View From The Town End: Aston Villa

This week's View From The Town End comes via James Rushden, who writes for our chums 7500 To Holte.

How would you sum up Villa's season so far?

Far below average. Performances have been both electric and frustrating. Villa have blown away teams only to collapse with seconds remaining.

Could do better. Much better.

Were fans behind the decision to sack Roberto Di Matteo?

Mostly? I mean I'm the type of guy that would give a manager at least six months, but Di Matteo proved nothing at all. He didn't react to our late losses and decided to play the entirety of our striking personnel in once match.

I think it might have been the best decision to get rid of him. He kept digging a huge hole.

What do you make of new boss Steve Bruce?

It's a great decision. I think he's a fairly decent manager who has such a high ceiling in the game. He's never had a good team to manage, but he's always been quite successful. He also seems to constantly get better, his time at Hull was incredible and his achievements at the KC Stadium are fantastic.

Good move, hopefully this is the promotion he's been waiting for.

How's our old chum Aaron Tshibola getting on?

Fantastic. The kid has been an absolute revelation and looks like he might finally fill the Delph sized hole on our team.

Any good or bad memories of games between us?

Not really. I've always enjoyed playing Reading. I remember Gareth Barry missing a penalty once....

Who else should Reading fans be wary of on Tuesday?

Ross McCormack is a constant threat. A terrier of a striker who will look to foul and muscle his way to a goal. Rudy Gestede is a monster as well!

Any Reading player that's impressed you?

John Swift is someone I really like the look of.

Score prediction?

Hopefully it's a Villa win. It will be a 1-1 draw though, with Villa scoring a equalizer late on, this time.