birminghammail--2020-09-27--New child snatch fear as teen says men tried to grab him

A frightened Worcestershire boy returning home after school has spoken of the moment he was grabbed by strangers in the street and told : ‘ Come with us ’ .
Fourteen-year-old Xandag Chesworth was walking from Tudor Grange Academy to his home in the Arboretum area of Worcester when his path was blocked by two men in Lower Chestnut Street at around 4.30pm on Friday , September 25 .
The teenager said one of the men grabbed his arm and said : ‘ Come with us ’ .
The man grabbed his blazer but he managed to break free , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : “ I thought they were going to take me away.
” The incident is the latest in a series of reported attempts by adults to get children near schools or in the evening in Worcester .
Speaking with the permission of his father , Xanda told Worcestershire Live : “ I turned down the road and two men were standing there .
“ The pavement is quite narrow with cars parked on the side and there was not any space .
I could just get by .
“ They said : ‘ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ go near them when a mixed- race guy grabbed the bottom of my blazer .
They said : ‘ Come with us ’ .
I thought they were going to take me away .
“ At that point I dropped my bag and ran .
I started shouting and screaming .
And they started walking towards me.
” Xanda left his bag and ran back to Landsdown Park .
He ran over to a man and a woman walking a dog and told them what happened .
“ I asked them if they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ men chasing me , ” Xanda said .
“ They went back with me to get my bag as it had my house key , books and stationery and PE kit .
“ The man went to get the bag and the mixed-race guy started to walk towards me .
“ They said : ‘ Why are you scared ?
’ “ But the man stood in the way and stopped him .
They had only been a few metres away , stood by a brick wall Xanda said he was ‘ just @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the men was ‘ mixed race and in his 40s .
He wore a dark-coloured jumper , was skinny and about 6ft .
The other was black and in his late 30s or early 40s .
He wore a dark T-shirt and was around 6ft 1ins .
When the incident happened Xanda ’ s dad ’ s partner was at home and she immediately rang his dad , Alex .
Alex was on the motorway at the time as he works as an HGV driver .
The 43-year-old said he was concerned @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s safety and had bought them both panic alarms .
He said parents in the area had heard of a series of incidents and were looking to organise a group of parents to walk children home .
He said : “ I was on the M5 when it happened .
My partner called me .
“ My son told me two men tried to grab him and he just dropped his bag and bolted and went to two people playing with their dog in the park .
“ If could find those @ @ @ @ @ @ @ but they left as soon as they got my son home safely .
“ The two men that tried to grab him even questioned why he was scared .
“ My partner said she had never seen my son like that before .
“ Since we heard of the first attempt to grab a child we have worried .
“ Both my children go to Tudor Grange but they start and finish at different times due to the Covid situation .
There is a smaller group which leaves later , which my son @ @ @ @ @ @ @ get all the kids to start and finish at the same time it would be safer .
“ You hear about these things happening but when it happens to you things start to change.
” Alex said he had changed his work start time from 5am to 10am so he could take his children to school .
His partner will pick them up .
The family have spoken to a PCSO but have yet to see an investigating officer .
Alex said : “ We have stopped my daughter going to the park @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their children going to play football .
“ Everybody in the area is worried to let their kids go out.
” The incident is the latest in a string of reports of adults approaching children in Worcester around the Arboretum area .
The first was near St Barnabas CE Primary School in Green Lane on September 10 , where a man was ‘ behaving strangely ’ .
Then two schoolgirls were ‘ followed ’ on their way home from Bishop Perowne Church of England College in Merrimans Hill Road on Monday , September @ @ @ @ @ @ @ approaching a child by St Barnabas School was reported on September 16 .
Last weekend , a 15-year-old was approached by a group of men in a car in Astwood Road , Rainbow Hill .
She was beckoned by men last Sunday , September 20 , at around 7pm as she came out of a Premier store and went back in .
And on Monday , September 21 , three girls , one aged only eight , were approached by men in a vehicle in Barker Street in Worcester .
What have police @ @ @ @ @ @ @ CID lead investigator and Insp Dave Troth , from West Mercia Police , said : “ We are aware of heightened concerns surrounding the reporting on social media and local news reports of a group of men in a silver/grey saloon vehicle approaching people in the Arboretum area of Worcester .
“ Some incidents are reported to have happened whilst children have been walking home from school or in the early evening .
“ Or a vehicle has appeared to be driving slowly passed schools or children .
“ I want to assure @ @ @ @ @ @ @ individual reports made to us , and would like to update you that at this time we don ’ t believe all of the reports are linked and we are working to establish the nature and type of offences .
“ If you have seen anything suspicious in your area please report online at WestMercia.Police.UK or by calling police on 101 .
You can also provide information anonymously by calling Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 .
Always dial 999 in an emergency , ”

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A frightened Worcestershire boy returning home after school has spoken of the moment he was grabbed by strangers in the street and told: ‘Come with us’.
Fourteen-year-old Xandag Chesworth was walking from Tudor Grange Academy to his home in the Arboretum area of Worcester when his path was blocked by two men in Lower Chestnut Street at around 4.30pm on Friday, September 25.
The teenager said one of the men grabbed his arm and said: ‘Come with us’. The man grabbed his blazer but he managed to break free, the pupil went on. He said: “I thought they were going to take me away.”
The incident is the latest in a series of reported attempts by adults to get children near schools or in the evening in Worcester.
Speaking with the permission of his father, Xanda told Worcestershire Live: “I turned down the road and two men were standing there.
“The pavement is quite narrow with cars parked on the side and there was not any space. I could just get by.
“They said: ‘Come through’. I started to go near them when a mixed- race guy grabbed the bottom of my blazer. They said: ‘Come with us’. I thought they were going to take me away.
“At that point I dropped my bag and ran. I started shouting and screaming. And they started walking towards me.”
Xanda left his bag and ran back to Landsdown Park. He ran over to a man and a woman walking a dog and told them what happened.
“I asked them if they could help me because there were two men chasing me,” Xanda said. “They went back with me to get my bag as it had my house key, books and stationery and PE kit.
Video Loading Video Unavailable Click to play Tap to play The video will auto-play soon 8 Cancel Play now
“The man went to get the bag and the mixed-race guy started to walk towards me.
“They said: ‘Why are you scared?’
“But the man stood in the way and stopped him. They had only been a few metres away, stood by a brick wall
“The dog walkers walked me home a few roads away.”
Xanda said he was ‘just scared’ now. He said one of the men was ‘mixed race and in his 40s. He wore a dark-coloured jumper, was skinny and about 6ft.
The other was black and in his late 30s or early 40s. He wore a dark T-shirt and was around 6ft 1ins.
When the incident happened Xanda’s dad’s partner was at home and she immediately rang his dad, Alex.
Alex was on the motorway at the time as he works as an HGV driver.
Anxious dad buys his children panic alarms
The 43-year-old said he was concerned for his son’s and daughter’s safety and had bought them both panic alarms. He said parents in the area had heard of a series of incidents and were looking to organise a group of parents to walk children home.
He said: “I was on the M5 when it happened. My partner called me.
“My son told me two men tried to grab him and he just dropped his bag and bolted and went to two people playing with their dog in the park.
“If could find those two people I would thank them personally but they left as soon as they got my son home safely.
“The two men that tried to grab him even questioned why he was scared.
“My partner said she had never seen my son like that before.
“Since we heard of the first attempt to grab a child we have worried.
“Both my children go to Tudor Grange but they start and finish at different times due to the Covid situation. There is a smaller group which leaves later, which my son is in.
“If they could get all the kids to start and finish at the same time it would be safer.
“You hear about these things happening but when it happens to you things start to change.”
Alex said he had changed his work start time from 5am to 10am so he could take his children to school. His partner will pick them up.
Video Loading Video Unavailable Click to play Tap to play The video will auto-play soon 8 Cancel Play now
The family have spoken to a PCSO but have yet to see an investigating officer.
Alex said: “We have stopped my daughter going to the park. And other parents who have stopped their children going to play football.
“Everybody in the area is worried to let their kids go out.”
Series of child snatch incidents in Worcester
The incident is the latest in a string of reports of adults approaching children in Worcester around the Arboretum area.
The first was near St Barnabas CE Primary School in Green Lane on September 10, where a man was ‘behaving strangely’.
Then two schoolgirls were ‘followed’ on their way home from Bishop Perowne Church of England College in Merrimans Hill Road on Monday, September 14.
An incident of a man approaching a child by St Barnabas School was reported on September 16.
Last weekend, a 15-year-old was approached by a group of men in a car in Astwood Road, Rainbow Hill. She was beckoned by men last Sunday, September 20, at around 7pm as she came out of a Premier store and went back in.
And on Monday, September 21, three girls, one aged only eight, were approached by men in a vehicle in Barker Street in Worcester.
What have police said?
Det Insp Ed Slough, CID lead investigator and Insp Dave Troth, from West Mercia Police, said: “We are aware of heightened concerns surrounding the reporting on social media and local news reports of a group of men in a silver/grey saloon vehicle approaching people in the Arboretum area of Worcester.
“Some incidents are reported to have happened whilst children have been walking home from school or in the early evening.
“Or a vehicle has appeared to be driving slowly passed schools or children.
“I want to assure you that we are looking into all individual reports made to us, and would like to update you that at this time we don’t believe all of the reports are linked and we are working to establish the nature and type of offences.
“If you have seen anything suspicious in your area please report online at WestMercia.Police.UK or by calling police on 101. You can also provide information anonymously by calling Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. Always dial 999 in an emergency,”


birminghammail--2020-09-27--"She could have ruined his business!" Underage tattoo row sparks huge response

BirminghamLive readers have expressed outrage after a girl of 14 was illegally tattooed at a Sutton Coldfield studio .
Yesterday , September 26 , we told how a row had erupted after the youngster had a £25 tattoo inked on her arm .
The girl visited Ultimate Art Tattoos in Sutton Coldfield , where she had a design reading 'be careful who you trust , the devil was once an angel ' etched on her arm .
Her furious father discovered the tattoo days later and said he reported the matter to West Midlands Police .
The tattooist , he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from his daughter when she visited the studio with a friend .
But tattooist Kevin Mountford claimed the girl said she was over 18 , was wearing a mask and was not in school uniform when she visited at around 3pm on Wednesday , September 16 .
The story sparked a massive response among BirminghamLive readers , with most speaking out in support of the tattooist .
Hundreds of readers got in touch to defend the artist , with many saying they hoped 'his business was n't ruined over this ' .
Others @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 'all for £25 ' and should have questioned the girl more on her age .
This is what our readers had to say Nikki Ballard wrote : `` Sad the kid has so little respect and regard for how upset her parents would be .
That 's the tragedy . ''
Dan Hough commented : `` It does n't matter what the girl did , in the eyes of the law she is a minor and therefore can not be held accountable .
The tattoo parlour failed to undertake the basic checks which @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cheated , but unless the girl fraudulently falsified her age then the tattoo parlour is 100 per cent liable .
Might not like it , but that 's the law . ''
Tanya Dewsnap wrote : `` I hope the parents do n't ruin his business over this , yes the company should have checked but maybe the parents should be sorting this problem out at home and taking responsibility themselves .
She was well aware what she was doing was against the rules .
I would n't want my daughters bad actions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at a time like this . ''
Amy Cooper commented : `` Both are to blame .
She could have distanced outside the shop and removed her mask so he could see her full face and he should have asked for ID .
She should not have lied and needs to take responsibility for what she 's done as this man could now be out of a job from possibly losing his license . ''
Lisa Biddles wrote : `` I have tattoos myself but I would be fuming if my daughter had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ should check what the person looks like without the mask before they enter the premises .
As for blaming the parents for her not being in school - I would have thought it was n't a regular occurrence or else the school would have informed them . ''
`` Ultimately the artist is to blame .
He has risked his business over £25 !
He should have taken the time to ask a few more questions , '' Kevin Walters added .
Tracey Jones wrote : `` This story really angers me .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The tattooist is just trying to keep his business afloat in difficult times .
Teenagers , especially girls , look older .
The finger of blame lies with the girl concerned .
Perhaps her father needs to teach her to respect the law and wait until she is 18 to get a tattoo . ''
Charlotte Lutwyche added : `` The father ca n't blame the tattooist , the girl lied about her age saying she was over 18 .
Why was n't she in school ?
`` The tattooist is not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ girl who thinks she is entitled to do as she pleases and break the law , '' added Roma Small .
Under UK law , it is illegal for anyone under the age of 18 to get a tattoo , even with parental consent .
If a tattooist does tattoo a young person , they could be prosecuted and fined .

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BirminghamLive readers have expressed outrage after a girl of 14 was illegally tattooed at a Sutton Coldfield studio.
Yesterday, September 26, we told how a row had erupted after the youngster had a £25 tattoo inked on her arm.
The girl visited Ultimate Art Tattoos in Sutton Coldfield, where she had a design reading 'be careful who you trust, the devil was once an angel' etched on her arm.
Her furious father discovered the tattoo days later and said he reported the matter to West Midlands Police.
The tattooist, he claimed, failed to ask for ID from his daughter when she visited the studio with a friend.
But tattooist Kevin Mountford claimed the girl said she was over 18, was wearing a mask and was not in school uniform when she visited at around 3pm on Wednesday, September 16.
(Image: Darren Quinton/Birmingham Live)
The story sparked a massive response among BirminghamLive readers, with most speaking out in support of the tattooist.
Hundreds of readers got in touch to defend the artist, with many saying they hoped 'his business wasn't ruined over this'.
Others claimed the tattooist had risked his business 'all for £25' and should have questioned the girl more on her age.
This is what our readers had to say
Nikki Ballard wrote: "Sad the kid has so little respect and regard for how upset her parents would be. That's the tragedy."
Dan Hough commented: "It doesn't matter what the girl did, in the eyes of the law she is a minor and therefore cannot be held accountable. The tattoo parlour failed to undertake the basic checks which I have sympathy with as they were cheated, but unless the girl fraudulently falsified her age then the tattoo parlour is 100 per cent liable. Might not like it, but that's the law."
Tanya Dewsnap wrote: "I hope the parents don't ruin his business over this, yes the company should have checked but maybe the parents should be sorting this problem out at home and taking responsibility themselves. She was well aware what she was doing was against the rules. I wouldn't want my daughters bad actions to ruin a hard-working company, especially at a time like this."
(Image: Darren Quinton/Birmingham Live)
Amy Cooper commented: "Both are to blame. She could have distanced outside the shop and removed her mask so he could see her full face and he should have asked for ID. She should not have lied and needs to take responsibility for what she's done as this man could now be out of a job from possibly losing his license."
Lisa Biddles wrote: "I have tattoos myself but I would be fuming if my daughter had got one at 14. Maybe he should check what the person looks like without the mask before they enter the premises. As for blaming the parents for her not being in school - I would have thought it wasn't a regular occurrence or else the school would have informed them."
"Ultimately the artist is to blame. He has risked his business over £25! He should have taken the time to ask a few more questions," Kevin Walters added.
Tracey Jones wrote: "This story really angers me. The girl is the one who lied. The tattooist is just trying to keep his business afloat in difficult times. Teenagers, especially girls, look older. The finger of blame lies with the girl concerned. Perhaps her father needs to teach her to respect the law and wait until she is 18 to get a tattoo."
Charlotte Lutwyche added: "The father can't blame the tattooist, the girl lied about her age saying she was over 18. Why wasn't she in school?
"The tattooist is not at fault here. Only the young girl who thinks she is entitled to do as she pleases and break the law," added Roma Small.
Under UK law, it is illegal for anyone under the age of 18 to get a tattoo, even with parental consent.
If a tattooist does tattoo a young person, they could be prosecuted and fined.


birminghammail--2020-09-27--Army could be used for Covid testing in 'high risk' areas of Birmingham

The Army could be enlisted to provide extra capacity for door-to-door Covid-19 testing in Birmingham .
Latest figures showed a rise in the number of infections in the city over the past five days , with 500 council staff redeployed to its `` drop-and-collect '' testing service .
The initiative involves going door-to-door in high-risk areas offering testing kits to those with or without symptoms .
But the city council has revealed it has been in talks with the military to help boost capacity , reports MirrorOnline .
Councillor Brigid Jones , deputy leader of the city council , told @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` We have been in talks with the military about them giving us some extra capacity for drop-and-collect .
`` It 's very much in an extra capacity , feet-on-the-ground sense .
It 's literally just to support the civilian effort side of things and we 'll be in a position next week to confirm whether or not they will be providing extra capacity and how that might be working . ''
Ms Jones added : `` We are doing it because these are areas where there are very high levels of Covid @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people and other people in the community who have n't accessed tests . ''
Around 6.7 per cent of tests are now coming back as positive , amid a rise in cases among those aged 20-40 across Birmingham .
`` Our plea to residents would be , if one of our staff knocks on your door , please take up the opportunity to take a test , '' Ms Jones said .
Meanwhile , a teenager has been arrested in Birmingham after allegedly assaulting an officer when police were called to a house @ @ @ @ @ @ @ were called to the party in Oscott which had between 20 and 30 people .
The force received 18 calls to breaches of pandemic laws , mainly due to house parties , between 10pm and midnight .
Officers had to move on about 550 people from more than 20 locations across the West Midlands due to breaches of the rules , with eight venues to have their licences reviewed .
Around midnight officers shut down a pub in Birmingham which was hosting a wedding party with about 60 guests some two hours after @ @ @ @ @ @ @ new coronavirus restrictions .
On Friday evening police said they moved on about 450 people who were part of big gatherings , while another 250 were forced to leave an event at a hotel in the city .

newsdesk@birminghamlive.co.uk (Matthew Cooper, Lucy Skoulding, Brett Gibbons)

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The Army could be enlisted to provide extra capacity for door-to-door Covid-19 testing in Birmingham.
Latest figures showed a rise in the number of infections in the city over the past five days, with 500 council staff redeployed to its "drop-and-collect" testing service.
The initiative involves going door-to-door in high-risk areas offering testing kits to those with or without symptoms. But the city council has revealed it has been in talks with the military to help boost capacity, reports MirrorOnline.
Councillor Brigid Jones, deputy leader of the city council, told a West Midlands Combined Authority meeting: "We have been in talks with the military about them giving us some extra capacity for drop-and-collect.
"It's very much in an extra capacity, feet-on-the-ground sense. It's literally just to support the civilian effort side of things and we'll be in a position next week to confirm whether or not they will be providing extra capacity and how that might be working."
Ms Jones added: "We are doing it because these are areas where there are very high levels of Covid and we believe there may be asymptomatic people and other people in the community who haven't accessed tests."
(Image: Danny Lawson/PA Wire)
Around 6.7 per cent of tests are now coming back as positive, amid a rise in cases among those aged 20-40 across Birmingham.
"Our plea to residents would be, if one of our staff knocks on your door, please take up the opportunity to take a test," Ms Jones said.
Meanwhile, a teenager has been arrested in Birmingham after allegedly assaulting an officer when police were called to a house party.
West Midlands Police said they were called to the party in Oscott which had between 20 and 30 people. The force received 18 calls to breaches of pandemic laws, mainly due to house parties, between 10pm and midnight.
Officers had to move on about 550 people from more than 20 locations across the West Midlands due to breaches of the rules, with eight venues to have their licences reviewed.
Around midnight officers shut down a pub in Birmingham which was hosting a wedding party with about 60 guests some two hours after it should have closed due to the new coronavirus restrictions.
“It’s simple – stay home, stay safe”, the force added in a tweet.
On Friday evening police said they moved on about 450 people who were part of big gatherings, while another 250 were forced to leave an event at a hotel in the city.


birminghammail--2020-09-27--Driver loses £282k Rolls Royce as police seize it on M6

The driver of this luxury £280,000 car wo n't be driving it any day soon after it was stopped on the M6 .
When it comes to the laws of the road , it does n't matter if you 're driving a clapped-out old banger or an expensive car .
And the old saying `` If you have to ask the price , you ca n't afford it '' certainly applied in this case .
For the driver of this white convertible Rolls Royce may have been behind the wheel of an eye-wateringly expensive car , but they had neglected @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the luxury car just off Junction 7 of the M6 in Great Barr on Saturday night .
The driver was stopped and questioned and was found not to be insured to drive it .
Police seized the car , drove it to a pound and the driver was reported for having no insurance .
They posted : `` Just off J7 M6 .
Stop check on a Rolls Royce .
`` Enquiries with the driver reveal they are not insured to drive it .
Vehicle seized and driver reported . ''
Prices for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ new and from £218,000 secondhand .

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The driver of this luxury £280,000 car won't be driving it any day soon after it was stopped on the M6.
When it comes to the laws of the road, it doesn't matter if you're driving a clapped-out old banger or an expensive car.
And the old saying "If you have to ask the price, you can't afford it" certainly applied in this case.
For the driver of this white convertible Rolls Royce may have been behind the wheel of an eye-wateringly expensive car, but they had neglected to buy insurance.
Traffic officers spotted the luxury car just off Junction 7 of the M6 in Great Barr on Saturday night.
The driver was stopped and questioned and was found not to be insured to drive it.
Police seized the car, drove it to a pound and the driver was reported for having no insurance.
Central Motorway Police Group (CMPG) tweeted details of the incident.
They posted: "Just off J7 M6. Stop check on a Rolls Royce.
"Enquiries with the driver reveal they are not insured to drive it. Vehicle seized and driver reported."
Prices for a convertible Rolls Royce start at £282,000 new and from £218,000 secondhand.


birminghammail--2020-09-27--Aston Villa make Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Ross Barkley transfer decisions - report

Aston Villa are pushing hard to beat off competition to sign Chelsea midfielder Ruben Loftus-Cheek on loan before the end of the transfer window , according to reports .
Villa have been linked with the England international in recent days , along with a number of other Premier League teams , including West Ham United and Southampton .
Dean Smith is also said to be interested in fellow Chelsea midfielder Ross Barkley , but Premier League rules stipulating that only one player can join on loan from a specific club means that the Villa boss has been forced to make @ @ @ @ @ @ @ According to the , Villa have now chosen to concentrate on a deal for Loftus-Cheek and have joined the race to sign the 24-year-old on a temporary basis .
The player has been left out of the Chelsea squad entirely for the last two Premier League matches , which is said to have encouraged Villa to make their move for the midfielder .
Loftus-Cheek has played a total of 82 games for the Blues , scoring 12 goals and providing a further 11 assists .
In our daily Aston Villa bulletin , we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ news , transfer features and comment pieces , as well as the key talking points for fans .
How do you sign up ?
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Simply type your email address into the box at the top of this article and hit sign up .
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You can also sign up here .
If you decide later that you no longer wish to receive the emails , simply follow the unsubscribe link in one of the newsletters - @ @ @ @ @ @ @ want to .
And what 's more , it 's absolutely free !
You can also get all the latest updates by following us on social media here Facebook and Twitter .
We also have a free app which you can download .
It is always up-to-date with the latest news from across the region .
Google Play Store and App Store He also has 10 appearances for England , after making his debut in 2017 under Gareth Southgate .
However , he has not been included in the squad since picking up @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the 2018/19 season .
Therefore , the player could be keen to move away from Stamford Bridge in the search for more game time in order to increase his international prospects ahead of the rearranged European Championships next summer .

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Aston Villa are pushing hard to beat off competition to sign Chelsea midfielder Ruben Loftus-Cheek on loan before the end of the transfer window, according to reports.
Villa have been linked with the England international in recent days, along with a number of other Premier League teams, including West Ham United and Southampton.
Dean Smith is also said to be interested in fellow Chelsea midfielder Ross Barkley, but Premier League rules stipulating that only one player can join on loan from a specific club means that the Villa boss has been forced to make a decision over who to prioritise.
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According to the Daily Mail , Villa have now chosen to concentrate on a deal for Loftus-Cheek and have joined the race to sign the 24-year-old on a temporary basis.
The player has been left out of the Chelsea squad entirely for the last two Premier League matches, which is said to have encouraged Villa to make their move for the midfielder.
Loftus-Cheek has played a total of 82 games for the Blues, scoring 12 goals and providing a further 11 assists.
Aston Villa daily newsletter. Free. To your inbox In our daily Aston Villa bulletin, we'll be bringing you the latest breaking news, transfer features and comment pieces, as well as the key talking points for fans. How do you sign up? It's easy and only takes seconds. Simply type your email address into the box at the top of this article and hit sign up. And that's it, you're all set. You can also sign up here. If you decide later that you no longer wish to receive the emails, simply follow the unsubscribe link in one of the newsletters - but we don't think you'll want to. And what's more, it's absolutely free! You can also get all the latest updates by following us on social media here Facebook and Twitter. We also have a free app which you can download. It is always up-to-date with the latest news from across the region. Google Play Store and App Store
He also has 10 appearances for England, after making his debut in 2017 under Gareth Southgate.
However, he has not been included in the squad since picking up a long-term injury at the end of the 2018/19 season.
Therefore, the player could be keen to move away from Stamford Bridge in the search for more game time in order to increase his international prospects ahead of the rearranged European Championships next summer.


birminghammail--2020-09-27--Government will not guarantee that students can go home for Christmas

A top government minister has refused to guarantee that university students will be able to return home for Christmas if coronavirus infections are not reduced .
Culture secretary Oliver Dowden said the nation would have to adhere to the latest Covid-19 restrictions to prevent a further spread of the virus and even tougher measures being introduced .
He told Sky : “ I very much want students to be able to go home at Christmas , and if we all pull together and observe these new rules , we follow the guidance , then we will be able to get @ @ @ @ @ @ @ possible.
” The Cabinet minister told Sky News ’ s Sophy Ridge On Sunday : “ The key thing now is that people stick to the existing rules that we have , they observe the ‘ rule of six ’ , ‘ hands , face and space ’ – people wash their hands , make sure they wear face coverings , particularly indoors , and observe social distancing .
“ If we do all of those things , we can keep the virus under control , keep our economy open and avoid further @ @ @ @ @ @ @ power of everyone watching this show to make sure they abide by those rules and prevent further draconian restrictions.
” He added : “ No man is an island in this : each person has to take their own responsibilities because it will in turn affect everyone else .
“ And the Government is taking its responsibility both in terms of ensuring the correct rules are in place , but also for example by ensuring massive amounts of PPE equipment , a huge upsurge in testing capacity.
” Shadow education secretary Kate Green @ @ @ @ @ @ @ calling for `` urgent clarity and reassurance '' on the matter .
Labour wants to see testing provision put in to ensure students can be home over the festive period .
It comes after 1,700 students at Manchester Metropolitan University were told to stay in their rooms for two weeks after 127 tested positive for the coronavirus .
Shadow culture secretary Jo Stevens added : “ We have to put safety and public health first obviously , but we have said , Labour has said , we think that students should be allowed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to do that we need an effective test , trace and isolate system in place.
” She told Sky : “ Cardiff University for example , in my constituency , is testing every single student and their staff on arrival at campus .
Gavin Williamson should be talking to universities to make sure they can all do that and put support in place for them to do that .
”

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A top government minister has refused to guarantee that university students will be able to return home for Christmas if coronavirus infections are not reduced.
Culture secretary Oliver Dowden said the nation would have to adhere to the latest Covid-19 restrictions to prevent a further spread of the virus and even tougher measures being introduced.
He told Sky: “I very much want students to be able to go home at Christmas, and if we all pull together and observe these new rules, we follow the guidance, then we will be able to get to a point where that should be possible.”
The Cabinet minister told Sky News’s Sophy Ridge On Sunday: “The key thing now is that people stick to the existing rules that we have, they observe the ‘rule of six’, ‘hands, face and space’ – people wash their hands, make sure they wear face coverings, particularly indoors, and observe social distancing.
“If we do all of those things, we can keep the virus under control, keep our economy open and avoid further restrictions. It really is in the power of everyone watching this show to make sure they abide by those rules and prevent further draconian restrictions.”
He added: “No man is an island in this: each person has to take their own responsibilities because it will in turn affect everyone else.
“And the Government is taking its responsibility both in terms of ensuring the correct rules are in place, but also for example by ensuring massive amounts of PPE equipment, a huge upsurge in testing capacity.”
Shadow education secretary Kate Green has written to Education Secretary Gavin Williamson calling for "urgent clarity and reassurance" on the matter.
Labour wants to see testing provision put in to ensure students can be home over the festive period.
It comes after 1,700 students at Manchester Metropolitan University were told to stay in their rooms for two weeks after 127 tested positive for the coronavirus.
Shadow culture secretary Jo Stevens added: “We have to put safety and public health first obviously, but we have said, Labour has said, we think that students should be allowed home at Christmas and to enable them to do that we need an effective test, trace and isolate system in place.”
She told Sky: “Cardiff University for example, in my constituency, is testing every single student and their staff on arrival at campus. Gavin Williamson should be talking to universities to make sure they can all do that and put support in place for them to do that.”


birminghammail--2020-09-27--Amanda Holden stuns Britain's Got Talent fans with eye-popping outfit

Britain ’ s Got Talent fans got much more than they bargained for when judge Amanda Holden ’ s outfit left very little to the imagination .
Some viewers were stunned by the actress and singer 's outfit which revealed a touch too much in last night ’ s show , The Mirror reports .
Mum-of-two Amanda showed off her killer curves in a daring shiny number , but the plunging neckline may have been a little too daring .
But some viewers were convinced they could actually see much more than the 49-year-old was intending , reports BristolLive .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ were quick to rush to social media to criticise Amanda 's choice of dress for a family-friendly TV show .
One outraged viewer wrote : `` Is it me or are Amanda 's nipples coming out her dress , put them away cringing for you . ''
Another penned : `` Sometimes less is more .
No class , '' while a another post stated : `` You can see her nipples !
!
! ''
However others adored the look , and took to social media to show their approval of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` Wow classic Amanda .
You look absolutely amazing xxx , '' another penned , alongside a lovestruck emoji .
Meanwhile Capital FM host Sian Welby wrote : `` Oh come on .
Give the rest of us a chance ! ''
Sharing a snap of her final look with her 1.5 million followers , Amanda wrote : `` BGT tonight 8pm @ itv !
So excited for a show full of incredible acts + we get to see a theatre show ( finally ! )
with a performance from the cast of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Talent 2020 finale it set to take place on Saturday , October 10 .

newsdesk@birminghamlive.co.uk (Dave Shepherd, Brett Gibbons)

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Britain’s Got Talent fans got much more than they bargained for when judge Amanda Holden’s outfit left very little to the imagination.
Some viewers were stunned by the actress and singer's outfit which revealed a touch too much in last night’s show, The Mirror reports.
Mum-of-two Amanda showed off her killer curves in a daring shiny number, but the plunging neckline may have been a little too daring.
But some viewers were convinced they could actually see much more than the 49-year-old was intending, reports BristolLive.
Although many complimented her look, others were quick to rush to social media to criticise Amanda's choice of dress for a family-friendly TV show.
One outraged viewer wrote: "Is it me or are Amanda's nipples coming out her dress, put them away cringing for you."
(Image: ITV)
Another penned: "Sometimes less is more. No class," while a another post stated: "You can see her nipples!!!"
However others adored the look, and took to social media to show their approval of the stunning look.
One admirer wrote: "Wow classic Amanda. You look absolutely amazing xxx," another penned, alongside a lovestruck emoji.
The Saturdays star Mollie King penned: "Wow looking gorgeous! X"
Meanwhile Capital FM host Sian Welby wrote: "Oh come on. Give the rest of us a chance!"
Sharing a snap of her final look with her 1.5 million Instagram followers, Amanda wrote: "BGT tonight 8pm @itv! So excited for a show full of incredible acts + we get to see a theatre show (finally!) with a performance from the cast of Hairspray."
The Britain's Got Talent 2020 finale it set to take place on Saturday, October 10.


birminghammail--2020-09-27--West Brom fans in optimistic mood after dramatic Chelsea draw

West Bromwich Albion fans are feeling optimistic hours after a dramatic 3-3 draw with Chelsea .
The Baggies were on course to cause one of the biggest shocks of the season at half-time , going into the break with a 3-0 lead .
A brace from Callum Robinson and a goal from Kyle Bartley put Slaven Bilic ’ s men in a commanding position with less than half-an-hour of the game played .
However , two changes from Frank Lampard at the half-time break , plus a 55th-minute goal from Mason Mount set the tone for the second half .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ a Callum Hudson-Odoi strike .
The Baggies held out until injury time when Tammy Abraham finished from close-range to draw the Blues level .
The equalising goal was met with controversy after VAR deemed there was no handball infringement by Kai Havertz in the build-up , much to the anger of Bilic and West Brom fans .
The way the result came about may have proved hard to take for fans , but after having a few hours to digest the match , fans are taking the many positives that came from the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ say that after 50+ years of following the baggies , I would guess there ’ s a lot of us of a certain vintage that would have said at half time that we would take a draw now !
.. and yes we would have been right .. Chelsea were not going to keep missing chances # CHEWBA # WBAFC ” Baz : “ Just a reminder that Werner , Havertz and Kepa cost more than our club Adrian Goldberg : “ Gutted of course - feels like a defeat etc etc but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ WBACHE # WBA # WBAFC ” Levz : “ We ’ re gon na rip a few teams apart this season , once we ’ re back to 4 at the back I ’ m hoping we ’ ll be a bit more defensively sound # wba.
” Why should you sign up ?
In our daily Baggies bulletin , we 'll be bringing you the latest breaking news , transfer features and comment pieces , as well as the key talking points for fans .
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It @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Simply type your email address into the box at the top of this article and hit sign up .
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Google Play Store and App Store Adam Kemshall : “ Felt like a defeat last night but on reflection a good performance & a confidence boost to the lads that they can trouble sides .
Ivanovic in to lead at the back , Gallagher into midfield .
A striker still a must but not all doom & gloom .
We all said season starts October .
# wba ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it I 'm making meself see positives in the point - we proved yesterday that we can hold our own against one of the best teams in the league and that makes me dead proud of the lads # wba ” Darren Baker : “ Having slept on it .
The three games we 've played we 've looked good .
The intent is right and we 've scored goals .
Add quality in Gallagher , Brana and Grant and we have a chance .

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West Bromwich Albion fans are feeling optimistic hours after a dramatic 3-3 draw with Chelsea.
The Baggies were on course to cause one of the biggest shocks of the season at half-time, going into the break with a 3-0 lead.
A brace from Callum Robinson and a goal from Kyle Bartley put Slaven Bilic’s men in a commanding position with less than half-an-hour of the game played.
However, two changes from Frank Lampard at the half-time break, plus a 55th-minute goal from Mason Mount set the tone for the second half.
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Chelsea reduced the deficit further thanks to a Callum Hudson-Odoi strike.
The Baggies held out until injury time when Tammy Abraham finished from close-range to draw the Blues level.
The equalising goal was met with controversy after VAR deemed there was no handball infringement by Kai Havertz in the build-up, much to the anger of Bilic and West Brom fans.
The way the result came about may have proved hard to take for fans, but after having a few hours to digest the match, fans are taking the many positives that came from the game.
Chris : “have to say that after 50+ years of following the baggies, I would guess there’s a lot of us of a certain vintage that would have said at half time that we would take a draw now! .. and yes we would have been right ..
Chelsea were not going to keep missing chances #CHEWBA #WBAFC”
Baz : “Just a reminder that Werner, Havertz and Kepa cost more than our club
“Will certainly take a point lads #wbafc”
Adrian Goldberg : “Gutted of course - feels like a defeat etc etc but a great point for the Baggies #WBACHE #WBA #WBAFC”
Levz : “We’re gonna rip a few teams apart this season, once we’re back to 4 at the back I’m hoping we’ll be a bit more defensively sound #wba.”
West Brom daily newsletter. Free. To your inbox Why should you sign up? We'll be bringing you the latest breaking news, transfer gossip and comment pieces in our daily Baggies bulletin, as well as the key talking points for fans. How do you sign up? It's easy and only takes seconds. Just type your email address into the box at the top of this article and hit sign up. And that's it, you're all set. You can also sign up by clicking here. And what's more, it's absolutely free! You can also get all the latest West Brom updates by following us on Facebook and Twitter. We also have a free app which you can download via Google Play Store or the App Store. It is always up-to-date with the latest news .
Adam Kemshall : “Felt like a defeat last night but on reflection a good performance & a confidence boost to the lads that they can trouble sides. Ivanovic in to lead at the back, Gallagher into midfield. A striker still a must but not all doom & gloom. We all said season starts October. #wba”
Sarah : ”Now av slept on it I'm making meself see positives in the point - we proved yesterday that we can hold our own against one of the best teams in the league and that makes me dead proud of the lads #wba”
Darren Baker : “Having slept on it. The three games we've played we've looked good. The intent is right and we've scored goals. Add quality in Gallagher, Brana and Grant and we have a chance.
Or
Just blame Sam. #wba”


birminghammail--2020-09-27--M1 closed in both directions after crash leaves passenger in critical condition

A man has been arrested on suspicion of drink driving after a crash left one person in a critical condition @ @ @ @ @ of motorway .
The M1 in Leicestershire was closed in both directions at junction 23 @ @ @ @ @ the northbound collision , involving a black Range Rover and a black Audi RS4 just @ @ @ @ @ A back seat passenger in the Range Rover was seriously injured and was in a @ @ @ @ @ The driver and a front seat passenger were also injured but their wounds were not @ @ @ @ @ The Audi driver was not injured , with a 37-year-old man arrested on suspicion of @ @ @ @ @ Leicestershire Police said diversions were in place and the motorway was “ likely to remain @ @ @ @ @ .
Police asked anyone with information , or who may have captured part of the @ @ @ @ @ , to call 101 and quote incident 743 of September 26 .

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A man has been arrested on suspicion of drink driving after a crash left one person in a critical condition and closed a busy stretch of motorway.
The M1 in Leicestershire was closed in both directions at junction 23, near Loughborough, following the northbound collision, involving a black Range Rover and a black Audi RS4 just before 11.20pm on Saturday.
A back seat passenger in the Range Rover was seriously injured and was in a critical condition in hospital.
The driver and a front seat passenger were also injured but their wounds were not thought to be life-threatening.
The Audi driver was not injured, with a 37-year-old man arrested on suspicion of drink-driving and driving offences.
Leicestershire Police said diversions were in place and the motorway was “likely to remain closed for some time”.
Police asked anyone with information, or who may have captured part of the crash on a dash camera, to call 101 and quote incident 743 of September 26.


birminghammail--2020-09-27--Watch - Police break up 50-strong crowd watching brass band

This is the astonishing moment a large crowd of people gathered to watch a brass band play during Birmingham 's lockdown .
Around 50 people were in the centre of Moseley village , dancing along to the band on Saturday night after the pubs closed .
The event was stopped by police because it was in breach of the new Covid restrictions in Birmingham .
It was one of more than 20 gatherings they broke up on Saturday night alone as they staged a crackdown on Covid flouters .
A local man passing through Moseley at around 10pm on Saturday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
He told BirminghamLive : `` Driving through my local neighbourhood of Moseley , this is absolutely shocking .
`` This was in Moseley village opposite the Bulls Head by the black cab stand around 10pm .
`` There were around 40 to 50 people gathered . ''
West Midlands Police said officers took action against the group .
They said : `` In Moseley village there ’ s been a bit of a gathering on the green featuring an impromptu performance from a band featuring someone on the trumpet .
`` We @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are making their way home now .
All very friendly . ''

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This is the astonishing moment a large crowd of people gathered to watch a brass band play during Birmingham's lockdown.
Around 50 people were in the centre of Moseley village, dancing along to the band on Saturday night after the pubs closed.
The event was stopped by police because it was in breach of the new Covid restrictions in Birmingham.
It was one of more than 20 gatherings they broke up on Saturday night alone as they staged a crackdown on Covid flouters.
A local man passing through Moseley at around 10pm on Saturday filmed the scene on his mobile phone.
He told BirminghamLive: "Driving through my local neighbourhood of Moseley, this is absolutely shocking.
"This was in Moseley village opposite the Bulls Head by the black cab stand around 10pm.
"There were around 40 to 50 people gathered."
West Midlands Police said officers took action against the group.
They said: "In Moseley village there’s been a bit of a gathering on the green featuring an impromptu performance from a band featuring someone on the trumpet.
"We’ve had a word and people are making their way home now. All very friendly."


birminghammail--2020-09-27--The verdict on Scott Hogan's return to Birmingham City

A drab match erupted into a game of two penalties as Birmingham City were held by a determined Rotherham .
Kieran Sadlier looked to have given the visitors the points when he struck from the spot in the 86th minute .
But Jeremie Bela rescued a draw - having conceded the Rotherham penalty - as the game entered stoppage time .
The French winger might have bagged the winner in the dying seconds but in the end the points were shared .
Sign up to our Birmingham City newsletter for the latest transfer news and comment Why should you sign @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bulletin , we 'll be bringing you the latest breaking news , transfer features and comment pieces , as well as the key talking points for fans .
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Google Play Store and App Store Scott Hogan made his return to Birmingham City - his second Blues debut of 2020 and it was nothing like as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ announced his arrival in January by chasing a lost cause in the first ten seconds and scoring inside the first half of a 2-1 win over Nottingham Forest .
He didn ’ t have a shot against Rotherham , though he did create a couple of openings for Lukas Jutkiewicz - one by charging down the goalkeeper .
If this wasn ’ t Hogan c.February 2020 , seven goals in eight games and all that , happily it wasn ’ t post-lockdown Hogan either .
Aitor Karanka feels there ’ s better to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ improves .
Hopefully that ’ s true because Blues will need a goal tally in double figures if they are to achieve anything this season .
Overall it ’ s wasn ’ t great - and it wasn ’ t terrible .
Blues remain unbeaten after three Championship matches and what on paper looked a tough first month against Brentford , Swansea , Rotherham and Stoke .
Five points from three games is a satisfactory tally , there have been huge strides made in the defensive shape of a team that now boasts @ @ @ @ @ @ @ down the spine - and a potential star in the shape of Ivan Sanchez .
However , we always knew this match was going to be a test and if football is actually two games rolled into one - with the ball and without it - Blues have plenty of work to do on the former , when it comes to attacking patterns .
It will only get better as the combinations play together more and in Sanchez ’ s partnership with Maxime Colin they have something very promising on which to build @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is in mindset and mental fortitude .
Had last year ’ s team gone 1-0 down to an 86th minute penalty it ’ s difficult to envisage them fighting their way back into the game .
However , as soon as the ball hits the back of Neil Etheridge ’ s net the goalkeeper is on his feet tossing it to Gary Gardner who ran it back to the centre spot .
Four minutes later Jon Toral had shown real intent driving into the box to win his own spot-kick and say what @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he was never missing from 12 yards .
There ’ s been a psychological makeover since Aitor Karanka arrived - and Harlee Dean even admitted afterwards that last season they ’ d have lost this game .
You can have all the Xs and Os , patterns and gameplans you like , but Championship football often comes down to heart over head and Blues ’ is beating strong again .
In no situation is that more true than at defensive set-pieces .
Towards the end of last season Blues were a soft touch @ @ @ @ @ @ @ necessarily on an organisational basis but in terms of the sheer physical determination to put their bodies and heads in hazardous places .
There is none of that now .
Fifty-two minutes had gone when Mickel Miller curled over a dangerous free kick from the left , a cordon of Rotherham players closed in on it and Dean and George Friend where there to man the barricades and stop them .
Dean ended up in the back of the net , Friend was dumped in a heap but the ball was safely over @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and returned to their positions .
Fourteen minutes later Angus MacDonald found the 6ft 3ins Michael Smith at the back stick and Dean was with him every inch of the way , once again finding himself shunted into his own goal and happy to see Neil Etheridge dive on the loose ball .
Indeed Dean won more aerial battles than any other players on the pitch , his 14 not far off Rotherham ’ s team total of 20 .
Captain ’ s knock .

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A drab match erupted into a game of two penalties as Birmingham City were held by a determined Rotherham.
Kieran Sadlier looked to have given the visitors the points when he struck from the spot in the 86th minute.
But Jeremie Bela rescued a draw - having conceded the Rotherham penalty - as the game entered stoppage time.
The French winger might have bagged the winner in the dying seconds but in the end the points were shared.
Here’s what stood out.
Sign up to our Birmingham City newsletter for the latest news and comment Why should you sign up? In our daily Birmingham City bulletin, we'll be bringing you the latest breaking news, transfer features and comment pieces, as well as the key talking points for fans. How do you sign up? It's easy and only takes seconds. Simply type your email address into the box at the top of this article and hit sign up. And that's it, you're all set. You can also sign up here. If you decide later that you no longer wish to receive the emails, simply follow the unsubscribe link in one of the newsletters - but we don't think you'll want to. And what's more, it's absolutely free! You can also get all the latest updates by following us on social media here Facebook and Twitter. We also have a free app which you can download. It is always up-to-date with the latest news from across the region. Google Play Store and App Store
He's back
Scott Hogan made his return to Birmingham City - his second Blues debut of 2020 and it was nothing like as impactful as his first.
The 28-year-old announced his arrival in January by chasing a lost cause in the first ten seconds and scoring inside the first half of a 2-1 win over Nottingham Forest.
He didn’t have a shot against Rotherham, though he did create a couple of openings for Lukas Jutkiewicz - one by charging down the goalkeeper.
If this wasn’t Hogan c.February 2020, seven goals in eight games and all that, happily it wasn’t post-lockdown Hogan either.
Aitor Karanka feels there’s better to come as the striker’s fitness improves. Hopefully that’s true because Blues will need a goal tally in double figures if they are to achieve anything this season.
Overall it wasn’t great - and it wasn’t terrible.
(Image: PA)
Promising start
Blues remain unbeaten after three Championship matches and what on paper looked a tough first month against Brentford, Swansea, Rotherham and Stoke.
Five points from three games is a satisfactory tally, there have been huge strides made in the defensive shape of a team that now boasts established, authentic Championship performers, particularly down the spine - and a potential star in the shape of Ivan Sanchez.
However, we always knew this match was going to be a test and if football is actually two games rolled into one - with the ball and without it - Blues have plenty of work to do on the former, when it comes to attacking patterns.
It will only get better as the combinations play together more and in Sanchez’s partnership with Maxime Colin they have something very promising on which to build.
Fortitude
Perhaps the biggest area of progression is in mindset and mental fortitude. Had last year’s team gone 1-0 down to an 86th minute penalty it’s difficult to envisage them fighting their way back into the game.
However, as soon as the ball hits the back of Neil Etheridge’s net the goalkeeper is on his feet tossing it to Gary Gardner who ran it back to the centre spot.
Four minutes later Jon Toral had shown real intent driving into the box to win his own spot-kick and say what you like about Jeremie Bela, but he was never missing from 12 yards.
There’s been a psychological makeover since Aitor Karanka arrived - and Harlee Dean even admitted afterwards that last season they’d have lost this game.
You can have all the Xs and Os, patterns and gameplans you like, but Championship football often comes down to heart over head and Blues’ is beating strong again.
Captain's knock
In no situation is that more true than at defensive set-pieces. Towards the end of last season Blues were a soft touch from corners and free kicks, not necessarily on an organisational basis but in terms of the sheer physical determination to put their bodies and heads in hazardous places.
There is none of that now. Fifty-two minutes had gone when Mickel Miller curled over a dangerous free kick from the left, a cordon of Rotherham players closed in on it and Dean and George Friend where there to man the barricades and stop them.
Dean ended up in the back of the net, Friend was dumped in a heap but the ball was safely over the bar. They picked themselves up and returned to their positions.
Fourteen minutes later Angus MacDonald found the 6ft 3ins Michael Smith at the back stick and Dean was with him every inch of the way, once again finding himself shunted into his own goal and happy to see Neil Etheridge dive on the loose ball.
Indeed Dean won more aerial battles than any other players on the pitch, his 14 not far off Rotherham’s team total of 20. Captain’s knock.


birminghammail--2020-09-27--Cops in corona blitz as 1,000 revellers sent home

Police sent 1,000 revellers home from locations including a snooker hall , student party and massage parlour in a weekend-long @ @ @ @ @ out revellers from a string of locations where they found people ignoring the rules on @ @ @ @ @ night , around 250 were kicked out of a hotel , 38 from a massage @ @ @ @ @ snooker hall which was letting customers in through a back door after the 10pm closing @ @ @ @ @ reports of a 50-strong party at student digs .
And there was no let up @ @ @ @ @ showed a huge number of people enjoying their evening in Moseley - complete with music @ @ @ @ @ also attended reports of a `` secret rave '' at a city centre bar , @ @ @ @ @ as a house party with up to 30 people was broken up in Oscott , @ @ @ @ @ people were ordered to leave premises on Friday night , with another 550 from 20 @ @ @ @ @ with us for updates throughout the day .

Police sent 1,000 revellers home from locations including a snooker hall, student party and massage parlour in a weekend-long coronavirus blitz.
Officers kicked out revellers from a string of locations where they found people ignoring the rules on social gatherings.
On Friday night, around 250 were kicked out of a hotel, 38 from a massage parlour and others from a snooker hall which was letting customers in through a back door after the 10pm closing time. There were also reports of a 50-strong party at student digs.
And there was no let up on Saturday, when video showed a huge number of people enjoying their evening in Moseley - complete with music from a trumpeter.
Patrols also attended reports of a "secret rave" at a city centre bar, while an officer was attacked as a house party with up to 30 people was broken up in Oscott, near Kingstanding.
Around 450 people were ordered to leave premises on Friday night, with another 550 from 20 locations on Saturday.
Stay with us for updates throughout the day.


birminghammail--2020-09-27--Matheus Pereira's performance hailed by Micah Richards in Chelsea draw

Former Premier League defender and Match of the Day pundit Micah Richards has praised the impact of West Brom winger Matheus Pereira in the 3-3 draw with Chelsea .
The Baggies were on course for a shock result , taking a 3-0 lead into half-time of the match .
However , Chelsea completed a second-half turnaround to grab a point from the game .
Pereira provided an assist for the opening goal of the game after just four minutes , and his performance impressed the onlooking Richards .
“ What a talent he is , ” he said on Match @ @ @ @ @ @ @ de Bruyne has had more assists than him since the start of last season .
He ’ s just so comfortable on the ball , everything that West Brom do right is because of him .
“ He got another assist , scored a beautiful free-kick last week , and he ’ s so calm and composed on the ball.
” And Pereira ’ s performances so far this season has answered a big question for Richards .
“ He ’ s always looking forward at every opportunity , ” he added .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ our daily Baggies bulletin , we 'll be bringing you the latest breaking news , transfer features and comment pieces , as well as the key talking points for fans .
How do you sign up ?
It 's easy and only takes seconds .
Simply type your email address into the box at the top of this article and hit sign up .
And that 's it , you 're all set .
You can also sign up here .
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Google Play Store and App Store “ His technique on the cross that led to the goal .
“ I watched him a lot @ @ @ @ @ @ @ if he can do it in the Premier League , and he showed me in the last couple of games that he definitely can .
He ’ s just an absolute delight to watch.
” Pereira will look to continue to impress when West Brom travel to Southampton for their next Premier League match next Sunday .

newsdesk@birminghamlive.co.uk (Josh Challies, Amie Wilson)

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Former Premier League defender and Match of the Day pundit Micah Richards has praised the impact of West Brom winger Matheus Pereira in the 3-3 draw with Chelsea.
The Baggies were on course for a shock result, taking a 3-0 lead into half-time of the match.
However, Chelsea completed a second-half turnaround to grab a point from the game.
Pereira provided an assist for the opening goal of the game after just four minutes, and his performance impressed the onlooking Richards.
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“What a talent he is,” he said on Match of the Day.
“Only Kevin De Bruyne has had more assists than him since the start of last season. He’s just so comfortable on the ball, everything that West Brom do right is because of him.
“He got another assist, scored a beautiful free-kick last week, and he’s so calm and composed on the ball.”
And Pereira’s performances so far this season has answered a big question for Richards.
“He’s always looking forward at every opportunity,” he added.
West Brom daily newsletter. Free. To your inbox Why should you sign up? We'll be bringing you the latest breaking news, transfer gossip and comment pieces in our daily Baggies bulletin, as well as the key talking points for fans. How do you sign up? It's easy and only takes seconds. Just type your email address into the box at the top of this article and hit sign up. And that's it, you're all set. You can also sign up by clicking here. And what's more, it's absolutely free! You can also get all the latest West Brom updates by following us on Facebook and Twitter. We also have a free app which you can download via Google Play Store or the App Store. It is always up-to-date with the latest news .
“His technique on the cross that led to the goal.
“I watched him a lot in the Championship last season, wondering if he can do it in the Premier League, and he showed me in the last couple of games that he definitely can. He’s just an absolute delight to watch.”
Pereira will look to continue to impress when West Brom travel to Southampton for their next Premier League match next Sunday.


birminghammail--2020-09-27--Albion send clear message to top flight rivals as Chelsea escape

West Brom are off the mark in the Premier League - but this will feel unquestionably like two points dropped after their 3-0 half time lead against Chelsea was eroded in the second half .
Callum Robinson ’ s brace and Kyle Bartley ’ s fine finish set Albion on their way and set The Hawthorns clash up for a big shock amid a heroic display across the pitch - comfortably their best showing of the season still in its infancy .
The Blues replied , though , after the break when Mason Mount , Callum Hudson-Odoi and Tammy Abraham @ @ @ @ @ @ @ denied the Baggies victory .
Joseph Chapman was at The Hawthorns - here are the big talking points .
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It is always up-to-date with the latest news from across the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Store Slaven Bilic bemoaned how his players ’ dressing room was one bereft , having deserved two further points than the one they were made to settle for because of that VAR call at the death .
The handball now has to be in the immediate build up to the goal .
Kai Havertz supposedly brought the ball down with his hand before the ball was cleared to the edge of the box .
Surely handball anywhere is still handball , though ?
Perhaps this is what Albion will have to deal with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as though the goalposts are being moved when it comes to VAR - which they ’ re only just getting used to as it is .
Roy Hodgson said it best , pretty much as Albion kicked off their game against Chelsea .
The former Albion boss had seen a decision go against his Crystal Palace side , in their clash with Everton .
He said : “ It ’ s completely unacceptable .
It ’ s destroying my enjoyment of the game of football .
I can ’ t understand how everyone @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , referees , managers and coaches - have allowed this rule to come into operation.
” We said it at Everton last week , as Albion showed signs that they were maybe just finding their feet back in the top tier - certainly as far as trequartistas Grady Diangana and Matheus Pereira were concerned .
Their downfall , besides Kieran Gibbs ’ sending off , was their leaky back-line .
That remains a problem ( to have already conceded 11 goals in three matches is still especially alarming ) yet that was an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Leicester .
In turn , this was better again .
It wasn ’ t even just the three goal lead that the Baggies raced into , against better opponents once more in the form of Chelsea , who ’ d spent the small matter of £220m this summer .
They played some dazzling stuff at times and - it may sound odd when you consider they chucked a three-goal lead away - but they generally defended better as a team , too .
After a tough start to life back in this division @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that look particularly winnable - and it ’ s imperative that they retain the positive bits they ’ ve produced here when they make for Southampton .
There were three players that caught my attention over the course of the piece here .
It ’ s been a tough start to life in the top flight for Romaine Sawyers , Slaven Bilic ’ s metronome who was key to the way they operated for most of last season .
Sawyers likes time on the ball and space to pick a pass .
If @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , he can wreak havoc .
He ’ s enjoyed neither in the first couple of games , and didn ’ t really here , either - but Sawyers did show signs that he ’ s adapting .
This was more like it .
The other pair in question were defenders Kyle Bartley and Darnell Furlong ; both were part of a defence that did themselves no favours at Goodison Park , but here they stood out above the others .
Bartley , besides his extremely well taken goal , was colossal and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ right , and played a major role in Marcos Alonso being hooked at half time .
A word for Conor Townsend , too - having endured a Premier League baptism of the fire in the first half , he shored things up in the second and looked assured going forward .
This was , on the whole , a really positive showing from an Albion side who welcome a host of players back into the frame who were missing here .
With any luck , Bilic will have both a fully fit Branislav @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
That ’ s before you factor in Conor Gallagher and Ahmed Hegazi , while Kieran Gibbs will be serving the final match of his three game ban on the south coast .
Filip Krovinovic ’ s silhouette is emerging on the horizon .
It would appear as though progress is being made in the hunt for Karlan Grant , too ; the striker , who was left out of Huddersfield ’ s squad once again for their 1-0 win over Nottingham Forest on Friday , remains the club ’ s priority before @ @ @ @ @ @ @ there was no room in this squad for Charlie Austin , Kamil Grosicki or Kenneth Zohore .
Bilic deems them surplus to requirements and wouldn ’ t be a surprise to see any of them depart before the window shuts .

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West Brom are off the mark in the Premier League - but this will feel unquestionably like two points dropped after their 3-0 half time lead against Chelsea was eroded in the second half.
Callum Robinson’s brace and Kyle Bartley’s fine finish set Albion on their way and set The Hawthorns clash up for a big shock amid a heroic display across the pitch - comfortably their best showing of the season still in its infancy.
The Blues replied, though, after the break when Mason Mount, Callum Hudson-Odoi and Tammy Abraham - the latter at the death - denied the Baggies victory.
Joseph Chapman was at The Hawthorns - here are the big talking points.
West Brom daily newsletter. Free. To your inbox Why should you sign up? We'll be bringing you the latest breaking news, transfer gossip and comment pieces in our daily Baggies bulletin, as well as the key talking points for fans. How do you sign up? It's easy and only takes seconds. Just type your email address into the box at the top of this article and hit sign up. And that's it, you're all set. You can also sign up by clicking here. And what's more, it's absolutely free! You can also get all the latest West Brom updates by following us on Facebook and Twitter. We also have a free app which you can download via Google Play Store or the App Store. It is always up-to-date with the latest news .
Farcical
Slaven Bilic bemoaned how his players’ dressing room was one bereft, having deserved two further points than the one they were made to settle for because of that VAR call at the death.
The handball now has to be in the immediate build up to the goal. Kai Havertz supposedly brought the ball down with his hand before the ball was cleared to the edge of the box. Surely handball anywhere is still handball, though?
Perhaps this is what Albion will have to deal with going forwards, but it already feels as though the goalposts are being moved when it comes to VAR - which they’re only just getting used to as it is.
Roy Hodgson said it best, pretty much as Albion kicked off their game against Chelsea. The former Albion boss had seen a decision go against his Crystal Palace side, in their clash with Everton.
He said: “It’s completely unacceptable. It’s destroying my enjoyment of the game of football. I can’t understand how everyone in the game - the Premier League, referees, managers and coaches - have allowed this rule to come into operation.”
Baby steps
We said it at Everton last week, as Albion showed signs that they were maybe just finding their feet back in the top tier - certainly as far as trequartistas Grady Diangana and Matheus Pereira were concerned.
Their downfall, besides Kieran Gibbs’ sending off, was their leaky back-line. That remains a problem (to have already conceded 11 goals in three matches is still especially alarming) yet that was an improvement on the opening day showing against Leicester.
In turn, this was better again. It wasn’t even just the three goal lead that the Baggies raced into, against better opponents once more in the form of Chelsea, who’d spent the small matter of £220m this summer.
They played some dazzling stuff at times and - it may sound odd when you consider they chucked a three-goal lead away - but they generally defended better as a team, too.
After a tough start to life back in this division, now come a stretch of fixtures that look particularly winnable - and it’s imperative that they retain the positive bits they’ve produced here when they make for Southampton.
Rule of three
There were three players that caught my attention over the course of the piece here.
It’s been a tough start to life in the top flight for Romaine Sawyers, Slaven Bilic’s metronome who was key to the way they operated for most of last season.
Sawyers likes time on the ball and space to pick a pass. If you give him either, or both, he can wreak havoc. He’s enjoyed neither in the first couple of games, and didn’t really here, either - but Sawyers did show signs that he’s adapting. This was more like it.
The other pair in question were defenders Kyle Bartley and Darnell Furlong; both were part of a defence that did themselves no favours at Goodison Park, but here they stood out above the others.
Bartley, besides his extremely well taken goal, was colossal and vocal. Furlong was rampant down the right, and played a major role in Marcos Alonso being hooked at half time.
A word for Conor Townsend, too - having endured a Premier League baptism of the fire in the first half, he shored things up in the second and looked assured going forward.
The cavalry
This was, on the whole, a really positive showing from an Albion side who welcome a host of players back into the frame who were missing here.
With any luck, Bilic will have both a fully fit Branislav Ivanovic at his disposal against the Saints. That’s before you factor in Conor Gallagher and Ahmed Hegazi, while Kieran Gibbs will be serving the final match of his three game ban on the south coast. Filip Krovinovic’s silhouette is emerging on the horizon.
It would appear as though progress is being made in the hunt for Karlan Grant, too; the striker, who was left out of Huddersfield’s squad once again for their 1-0 win over Nottingham Forest on Friday, remains the club’s priority before the transfer deadline.
Once again, there was no room in this squad for Charlie Austin, Kamil Grosicki or Kenneth Zohore. Bilic deems them surplus to requirements and wouldn’t be a surprise to see any of them depart before the window shuts.


birminghammail--2020-09-27--Hogan, Bela and every word from Aitor Karanka as Blues are held

Aitor Karanka spoke with the media after Birmingham City ’ s 1-1 draw with Rotherham United .
Blues ’ head coach discussed the game , Jeremie Bela ’ s late role , Scott Hogan ’ s debut and much more .
“ I have mixed feelings , having conceded the goal to come back and even have another chance to win the game , [ you have ] to be pleased and happy .
“ I think we should have won the game , we were much better than them in the second half , we had much more chances @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at half time my perception was we wasted 45 minutes , I think the first half we didn ’ t play the way we should have played .
I told them that Rotherham is a really aggressive taem , really intense team and we have to play with the same intensity and aggression as them and we didn ’ t .
“ In the second half when we kept the ball and moved the ball we created those chances.
” Sign up to our Birmingham City newsletter for the latest transfer news and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ In our daily Birmingham City bulletin , we 'll be bringing you the latest breaking news , transfer features and comment pieces , as well as the key talking points for fans .
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Google Play Store and App Store “ Jeremie was supposed to take the penalty , he showed personality which I think is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ what happened in other moments – today after conceding a penalty , then two minutes later , scoring a penalty for us and he was the first one to take the penalty , he knew he was responsible .
“ He showed us personality and he even had another chance to win the game .
Especially a player like Jeremie , sometimes you can feel a player like Harlee or Kristian , the defenders , or Ivan or Clayton have personality – today Jeremie showed he is one of them .
“ It @ @ @ @ @ @ @ when he knows he is responsible .
Some players would have looked at the side and missed.
” Want Jeremie to try and make that tackle ?
`` Yes , but it depends , I like to be compact when we are attacking and defending .
The more compact we are the more difficult it will be for the opponent.
`` “ I don ’ t want to say they underestimated the opponent because last year they were in League One – when you play against two sides who were in the play-offs @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that was in League One , most of the time that happens .
“ In the second half they realise they have to try to win this game and to play with the same aggression and same intensity.
” “ I don ’ t know about the penalty decisions but I didn ’ t hear any complaints.
” “ I think it ’ s the first step for him .
He needs to get fit and get confidence again because he didn ’ t finish last season as well as he started and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as our pre-season so we need to keep calm with him , keep him confident and get him fitter every week.
” Kept them at a distance ... '' We knew they are really , really dangerous at set-pieces and we conceded a lot of set pieces .
`` So we need to be careful because now we are in a good moment , we are defending well , everybody is committed but if we allow a lot of set-pieces against us , against teams like Rotherham we are going to have a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ conceded from open play ... '' In Spain we say when an attacking player is defending in the box ‘ Always danger ’ and once again it was true .
`` But again I am really pleased not only with the defenders but with everybody because we attack and defend together .
`` With Neil in goal again transmitting his calm to everybody and when the ball is in the air everyone is committed , I think it is good . ''

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Aitor Karanka spoke with the media after Birmingham City’s 1-1 draw with Rotherham United.
Blues’ head coach discussed the game, Jeremie Bela’s late role, Scott Hogan’s debut and much more.
Here’s the transcript.
Match reaction
“I have mixed feelings, having conceded the goal to come back and even have another chance to win the game, [you have] to be pleased and happy.
“I think we should have won the game, we were much better than them in the second half, we had much more chances than them.
“I told them at half time my perception was we wasted 45 minutes, I think the first half we didn’t play the way we should have played. I told them that Rotherham is a really aggressive team, really intense team and we have to play with the same intensity and aggression as them and we didn’t.
“In the second half when we kept the ball and moved the ball we created those chances.”
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Bela’s dramatics
“Jeremie was supposed to take the penalty, he showed personality which I think is good. I don’t know what happened in other moments – today after conceding a penalty, then two minutes later, scoring a penalty for us and he was the first one to take the penalty, he knew he was responsible.
“He showed us personality and he even had another chance to win the game. Especially a player like Jeremie, sometimes you can feel a player like Harlee or Kristian, the defenders, or Ivan or Clayton have personality – today Jeremie showed he is one of them.
“It is difficult to take that penalty even when he knows he is responsible. Some players would have looked at the side and missed.”
Want Jeremie to try and make that tackle?
"Yes, but it depends, I like to be compact when we are attacking and defending. The more compact we are the more difficult it will be for the opponent. "
Explain first half performance
“I don’t want to say they underestimated the opponent because last year they were in League One – when you play against two sides who were in the play-offs last year then play against a team that was in League One, most of the time that happens.
“In the second half they realise they have to try to win this game and to play with the same aggression and same intensity.”
Agree with both penalties?
“I don’t know about the penalty decisions but I didn’t hear any complaints.”
On Scott Hogan’s performance...
“I think it’s the first step for him. He needs to get fit and get confidence again because he didn’t finish last season as well as he started and his pre-season wasn’t as good as our pre-season so we need to keep calm with him, keep him confident and get him fitter every week.”
Kept them at a distance...
"We knew they are really, really dangerous at set-pieces and we conceded a lot of set pieces.
"So we need to be careful because now we are in a good moment, we are defending well, everybody is committed but if we allow a lot of set-pieces against us, against teams like Rotherham we are going to have a lot of problems."
Still not conceded from open play...
"In Spain we say when an attacking player is defending in the box ‘Always danger’ and once again it was true.
"But again I am really pleased not only with the defenders but with everybody because we attack and defend together.
"With Neil in goal again transmitting his calm to everybody and when the ball is in the air everyone is committed, I think it is good."


birminghammail--2020-09-27--The obvious selection headache facing Dean Smith at Fulham

Dean Smith will take his 18-man Villa squad down to the capital later today ahead of Monday 's encounter with Fulham .
The boss will be in buoyant mood too knowing Villa are unbeaten in seven competitive games which spans back to the 2-0 victory over Crystal Palace on July 12 .
After clinching Premier League survival , Smith 's re-energised Villa have won three from three so far this season , backing up last week 's Carabao Cup win over Burton Albion with victories over Sheffield United and Bristol City .
Last time out in the league Villa dug @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a goal from Ezri Konsa on the hour mark .
The centre-back will partner Tyrone Mings again Monday .
Here , we look at the possible XI Smith will pick for Fulham and assess the potential selection headaches he 'll have prior to filing his team-sheet at 4.45pm : Now , as far as debuts go , Emi Martinez 's claret and blue bow had everything : a clean sheet , three points and a heroic penalty save .
The Argentinian has become a bit of a fan favourite at Villa Park after @ @ @ @ @ @ @ United .
The 28-year-old is now Smith 's No.1 with Tom Heaton remaining sidelined until November .
Jed Steer will continue to be the Carabao Cup goalkeeper and he 'll play again against Stoke this upcoming Thursday .
At Fulham , though , Martinez will return to London once more and will look to make it back-to-back clean sheets in a Villa shirt .
Villa 's defence against Chris Wilder 's blunt Blades faced just one shot on target last Monday - and that was John Lundstram 's penalty .
Matty Cash , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ performed resolutely in Villa 's new-look , all-English back four .
Cash had an impressive debut at right-back and showcased his energy levels getting up and down .
Konsa and Mings were both colossal once more as they stretched their centre-back partnership to five games unbeaten ( W3 D2 ) .
They 're absolutely vital for the year ahead .
Villa , meanwhile , will have Bjorn Engels back in contention next week after he recovered from a thigh strain .
Kortney Hause will be in reserve , too .
On Monday , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ same back four to that one that registered a clean sheet against Sheffield United , with Konsa shaking off a muscle strain .
Again , you ca n't envisage a change in midfield for Fulham with Douglas Luiz , John McGinn and Conor Hourihane all set to start once more .
Douglas performed majestically again against the Blades while , in the first half , Hourihane was at the heart of everything good with his dangerous deliveries .
McGinn , on the other hand , had an average game by his usually-brilliant standards @ @ @ @ @ @ @ without the ball .
The Scottish midfielder always gives it his all in midfield and remains a nuisance for the opposition .
A better performance will be needed at Fulham , though , with Smith himself admitting he 's in the market for another central midfielder before next Monday 's transfer deadline ( October 5 ) .
Jacob Ramsey , after an excellent showing against Bristol , could be on the bench vs Fulham .
Up front , record-signing Ollie Watkins is two from two in the Carabao Cup but , in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ get off the mark .
The 24-year-old did n't really get a sniff on his Villa Park debut last time out but , against Fulham , chances should be plentiful .
Watkins will be flanked by captain fantastic Jack Grealish , with the No.10 taking up his usual inside-forward role from off the left .
The skipper was frustrated against Sheffield United as they dropped deep and Grealish could n't really get going in front of the watching Gareth Southgate .
On the opposite flank , Trezeguet started on Villa 's opening day @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The Egyptian has a real fight on his hands now knowing Bertrand Traore started off with a bang at Bristol while , in yesterday 's press conference , Smith confirmed the Burkinabe was ready to start .
Here 's how we think Villa will line up at Fulham : '' The players who started against Sheffield United know they ’ re going to have to be on their toes to keep their shirts , '' was a telling line by Smith and , looking into it , he probably fired that at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Project Restart goal hero , Trezeguet should get the nod with Smith perhaps being reluctant to change a winning team .
That said , Traore brings added quality to Villa 's right-hand side .

Dean Smith will take his 18-man Villa squad down to the capital later today ahead of Monday's encounter with Fulham.
The boss will be in buoyant mood too knowing Villa are unbeaten in seven competitive games which spans back to the 2-0 victory over Crystal Palace on July 12.
After clinching Premier League survival, Smith's re-energised Villa have won three from three so far this season, backing up last week's Carabao Cup win over Burton Albion with victories over Sheffield United and Bristol City.
Last time out in the league Villa dug in to beat 10-man United thanks to a goal from Ezri Konsa on the hour mark. The centre-back will partner Tyrone Mings again Monday.
Here, we look at the possible XI Smith will pick for Fulham and assess the potential selection headaches he'll have prior to filing his team-sheet at 4.45pm:
The goalkeeper
Now, as far as debuts go, Emi Martinez's claret and blue bow had everything: a clean sheet, three points and a heroic penalty save. The Argentinian has become a bit of a fan favourite at Villa Park after just 90 minutes of action against Sheffield United. The 28-year-old is now Smith's No.1 with Tom Heaton remaining sidelined until November. Jed Steer will continue to be the Carabao Cup goalkeeper and he'll play again against Stoke this upcoming Thursday. At Fulham, though, Martinez will return to London once more and will look to make it back-to-back clean sheets in a Villa shirt.
The defence
Villa's defence against Chris Wilder's blunt Blades faced just one shot on target last Monday - and that was John Lundstram's penalty. Matty Cash, Konsa, Mings and Matt Targett all performed resolutely in Villa's new-look, all-English back four. Cash had an impressive debut at right-back and showcased his energy levels getting up and down. Konsa and Mings were both colossal once more as they stretched their centre-back partnership to five games unbeaten (W3 D2). They're absolutely vital for the year ahead. Villa, meanwhile, will have Bjorn Engels back in contention next week after he recovered from a thigh strain. Kortney Hause will be in reserve, too. On Monday, though, Smith will start with the same back four to that one that registered a clean sheet against Sheffield United, with Konsa shaking off a muscle strain.
The midfield
Again, you can't envisage a change in midfield for Fulham with Douglas Luiz, John McGinn and Conor Hourihane all set to start once more. Douglas performed majestically again against the Blades while, in the first half, Hourihane was at the heart of everything good with his dangerous deliveries. McGinn, on the other hand, had an average game by his usually-brilliant standards and couldn't get going with and without the ball. The Scottish midfielder always gives it his all in midfield and remains a nuisance for the opposition. A better performance will be needed at Fulham, though, with Smith himself admitting he's in the market for another central midfielder before next Monday's transfer deadline (October 5). Jacob Ramsey, after an excellent showing against Bristol, could be on the bench vs Fulham.
In attack
Up front, record-signing Ollie Watkins is two from two in the Carabao Cup but, in the Premier League, he's yet to get off the mark. The 24-year-old didn't really get a sniff on his Villa Park debut last time out but, against Fulham, chances should be plentiful. Watkins will be flanked by captain fantastic Jack Grealish, with the No.10 taking up his usual inside-forward role from off the left. The skipper was frustrated against Sheffield United as they dropped deep and Grealish couldn't really get going in front of the watching Gareth Southgate.
On the opposite flank, Trezeguet started on Villa's opening day but didn't pull up any trees. The Egyptian has a real fight on his hands now knowing Bertrand Traore started off with a bang at Bristol while, in yesterday's press conference, Smith confirmed the Burkinabe was ready to start.
Here's how we think Villa will line up at Fulham:
"The players who started against Sheffield United know they’re going to have to be on their toes to keep their shirts," was a telling line by Smith and, looking into it, he probably fired that at Trezeguet. As for last season's Project Restart goal hero, Trezeguet should get the nod with Smith perhaps being reluctant to change a winning team. That said, Traore brings added quality to Villa's right-hand side.
Expected Aston Villa XI for Fulham, 4-3-3: Martinez; Cash, Konsa, Mings, Targett; McGinn, Douglas Luiz, Hourihane; Trezeguet, Watkins, Grealish. Subs: Steer, Guilbert, Hause, Nakamba, Lansbury, Traore, Davis.