The Opposition View: Aston Villa (vs West Ham)

First of all, how do you feel Aston Villa’s season is going so far? And what about West Ham’s amazing start to the season? Are you shocked or surprised?

I think we had a great start, with our new look defence of Hutton, Vlaar, Senderos and Cissokho looking very solid indeed. The confidence and positive energy completely drained after we competed well against Arsenal, before crumbling and conceding 3 soft goals in about a minute and a half in front of what was our first sell out crowd at Villa Park all season. So, not well, we just seem to be lacking in every department and we can’t score.

West Ham, on the other hand have been fantastic, it’s been a pleasant surprise. The Irons have been brilliant in the transfer market, Valencia and co. are all top signings, and Big Sam has so far used them flawlessly to their strengths. I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t Jealous of West Ham’s progress, both on the pitch, and in the market this season, good stuff from the Irons.

Do you believe Aston Villa will finish in the top half of the table? Also, do you reckon West Ham will finish above/below Aston Villa?

No chance, I’m afraid. We haven’t got an awful squad but with Paul Lambert in charge, I predict an average 12th position. West Ham, however seem to have a board with ambition and have been playing great football, so I can only see a Top 10 position for the Hammers this season.

What’s the difference between The Villains and The Hammers in terms of fans in your own opinion?

Well, we are the original Claret&Blue army, there’s 1 point to us! I think Villa have the best away support in the country, and I know a lot of teams say that, but we as fans have to endure a lot of misery. The Hammers, similar to us have quality away support, as heard and seen when we went 2-0 down at Villa Park last season! The huge difference currently is that Upton Park isn’t missing about 11,000 fans every game like Villa Park is. West Ham fans usually turn up at their own ground! View wise is difficult, because to be honest I’ve forgotten what it’s like to have a “good” season, so a huge difference between our fans is their happiness with current results, how we are both playing etc.

Paul Lambert IN… Paul Lambert OUT… What’s your opinion on matters at Villa Park?

The general feeling around Villa Park is “Lambert OUT” the Pro-Lambert force is deteriorating as our results get worse and most have little to no faith in him already after what they have seen served for the past 3 seasons. Every loss the Boos are getting louder and the Lambert fans are getting smaller.

Personally I sit on the fence on the matter, seeing fair points from both sides of the Lambert argument. Yes, his stats and performances are awful, but we wanted him in the first place, and personally I feel he’s got his hands tied due to the seeming lack of interest and funds by the Villa board.

Would you say Aston Villa fans live in the past, present or are always looking ahead to the future?

It’s a huge mix, to be honest; I think we are unfairly blasted by other fans for “living in the past” because threes such a variety of people looking at different timelines in the Villa World. I think the most currently are looking at the present, and the near future, our current form means you’ve got to constantly rely on fixtures in the future and you’ve always got to look forward to fixtures that are winnable.

What’s your prediction for tomorrow’s match at the Boleyn Ground? After all, this could be your last ever match at the Boleyn Ground. Wink, wink…

You’re making me depressed just talking about it. If we had options such as Benteke and Senderos available, it’d be a different match but we don’t, so I can only see a West Ham win… 2-1 to the Hammers unfortunately.

May the best Claret and Blue win!

By Kyle Holloway (@AVFCHolloway7)