Aston Villa are four points clear of the relegation zone thanks to their first win in five last weekend against Brighton under their new manager, Steven Gerrard.
Gerrard has come in and clearly had a positive impact on the team who were slipping away under Dean Smith, as we saw an impressive attacking display in the last ten minutes of the game last Saturday, where both Ollie Watkins and club captain, Tyrone Mings, scored to deliver three points at Villa Park.
The new Villa boss will be hoping to continue the winning momentum in a challenging game against Patrick Vieira’s Crystal Palace side at Selhurst Park on Saturday afternoon.
One player Gerrard could add to the starting side to pose a fresh attacking threat is Leon Bailey.
Bailey was signed in the summer by Dean Smith, with the winger joining the Villains for £30m from Bayern Leverkusen.
Does Bailey have to start?
Yes
No
The Jamaican has been in and out of the team with seven appearances, one goal and two assists for Aston Villa so far this season, and competes for a place in the team with other forwards like Emi Buendia and Danny Ings.
However, the £31.5m-rated attacker failed to make the starting line up last weekend, although he did make an appearance when he was subbed on in the 66th minute.
Former Arsenal striker, Charlie Nicholas, hailed the 24 year old “brilliant” after the Everton game where Bailey scored his only goal for the side so far;
“I thought he was excellent,” Nicholas said on the Where’s Jeff? Podcast.
“I know the Villa fans have been talking about this lad for a while, and they were just waiting for the right time to put him into the side.
“I think Ollie Watkins looks sharp and that partnership with Danny Ings who is intelligent, could be a real strength. Bailey, it was a brilliant finish.”
Gerrard could have a real gem on his hand with the Jamaican speedster, and will surely be looking closer at the winger’s attributes and talents during training sessions this week ahead of the fixture at Selhurst Park this weekend.
In the words of Ronald de Boar, the flanker is “extraordinary” and offers confidence, energy and a clear understanding of the attacking capabilities of his forward teammates that could mean he terrorises the Eagles.
Aston Villa will be hoping to take maximum points from their upcoming game, to take the pressure off themselves and move further away from a relegation battle.
In other news: Steven Gerrard must unleash Ashley Young vs Palace
