I should be looking at the FA Cup as our best chance to win silverware this season but I'm not sure I have the energy to create that level of optimism so early in the tournament. Instead, I'll treat today like a normal Saturday because that is how it feels.
And the truth is, losing today wouldn't bother me that much because I'm becoming a grumpy old man. Sure, I want to win silverware and yes, I'm looking forward to the match, but it really is about the energy to get optimistic.
And the truth is, even though I love the Championship, I do want to see us playing in the Premier League more than I want us to get to the quarter finals of this tournament. So today, it's almost like a day off. Am I wrong?
I mean, I don't think we will win or ever compete for the Premier League, but again that is because I'm a grumpy old man but the simple truth is that I don't know the real ambitions of our new owners and we can't compete for it if we're not in it. So actually, I'm really more optimistic that I thought, it's just blind optimism that is keeping me going.
Match facts from the BBC
- Aston Villa have won both of their previous FA Cup meetings with Swansea, beating them in the second round in both 1923-24 (2-0) and 1924-25 (3-1).
- Swansea have won two of their last three away games against Aston Villa in all competitions, though they did lose their visit in the Championship this season.
- Aston Villa have been knocked out at this stage of the FA Cup in each of the last two seasons. They have not been eliminated at the first hurdle in three consecutive years since a run of four between 2001-02 and 2004-05.
- Swansea have not won any of their last six away games in the FA Cup (D3 L3), with all three last season going to a replay.
I'll be back
So with that written, I'm going to go and have my morning as I usually do when there is so much snow on the ground. I'm going to hit the hill for a couple of hours and be back for a cold beer, just in time for team news. Until then, a video from my younger days to put a smile on your face.