Some will think me crazy for writing this, but tomorrow is going to be a tough match. I think we're going to see a new player at the back, a new player in the middle of the part, albeit on the wing) and a new striker, albeit coming in from the left.
And all these players needs to work well for us to get the right result. If each are just a few percentages off where they need to be in this League and Ipswich are pumped, it could be a struggle.
Granted, we can bring on new players in the second half if it's not working and that's worked well for us this season, but I don't think the manager is going to want to be bringing any of these players off. But he'll want them playing where we know they can play. And if they do, I'm convinced we'll get the three points.
I'm convinced because the way we play and how these players will compliment that way of playing, it's going to be tough for anyone to come to Villa Park and get something. And if it all gels quickly, I think it's coming at exactly the right time for us. Many sides are suffering from injuries at the moment, us included, but we're getting players back and we've just strengthened.
Tomorrow could be a tough match and we need to be at the races. And if we are, tomorrow could be a great day. I'm feeling optimistic. Are you?
Match facts from the BBC
Head-to-head
-
Ipswich have won one of the 14 most recent top-flight meetings (D3, L10).
-
They have claimed just two victories at Villa Park in the past 44 years – a 1-0 Premier League win in March 1994 courtesy of Gavin Johnson's goal, plus a win by the same score in the Championship in February 2017.
Aston Villa
-
Villa's defeat against Wolves in their most recent league fixture ended a 19-match unbeaten top-flight run against sides starting the day in the relegation zone (W13, D6).
-
They are unbeaten in 11 Premier League games at Villa Park since losing 2-0 against Arsenal in their opening home fixture of the season (W6, D5).
-
Aston Villa's only clean sheet in their past 14 league and cup matches came in last month's 1-0 win at Everton.
-
The Villans have conceded from their opponent's first shot on target in 15 of their 36 fixtures this season, as well as from the rebound in two games when the first attempt was saved.
-
Ollie Watkins has been directly involved in 10 goals in his last six Premier League starts against promoted opposition, registering four goals and six assists – including one of each in September's 2-2 draw against Ipswich.
-
Morgan Rogers has scored eight goals in his last eight appearances at Villa Park.
Ipswich Town
-
The Blues have kept one clean sheet in their past 20 top-flight games, losing each of the last four by an aggregate score of 14-2.
-
They have not lost five consecutive Premier League matches since a run of eight defeats between February and April 1995.
-
Ipswich have used 31 players in the top flight this season, second only to Southampton's tally of 33.
-
The Tractor Boys have gained just three points from losing positions in the top flight this season, including one in September's 2-2 draw against Villa. Last season they came from behind to earn 32 points, more than any other side in England's top four divisions.
-
They have had a league-low 415 touches in the opposition penalty area this season.
-
Liam Delap has committed 49 fouls in the Premier League this season, more than any other forward.