CAMERA-SHY VILLA AIM TO IMPROVE
ON THE road and in front of the TV cameras – the omens aren’t good for Aston Villa against QPR today. But captain Tommy Elphick says it’s high time Villa finally rewarded their fans’ unwavering support and is convinced they will do just that. Incredibly, the Villans have won just one away game since the opening day of last season – a 2-1 triumph at Reading in October – while they are also yet to taste victory in any of their ten games that have been live on Sky Sports this term. Despite a vociferous travelling support, Elphick and co went down 1-0 to Norwich at Carrow Road in midweek and the 29-year-old defender is desperate to put that right against the R’s at Loftus Road. “We took such a huge following to Norwich in midweek and we simply didn’t deliver,” admitted Elphick. “It’s the fans you feel sorry for the most. That’s who you want to reward every single week. We want to get back on track this weekend for us and for them. “It’s amazing to see week after week that they sell out the allocation – big numbers too. You really appreciate them when you come out on to the pitch and you see them packing out the away end. It’s some sight! “Our home form has obviously been the stand-out so far this season but now we need to start getting it right away from home too. That will put us in contention.” Elphick’s defensive partner Nathan Baker has missed the recent games against Leeds, Wigan and Norwich with a groin problem, but could return to action this afternoon. The 25-year-old faces a race against time to be fit but his presence would be an undoubted boost for Villa. QPR are languishing in the lower reaches of the Championship, with Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink recently replaced as boss by Ian Holloway, yet Elphick insists his side aren’t expecting it to be easy. “QPR are struggling,” he added. “They have a new manager so they’re going through a transition. But we must focus on us and what we’re doing.”