Well I hope that this is the case and Nathan starts tomorrow. I have seen enough of him this season in cameos and starts to know he is the real deal and whilst I understand why he was left out for the first game, for tomorrow there is no excuse.

Clearly with the Carling Cup final on the horizon we would expect a few changes to the team. For certain Petrov with a virus is out, Gabby after taking a knock against Burnley I expect not to be risked. Also Luke Young will certainly return to probably replace Dunne and of course Delph for Petrov. The big question will be is whether one or all of Downing, Milner and Ash Young will be rested, that is not clear at the moment and MON has been evasive on what he may do.

What we expect from Palace will be a fully committed side we saw at Selhurst, but they are now struggling with fitness, down to the last 19 professionals and maybe the lift that Warnock gave them after administration is wearing out. The rumours still surround Warnock and QPR and many people think this could be his last game in charge at Palace if they lose, obviously lets hope that is the case from a Villa point of view.

So we hope for a comfortable win tomorrow, no injuries or sending offs of course and future development of Delf and Delph. Win tomorrow and February then starts to look a very good month indeed with the Carling Cup of course to cap it off.