Paul Lambert's job isn't in jeopardy in the slightest, but Aston Villa fans expected better than 10 points and 18th place by this point in the season. He's a well-respected manager who came into a team that underperformed last year, run by a very patient chairman, but he'll be expected to produce results sooner rather than later. His grace period is up, and anything but a win at home over Reading on Tuesday would be disappointing for the Villains.
Aston Villa vs. Reading: Mr. Lambert, it’s time to right this ship
Over the weekend, Villa held Arsenal to a 0-0 draw. Was it the beginning of a solid string of results? Paul Lambert is in need of some wins.
Reading recently won their first match of the season, but looked very much like relegation fodder as Wigan defeated them on Saturday, via a Jordi Gomez hat trick. Reading is one of just two sides behind Villa in the table, and will likely see this match as an opportunity to steal a point.
With both sides a bit desperate, while simultaneously feeling like points are there for them to take, Tuesday’s encounter should be an entertaining one.
Aston Villa injuries and suspensions
Out: Joe Bennett, Charles N'Zogbia, Chris Herd, Richard Dunne, Gary Gardner. In doubt: Ron Vlaar
Reading injuries and suspensions
Out: Jimmy Kebe, Alex McCarthy, Danny Guthrie, Jem Karacan
Kebe should return soon for the Royals, but he is unavailable on Tuesday. Vlaar picked up an injury over the weekend and could play, but will likely be replaced by Eric Lichaj, though not directly. Villa will be forced to shuffle their back four with Vlaar out of the lineup.
Match date/time: Tuesday, 8 p.m. local, 3 p.m. ET
Venue: Villa Park, Birmingham, England
TV: FOX Soccer (U.S.), Sky Sports 2 (U.K.), Sportsnet World (Canada)
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