. Beundia shows flashes of being the good player that he was thought to be by Dean Smith and will probably develop a lot more in the new coaching setup.

As for the others, I have question marks about Nakamba (yes, I know he's been doing a lot of good stuff of late) and Luiz. Essentially I'm waiting for Sanson and Bailey to come in and make their true mark. Both have done enough for me to suggest that they could both be really good. Young has shown some effectiveness and is useful to have around, despite his advanced playing age.

As for Ings, I remain unsure as to why he was bought in terms of his ability to fit in this setup.

The player situation is not all perfect, but there are fine youngsters coming through. If this improvement is allowed to continue (I'm speaking of the COVID threat on football, though not just football, of course) then I can see a top-8 finish with some certainty - maybe better.

I would, however, like to see Villa make progress in the FA Cup, and I do believe we can slide past Man U, even if via a replay. The Villa have totally underperformed in this trophy these last 65 years. When I saw Villa winning this trophy for the 7th time in '57 I would never have dreamed that I would not see them winning it again!

C'mon Villa, all I want is just one more FA Cup triumph to top-off my life-long Villa experience!

To all Villa fans out there have a very Happy Christmas and also a big hope that Boxing Day will not only see the next match being played but also third time lucky against a top-3 side since Gerrard arrived.

UTV!