Here we go again! (Burton 1, Villa 2 FT)

Full time: Few incidents as the game drew to a close. Extremely encouraging as El Ahmadi and Holman both looked very impressive, although as mentioned it was against league two opposition. Lowton also looked solid enough. For man of the match I’d go with either one of Holman, El Ahmadi and Bannan who all impressed, with maybe Holman shading it due to his goal. Still it was your cliched important run out, but a win is always nice. Also enjoyed seeing Lambert prowling the touchline, interact with the fans and insist the players applaud them at the end. Successful first start in this hopefully successful new era. UTV.

82 mins: Goal for Villa from new boy Holman as he scores with a good finish. He’s looked positive throughout and deserved that. Good impact from our new signings today.

77 mins: Still mostly Villa, but can’t get that elusive second. A great ball by Holman just alludes Gabby in the box, the Australian has made a positive impact.

70 mins: Great bit of play by Delfouneso as he leaves defenders trailing in a wide position. His cross is just too hard for Gabby in the middle, but the gaffer shows his appreciation by applauding the play from the sideline.

65 mins: A Baker slip allows Burton in, but they can’t capitalise. Bannan goes close with a clever free kick where everyone was expecting the ball played into the box. Holman has looked good, and Gabby and the Fonz have looked threatening.

55 mins: Good start for Villa at the start of the second half. Bannan has impressed with a number of good passes. We came close from a corner as well, shocker I know. Looking lively all around.

Second half: New starting outfield team for Villa as we line up like this: Marshall, Lichaj, Collins, Baker, Warnock, Holman, Herd, Gardner, Bannan, Delfouneso, Agbonlahor.

Half time: Burton 1, Villa 1. Ended well and it’s nice to see us try and keep the ball, albeit against lower league opposition. Really impressed by El Ahmadi, looks exactly the type of player we need. Stevens has done well, with a lot of play coming down the left.

42 mins: Some good play by Stevens who gets the ball into a dangerous area. Weimann is lurking but it looks like an own goal as the players congratulate Stevens. Some decent football being played.

35 mins: To be fair not much has happened. Bent took the ball past the keeper but ran it out of play, and also came close after a good cross from Stevens. El Ahmadi continues to impress in the middle, very encouraging.

15 mins: Burton take the lead after an absolute screamer. El Ahmadi is looking very decent in the middle.

Ah Villa, how I’ve missed you. I’m sure you all feel the same, and even a trip to Burton brings back the usual feelings of excitement and anticipation. This time last year we were still reeling from the McLeish appointment. Fast forward to today and there is a completely different vibe, and a lot of that is down to our new manager, Mr Paul Lambert.

I’ve also been impressed with our new signings, and while I don’t know too much about any of them specifically, the signs look positive. El Ahmadi in particular is intriguing, and I love his interviews and what he has to say. It looks like he wants to get Villa playing football and really dominate in the middle of the park, exactly what we need. Lowton also gets a start today, and I’ve heard good things about him too. Holman was brought in by McLeish, but I think he’ll also be a positive addition to the squad.

Here is the starting eleven for the game, with Bent being named captain. It appears that there will be a different Villa side starting both halves, and the subs are listed underneath:

Marshall, Hutton, Clark, Lowton, Stevens, Carruthers, Johnson, El Ahmadi, N’Zogbia, Weimann, Bent [c]

Subs: Barrett, Warnock, Baker, Collins, Agbonlahor, Holman, Herd, Gardner, Delfouneso, Bannan, Lichaj.

We’ll update throughout, let’s do this!

Also apologies for the lack of posts this last week or so. Was on holiday and as much as I love you guys and the Villa, drinking in the sun took priority!

UTV.