Aston Villa manager Steven Gerrard admitted on Wednesday that he may have to call upon some fringe players against Chelsea on Boxing Day.
And, as to be expected, a number of Villa fans have been giving their thoughts to the update on social media.
Villa were forced to postpone their match with Burnley last weekend due to a Covid-19 outbreak at Bodymoor Heath. A number of players returned positive results prior to the meeting with Sean Dyche’s side, with Gerrard confirming on Wednesday there has since been ‘mixed news’ on the testing front.
The Villa boss revealed that fringe players in the squad may well be needed against the Blues, with the Premier League classing youngsters who featured in the EFL Cup against Barrow earlier in the season as players with first-team experience.
Six academy youngsters featured in the 6-0 win back in August, with youngster Cameron Archer scoring a hat-trick.
Villa fans react
This is what these Villa fans had to say in reply to Gerrard’s pre-Chelsea comments, with many not happy and one labelling it as 'ridiculous'.
“Haha looool we are done for”
“@premierleague you are a disgrace.”
“Ridiculous that this is a rule. Show must go on at any cost.”
“Do people really wanna watch Villas U23s against Chelsea?!”
“This sounds like we're looking at a very depleted squad”
“Doesn’t seem fair but looks like we have no choice! Team selection should be interesting”
In other news: Villa and Gerrard may launch Jan move for 'hard working' midfielder from PL rivals.