Some weeks, we fear on Monday that we’ll find no one to preview the next match from an opposing fan’s viewpoint. Other weeks, we’re spoilt for choice. Maybe it’s their recent ascendancy, and Big Four aspirations, but Aston Villa – due at the SoL on Saturday – can play hard to get. Yet, come Tuesday, we have not one but two, and not just any two but two Villa nuts who also run important sites/networks aimed at all football fans. So let’s start early this week. First up is Stuart Young*, who also previewed last season’s Villa v Sunderland game. Stuart runs both Project Football and the A Villa Fan site. The opening is short and sweet, but dig deeper for some fascinating thoughts which include a highly surprising view of Ashley Young…..

Hello and Happy New Year to all the Mackems

This is my second year on Salut! Sunderland and like last year when I was asked to write an introduction I had no idea what to write…but here goes:

This season has been a great season for Aston Villa and for some reason we are becoming loved by football followers everywhere until we come to play there side.

When you guys visited Villa Park back in September I had very high hopes for your side. Keano had spent a few quid, and you had a strike force of Djibril Cisse and Kenwyne Jones – surely you would be pushing for a top half finish.

Your fans gave a good account of themseleves, and so did your players and we just about beat you 2-1 thanks to goals from Carew & Young. Who would of thought back then that Villa and Sunderland would be where they are now in the table?

Anyway best of luck for the rest of the season (after Saturday) and I’ll get cracking with these questions of yours:

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