Newcastle like picking up points against us. I read something on Sporting Intelligence this morning that basically makes Newcastle our bogey team. That wont change tomorrow.
What I mean is, even if we spank Newcastle tomorrow, they'll still be a bogey team for us just based on the results over the duration of the Premier League. And we can win tomorrow.
And I hope we do because of what we're bringing to the table and the expectation. The side tomorrow is going to be quite interesting too and if everything comes together like it could, it could be really interesting.
And we must win tomorrow. We had a tough opening three games and this one isn't as tough. Most Aston Villa fans will see this as three points for us and I'm with them and I also think we'll get them.
I don't want to think about what will happen if we don't win, only because there is that great deal of hope and expectation with this side and not beating Newcastle, after the three performances in the league this season, would be a bit of a kick in the gut.
And not winning has to be something that we accept can happen, but even Mark Lawrenson thinks we can win, which I'm not sure is a good thing or not, but it does go to show that there is a renewed optimism about Aston Villa at the moment.
Updates and team news
So, with the usual, I think we will win and I hope we will win and if we don't win, it could get messy here, I'm moving on to something worth discussing; do we play 4-4-2 or stick with a variation of 4-5-1 for tomorrow?
I know the general thinking is that Kozak is the replacement for Benteke if he leaves in January or next summer, but can the manager play them both at the same time.
I ask, because I think you all know I'm a fan of the 4-5-1 options and I'm not a big fan of the 4-4-2. And I think changing it now would be a very strange thing and I don't think the manager will do it.
And that then leaves us to talk about the rest of the side. I'm convinced Weimann and Gabby will start and I have no reason to think that Benteke wont, so it's quite clear my view is the manager will stick with 4-5-1 or 4-3-3, whatever way you want to look at it and that Kozak will start on the bench.
But it's the midfield that is most interesting tomorrow. I wouldn't put money on my selection so I'm not going to guess, so will Bacuna or Sylla play?
As soon as we have the team, about an hour before kick off, we'll put it in the match post, which will be up tomorrow morning. And before I leave; any predictions?