da esport bet： This article is part of Football FanCast’s Opinion series, which provides analysis, insight and opinion on any issue within the beautiful game, from Paul Pogba’s haircuts to League Two relegation battles…
da bet nacional： Monday’s clash between Aston Villa and Newcastle is likely to take on an added dimension of importance for both sides in the encounter at Villa Park. It not only sees two sides likely to be battling relegation this season face off against each other, but also a successor encounter his direct predecessor.
Villa will be looking to halt their run of three successive league defeats having fallen short to Manchester City, Liverpool and Wolves, but the newly-promoted side and their boss Smith will be coming up against a Newcastle team who have impressed as of late, winning three of their last five games.
Prior to the 2019/20 campaign commencing, Villa’s considerable spending – over £130m on 12 new players – coupled with Rafa Benitez’s departure from Newcastle painted a clear picture as to which side would more than likely be above the other in the league table, but Bruce has galvanised his squad to send a timely reminder of his experience and calibre having managed extensively in the English top-flight.
Although Smith guided Villa to promotion, the manager he succeeded in the West Midlands is currently displaying his qualities on Tyneside, and there remains the question as to whether Bruce would be better placed to be guiding Villa in their first season back in the top-flight following a three-year absence than the man who replaced him.
Having never managed in the Premier League prior to the 2019/20 campaign, Smith’s inexperience has, at times, been clear for all to see. A lack of tactical management in the closing stages of important games such as the opening day defeat to Spurs and a similarly frustrating loss to Arsenal, despite being ahead, are signs of a sense of naivety from the former Walsall boss; perhaps an underestimation of the rigours that the Premier League’s elite can offer.
Yet in contrast, Newcastle’s away trip to take on Spurs earlier in the season saw Bruce set up in a compact 4-5-1 with the sole intention of striking on the counter-attack and grinding out a result. A 1-0 win followed, the Magpies’ first victory of the season, and Bruce was rightfully lauded for sticking to clear gameplan.
It is too early to judge Smith and his first season of Premier League football, yet Saturday presents an opportunity to prove that under his management, Villa are able to progress and develop in comparison to how they could be performing under an ex-manager. In a match-up of former and current managers from B6, both will be looking to get the better of each other.