Match Thread Aston Villa V Bradford City Vertu Trophy Tuesday 14/1/2025 @ 7.30pm

Anyway, back on topic as this isn’t an Edin Rachic thread.
Can anyone remember whether last season we were drawn at home or away to Liverpool kids.

Is it possible that the Villa game could be at Villa park?

 

Villa under 21s play all their home games at the
Aston Villa FC Training Ground, Bodymoor Heath.
Not sure this venue would be suitable for such a fixture.

 

It was Newcastle U21's we played, at home? 2-2 draw then they beat us on penalties

Can't see Villa going to the expense of opening a ground like that for a poxy game with 3-4000 fans there

 

That was this season. I think it was the game against Liverpool u21s last season that knackered the pitch.

 

Last season ? Against Liverpool

 

I thought that all Under 21 teams had to play their games away.
Therefore as Villa U21's were drawn at home, the game will be played at VP?

 

Clause 6.4 says it’ll be at Villa Park. Only group games can be switched by U21 teams

 

I watched the last 20 minutes of the match and the penalties. Although the penalties were well struck by most players the keepers attempts to save them were pretty feeble. The only save was when Richard O'Donnell dived the wrong way but the ball hit his foot and went over the crossbar.

 

Thanks Loyal, wasn't aware of that!

 

However, despite the clause, I fully expect it to be played at VP (EFL discretion) , otherwise the game will probably be played in front of just 200-300 travelling city fans at Villa Park which seems daft.

 

My apologies, I misread

And yes the Liverpool game was played at VP if I remember

 

My question was if we were drawn away to Liverpool kids last year but played at VP or were we drawn to play at home

 

It will be played at the smaller VP, due to the fact it clearly states the home side can apply to reverse the fixture. Villa are still in the champions League and look to progress further so won't want their youngsters playing meaningless games there.

 

Is it a school

 

Nope, no tin pot millionaires there.

 

I am not sure what the villa training ground is like, but i can not see city being happy playing there.
Devalues the competition even more, after allowing these teams in.
If that is possible.

 

I looked on Google maps it's got one stand that seats 500 and 500 must be standing like at Horsfall home of BPA. To be honest I can't see it being played there, as you say they shouldn't even be in the competition, I'd rather see National League clubs be in the trophy.

 

Championship clubs.
It is the football league trophy after all.

 

True.