Stan Collymore's Ollie Watkins 'rant', The Warehouse opens, plus Youri Tielemans and John McGinn's injury returns
Aston Villa's Ollie Watkins
Aston Villa's Ollie Watkins(Image: Ryan Browne/Shutterstock)
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Aston Villa are in need of a win on Friday night as the chasing pack closes in on them.
After failing to beat Leeds United at home on Saturday afternoon, sixth-placed Liverpool are now just six points behind Villa.
Unai Emery’s side face bottom club Wolves before the rest of the Premier League action this weekend, with the chance to put some distance between themselves and their Champions League-chasing rivals.
Tammy Abraham came off the bench to rescue a point for Villa on Saturday, slotting the ball past Karl Darlow in the 88th minute.
Collymore gives verdict on Watkins' form
There will be no shortage of fans calling for Abraham to lead the line at Molineux on Friday, whether alongside or in place of Ollie Watkins.
Scoring eight goals so far this season, Watkins’ numbers are lower than usual, while he has only recorded one assist, which came in the win over Manchester United in December.
Interestingly, some of Watkins’ best performances this season have come from off the bench, including against Tottenham and Chelsea, where he scored a late double to win the game at Stamford Bridge.
He won’t be settling for a place on the sidelines, however, and it’s not entirely his fault that his goal tally is low this campaign.
Villa’s chance creation has generally been low this season, especially relative to their high league position, as they continue to occupy third spot.
Former Villa forward Stan Collymore has weighed in on Watkins’ form, posting his thoughts on X.
“Oliver George Watkins. Has taken a lot of stick this season and, yes, it's an 'average' return so far. But... If you have a goalscorer who is hyper-mobile and clever, you use them - and we aren't,” he wrote.
“Goalies driving straight balls down his throat 10 times a game does nothing for a striker's confidence. What can he do? Flick it on to nobody? Control it with his neck? At least drop it into his chest or into a channel to run onto.
“Secondly, his short (10–15 yard) runs are clever and dynamic, but in the last 15 minutes he's making runs with creators on the pitch with nobody finding him. Eventually, as a striker, you stop making the runs. To be fair, he hasn't.
“The hardest role in the sport is scoring goals and leading the line. He can do it, but right now he needs his goalie and forwards around him to help him a little. If Leeds can utilize Calvert-Lewin properly, Villa can with Ollie. Rant over.”
McGinn and Tielemans can't return quick enough
Without three of their best players - who all operate in the same area of the pitch - Villa’s level was always going to drop.
Boubacar Kamara was the first to go down with a knee problem against Tottenham in the third round of the FA Cup, followed by John McGinn, who suffered an issue in the home defeat to Everton.
Then, just as Villa were seeing out the win at Newcastle in the following league match, Youri Tielemans went off.
Kamara’s absence speaks for itself - Villa cannot replace the function he performs, or more accurately, the level at which he performs it.
McGinn and Tielemans, however, have arguably been missed even more severely in recent weeks. Villa have played five of their last six home games - a perfect chance to build momentum heading into the final third of the season - but only beat RB Salzburg and Brighton through late goals during that time.
Missing McGinn’s drive to lift the crowd and set the tempo on the pitch has been noticeable, as has his absence in the stands. In tight matches, it’s often Tielemans who produces the key pass to unlock a defense or spots Watkins’ movement to put Villa in a position to hurt the opposition.
McGinn is expected to return in time for Villa’s first leg of the Europa League round of 16, before they head to Old Trafford to face Manchester United.
Tielemans, meanwhile, isn’t expected back until after the international break, meaning he will miss at least four more league games against Wolves, Chelsea, Manchester United, and West Ham.
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The Warehouse opens
Before kick-off on Saturday, supporters were able to access the main Warehouse auditorium for the very first time, in addition to the food court and external plaza areas.
The creation of the Warehouse is a major part of Villa’s North Grounds regeneration project, with the multi-use venue becoming a centerpiece of the matchday experience and a hub for year-round entertainment at Villa Park.
Admission to the Warehouse is free for ticketed supporters on matchdays, when the venue becomes the largest beer hall in the Premier League.
The 3,500-seater venue offers fans a chance to soak up the pre-match atmosphere with food, drink, and entertainment.
Supporters gave their take on the venue on social media, with one posting: “We went after the game and thought it was decent. Getting away from VP is a nightmare so anything to let the traffic die down helps and let's be honest, with all the local pubs gone, its a good option.”
Another said: “I think it’s an absolutely cracking event space. Can see music events being really good in there. Good toilet facilities. I got served fairly quickly both times I went to the bar. I think it’s a great addition. Good numbers in there after the game too.”
A third posted: “On a positive note from yesterday the new Warehouse at Villa Park was impressive, clearly not finished but will be a great venue for us fans pre & post match!”
Claret & Blue catch-up
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