Blog: Let's see if Aston Villa can kick on
Winning your first game is a step in the right direction, but can Aston Villa build on that performance?
After a positive start at Stoke City, they now will face the challenge of winning at Villa Park against Newcastle United,
Newcastle played well in the opening weekend despite losing to the incumbent champions - Manchester City - so a win is far from a certainty.
Whilst Hatem Ben Arfa - a regular thorn in the side of Villa - is unlikely to play, Remy Cabella will likely pose a similar threat.
Despite it being a home game, a point for Villa would be a step in the right direction, as recent home form has been woeful.
Of course a win would be ideal, if unexpected, as the Villans face a nightmare September run of fixtures - getting as many points in August would be a great buffer to have.
Regardless of the results, there's an ongoing concern about Villa's somewhat erratic form.
Under Paul Lambert, fans have been treated to everything from top quality football to abject rubbish, with each week feeling like a lucky dip where the team turning up could be world beaters or awful.
In that sense, it is the consistency - or the lack thereof - that frustrates fans. If Villa can be solid and effective one week, why are they acting like strangers the next?
If the club can manage to get over that hurdle, there's a strong chance mid-table could be easily achievable, a significant step up from recent years.
It would be easy to get carried away - what with the opening day win and the installation of new chief executive Tom Fox - but sensibility dictates such a move would be foolish.
As stated prior, Villa regularly flatter to deceive, so wild optimism seems as inappropriate as nihilistic pessimism.
Beat Newcastle, and maybe Villa fans will believe a corner has been turned.
Yes, it will only be two wins - assuming the club can get a result anyway - but wins are the lifeblood of any successful team, and losing points has been a major issue for the club.
As a fan, Carlos Sanchez will also be an interesting player to see on the pitch.
For years, Villa have lacked an effective and potent defensive midfielder, and whilst Yacouba Sylla managed cult status in the form of a chant, the hope is that Villa's new Colombian midfielder can go one better.
So, as the Bank Holiday weekend is almost upon us, there's a chance things may be changing at Villa Park.
Sure, it may well have taken longer than many have wanted, but positive steps will be welcomed, assuming that the team can follow up on their first win of the season.
You can follow Matt Turvey's regular opinions at his own site, Aston Villa Life at http://www.astonvillalife.com, via the site's Twitter account @astonvillalife, or via his own Twitter account @mturvey_star.
