Heroes & Villains, the Aston Villa fanzine
Heroes & Villains => Match Threads & Player Ratings => Topic started by: Bad English on December 19, 2022, 09:20:09 PM
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The season resumes on Boxing Day at 17:30 GMT with the visit of Bingo and Liverpool.
FTF! 3-1.
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Oh, you've gone early and without any food.
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Thanks for the thread!
Great to have the season back.
I think Villa will win 2-1
And Danny Ings will score twice
One a penalty!
I'm not sure if our World Cup winner, Emi, will be available for selection, but I think we can get a positive result. I think he should be afforded time off, though it would be wonderful to have him honoured and also do our chances a heck of good in a full house in one of the biggest matches of the season. Martinez should be made captain in my view for the game!
However, McGinn should start and captain the team.
Olsen, Cash, Konsa, Mings, Digne
Dendoncker, Luiz, McGinn
Bailey, Ings, Watkins
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I'm going for a tight 1-0 win.
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A tough one to gauge as there’s no form leading up to the game. That said under Emery I’m confident we’ll be competitive against this lot, something I’ve not been able to forecast for a while. UTV!
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Liverpool to do a France and choke when through on Emi late on. Us 2 Them 1.
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Hope it gets snowed off. Want Emi back and cannot be bothered with this ridiculous kick off time. Would rather play them when they're concentrating on European matches.
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Thanks for the thread!
Great to have the season back.
I think Villa will win 2-1
And Danny Ings will score twice
One a penalty!
I'm not sure if our World Cup winner, Emi, will be available for selection, but I think we can get a positive result. I think he should be afforded time off, though it would be wonderful to have him honoured and also do our chances a heck of good in a full house in one of the biggest matches of the season. Martinez should be made captain in my view for the game!
However, McGinn should start and captain the team.
Olsen, Cash, Konsa, Mings, Digne
Dendoncker, Luiz, McGinn
Bailey, Ings, Watkins
Would be strange not to start Kamara.
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Really interested to see what we're like after a break with Emery compared to with Gerrard. Slightly better you'd suspect
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Hope it gets snowed off. Want Emi back and cannot be bothered with this ridiculous kick off time. Would rather play them when they're concentrating on European matches.
What are the chances of that? Think the cold snap is gone for now, temps went up 10c in the last day or so.
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Hope it gets snowed off. Want Emi back and cannot be bothered with this ridiculous kick off time. Would rather play them when they're concentrating on European matches.
What are the chances of that? Think the cold snap is gone for now, temps went up 10c in the last day or so.
Insane.
I went out last week one day at 10am in the car and it said -7.
I went out at 10 this morning and it said 13.
20 degrees difference.
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I know Emi won’t/can’t play
But he could go on a all nighter of sex, drugs, booze and I would still prefer him in nets to the other fella
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1-1 draw for me
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I was really looking forward to this game, I wasn't really invested in the WC much but the final and Emi's involvement changed that and with the news that he is unlikely to play has put a proper downer on it given who is likely to take his place. This leads me to make two predictions:
With Emi: 2-1
With Olsen: 0-2
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I like Emi and he deserves his celebration. But he's well paid and I don't see why he can't get back by Monday. He can have 3 days on the piss from the final and still Fly on Thurdsay. I know he wants to see his family etc but he's paid £50k+ a week to play for Villa.
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Yes he needs to be back for this one. A few days on the lash will be sufficient so should be back and raring to go.
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If he doesn’t make it back he can stay in BA.
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He will, presumably, have family in the Midlands that he wants to spend Christmas with. I can't imagine he won't be back for the weekend, it's only Tuesday. Just a question of how fit he is, then, but keepers can probably get away with a few days out of training more easily than outfield players can.
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He's fit. He may be a bit jaded or hung over, but surely a 90% Martinez is better than Olsen? He ought to be able to get himself up for a game against Liverpool even if it is a big comedown from a WC final.
The more I think about it the more dissapointed I'd be if he doesn't make it back to play.
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He will, presumably, have family in the Midlands that he wants to spend Christmas with. I can't imagine he won't be back for the weekend, it's only Tuesday. Just a question of how fit he is, then, but keepers can probably get away with a few days out of training more easily than outfield players can.
Yep, and they also don't have all of the running about that outfield players do, so not like he's going to be knackered. Get yourself home Emi, we need you.
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I'd be amazed if the club didn't have protocols in place with the player and the Argentinian FA. He will have been given a date to report for training. It would seem that this date has not been made public. If so why not? It's only the World Cup FFS! :-/
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just win please Villa as I cannot make this game :(
as it would be nice to upset the plastic YAWN mob here in Cambridge.
UTV
The Doc
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What better way to come back than on Boxing Day against Liverpool. You can bet he won't want to miss Spuds either, given the previous Arsenal links.
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Olsen plays, we lose. Martinez plays, we draw. So either 0-2 or 0-0.
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No way is Martinez going to be playing in this
if he comes out with the team on Boxing Day I’ll eat my Sou’wester
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What better way to come back than on Boxing Day against Liverpool. You can bet he won't want to miss Spuds either, given the previous Arsenal links.
Fuck the previous Arsenal links, he should be up for every game once he's finished wanking into a glove.
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No way is Martinez going to be playing in this
if he comes out with the team on Boxing Day I’ll eat my Sou’wester
Yeah, was fairly confident he would be playing earlier but with Brighton giving Mac Allister time off I reckon he will be missing now.
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No way is Martinez going to be playing in this
if he comes out with the team on Boxing Day I’ll eat my Sou’wester
Yeah, was fairly confident he would be playing earlier but with Brighton giving Mac Allister time off I reckon he will be missing now.
Different physical exertion for a midfielder compared to a goalie perhaps, but you're probably right. Seriously shit if he misses the Liverpool, Spurs and Wolves games though, the bottom bit of the table could start to become a concern again.
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Perhaps he’ll turn up as a surprise for Liverpool.
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Hope he does. I have no confidence in Olsen at all. Would much prefer to see a jet-lagged, hung-over Martinez.
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I just want to remind everyone that Liverpool has a game on Thursday away at Man City and then will have to come and face us on Sunday.
We have an advantage in preparation for this match and with Liverpool rotating the squad as well it's all positive signs for Emery and the team to be ready and take the victory.
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Given how shite we all know Olsen is, if he doesn’t get back for the Liverpool game I’d sell him in January.
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I just want to remind everyone that Liverpool has a game on Thursday away at Man City and then will have to come and face us on Sunday.
We have an advantage in preparation for this match and with Liverpool rotating the squad as well it's all positive signs for Emery and the team to be ready and take the victory.
They'll play the reserves in the League Cup and go full strength against us, I'd imagine. Still, can't be bad news for us that they have an extra game. Good spot.
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Given how shite we all know Olsen is, if he doesn’t get back for the Liverpool game I’d sell him in January.
Emi?
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Given how shite we all know Olsen is, if he doesn’t get back for the Liverpool game I’d sell him in January.
You're insane.
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Given how shite we all know Olsen is, if he doesn’t get back for the Liverpool game I’d sell him in January.
You're insane.
Nope . We pay his wages he needs to turn up to work on Monday.
We simply can’t risk Olsen against Liverpool.
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....
Olsen, Cash, Konsa, Mings, Digne
Dendoncker, Luiz, McGinn
Bailey, Ings, Watkins
Would be strange not to start Kamara.
John McGinn has had time to prepare for this match and his tenacious efforts would be more appropriate, I don't believe Kamara is the right player for the match in the midfield mix and more suited to the game away at Spurs. It would be asking a lot for him to start both after his injury time out.
In the long run, I would prefer Kamara to McGinn, and I believe Emery is preparing for this switch.
But in this match up v Liverpool Dendocker, McGinn, and Luiz are the best three in combinations for me for the specific game against Liverpool to deal with their midfield and attack.
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Given how shite we all know Olsen is, if he doesn’t get back for the Liverpool game I’d sell him in January.
You're insane.
Nope . We pay his wages he needs to turn up to work on Monday.
We simply can’t risk Olsen against Liverpool.
So, if Olsen has to play one game you'll get rid of Martinez. I think there's a flaw in that plan.
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Given how shite we all know Olsen is, if he doesn’t get back for the Liverpool game I’d sell him in January.
You're insane.
Nope . We pay his wages he needs to turn up to work on Monday.
We simply can’t risk Olsen against Liverpool.
So you'd rather risk Olsen for the rest of January? I'd rather pick Martinez, but your post is the most obvious example of cutting your nose of to spite your face ever.
All our players who didnt go to the World Cup had two weeks off after the Brighton game. Dendoncker, Bednarek and Cash were all given time off after their teams got knocked out. Brighton have given Mac Allister time off after the final.
It will be annoying if Martinez is unavailable, but players miss club games because of international duty all the time.
Never when they're playing against Villa, obviously.
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Given how shite we all know Olsen is, if he doesn’t get back for the Liverpool game I’d sell him in January.
You're insane.
Nope . We pay his wages he needs to turn up to work on Monday.
We simply can’t risk Olsen against Liverpool.
So, if Olsen has to play one game you'll get rid of Martinez. I think there's a flaw in that plan.
That’s would be my position.
It would show huge disrespect not to turn up on Monday.
Let’s hope it doesn’t come to it.
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I thought I saw somewhere Jed Steer was back training at the club. I’d much prefer him to Olsen
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Given how shite we all know Olsen is, if he doesn’t get back for the Liverpool game I’d sell him in January.
You're insane.
Nope . We pay his wages he needs to turn up to work on Monday.
We simply can’t risk Olsen against Liverpool.
So you'd rather risk Olsen for the rest of January? I'd rather pick Martinez, but your post is the most obvious example of cutting your nose of to spite your face ever.
All our players who didnt go to the World Cup had two weeks off after the Brighton game. Dendoncker, Bednarek and Cash were all given time off after their teams got knocked out. Brighton have given Mac Allister time off after the final.
It will be annoying if Martinez is unavailable, but players miss club games because of international duty all the time.
Never when they're playing against Villa, obviously.
But he is a keeper so shouldn’t be so knackered.
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Maybe. But if all the other players have had time off with their families I could understand if he might think he'd like some, too. I'd rather he played, obviously, but wouldn't be rushing to castigate him if he isn't back. As for selling him and leaving us with Olsen as our best goalkeeper for who knows how long, there is no possible way that could be a good idea.
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Given how shite we all know Olsen is, if he doesn’t get back for the Liverpool game I’d sell him in January.
Seriously?
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I thought I saw somewhere Jed Steer was back training at the club. I’d much prefer him to Olsen
I'd much prefer you to Olsen.
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It wouldn’t be such an issue but playing Olsen against Liverpool would be insane.
We need to kick start the season with the best team possible.
There are so many of us looking forward to this game.
He has plenty of time to get back for Monday.
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Given how shite we all know Olsen is, if he doesn’t get back for the Liverpool game I’d sell him in January.
Really?
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Given how shite we all know Olsen is, if he doesn’t get back for the Liverpool game I’d sell him in January.
You're insane.
Nope . We pay his wages he needs to turn up to work on Monday.
We simply can’t risk Olsen against Liverpool.
So you'd rather risk Olsen for the rest of January? I'd rather pick Martinez, but your post is the most obvious example of cutting your nose of to spite your face ever.
All our players who didnt go to the World Cup had two weeks off after the Brighton game. Dendoncker, Bednarek and Cash were all given time off after their teams got knocked out. Brighton have given Mac Allister time off after the final.
It will be annoying if Martinez is unavailable, but players miss club games because of international duty all the time.
Never when they're playing against Villa, obviously.
But he is a keeper so shouldn’t be so knackered.
Martinez would be exhausted emotionally as well.
The prestigious nature of the achievement affords him this special dispensation and also allows him to spend time with his family and friends in Argentina to celebrate.
I would personally give him Christmas and he can then come back for either Spurs or Wolves.
However, he is a professional, and as a professional employed by Aston Villa, if he is asked to return for game preparation, he does not need to return until Thursday as that is plenty of time.
It's Emerys' decision, so if he wants him back, he'll tell him.
But I'm sure they've already decided what they're going to do. Emery loves using his squad so I can see Olsen playing as he's had plenty of time with Emery over the last month.
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I thought I saw somewhere Jed Steer was back training at the club. I’d much prefer him to Olsen
I'd much prefer you to Olsen.
I’m only 5’9, my back is fucked, my knees are fucked and I’m not the lean machine I was as young lad. But yes I agree. I’d concede less goals than Olsen.
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Even if Emi makes it back for Monday it would be unprofessional to play a jet lagged celebration fuelled goal keeper against Liverpool.
Not sure why we are so anti Olsen? Yes he’s mate couple of mistakes but no more so than our number 1 over the season.
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Maybe. But if all the other players have had time off with their families I could understand if he might think he'd like some, too. I'd rather he played, obviously, but wouldn't be rushing to castigate him if he isn't back. As for selling him and leaving us with Olsen as our best goalkeeper for who knows how long, there is no possible way that could be a good idea.
Yeah, this. If he wants to play & is able to, great. However, if he needs a few more days for whatever reason then fair enough. Can't say I'm relishing Olsen being in goal, mind.
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I just want to remind everyone that Liverpool has a game on Thursday away at Man City and then will have to come and face us on Sunday.
We have an advantage in preparation for this match and with Liverpool rotating the squad as well it's all positive signs for Emery and the team to be ready and take the victory.
They'll play the reserves in the League Cup and go full strength against us, I'd imagine. Still, can't be bad news for us that they have an extra game. Good spot.
Alternatively they will be more match-ready than us as a result.
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It’s not really worrying me that Olsen may be playing. Being the backup goalkeeper must be one if the hardest jobs as you don’t play for ages, you know you’re not going to play, and then suddenly you’re playing.
If he was a shit keeper he wouldn’t be here, so there must be a competent player in there and the coaching team and defence will have been working with him over the last month to get him ready.
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Given how shite we all know Olsen is, if he doesn’t get back for the Liverpool game I’d sell him in January.
How much eggnog had you drank when you posted that?
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Even if Emi makes it back for Monday it would be unprofessional to play a jet lagged celebration fuelled goal keeper against Liverpool.
Not sure why we are so anti Olsen? Yes he’s mate couple of mistakes but no more so than our number 1 over the season.
But he's played a couple of games! It's not just the mistakes, his all round play is atrocious.
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I'm hoping Olsen is better than he has showed so far if he's called upon. Has about a million caps for Sweden so surely can't be totally shite? The early signs haven't been encouraging, though.
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Given how shite we all know Olsen is, if he doesn’t get back for the Liverpool game I’d sell him in January.
Are you on crack?
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I'm hoping Olsen is better than he has showed so far if he's called upon. Has about a million caps for Sweden so surely can't be totally shite? The early signs haven't been encouraging, though.
Unfortunately his performances and stats state that he's utterly shite. He only played about a dozen games for Sheffield United, but a mate of mine who's a Blades fan said he was crap there as well. He just doesn't seem to be any good at any single aspect of goal keeping.
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if the club allow emi a bit of time off, it's not his fault we have a shite reserve, that's the clubs fault. Really glad some of you hysterical maniacs aren't making decisions around here
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We really do need the football to start again.
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I'm going for a 2-1 Villa win.
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Given how shite we all know Olsen is, if he doesn’t get back for the Liverpool game I’d sell him in January.
You're insane.
Nope . We pay his wages he needs to turn up to work on Monday.
We simply can’t risk Olsen against Liverpool.
So you'd rather risk Olsen for the rest of January? I'd rather pick Martinez, but your post is the most obvious example of cutting your nose of to spite your face ever.
All our players who didnt go to the World Cup had two weeks off after the Brighton game. Dendoncker, Bednarek and Cash were all given time off after their teams got knocked out. Brighton have given Mac Allister time off after the final.
It will be annoying if Martinez is unavailable, but players miss club games because of international duty all the time.
Never when they're playing against Villa, obviously.
But he is a keeper so shouldn’t be so knackered.
Martinez would be exhausted emotionally as well.
The prestigious nature of the achievement affords him this special dispensation and also allows him to spend time with his family and friends in Argentina to celebrate.
I would personally give him Christmas and he can then come back for either Spurs or Wolves.
However, he is a professional, and as a professional employed by Aston Villa, if he is asked to return for game preparation, he does not need to return until Thursday as that is plenty of time.
It's Emerys' decision, so if he wants him back, he'll tell him.
But I'm sure they've already decided what they're going to do. Emery loves using his squad so I can see Olsen playing as he's had plenty of time with Emery over the last month.
Villa can afford a private jet and may as well bring Emi's family and some friends with him. At least make the offer. Test his loyalty. We need him against Liverpool.
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What Emi has achieved is once in a lifetime and I don't begrudge him celebrating accordingly. We could win the FA Cup this season and the Premier league next season and his biggest achievement will still be a World Cup win. That is the absolute pinnacle.
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Given how shite we all know Olsen is, if he doesn’t get back for the Liverpool game I’d sell him in January.
You're insane.
Nope . We pay his wages he needs to turn up to work on Monday.
We simply can’t risk Olsen against Liverpool.
So you'd rather risk Olsen for the rest of January? I'd rather pick Martinez, but your post is the most obvious example of cutting your nose of to spite your face ever.
All our players who didnt go to the World Cup had two weeks off after the Brighton game. Dendoncker, Bednarek and Cash were all given time off after their teams got knocked out. Brighton have given Mac Allister time off after the final.
It will be annoying if Martinez is unavailable, but players miss club games because of international duty all the time.
Never when they're playing against Villa, obviously.
But he is a keeper so shouldn’t be so knackered.
But I'm sure they've already decided what they're going to do. Emery loves using his squad so I can see Olsen playing as he's had plenty of time with Emery over the last month.
Problem is, its plenty of time with Cutler that Olsen needs.
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Given how shite we all know Olsen is, if he doesn’t get back for the Liverpool game I’d sell him in January.
You're insane.
Nope . We pay his wages he needs to turn up to work on Monday.
We simply can’t risk Olsen against Liverpool.
So you'd rather risk Olsen for the rest of January? I'd rather pick Martinez, but your post is the most obvious example of cutting your nose of to spite your face ever.
All our players who didnt go to the World Cup had two weeks off after the Brighton game. Dendoncker, Bednarek and Cash were all given time off after their teams got knocked out. Brighton have given Mac Allister time off after the final.
It will be annoying if Martinez is unavailable, but players miss club games because of international duty all the time.
Never when they're playing against Villa, obviously.
But he is a keeper so shouldn’t be so knackered.
Martinez would be exhausted emotionally as well.
The prestigious nature of the achievement affords him this special dispensation and also allows him to spend time with his family and friends in Argentina to celebrate.
I would personally give him Christmas and he can then come back for either Spurs or Wolves.
However, he is a professional, and as a professional employed by Aston Villa, if he is asked to return for game preparation, he does not need to return until Thursday as that is plenty of time.
It's Emerys' decision, so if he wants him back, he'll tell him.
But I'm sure they've already decided what they're going to do. Emery loves using his squad so I can see Olsen playing as he's had plenty of time with Emery over the last month.
Villa can afford a private jet and may as well bring Emi's family and some friends with him. At least make the offer. Test his loyalty. We need him against Liverpool.
His loyalty doesn't need testing a week after he achieved the biggest thing a player can do in his career. He's an emotional character.
If I were him, and a club were losing me and forcing me to make a choice I'd tell them to go fuck themselves and make myself available for a move.
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He chose to go to that World Cup match against Brazil during the pandemic which ended up with the police being called, so I think it's safe to say that club loyalty comes second to country where Emi's concerned.
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He chose to go to that World Cup match against Brazil during the pandemic which ended up with the police being called, so I think it's safe to say that club loyalty comes second to country where Emi's concerned.
And rightly so. But this isn't club vs country, it's club vs a few days on the piss over Christmas. And for that there should only be one winer.
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Christ there are 2 threads full of people going on about this, can we just give it a rest, it's pretty OTT
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Christ there are 2 threads full of people going on about this, can we just give it a rest, it's pretty OTT
Don't click on them Corey.
Hope this helps.
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it helps to confirm something, definitely
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It is quite Villa to have a genuine world star on our books for once, and then agonise about him celebrating achieving that status. Yes, let's sell him. We don't deserve nice things. We're like Cynthia Lennon in search of a Yoko.
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Kylian Mbappe turned up for training at PSG today, 3 days after putting 3 past Emi Martinez. The PSG players who were involved in the World Cup were given 10 days off but he only took two. Dedication or PR, you decide!
https://twitter.com/PSG_inside/status/1605488042625507328
PSG have a Ligue 1 game against Strasbourg on 28/12/22.
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Kylian Mbappe turned up for training at PSG today, 3 days after putting 3 past Emi Martinez. The PSG players who were involved in the World Cup were given 10 days off but he only took two. Dedication or PR, you decide!
https://twitter.com/PSG_inside/status/1605488042625507328
PSG have a Ligue 1 game against Strasbourg on 28/12/22.
Kylian Mbappe didn't win the World Cup, and is going back to his home city where (presumably) most of his family and friends are already, so it's not quite the same situation.
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Kylian Mbappe turned up for training at PSG today, 3 days after putting 3 past Emi Martinez. The PSG players who were involved in the World Cup were given 10 days off but he only took two. Dedication or PR, you decide!
https://twitter.com/PSG_inside/status/1605488042625507328
PSG have a Ligue 1 game against Strasbourg on 28/12/22.
Kylian Mbappe didn't win the World Cup, and is going back to his home city where (presumably) most of his family and friends are already, so it's not quite the same situation.
And work involves a bit of chat and kicking a ball about for an hour or two.
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He chose to go to that World Cup match against Brazil during the pandemic which ended up with the police being called, so I think it's safe to say that club loyalty comes second to country where Emi's concerned.
And rightly so. But this isn't club vs country, it's club vs a few days on the piss over Christmas. And for that there should only be one winer.
Yep, I'd get pissed in the warm, surrounded by friends and family celebrating the biggest achievement of my life, and being revered by a nation, over a cold and wet Boxing Day in England too.
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Kylian Mbappe turned up for training at PSG today, 3 days after putting 3 past Emi Martinez. The PSG players who were involved in the World Cup were given 10 days off but he only took two. Dedication or PR, you decide!
https://twitter.com/PSG_inside/status/1605488042625507328
PSG have a Ligue 1 game against Strasbourg on 28/12/22.
Oh you French, you are so trying. Can you tell me how many days did he party in 2018 rather than turning up for pre season training? ;)
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It is quite Villa to have a genuine world star on our books for once, and then agonise about him celebrating achieving that status. Yes, let's sell him. We don't deserve nice things. We're like Cynthia Lennon in search of a Yoko.
Yup. He could have easily developed a wrist strain playing with his golden glove and we could have lost him for weeks :o
My only requirement is I don't want him back at an away game. I want Emi back in a home game.
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Kylian Mbappe turned up for training at PSG today, 3 days after putting 3 past Emi Martinez. The PSG players who were involved in the World Cup were given 10 days off but he only took two. Dedication or PR, you decide!
https://twitter.com/PSG_inside/status/1605488042625507328
PSG have a Ligue 1 game against Strasbourg on 28/12/22.
Oh you French, you are so trying. Can you tell me how many days did he party in 2018 rather than turning up for pre season training? ;)
Ah, M. l'Orientie
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Kylian Mbappe turned up for training at PSG today, 3 days after putting 3 past Emi Martinez. The PSG players who were involved in the World Cup were given 10 days off but he only took two. Dedication or PR, you decide!
https://twitter.com/PSG_inside/status/1605488042625507328
PSG have a Ligue 1 game against Strasbourg on 28/12/22.
Kylian Mbappe didn't win the World Cup, and is going back to his home city where (presumably) most of his family and friends are already, so it's not quite the same situation.
And work involves a bit of chat and kicking a ball about for an hour or two.
As does playing Liverpool really.
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So Sunday night on the piss.
Then Monday.
Then Tuesday
Then Wednesday
And a few more beers on Thursday.
Fly back on Friday.
Light training on Sat
Play Monday
Easy.
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So Sunday night on the piss.
Then Monday.
Then Tuesday
Then Wednesday
And a few more beers on Thursday.
Fly back on Friday.
Light training on Sat
Play Monday
Easy.
Either that, or sell him.
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So Sunday night on the piss.
Then Monday.
Then Tuesday
Then Wednesday
And a few more beers on Thursday.
Fly back on Friday.
Light training on Sat
Play Monday
Easy.
It's Friday I'm in love.
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Kylian Mbappe turned up for training at PSG today, 3 days after putting 3 past Emi Martinez. The PSG players who were involved in the World Cup were given 10 days off but he only took two. Dedication or PR, you decide!
https://twitter.com/PSG_inside/status/1605488042625507328
PSG have a Ligue 1 game against Strasbourg on 28/12/22.
Sometimes when something tragic (and I'd put losing the WC Final for a footballer as tragic) happens in your life, you can almost try to pretend it never happened and just carry on with life as if everything was normal. I'm not saying he's right or wrong, just how people react differently.
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So Sunday night on the piss.
Then Monday.
Then Tuesday
Then Wednesday
And a few more beers on Thursday.
Fly back on Friday.
Light training on Sat
Play Monday
Easy.
Either that, or sell him.
Now you’re getting it!
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So Sunday night on the piss.
Then Monday.
Then Tuesday
Then Wednesday
And a few more beers on Thursday.
Fly back on Friday.
Light training on Sat
Play Monday
Easy.
It's Friday I'm in love.
Definitely beats Craig David.
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We lost 2-0 at Goodison in another behind closed doors friendly. Let's hope we're keeping the good stuff for competitive matches...
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Kylian Mbappe turned up for training at PSG today, 3 days after putting 3 past Emi Martinez. The PSG players who were involved in the World Cup were given 10 days off but he only took two. Dedication or PR, you decide!
https://twitter.com/PSG_inside/status/1605488042625507328
PSG have a Ligue 1 game against Strasbourg on 28/12/22.
Yes, but he scored a hat trick and still lost. Must work harder.
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Kylian Mbappe turned up for training at PSG today, 3 days after putting 3 past Emi Martinez. The PSG players who were involved in the World Cup were given 10 days off but he only took two. Dedication or PR, you decide!
https://twitter.com/PSG_inside/status/1605488042625507328
PSG have a Ligue 1 game against Strasbourg on 28/12/22.
Yes, but he scored a hat trick and still lost. Must work harder.
Yes. I expect to see Martinez not letting 3 in while wearing a Villa shirt. Perhaps he could start by doing his job against Liverpool.
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Kylian Mbappe turned up for training at PSG today, 3 days after putting 3 past Emi Martinez. The PSG players who were involved in the World Cup were given 10 days off but he only took two. Dedication or PR, you decide!
https://twitter.com/PSG_inside/status/1605488042625507328
PSG have a Ligue 1 game against Strasbourg on 28/12/22.
Yes, but he scored a hat trick and still lost. Must work harder.
Yes. I expect to see Martinez not letting 3 in while wearing a Villa shirt. Perhaps he could start by doing his job against Liverpool.
I do hope he does, as the alternative is scary, but if he doesn’t I can hardly blame him, especially if the management have said it’s ok to have the day off.
What is their stance on this? Do we know?
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I haven't seen anything. But it passes the time talking a out it. Maybe they have coached Olsen into a world-beater during the break.
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That's about as likely as my becoming a sex machine.
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True. Olsen definitely gives me fever and a cold sweat. The way I like it is not the way he is.
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He is a VILLA goalkeeper.
That’s all.
Go, O.
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I haven't seen anything. But it passes the time talking a out it. Maybe they have coached Olsen into a world-beater during the break.
you can't polish a turd.
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He is a VILLA goalkeeper.
That’s all.
Go, O.
He may well be but he hardly inspires any confidence from previous appearances.
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He is a VILLA goalkeeper.
That’s all.
Go, O.
He's a Villa player, of a sort. Haven't seen anything that suggests he's any use whatsoever as a goalie. He's all kinds of dreadful.
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Where's Jed?
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Luton.
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Steer was on loan at Luton last season (he joined them in the Jan window), he did his achilles in March and has been out injured since.
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Sounds like we lost 2-0 at Everton last night. I hope he’s got all his experimenting out of the way now and has a plan for the other load of scousers
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Hopefully Liverpool put out a strong team tonight at Man City. Then it goes to extra time/penalties. It might just be the difference on Monday. I hope Martinez is back but it doesn't sound likely.- Olsen isn't good enough as a No. 2. I think it might end up as a 1-1 draw.
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Steer was on loan at Luton last season (he joined them in the Jan window), he did his achilles in March and has been out injured since.
Is it just me or does Steer get injured a lot for a keeper?
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He chose to go to that World Cup match against Brazil during the pandemic which ended up with the police being called, so I think it's safe to say that club loyalty comes second to country where Emi's concerned.
And rightly so. But this isn't club vs country, it's club vs a few days on the piss over Christmas. And for that there should only be one winer.
When you put it like that, it’s a no brainer. There’s only one winner
On the piss my Lord
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I think the vote is with Emi in goal, if it was with Olsen in goal, it would be quite a bit different, I reckon.
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Hopefully Liverpool put out a strong team tonight at Man City. Then it goes to extra time/penalties. It might just be the difference on Monday. I hope Martinez is back but it doesn't sound likely.- Olsen isn't good enough as a No. 2. I think it might end up as a 1-1 draw.
There is no extra time before the semis. It would go straight to pens.
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Really looking forward to this.
Let’s hope Emery has them fired up and we blow them away.
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Olsen also a doubt for this according to Athletic. Could see Marschall start
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I’ve got gloves.
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Olsen also a doubt for this according to Athletic. Could see Marschall start
Here's hoping....
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Is John Burridge available?
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Gabor Kiraly.
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Kevin Poole must be still playing surely, or Lee Butler?
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I reckon Jimmy Cumbes is our oldest surviving keeper. he's 78 and a few weeks older than John Dunn.
John Colin Withers died a couple of years back so unless anybody knows anything about John Gavan who was his understudy, then it's looking like Jim.
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Wasn't it Colin Withers?
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Wasn't it Colin Withers?
Of course it was, I'm getting old.
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get Enkleman back for the one game
He was always good under pressure and never let us down in important matches
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get Enkleman back for the one game
He was always good under pressure and never let us down in important matches
he ball didn't touch his foot though...
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Withers
My first Goalie
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Kevin Poole must be still playing surely, or Lee Butler?
Lee Butler's in that Wrexham documentary, he's a coach there.
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Martinez definitely out for this one. According to Emery, he needs a rest after the World Cup.
Next thing of course, is being the Villa, they’ll be the usual will he be transferred or not as infinitum. Chances are that the first club that can offer him CL football, he’ll be off and, like Joe, will be warming the bench. I have to say, that if all the stories are true about him and Mbappe then I’ve lost a bit of respect for the man.
Sounds like Olsen also has a niggle but, should be ok for the match.
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Martinez definitely out for this one. According to Emery, he needs a rest after the World Cup.
Next thing of course, is being the Villa, they’ll be the usual will he be transferred or not as infinitum. Chances are that the first club that can offer him CL football, he’ll be off and, like Joe, will be warming the bench. I have to say, that if all the stories are true about him and Mbappe then I’ve lost a bit of respect for the man.
Sounds like Olsen also has a niggle but, should be ok for the match.
Olsen's niggle is his inability to keep goal very well....
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2-2 this one.
Ollie at the double.
Some cheating, unbearable pricks to score for them.
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Nev, that’s true!!
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Wasn't it Colin Withers?
Always.
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You can bet your life savings on one or more of:-
a late Liverpool equaliser or winner
an outrageous refereeing decision in Liverpool’s favour
an unbelievable piece of luck in Liverpool’s favour
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Oh, and the away end being like a library until they score
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You can bet your life savings on one or more of:-
a late Liverpool equaliser or winner
an outrageous refereeing decision in Liverpool’s favour
an unbelievable piece of luck in Liverpool’s favour
Have we really become West Brom?
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I haven't seen anything. But it passes the time talking a out it. Maybe they have coached Olsen into a world-beater during the break.
you can't polish a turd.
No, but you can roll it in glitter.
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I haven't seen anything. But it passes the time talking a out it. Maybe they have coached Olsen into a world-beater during the break.
you can't polish a turd.
No, but you can roll it in glitter.
You've not been following the Shithouse thread.
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Been confirmed Martinez won’t be available for this one
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I reckon Jimmy Cumbes is our oldest surviving keeper. he's 78 and a few weeks older than John Dunn. John Colin Withers died a couple of years back so unless anybody knows anything about John Gavan who was his understudy, then it's looking like Jim.
Ashley Young is older than John Donne.
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Personally I'd just go Kamara-Luiz-Dendoncker in this. Really try to nullify their midfield.
At least there is no Diaz or Jota for them so they won't be able to stretch us that much in final third if we can close down Salah quickly.
I was confident of at least a point from this a few weeks back but Martinez and Ramsey are big misses for this type of opposition.
That said I think since we've been up Liverpool have only beaten us by more than one goal once so these are always close games and I'm usually far more confident of getting a result off them than Spurs who seem to have morphed into the new jinx team for us in last decade.
2-2 infront of a raucous VP.
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3-2 to Villa.
Ollie Watkins discovers at half time that he has been wearing his boots on the wrong feet for weeks. He swaps them over, then scores a second half hat trick.
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0-4 plóp
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Martinez definitely out for this one. According to Emery, he needs a rest after the World Cup.
Letting Mbappe put four past him in one game must have taken its toll.
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Hoping for the best but can’t get over the goalkeeper situation. It is what it is I suppose but it’s not going to be good.
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Are we really going to lose solely because Martinez isn’t playing? We’ve won two on the bounce and I don’t remember those wins being because he was pulling off save after save and keeping us in it…
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We lost a game between those two wins which was in large part down to a calamitous goalkeeping performance.
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He's not very good.
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We lost a game between those two wins which was in large part down to a calamitous goalkeeping performance.
Olsen wasn’t the only thing wrong that night though. A keeper who hasn’t been playing regularly behind players not used to playing together is always going to be a nervous situation, especially playing away at Old Trafford.
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Emi has become a demigod over and above his natural ability due to a couple of errors made by Olsen and obviously winning the world cup.....
ok I have noticed some flows in my argument to assure you all that absence of Martinez is not going to impact on the result.
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It will.
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Just been watching the training video on Villa TV and spotted Kaden Young sporting the number 14.
https://video.avfc.co.uk/video/dm9kJTdDMF84bjN4aHdjcCU3QyUyRnNlY3Rpb24lM0ZzbHVnJTNEaG9tZSU3Q2hvbWUlMkZoZXJvX2Nhcm91c2Vs?lang=en (https://video.avfc.co.uk/video/dm9kJTdDMF84bjN4aHdjcCU3QyUyRnNlY3Rpb24lM0ZzbHVnJTNEaG9tZSU3Q2hvbWUlMkZoZXJvX2Nhcm91c2Vs?lang=en)
You can see it clearly 50 seconds in. Is this him being given a number or has he just got a spare jacket for the rain?
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We lost a game between those two wins which was in large part down to a calamitous goalkeeping performance.
Olsen wasn’t the only thing wrong that night though. A keeper who hasn’t been playing regularly behind players not used to playing together is always going to be a nervous situation, especially playing away at Old Trafford.
I was there and it was an awful goalkeeping performance and cost us at least two of the goals, however your right there were other things wrong, Konsa and Chambers in particular both had a mare, Augusstinson wasn’t great either.
I was at the Villareal friendly the other night and apart from brain freeze, i did notice that Olsen did ok actually and made one very good save.
I don’t think he’s a good goalkeeper but i think winning or losing will be down to more than just him.
And another point, Emi made a pretty much identical mistake at Brighton that gave them a goal to the one Olsen made at Man united, we just defended much better for the rest of the fame at Brighton
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Just been watching the training video on Villa TV and spotted Kaden Young sporting the number 14.
https://video.avfc.co.uk/video/dm9kJTdDMF84bjN4aHdjcCU3QyUyRnNlY3Rpb24lM0ZzbHVnJTNEaG9tZSU3Q2hvbWUlMkZoZXJvX2Nhcm91c2Vs?lang=en (https://video.avfc.co.uk/video/dm9kJTdDMF84bjN4aHdjcCU3QyUyRnNlY3Rpb24lM0ZzbHVnJTNEaG9tZSU3Q2hvbWUlMkZoZXJvX2Nhcm91c2Vs?lang=en)
You can see it clearly 50 seconds in. Is this him being given a number or has he just got a spare jacket for the rain?
I saw him shopping at the club shop the day before and then waiting at the number and name counter so.....
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Just been watching the training video on Villa TV and spotted Kaden Young sporting the number 14.
https://video.avfc.co.uk/video/dm9kJTdDMF84bjN4aHdjcCU3QyUyRnNlY3Rpb24lM0ZzbHVnJTNEaG9tZSU3Q2hvbWUlMkZoZXJvX2Nhcm91c2Vs?lang=en (https://video.avfc.co.uk/video/dm9kJTdDMF84bjN4aHdjcCU3QyUyRnNlY3Rpb24lM0ZzbHVnJTNEaG9tZSU3Q2hvbWUlMkZoZXJvX2Nhcm91c2Vs?lang=en)
You can see it clearly 50 seconds in. Is this him being given a number or has he just got a spare jacket for the rain?
I saw him shopping at the club shop the day before and then waiting at the number and name counter so.....
This stalking is only going to end in tears!
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He’s (Martinez) is one of those players like Kean, Souness, who you would hate if they played for anyone else but love them if the play for your team
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Merry Christmas. I never forgot the 7-2 and dream land with Deano.
And i feel we shall win on Boxing day !
Look forward to the new year and Spurs match.
Happy Holidays.
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Merry Christmas. I never forgot the 7-2 and dream land with Deano.
And i feel we shall win on Boxing day !
Look forward to the new year and Spurs match.
Happy Holidays.
And yuletide felicitations to you, Footy!
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It wont end well with Olsen in goal. Surely we have a better option even JJ could have a go if not fully fit to play out.
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It wont end well with Olsen in goal. Surely we have a better option even JJ could have a go if not fully fit to play out.
Rush goalie is the only solution
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We lost a game between those two wins which was in large part down to a calamitous goalkeeping performance.
Olsen wasn’t the only thing wrong that night though. A keeper who hasn’t been playing regularly behind players not used to playing together is always going to be a nervous situation, especially playing away at Old Trafford.
Was the manner of it though. Think we were leading and he dropped a regulation cross under little pressure which straight away spread panic throughout our defence and caused us to make errors that lead to goals.
It can happen to a kid but this guy is regular starter for a good football nation so you'd expect better from someone experienced.
If he starts doing that nonsense early part of the game then Holte will start getting nervous and that will spread throughout the team.
Of course Emi can make mistakes aswell but he has the assurance that it's only a blip. Same as when we had Nyland in goal and people were just waiting for him to make some sort of mess up, just what you get with some keepers.
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It wont end well with Olsen in goal. Surely we have a better option even JJ could have a go if not fully fit to play out.
I'd be more confident with Steer in goal and he's played about two serious games in the last 3 years!
I assume he's miles out of the picture now (actually had to check he was our player). I know he did his ACL for Luton but that was actually in Feb so a long time to be out.
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With Emi missing the game we will get an early view of Unai’s tactical adaptability, you’d hope the tactics will be to keep the ball differently ie only pass it to Olsen as a last resort…as a shot stopper he’ll be ok, it’s his kicking that will kill our game…..it’s not like we haven’t a couple of weeks preparing for Emi returning being a bonus not an expectation.
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Was Olsen any good in the friendlies? I didn't watch any of them.
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Was Olsen any good in the friendlies? I didn't watch any of them.
To be fair, he didn't do anything wrong.
There was the normal amount of near-suicidal fucking about at the back and taking unnecessary risks by keeper and defenders, but we do that with Martinez in goal anyway.
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Ta.
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Marschall looked decent against Villareal.
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Marschall looked decent against Villareal.
So did Olsen
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I think we'll win.
FTF
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Olsen to have a good game is my prediction and Watkins to have a goal after all ::) and Bailey our second and Salah with two "easy" goals for them ( tap ins after cross overs from our RB area) and it ends 2-2 after a lot of chances to us and Watkins espesc and we have a feeling we should have won ("Liverpool/ the game where there for the taking" ish). Anyway looking forward to some proper top half PL game with Villa again :). Merry Christmas to all.
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I reckon this football manager lark is a piece of piss and basically all we need to do is go and win 7-2 again.
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We can hole this mob’s “Champions” League hopes below the waterline. Which would be funny.
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Everyone on here banging on about the goalkeeper and quite rightly
The goalkeeper is the most important position on the pitch and ours is a bit rubbish,
it’s not just about shot stopping it’s about ballhandling,positioning, controlling your area, confidence from the defence in your ability to deal with crosses and corners, I was at Old Trafford, and although he wasn’t the only culprit it was like watching a fucking clown
Olson struggles to do any of those, so it will be a difficult day, in fact I’ll go as far as to say we will be looking for a Christmas miracle to get anything out of this game with our goalkeeper
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Morning all , for those of us travelling down from the North East, Tamworth Staffs - Ashby Leicestershire
Be aware : M 42 Junction 10 Tamworth A5 to M 42 Junction 9 Dutton Island Kingsbury - Minworth
Is closed till sometime in January 2023.
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This is it then.
Back to the serious stuff.
Thermals on and 3 points for the Villa!!
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I’m thinking a 2-2 draw or a close 2-1 win for us. As for the keeper issue, some of the opinions on here I find incredible. Firstly I’m sure every player from every country will have had time off after the WC. It’s not Emi’s fault that he’s played in every minute of every game including the triumphant last one and that game was only a week ago. Secondly it’s not his fault that the stand-in is poor, to suggest he should come back early for that reason is ridiculous. Thirdly to suggest we should sell him, arguably our only world class player and a WC winner for not coming back early because the back up is poor is possibly the most ridiculous thing I’ve read on this thread or any other.
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Interesting that Liverpool have lots of injuries but can still put out a world class team. Hopefully, the turn up slightly undercooked and need to make lots of changes having played Man City on Thursday. Right now, I'd be happy with a draw.
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I’m thinking a 2-2 draw or a close 2-1 win for us. As for the keeper issue, some of the opinions on here I find incredible. Firstly I’m sure every player from every country will have had time off after the WC. It’s not Emi’s fault that he’s played in every minute of every game including the triumphant last one and that game was only a week ago. Secondly it’s not his fault that the stand-in is poor, to suggest he should come back early for that reason is ridiculous. Thirdly to suggest we should sell him, arguably our only world class player and a WC winner for not coming back early because the back up is poor is possibly the most ridiculous thing I’ve read on this thread or any other.
Sell him because he didn’t come back ?
has anyone actually said that
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I’m thinking a 2-2 draw or a close 2-1 win for us. As for the keeper issue, some of the opinions on here I find incredible. Firstly I’m sure every player from every country will have had time off after the WC. It’s not Emi’s fault that he’s played in every minute of every game including the triumphant last one and that game was only a week ago. Secondly it’s not his fault that the stand-in is poor, to suggest he should come back early for that reason is ridiculous. Thirdly to suggest we should sell him, arguably our only world class player and a WC winner for not coming back early because the back up is poor is possibly the most ridiculous thing I’ve read on this thread or any other.
Sell him because he didn’t come back ?
has anyone actually said that
Given how shite we all know Olsen is, if he doesn’t get back for the Liverpool game I’d sell him in January.
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I’m thinking a 2-2 draw or a close 2-1 win for us. As for the keeper issue, some of the opinions on here I find incredible. Firstly I’m sure every player from every country will have had time off after the WC. It’s not Emi’s fault that he’s played in every minute of every game including the triumphant last one and that game was only a week ago. Secondly it’s not his fault that the stand-in is poor, to suggest he should come back early for that reason is ridiculous. Thirdly to suggest we should sell him, arguably our only world class player and a WC winner for not coming back early because the back up is poor is possibly the most ridiculous thing I’ve read on this thread or any other.
Sell him because he didn’t come back ?
has anyone actually said that
Given how shite we all know Olsen is, if he doesn’t get back for the Liverpool game I’d sell him in January.
Fair enough
Good old Tony
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(https://i.ibb.co/6WyM7wX/20221226-125137.jpg) (https://ibb.co/6WyM7wX)
Happy St. Stephen's day fellow Villains! Heading over today...I'm half afraid I could be walking from BHX to B6, but thems the breaks!
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Good luck with your travel Mossie. X1 bus from Airport will bring you right in to centre.
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Cheers Aftab!
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Well as my first ever game was 50 years ago today and we drew 2 2 with Forest I'll go for same.
Bailey and Mings for us, Salah twice for them.
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Managed to bag a ticket from my nephew. First time at Villa Park this season. Hope these new socks are lucky
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I'd take a comfortable Villa win but all week all I could see was a Liverpool victory. Maybe it was the Villareal game. Heart says 3-1 Villa; head says 2-0 Liverpool.