Heroes & Villains, the Aston Villa fanzine
Heroes & Villains => Match Threads & Player Ratings => Topic started by: Smirker on August 05, 2025, 02:58:35 PM
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Saturday 16th August, 12:30pm kick-off.
Just over a week to go so I'm starting the thread.
First FTF of the new season 8)
FTF 8)
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Wrong date.
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Wrong date.
Season ruined before it has even began. 😕
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Easy Villa win, 4-2. FTGHPF! 8)
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Date corrected! FTF! 8)
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Easy Villa win, 4-2. FTGHPF! 8)
Can't Control to score on his debut?
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3-3 no new signings will play for either team.
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We lose match of ball foot.
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3-3 no new signings will play for either team.
Not sure why they wouldn't play Elanga.
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3-3 no new signings will play for either team.
Not sure why they wouldn't play Elanga.
oh bloody hell yeh , bugger forgot they had him
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3-3 no new signings will play for either team.
And we're playing Gauchi?
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Assuming Bizot will be in goal, a baptism of fire but I guess not much choice with Emi being suspended for, I assume, three games?
No idea how this will go but I'm going for a barcode win. Yes, I'm a miserable git but the way we haven't been able to strengthen in the window is a worry.
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It might take time for us to bed all the new signings in so I'm going 1-1.
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Gone way too early with this, even the more excitable amongst us (Toronto, Footy-Vill) would have Netflix and chilled for a few more days before opening the new season in haste.
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Isaak to give away a penalty and get sent off.
Villa to lose against 10 men.
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Assuming Bizot will be in goal, a baptism of fire but I guess not much choice with Emi being suspended for, I assume, three games?
I'm not certain, you'll need to double-check with Tim.
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Yes it's 3 games
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4-0 FTF!!
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Too early to call this but no Martinez is already a huge blow .
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0-8
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Yes it's 3 games
Nope. One for DOGSO which is what he got the red for. The FA would have to decide on any further ban length and they have not said a dicky since.
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Yes it's 3 games
is it ?
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0-8
I can tell you've had some shocking news, but what's your score prediction?
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Yes it's 3 games
is it ?
It isn’t.
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2-1 Villa win.
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It's not entirely a must win game, with it being the first of the season. Mustn't lose though.
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Crikey, a CL six-pointer, this early in the season!
But hang on - haven't we got three other games to play before this happens?
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Impossible to call until pre season is complete. Injuries and sales/purchases could have a huge impact.
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Always a blow when Martinez is out but I’m far far more confident in Bizot than I ever was in any of the other back ups
no one’s as good as Emi but the new lad is a proper keeper
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It might take time for us to bed all the new signings in so I'm going 1-1.
Well they are young we will send them off to bed before KO.
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This is awful Smiker, starting a thread for a match when we still have 3 (THREE) to play before this match. :o
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That and starting a player thread before STS, he seems to be wanting to take Torontos "jinx" title off him.
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Yes it's 3 games
Nope. One for DOGSO which is what he got the red for. The FA would have to decide on any further ban length and they have not said a dicky since.
Apologies - I had to look up DOGSO! - I shouldn't have trusted AI and Google searches saying it would be 3, but not violent conduct so it will be just one.
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It is hard to find anything from most official souces. However the Fantasy Football pages have him for a 1 matcher.
https://www.fantasyfootballscout.co.uk/fantasy-football-injuries
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Always a blow when Martinez is out but I’m far far more confident in Bizot than I ever was in any of the other back ups
no one’s as good as Emi but the new lad is a proper keeper
I thought he would be out for the whole season playing for another team. Wasnt expecting him to still be here.
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2-0 us. Watkins, Malen.
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If they dont get a striker in i wonder if they will desperately try get isak to play.
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1-1 this one .
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1-1 this one .
It’s reported that he’s not travelled with them to their last friendly fixtures in Spain and I don’t think he’s played a pre season game. It’d be a big ask to throw him in for the first game of the season.
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1-1 this one .
It’s reported that he’s not travelled with them to their last friendly fixtures in Spain and I don’t think he’s played a pre season game. It’d be a big ask to throw him in for the first game of the season.
Isaak ?
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I'm guessing he meant to quote Demetri.
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It has to be said they are still bloody good team even without Isaak , I would not rest on him not playing
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If he does play it'd be like when Gregory played Yorke at Everton just before his move to ManUre
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If he does play it'd be like when Gregory played Yorke at Everton just before his move to ManUre
He hasn't even been training with them, he is holed up at Sociedad waiting for his move.
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It has to be said they are still bloody good team even without Isaak , I would not rest on him not playing
They've sold Wilson too . Not sure who they got as a CF now
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It has to be said they are still bloody good team even without Isaak , I would not rest on him not playing
They've sold Wilson too . Not sure who they got as a CF now
Bloody harvey barnes as he always scores against us
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If he does play it'd be like when Gregory played Yorke at Everton just before his move to ManUre
He hasn't even been training with them, he is holed up at Sociedad waiting for his move.
It's an odd story, that Sociedad angle. What would he have done - called them up and ask can he pop in for a bit of training while in the area? Not the worst part of the world to be holed up in I guess.
The market for forwards is awful currently so Newcastle are in a tough spot. Might need to take a punt on Jackson or even Darwin Nunez.
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If he does play it'd be like when Gregory played Yorke at Everton just before his move to ManUre
He hasn't even been training with them, he is holed up at Sociedad waiting for his move.
It's an odd story, that Sociedad angle. What would he have done - called them up and ask can he pop in for a bit of training while in the area? Not the worst part of the world to be holed up in I guess.
The market for forwards is awful currently so Newcastle are in a tough spot. Might need to take a punt on Jackson or even Darwin Nunez.
Well yeah, he was with them for 3 seasons, he'll obviously know people at the club still, not hard in those circumstances to reach out and ask for a bit of help with training whilst you aren't willing/able to train at your current club.
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1-1 this one .
It’s reported that he’s not travelled with them to their last friendly fixtures in Spain and I don’t think he’s played a pre season game. It’d be a big ask to throw him in for the first game of the season.
Oh ok thanks for confirming thats good to know as he usually does well for us
Will assume gordon plays up top unless they get someone else in before. Even if its jackson he is banned 1st game
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i assume Isak isn't getting paid then as he's effectively gone on strike .
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I'm guessing he meant to quote Demetri.
Correct. Apologies VillaTim
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After the last friendly and new signing, 8-0.
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Eddie Howe says it is "clear" that he "can't involve" Alexander Isak at Newcastle United as things stand.
"I'd want Alex to be playing today," Howe added just eight days before the season opener at Aston Villa. "I'd want him training tomorrow. We would love the player to be with us.
"Let me make that absolutely clear. There's no part of me that doesn't want that outcome, but I don't see the current situation changing for Aston Villa."
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Even without Isak, Newcastle are a good side. But, I think we'll win by one goal.
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Bizot
Cash
Digne
Mings
Konsa
Tielemans
Onana
Kamara
Malen
Rogers
Watkins
3-1 Villa.
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I quite like the clubs stance on Isaac, looks like his agent and Liverpool have over played their hand.
Of course he will get his move but not on his terms.
Expect more arrogant posturing from Liverpool.
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I quite like the clubs stance on Isaac, looks like his agent and Liverpool have over played their hand.
Of course he will get his move but not on his terms.
Expect more arrogant posturing from 'The Mighty Reds YNWA'.
absolutely you signed the contract , suck it up
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If they dont get a striker in i wonder if they will desperately try get isak to play.
Time for the return of the lone ranger, Nile Ranger.
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Teamwise, maybe something like;
Bizot
Cash
Konsa
Torres
Digne
Kamara
Tielemans
Ramsey
Malen
Rogers
Watkins
Options now though and any of McGinn, Onana and Guessand could start.
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0-8 even without Isak. What a wicked game.
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More sobbing on the Tyne?
https://x.com/SupportersNufc/status/1954238054647902360?s=08
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On paper a good time to play them unless they get a couple in before Saturday
They probably think the same of us though
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Only the first game of the season but If we can win, it will be a cracking start
But If we lose it will feel very depressing I think
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Martinez suspended for this one?
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Yep.
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Ta.
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Teamwise, maybe something like;
Bizot
Cash
Konsa
Torres
Digne
Kamara
Tielemans
Ramsey
Malen
Rogers
Watkins
Options now though and any of McGinn, Onana and Guessand could start.
I'd prefer Mings instead of Pau starting....
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I watched Mings on Saturday evening- I would be a better option at centre half based on that display
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Newcastle won't have a recognised nr 9 playing in all likelihood so i think Mings will sit this one out .
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I think Mings will “sit it out” because we’ll want to play our best team first up.
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Waited all summer for this.
2-0 win in the sunshine.
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Teamwise, maybe something like;
Bizot
Cash
Konsa
Torres
Digne
Kamara
Tielemans
Ramsey
Malen
Rogers
Watkins
Options now though and any of McGinn, Onana and Guessand could start.
I'd prefer Mings instead of Pau starting....
I'd be amazed if Pau doesn't play the vast majority of matches for which he's fit, however much it'll annoy people. Mings will get time in the cups.
I'd imagine the team above but I reckon Onana for either Malen or Ramsey given the brutes they've got in midfield.
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Has anyone received their match tickets in the Villa app for this one yet? Nothing showing in mine as of this morning
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Nope.
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Has anyone received their match tickets in the Villa app for this one yet? Nothing showing in mine as of this morning
Probably still at the printers mate
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Has anyone received their match tickets in the Villa app for this one yet? Nothing showing in mine as of this morning
No
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Teamwise, maybe something like;
Bizot
Cash
Konsa
Torres
Digne
Kamara
Tielemans
Ramsey
Malen
Rogers
Watkins
Options now though and any of McGinn, Onana and Guessand could start.
I'd prefer Mings instead of Pau starting....
I'd be amazed if Pau doesn't play the vast majority of matches for which he's fit, however much it'll annoy people. Mings will get time in the cups.
I'd imagine the team above but I reckon Onana for either Malen or Ramsey given the brutes they've got in midfield.
I'd be surprised if UE starts with Malen in the side: he has shown precious little faith in him so far. And, as you say, Onana gives us more physical presence.
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I'd be surprised if UE starts with Malen in the side: he has shown precious little faith in him so far. And, as you say, Onana gives us more physical presence.
Last season though it was in the context of fitting Asensio and Rashford in though, and I'd say that Malen has been one of the stronger performers in attack in pre-season.
And I dont think he's going to throw Guessand straight in.
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If you count preseason as anything to gauge form on Bundeia would start ahead of Malen. Neither will start though.
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If Rogers is still out injured then I could see Malen instead of Bailey and Buendia in the 10.
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Teamwise, maybe something like;
Bizot
Cash
Konsa
Torres
Digne
Kamara
Tielemans
Ramsey
Malen
Rogers
Watkins
Options now though and any of McGinn, Onana and Guessand could start.
I'd prefer Mings instead of Pau starting....
I'd be amazed if Pau doesn't play the vast majority of matches for which he's fit, however much it'll annoy people. Mings will get time in the cups.
I'd imagine the team above but I reckon Onana for either Malen or Ramsey given the brutes they've got in midfield.
I think Mings will play when we are up against better / more physical nr 9's . Also given the scheduling Mings will get plenty of games thankfully .
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I'm so excited and I just can't hide it 8)
FOOTBALLLLLLL
UTV FTF
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Probably that team but with McGinn in for Malen. I'd be surprised if McGinn doesn't start.
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The best defensive paring is Mings and Konsa and that’s what should start. Pau is decent but can’t head the ball too well or run fast. Not good attributes in a centre back. Granted, he’s far better offensively.
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Torres is Unai's key player - as soon as he is fit, he is in the team. Only one player has started more games for Unai than Torres. No way will he drop him for Mings, as we saw last season.
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The best defensive paring is Mings and Konsa and that’s what should start. Pau is decent but can’t head the ball too well or run fast. Not good attributes in a centre back. Granted, he’s far better offensively.
Ok big Sam
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The best defensive paring is Mings and Konsa and that’s what should start. Pau is decent but can’t head the ball too well or run fast. Not good attributes in a centre back. Granted, he’s far better offensively.
Exactly, and the defensive stats improved markedly once Torres was out injured and Mings stepped in .
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Is it likely the Morgan will miss this match?
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The best defensive paring is Mings and Konsa and that’s what should start. Pau is decent but can’t head the ball too well or run fast. Not good attributes in a centre back. Granted, he’s far better offensively.
No. We win more matches when Pau is in the team by scoring one more than…..
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Has anyone received their match tickets in the Villa app for this one yet? Nothing showing in mine as of this morning
No
Ticket office said 4 days before the match.
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The best defensive paring is Mings and Konsa and that’s what should start. Pau is decent but can’t head the ball too well or run fast. Not good attributes in a centre back. Granted, he’s far better offensively.
Exactly, and the defensive stats improved markedly once Torres was out injured and Mings stepped in .
And we're off! Really feels like the season is upon us now.
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The best defensive paring is Mings and Konsa and that’s what should start. Pau is decent but can’t head the ball too well or run fast. Not good attributes in a centre back. Granted, he’s far better offensively.
Exactly, and the defensive stats improved markedly once Torres was out injured and Mings stepped in .
And we're off! Really feels like the season is upon us now.
Do we score more when Pau starts?
I prefer Torres against the better footballing sides whereas the Everton, Leeds, Palace, Wolves 'battles' would pick Mings
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The best defensive paring is Mings and Konsa and that’s what should start. Pau is decent but can’t head the ball too well or run fast. Not good attributes in a centre back. Granted, he’s far better offensively.
Exactly, and the defensive stats improved markedly once Torres was out injured and Mings stepped in .
And we're off! Really feels like the season is upon us now.
Do we score more when Pau starts?
I prefer Torres against the better footballing sides whereas the Everton, Leeds, Palace, Wolves 'battles' would pick Mings
Although if we have designs on being the sort of side that controls games rather than invites teams onto us, those "battles" shouldn't become battles in the first place because we're in charge and the game takes place in their half.
The best scenario is that we find out how to make the defence of the first half of 23-24 come back.
The perfectly-drilled, unbeatable high line one, meaning we don't need Mings because we're not camped in our own box needing someone to head everything away.
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Torres is Unai's key player - as soon as he is fit, he is in the team. Only one player has started more games for Unai than Torres. No way will he drop him for Mings, as we saw last season.
You're going to be disappointed . Very much a squad game now given how many fixtures we'll have .
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The best defensive paring is Mings and Konsa and that’s what should start. Pau is decent but can’t head the ball too well or run fast. Not good attributes in a centre back. Granted, he’s far better offensively.
Exactly, and the defensive stats improved markedly once Torres was out injured and Mings stepped in .
And we're off! Really feels like the season is upon us now.
Do we score more when Pau starts?
I prefer Torres against the better footballing sides whereas the Everton, Leeds, Palace, Wolves 'battles' would pick Mings
Although if we have designs on being the sort of side that controls games rather than invites teams onto us, those "battles" shouldn't become battles in the first place because we're in charge and the game takes place in their half.
The best scenario is that we find out how to make the defence of the first half of 23-24 come back.
The perfectly-drilled, unbeatable high line one, meaning we don't need Mings because we're not camped in our own box needing someone to head everything away.
Yep and that’s just it. The whole defensive team structure needs to function better.
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Exactly, and the defensive stats improved markedly once Torres was out injured and Mings stepped in .
meaning we don't need Mings because we're not camped in our own box needing someone to head everything away.
He does a lot more than just that . Leadership , organisation, etc and i think you know that . Torres USP is his passing and even that hasn't been on form for a while now .
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I prefer Torres against the better footballing sides whereas the Everton, Leeds, Palace, Wolves 'battles' would pick Mings
I agree with this.
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I prefer Torres against the better footballing sides whereas the Everton, Leeds, Palace, Wolves 'battles' would pick Mings
I agree with this.
So do I , sort of.
The problem is I wouldn’t rate Pau’sndefensive ability above Mings regardless of the type of forwards we are up against. Looks like we are saying we prefer Pau when we don’t have to defend.
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Well yes, but that assumes we’re not talking about Pau when he’s not at his best. He definitely was under par for much of last season, and whilst it’s true he’s not a dominant centre-half, the idea he can’t defend is just nonsense.
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He can’t defend
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He can. Just opinion and all that, but you don’t play internationally and in the top flight in Spain and England as a centre-half if you “can’t defend”. Remember who was playing centre-half pretty much all season when we finished 4th?
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You just have to look at the amount of goals we concede when he plays to know he’s not good enough.
When he plays, the burden is on the attackers to score more than we let in.
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Bit simplistic, if a player were that big of a drag on a team they wouldn’t be playing regularly in the team that secured our highest finish in decades. Might also want to think about that we score more goals with him coordinating the play.
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You just have to look at the amount of goals we concede when he plays to know he’s not good enough.
When he plays, the burden is on the attackers to score more than we let in.
Cost us in the big games last season , might be Emery's biggest blind spot , though he has started to acknowledge the issue at least .
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You just have to look at the amount of goals we concede when he plays to know he’s not good enough.
When he plays, the burden is on the attackers to score more than we let in.
Cost us in the big games last season , might be Emery's biggest blind spot , though he has started to acknowledge the issue at least .
Yes, spot on. A real blind spot. What makes you think Emery is starting to acknowledge the issue?
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You just have to look at the amount of goals we concede when he plays to know he’s not good enough.
When he plays, the burden is on the attackers to score more than we let in.
Cost us in the big games last season , might be Emery's biggest blind spot , though he has started to acknowledge the issue at least .
Clean sheet against Bayern and the winning assist into Duran.. idk, might not be a big game for some.
2-0 against Bologna, 0-0 against Juve..
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You just have to look at the amount of goals we concede when he plays to know he’s not good enough.
When he plays, the burden is on the attackers to score more than we let in.
Cost us in the big games last season , might be Emery's biggest blind spot , though he has started to acknowledge the issue at least .
Clean sheet against Bayern and the winning assist into Duran.. idk, might not be a big game for some.
Group stages vs straight KO is different gravy in fairness. Anyway i think UE will play him Saturday, no Isak, no nr 9 in effect :
Bizot
Cash Konsa Torres Digne
Kamara Onana
Tielemans Mcginn
Watkins Bailey
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Is Rogers injured?
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Anyone else getting the “OOPS something went wrong “ message when trying to retrieve tickets from the app?
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The anti Pau stuff is just like being consistently hit over the head with a brick. I love big Ty for everything he has given us and hopefully will still give us, but friendly or not, if Pau had put in a performance like Mings did against Marseille, some posters would of been in permanent meltdown, or if Pau had God forbid picked up the ball in the box in a key European game.
I know this is a discussion forum but it would be great if some of us could choose Torres in our starting 11s some weeks, without the same moronic shit spouted by Tim over and over.
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Obviously friendlies, different partnerships, different midfield and different opposition players, but I'm pretty sure we have let in alot more goals with Mings playing then Torres in all those matches.
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You just have to look at the amount of goals we concede when he plays to know he’s not good enough.
When he plays, the burden is on the attackers to score more than we let in.
Cost us in the big games last season , might be Emery's biggest blind spot , though he has started to acknowledge the issue at least .
Clean sheet against Bayern and the winning assist into Duran.. idk, might not be a big game for some.
2-0 against Bologna, 0-0 against Juve..
Those two were nothing games (Bologna and Juve), Juve didn't have a fit forward. Even Carlos seemed somewhat competent that night.
I think the fact Mings and Torres are such different types of players generates the debate.
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The anti Pau stuff is just like being consistently hit over the head with a brick. I love big Ty for everything he has given us and hopefully will still give us, but friendly or not, if Pau had put in a performance like Mings did against Marseille, some posters would of been in permanent meltdown, or if Pau had God forbid picked up the ball in the box in a key European game.
I know this is a discussion forum but it would be great if some of us could choose Torres in our starting 11s some weeks, without the same moronic shit spouted by Tim over and over.
Like the moronic shit you post over and over . Mings is the better defender it's clear . Torres might be a better passer and even that's debatable now .
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You just have to look at the amount of goals we concede when he plays to know he’s not good enough.
When he plays, the burden is on the attackers to score more than we let in.
Cost us in the big games last season , might be Emery's biggest blind spot , though he has started to acknowledge the issue at least .
Clean sheet against Bayern and the winning assist into Duran.. idk, might not be a big game for some.
2-0 against Bologna, 0-0 against Juve..
Those two were nothing games (Bologna and Juve), Juve didn't have a fit forward. Even Carlos seemed somewhat competent that night.
I think the fact Mings and Torres are such different types of players generates the debate.
That’s why I qualified it as “not a big game for some.” The “supporters” who come on here and say that Champions League matches, especially with the new format, aren’t big games. Typical though.. shit on everything, appreciate nothing.
I love Ty as much as the next, but he can’t pull off a quarter of the passes that Pau is capable of. At the same token, Torres can’t handle the physicality and pace of some of the league’s best forwards. We’re lucky to have both. People on this forum need to realize that shitting on one of them doesn’t win you any prizes. They’re both Villa and we’re lucky to have both at our disposal.
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You just have to look at the amount of goals we concede when he plays to know he’s not good enough.
When he plays, the burden is on the attackers to score more than we let in.
Cost us in the big games last season , might be Emery's biggest blind spot , though he has started to acknowledge the issue at least .
Clean sheet against Bayern and the winning assist into Duran.. idk, might not be a big game for some.
2-0 against Bologna, 0-0 against Juve..
Those two were nothing games (Bologna and Juve), Juve didn't have a fit forward. Even Carlos seemed somewhat competent that night.
I think the fact Mings and Torres are such different types of players generates the debate.
That’s why I qualified it as “not a big game for some.” The “supporters” who come on here and say that Champions League matches, especially with the new format, aren’t big games. Typical though.. shit on everything, appreciate nothing.
I love Ty as much as the next, but he can’t pull off a quarter of the passes that Pau is capable of. At the same token, Torres can’t handle the physicality and pace of some of the league’s best forwards. We’re lucky to have both. People on this forum need to realize that shitting on one of them doesn’t win you any prizes. They’re both Villa and we’re lucky to have both at our disposal.
Exactly horses for courses as I said many times . I'd play Torres Saturday for example as Newcastle don't have a number 9 it's a perfect fit for him .
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Is Rogers injured?
Think we are hopeful he will be able to play against Newcastle.
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Is Rogers injured?
Think we are hopeful he will be able to play against Newcastle.
Unlikely, bench at best but I suspect he's out .
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As I’ve been saying for years, it’s not the individuals but the partnership that is/was the main thing. Konsa has been great with Mings. When Konsa is partnered with Pau, neither dominates, which I suspect is why Carlos/Pau were much better than Konsa/Pau. (Obviously I’m not going to give any credence to brontebilly’s long-standing almost religious belief that better defences concede more goals - the player ratings that everyone ridicules are enough to dismiss his bizarre ramblings).
It’s all clearly evident in results of football matches in which Aston Villa play. These are dismissed as ‘stats’ by people whose opinions are not backed up by results of football matches in which Aston Villa play, but it is clearly evident nevertheless.
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If Villa come up against anybody who comports himself anything remotely like the revolting M Greenwood in the next season, I want Our Ty in there to neutralise the little so and so.
Other than that, I think all our chaps, especially Emi, can take care of most attacks.
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2-2
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Isak now apparently refusing to play for them - I do sympathise with the Geordies, the "Sky" clubs and agents are destroying the game
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I suspect he's waiting for the outcome of the upcoming court case.
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You just have to look at the amount of goals we concede when he plays to know he’s not good enough.
When he plays, the burden is on the attackers to score more than we let in.
Cost us in the big games last season , might be Emery's biggest blind spot , though he has started to acknowledge the issue at least .
Clean sheet against Bayern and the winning assist into Duran.. idk, might not be a big game for some.
2-0 against Bologna, 0-0 against Juve..
Those two were nothing games (Bologna and Juve), Juve didn't have a fit forward. Even Carlos seemed somewhat competent that night.
I think the fact Mings and Torres are such different types of players generates the debate.
That’s why I qualified it as “not a big game for some.” The “supporters” who come on here and say that Champions League matches, especially with the new format, aren’t big games. Typical though.. shit on everything, appreciate nothing.
I love Ty as much as the next, but he can’t pull off a quarter of the passes that Pau is capable of. At the same token, Torres can’t handle the physicality and pace of some of the league’s best forwards. We’re lucky to have both. People on this forum need to realize that shitting on one of them doesn’t win you any prizes. They’re both Villa and we’re lucky to have both at our disposal.
If and when Torres is at his best we are a better team. He has the technical ability to beat the opposition press and can distribute the ball really well, short and long. Mings has to run with the ball to beat a decent press, risky enough against the better teams.
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Aaaaaand we're back.
I haven't missed the Villa at all over the summer, the double devastation of Wembley and Old Trafford still rankles and I had the overriding feeling that we had missed two golden opportunities. I don't feel so bad now but I do feel that Emery is under pressure to show that last season wasn't the pinnacle of his reign and that a trophy and CL are still realistic targets this term. And I believe they are despite the lack of new players coming in. The retentions and a new striker have lifted the mood and but for a non display and a shit ref, we were close to an even more memorable season. So who's to say it won't fall the other way this time around with more or less the same squad?
It's a big start, early KO in the sun against a team considered to be a direct rival for a CL place, never mind all the other Geordie horse (punching) shit.
They are a bit flat too, hopefully this will help us but I see one of those mad early season score lines prompting more questions for both sides.
3-3
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Craig Pawson in charge on Sunday.
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Craig Pawson in charge on Sunday.
We're playing at 12.30 on the Saturday.
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Have any members here received their tickets on the app or by email yet?
I just get an error message on the app and have had nowt in my emails - have messaged the ticket office, though immediately received a reply promising they'd deal with it within 10 days. Which I assume is a spoof.
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PS I'm with Nev on enthusiasm levels
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Have any members here received their tickets on the app or by email yet?
I just get an error message on the app and have had nowt in my emails - have messaged the ticket office, though immediately received a reply promising they'd deal with it within 10 days. Which I assume is a spoof.
tickets aren't ready yet
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Have any members here received their tickets on the app or by email yet?
I just get an error message on the app and have had nowt in my emails - have messaged the ticket office, though immediately received a reply promising they'd deal with it within 10 days. Which I assume is a spoof.
Thursday apparently- I expect the app is currently being updated
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Have any members here received their tickets on the app or by email yet?
I just get an error message on the app and have had nowt in my emails - have messaged the ticket office, though immediately received a reply promising they'd deal with it within 10 days. Which I assume is a spoof.
Thursday apparently- I expect the app is currently being updated
I’ve logged out and back in again which gets rid of the “error” message. All ready for my ST download later in the week.
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Have any members here received their tickets on the app or by email yet?
I just get an error message on the app and have had nowt in my emails - have messaged the ticket office, though immediately received a reply promising they'd deal with it within 10 days. Which I assume is a spoof.
Thursday apparently- I expect the app is currently being updated
I’ve logged out and back in again which gets rid of the “error” message. All ready for my ST download later in the week.
Cheers AV - and Tim and Walmley.
I tried that too and simply have a message that I have no upcoming events but at least the Oops message has gone. God know why it takes this long to issue tickets for the first match - not like they've only just finished dealing with our last fixture.
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Craig Pawson in charge on Sunday.
We're playing at 12.30 on the Saturday.
That's why you (by which I mean I) should read what you (I) post before pressing 'Post'.
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Who will Ramsey be up for? If he must go can we swap him for Isak?
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Have any members here received their tickets on the app or by email yet?
I just get an error message on the app and have had nowt in my emails - have messaged the ticket office, though immediately received a reply promising they'd deal with it within 10 days. Which I assume is a spoof.
Thursday apparently- I expect the app is currently being updated
I’ve logged out and back in again which gets rid of the “error” message. All ready for my ST download later in the week.
Cheers AV - and Tim and Walmley.
I tried that too and simply have a message that I have no upcoming events but at least the Oops message has gone. God know why it takes this long to issue tickets for the first match - not like they've only just finished dealing with our last fixture.
Logged out and back in again to get rid of the error message and the ticket is now there. They did state they are starting with season ticket holders.
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I've logged out and back in but still no sign of the ticket.
However the ticket office have replied to my email impressively quickly saying they will distribute tickets in due course.
I think we are trying to embody the culture of our new partners, Guinness
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I've logged out and back in but still no sign of the ticket.
However the ticket office have replied to my email impressively quickly saying they will distribute tickets in due course.
I think we are trying to embody the culture of our new partners, Guinness
I had to do the log out & log in thing as well.
I can now see a ticket for the NUFC game.
However, I'm a ST holder, so I don't know why I've been sent a stand-alone ticket rather than a digital ST.
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Are they not coming as an email to download as before? If not, how do I find the ones I buy for me and my family?
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I’ve now got a ticket in my app but it’s not in my name (it’s in the name of a person I don’t know) and for a different section of the stadium to what I purchased — very strange. Suspect I will have to call the ticket office tomorrow.
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Are they not coming as an email to download as before? If not, how do I find the ones I buy for me and my family?
Apparently not - you are just a paying customer, do you really think your interests are at the top of the list? - how quaint.
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Who will Ramsey be up for? If he must go can we swap him for Isak?
Really? - his conduct has done him no credit whatsoever in my opinion.
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Surprised to see that Watkins has more Goal involvements against Newcastle than any other player during the Premier League era.
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Any other Villa player.
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I think in the last 19 meetings between us there's only been 1 away win. We don't win up there, they don't tend to win down here.
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I think Mings will “sit it out” because we’ll want to play our best team first up.
If you want a better a defensive/solid defence then it would be mings over pau. But we all know pau will start despite the fact that he is not great at defending
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I think Mings will “sit it out” because we’ll want to play our best team first up.
If you want a better a defensive/solid defence then it would be mings over pau. But we all know pau will start despite the fact that he is not great at defending
He's a centre-back who took his team to the Champions League semi-finals and his next team to fourth in the Premier League.
He's hardly Titus Bramble.
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I think Mings will “sit it out” because we’ll want to play our best team first up.
If you want a better a defensive/solid defence then it would be mings over pau. But we all know pau will start despite the fact that he is not great at defending
I’m happy with Unai continuing to play who he sees as our best players.
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I think Mings will “sit it out” because we’ll want to play our best team first up.
If you want a better a defensive/solid defence then it would be mings over pau. But we all know pau will start despite the fact that he is not great at defending
He's a centre-back who took his team to the Champions League semi-finals and his next team to fourth in the Premier League.
He's hardly Titus Bramble.
Does that mean he has
A) shown that for us
B) mean he is titus bramble?
He isnt as good as mings defensively thats plain to see
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I think Mings will “sit it out” because we’ll want to play our best team first up.
If you want a better a defensive/solid defence then it would be mings over pau. But we all know pau will start despite the fact that he is not great at defending
He's a centre-back who took his team to the Champions League semi-finals and his next team to fourth in the Premier League.
He's hardly Titus Bramble.
Does that mean he has
A) shown that for us
B) mean he is titus bramble?
He isnt as good as mings defensively thats plain to see
A) Erm, yes. We were that team he got to 4th but true, only got us to the quarter finals of the Champions League.
B) …
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Which of Disasi's performances at centre-half was it that persuaded people he was rubbish? I must have missed it. Always looked pretty solid there, to me.
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Bramble was never as bad as made out, he just had Ming type moments where he'd be in good form and then out of nowhere do something utterly stupid, and the good performances were erased from memories as the fuck up was the news.
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Which of Disasi's performances at centre-half was it that persuaded people he was rubbish? I must have missed it. Always looked pretty solid there, to me.
I agree, he was a solid option at centre half but shite as a full back
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I think Mings will “sit it out” because we’ll want to play our best team first up.
If you want a better a defensive/solid defence then it would be mings over pau. But we all know pau will start despite the fact that he is not great at defending
Cost us last season , in the big games Palace , PSG, ManUre . We were far better when he was injured and Mings stepped in .
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It’s always good to have balance and avoid being so obvious in stacking your argument. Fortunately, as tie breaker I’ll go with what Unai thinks. He’s got a pretty strong record overall.
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I’ve now got a ticket in my app but it’s not in my name (it’s in the name of a person I don’t know) and for a different section of the stadium to what I purchased — very strange. Suspect I will have to call the ticket office tomorrow.
You better take half a day off work then mate
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It’s always good to have balance and avoid being so obvious in stacking your argument. Fortunately, as tie breaker I’ll go with what Unai thinks. He’s got a pretty strong record overall.
He's done brilliant. But we should have had a trophy over the last two seasons given the resources he's had . Fine margins and when we get to the big games again he needs to pick the right team , especially at the back .
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Thing is though of course a cup semi final is a big game, but the others it’s cherry picking. We defended well against PSG in the first leg and were picked off by 3 world class goals - all from the right side of the pitch. We then beat them in an all timer of a performance. All the games leading to the end of the season were big games, Pau played most and we won. The Man Utd game we lost due to an appalling lapse by Emi and a bad refereeing decision.
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Guess we will just have to see how it plays out. I'm expecting Torres to play Saturday given the opposition line up . Horses for courses .
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Our net spend the last 2 seasons is tiny when you take our PSR signing Dobbin, SIL and Barrenchea into consideration. Tim makes it soumd like we've been spending shitloads of money and no trophy is failure.
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Guess we will just have to see how it plays out. I'm expecting Torres to play Saturday given the opposition line up . Horses for courses .
Picking horses against Newcastle is risky.
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Guess we will just have to see how it plays out. I'm expecting Torres to play Saturday given the opposition line up . Horses for courses .
Picking horses against Newcastle is risky.
Hahaha very true . Tossers .
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Aston Villa 0 - 1 Newcastle United (J. Ramsey, 90+5)
😯
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I think Mings will “sit it out” because we’ll want to play our best team first up.
If you want a better a defensive/solid defence then it would be mings over pau. But we all know pau will start despite the fact that he is not great at defending
He's a centre-back who took his team to the Champions League semi-finals and his next team to fourth in the Premier League.
He's hardly Titus Bramble.
Does that mean he has
A) shown that for us
B) mean he is titus bramble?
He isnt as good as mings defensively thats plain to see
A) Erm, yes. We were that team he got to 4th but true, only got us to the quarter finals of the Champions League.
B) …
Wasnt the point though was it? Mings is far superior at defending than pau is
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It became the point when you asked if he’d done that for us.
Mings is probably a stronger defender than Pau. Unai thinks Pau is better for our system. Don’t take this the wrong way, but I think he might know more about football than you.
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Yep there’s two things confusing some people - the concept of form, and the concept of combinations. That and ignoring the good and focussing on the bad.
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It became the point when you asked if he’d done that for us.
Mings is probably a stronger defender than Pau. Unai thinks Pau is better for our system. Don’t take this the wrong way, but I think he might know more about football than you.
My original point was mings is a far superior defender than pau it was just dragged off subject with a irrelevant titus bramble comment
He obviously knows more than me you and every other poster on this forum so that's irrelevant. Doesnt mean he gets it right every time. And just to prove my point further who was in defence in the 4-1 win?
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I do get bored of this one, but who played centre-half pretty much the entire season when we finished 4th? And here’s the thing, it’s not just about being the best physical defender it’s about being the best option to suit the team. My view was he wasn’t in his best form last year, but at his best he’s proven to be a top player for us.
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I reckon if both are in form then we're less likely to lose with Tyrone and more likely to win with Pau. And I know more than Unai obviously.
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Given all the problems people seem to be having receiving and downloading their tickets I'm thinking of getting to VP very early on Saturday. The opening game against Arsenal last year was bad enough but this year's changes and "hiccups" will probably mean lengthy delays.
Incidentally I went to Barnet v Fleetwood at the start of the League 2 campaign and some fans did not get in until well after kick off. If they can have problems with their new season ticket system (in an attendance of just over 3700) just imagine what Saturday could be like.
I hope I am totally wrong and all goes smoothly.
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And just to prove my point further who was in defence in the 4-1 win?
I know who was in defence for the 3-2 win against PSG. I mean, we could go through every game of the 2023/24 season to just prove points. But we probably shouldn’t. It’s fucking boring and looking at things in black and white is absolutely tedious.
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Rogers was spotted in training today, so may play a part on Sat.
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I reckon if both are in form then we're less likely to lose with Tyrone and more likely to win with Pau. And I know more than Unai obviously.
We’re extremely unlikely to lose when Konsa-Mings play. I don’t think we did at all last season did we?
Plus they were brilliant together in Unai’s first half-season, when we achieved better results than in the the much-vaunted ‘Pau got us to fourth’ season.
I would guess that results are much better when Konsa-Mings have played together than the results the Konsa-Pau partnership have delivered. Bear in mind that the most outstanding results while Mings was injured were with Carlos partnering Pau at centre-back.
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I prefer Pau.
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And just to prove my point further who was in defence in the 4-1 win?
I know who was in defence for the 3-2 win against PSG.
That the game where Torres was guilty of another error and at 1-5 down on agg the tie was more or less done .
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Amazing reaching.
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The tie was so done that PSG spent the last twenty minutes rolling around the floor wasting time as they were terrified of us scoring again.
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I do think that the difference here is that most people want Mings and Pau to be good. I suspect a few would rather Pau does badly to prove their point. I imagine had Pau done what Mings did against Bournemouth (a key game in the business end), a few would be citing it as lazy defending and lucky not to be a red card.
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And just to prove my point further who was in defence in the 4-1 win?
I know who was in defence for the 3-2 win against PSG.
That the game where Torres was guilty of another error and at 1-5 down on agg the tie was more or less done .
No. You must be thinking of the Martinez mistake and blaming Pau. Something that a moron like Coopers Injury would do.
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I do think that the difference here is that most people want Mings and Pau to be good. I suspect a few would rather Pau does badly to prove their point. I imagine had Pau done what Mings did against Bournemouth (a key game in the business end), a few would be citing it as lazy defending and lucky not to be a red card.
the away game ? We were pretty solid in that game defensively until Mings got subbed off then it got a bit hairy . and in the same game some of the Mings bashers were saying he was lucky to not get a red (again to prove a point) when he was himself fouled in the incident .
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In any case, we need to play around Newcastle’s midfield to win this game.
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Any update on Rogers?
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Any update on Rogers?
Think he's back training so possibly 50/50 to start
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The Mings v Torres debate is likely to go on forever, but lets not forget the fella on the other side who isn't exactly fault free.
Konsa has added a nasty habit into his play where he'll go down at the slightest touch, then wave his arms in the air demanding a foul/booking from the ref. Prior to this, he was like a brick wall on legs - Really needs to stamp that out of his game.
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Yep, noticed he did it in pre-season and the ref didn't fall for it and the oppo scored. Konsa looked like an entitled lemming.
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Hope we don't see much of Konsa at RB this season .
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Rogers will play - he is as important to Unai as is Torres.
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Yep, noticed he did it in pre-season and the ref didn't fall for it and the oppo scored. Konsa looked like an entitled lemming.
He’s always been a highly fouled player because he does that thing where you draw the attacker in and then go down to win the free kick. Refs are getting tougher on soft free kicks and if you do it in Konsa’ position and don’t get the free kick then it gives away a huge opportunity for the opposition.
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I prefer Pau.
You wouldn't say that in Brasil.
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I prefer Pau.
You wouldn't say that in Brasil.
I don’t know, I saw some absolute beauts playing that beach football tennis thing on my honeymoon. Impressive guys.
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The Mings v Torres debate is likely to go on forever, but lets not forget the fella on the other side who isn't exactly fault free.
Konsa has added a nasty habit into his play where he'll go down at the slightest touch, then wave his arms in the air demanding a foul/booking from the ref. Prior to this, he was like a brick wall on legs - Really needs to stamp that out of his game.
The Mings vs Torres debate is a case study for everything that is wrong with the internet, and by extension, the world.
It's a debate that only really gets attention when someone takes an extreme point of view, which then encourages more extreme points of view, either in support of that viewpoint, or against it. Once people have broadcast their opinion on a public forum, that cements it - as a species, we don't tend to like confronting the possibility that we're wrong, so that first 'broadcast' becomes our default position (even more so when we are challenged on it). It then informs other opinions, before all of a sudden, whole swathes of our personality are influenced by a couple of posts we made. All spawning from an extreme point of view that we feel we need to make in order to get attention. (Because if we don't get attention, what's the point of saying anything?)
We didn't have this in the beforetimes. Or if we did, it was on a much smaller scale. I remember my Dad getting called out in the Trinity for criticising Dalian Atkinson in his early days with us, and then that cemented his position. His pride wouldn't let him back down, so was always harsher on Dalian than our other players. These days, we all get to publicly shout every half-baked theory* that creeps into out head, and far too often, as soon as it's 'out there' we abandon all critical thought on the subject and just find new ways of saying the same thing over and over again. Or, in many cases, just keep saying it in exactly the same way, because there are only so many ways to say something that you haven't given much thought to.
This isn't the right place for this post. No good will come from writing this, and it won't change anything. I just find it interesting. This is one of the best places on the internet, in my opinion, so I just find it interesting that even here, where the debate is nuanced and thoughtful in a way that I don't see in many other places, the same tropes are still played out. All it takes is one poster with an axe to grind (or too much time on their hands) to derail almost any topic. How much power does that give them? Maybe that's the point. We all get manipulated by people that haven't thought things through.
I think, what I'm trying to say is: I really like Pau and Mings. I wish one of them was right-footed.
*This post falls perfectly into that category, especially with the over-the-top opening sentence. Apologies.
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2 1
Bizot
Cash
Konsa
Pau
Digne
Kamara
Onana
Malen
Tielemans
Rogers
Watkins
Subs - youth keeper, Bogarde, Mings, Maatsen, McGinn, Buendia, Illing-Junior, Guessand, Jimoh
Assume Garcia and Barkley still out.
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Still some general tickets on sale for the opener, price increases can only go up so much each season before fans can't afford to go or prioritise where money is spent.
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Boozey you’re right in that only one side of the debate is extreme, in that only one side is anti one of the players.
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And just to prove my point further who was in defence in the 4-1 win?
I know who was in defence for the 3-2 win against PSG.
That the game where Torres was guilty of another error and at 1-5 down on agg the tie was more or less done .
No. You must be thinking of the Martinez mistake and blaming Pau. Something that a moron like Coopers Injury would do.
You like pau, i like mings so i guess we are at deadlock. But for the opposition we are playing i think Mings is better suited than pau.
Pau was god awful that final game vs manure as well
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I like Mings AND I like Pau. I’m not the sort of fan that has to have someone they don’t like. I think overall Pau adds more to how we play and it appears that our manager does too.
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I do think that the difference here is that most people want Mings and Pau to be good. I suspect a few would rather Pau does badly to prove their point. I imagine had Pau done what Mings did against Bournemouth (a key game in the business end), a few would be citing it as lazy defending and lucky not to be a red card.
Mings was a bit reckless alright and not shy about stepping over the line when physical play is required. I prefer that than the alternative as seen at Wembley with our two center halves getting bullied beyond belief. Torres was awful when he came on for Mings that day at Bournemouth as it turned out. Nobody wants to see any player be awful to prove a point, that's just crazy talk. We all want the team to be successful.
I just hope we see a much better Torres this season, he's had the summer to assess his game and I'm expecting he has addressed a few things.. I'm not expecting Mings like dominance in duels but I am expecting him to be a bit braver in possession and with Konsa to push that defensive line higher up the pitch. Konsa too, absolutely no blaming others for his own ineptitude. Focus on what he is good at, reading danger and getting forwards to take him on on the grass. Also braver in the air, at least block the forward from getting to it.
Individually and collectively both need to improve a lot from last season.
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Mings was a bit reckless alright and not shy about stepping over the line when physical play is required. I prefer that than the alternative as seen at Wembley with our two center halves getting bullied beyond belief. Torres was awful when he came on for Mings that day at Bournemouth as it turned out. Nobody wants to see any player be awful to prove a point, that's just crazy talk. We all want the team to be successful.
No, he wasn't when he came on. Pau was on a full 10 mins with Bournemouth having the exact same amount of chances in those 10 mins they had the 70 before, none. Of course when Ramsey was sent off, a midfielder on the same side of the field as Pau so less protection against runners that side, then he was getting caught. You strangely always omit that whenever you discuss that day for some reason.
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The Torres v Mings thing is infecting multiple threads. Can it please just have its own corner for folk to slog it out?
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4-1 win
Bizot
Cash
Konsa
Mings
Digne
Kamara
McGinn
Malen
Tielemans
Rogers
Watkins
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I do think that the difference here is that most people want Mings and Pau to be good. I suspect a few would rather Pau does badly to prove their point. I imagine had Pau done what Mings did against Bournemouth (a key game in the business end), a few would be citing it as lazy defending and lucky not to be a red card.
Torres was awful when he came on for Mings that day at Bournemouth as it turned out.
Yep, was bloody awful. Cash bailed him out big time
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On the opening day in the Premier League, we currently have a record of 10 wins, 11 defeats, and eight draws.
This is only the second time since Milner's last game that we've started a PL season with a home game.
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On the opening day in the Premier League, we currently have a record of 10 wins, 11 defeats, and eight draws.
This is only the second time since Milner's last game that we've started a PL season with a home game.
Was the other time in Covid?
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Yep, Sheff Utd 20/21.
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Yep, Sheff Utd 20/21.
That was a hard-fought win. Think Martinez saved a penalty on debut and they packed the defence with big lads.
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The anti Pau stuff is just like being consistently hit over the head with a brick. I love big Ty for everything he has given us and hopefully will still give us, but friendly or not, if Pau had put in a performance like Mings did against Marseille, some posters would of been in permanent meltdown, or if Pau had God forbid picked up the ball in the box in a key European game.
I know this is a discussion forum but it would be great if some of us could choose Torres in our starting 11s some weeks, without the same moronic shit spouted by Tim over and over.
Like the moronic shit you post over and over . Mings is the better defender it's clear . Torres might be a better passer and even that's debatable now .
Fair play Tim, we can be moronic together. I’ll obviously be on the right side the moronic soectrum.
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I like Mings AND I like Pau. I’m not the sort of fan that has to have someone they don’t like. I think overall Pau adds more to how we play and it appears that our manager does too.
So the only compromise is play both 😂
I would have liked us to experiment that in a friendly just to see how a pau mings cb pairing would have done despite them both being left sided cbs
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It does seem odd that we won't even try them together in a friendly. I reckon Unai just enjoys the arguments on here.
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I reckon much like CD is actually AD joshing us, Bronte is actually Unai doing it for shits and giggles.
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If we ever see a team sheet with a load of 3/10s written next to it after Villa have just won, he'll be rumbled.
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Why do you think we see him straight on the laptop after a game.
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The anti Pau stuff is just like being consistently hit over the head with a brick. I love big Ty for everything he has given us and hopefully will still give us, but friendly or not, if Pau had put in a performance like Mings did against Marseille, some posters would of been in permanent meltdown, or if Pau had God forbid picked up the ball in the box in a key European game.
I know this is a discussion forum but it would be great if some of us could choose Torres in our starting 11s some weeks, without the same moronic shit spouted by Tim over and over.
Like the moronic shit you post over and over . Mings is the better defender it's clear . Torres might be a better passer and even that's debatable now .
Fair play Tim, we can be moronic together. I’ll obviously be on the right side the moronic soectrum.
Have a good rest of the evening , mate , relax , before it all starts again .
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Last night I dreamt this finished 1-1, with them scoring a late equaliser.
Might have a punt.
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(https://scontent.fbhx4-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t39.30808-6/533157703_1360478198776826_1439390523486192167_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_p526x296_tt6&_nc_cat=110&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=127cfc&_nc_ohc=GZDUycnjmfYQ7kNvwHfGKKz&_nc_oc=Adnn5M_4v9yWx9UQnS5mirC5FWJrF_bvAclU85T_ZK2S3xjjJzgwuOcjzmWkhVU8WIY&_nc_zt=23&_nc_ht=scontent.fbhx4-1.fna&_nc_gid=BMTs-MG_4rIwEJMPjPWcfg&oh=00_AfWKFruKIzlwXJ1wVvyU0eqlniFg7es9N0kwi6UkTMlxmw&oe=68A502A7)
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We've sold Watkins, then. 🙁
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Oh no, he's number 11. Phew.
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Just saw a magpie in the garden and booed it. Hopefully we will win now.
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Just saw a magpie in the garden and booed it. Hopefully we will win now.
Only one? :(
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You have to salute it and say "morning Mr Magpie". Asking how Mrs Magpie is can be optional.
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What are we looking at now for tomorrow, assuming Bailey is also in the departure lounge. Are Garcia and Barkley fit for the bench even? Moreno, Donk, SIJ, Dobbin I'm assuming won't be considered.
Bizot, Cash, Konsa, Torres, Digne, Kamara, Tielemans, McGinn, Rogers, Malen, Watkins
Subs from Mings, Maatsen, Onana, Guessand, Buendia, Bogarde + kids
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I think Onana will start as we will need physicality in the middle for sure .
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Are Karama and Rogers injured?
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Are Karama and Rogers injured?
Rogers is fine. Who's this Karama fella?
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You have to salute it and say "morning Mr Magpie". Asking how Mrs Magpie is can be optional.
Come on now, this sounds like superstitious hokum. Obviously my magpie-booing will work, but you've taken it too far.
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Emerys pre match conference not exactly one to get the blood pulsing ahead of the new season. Not contenders for top 7 based on budget.
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Emerys pre match conference not exactly one to get the blood pulsing ahead of the new season. Not contenders for top 7 based on budget.
He always says that. And every season we end up in it.
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Emerys pre match conference not exactly one to get the blood pulsing ahead of the new season. Not contenders for top 7 based on budget.
He always says that. And every season we end up in it.
“We are starting more or less like when I arrived here. We are not a contender to be in the top seven for this reason. Of course we have the capacity to build a strong team, but not with the same budget [as the big clubs]. We have to be competitive with our players and keep working hard as well as staying motivated. We are going to start tomorrow and there 38 matches in the Premier League but we are not contenders to be in the top seven.”
He sounds more downbeat than usual this time though.
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I'd be surprised if he's not saying something very different to the players etc.
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Emery said exactly what he’s always said.
Very clever with his answer to the financial questions stating it does not get him down and as always he discloses very little.
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Emerys pre match conference not exactly one to get the blood pulsing ahead of the new season. Not contenders for top 7 based on budget.
It's like making love, it's better to underpromise and overdeliver, rather than vice-versa.
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Doesn’t seem unusually downbeat to me, basically does what he does normally - underplays until we’re in a position to achieve something.
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Right if Bizot doesn’t keep a clean sheet he’s out.
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Emerys pre match conference not exactly one to get the blood pulsing ahead of the new season. Not contenders for top 7 based on budget.
It's like making love, it's better to underpromise and overdeliver, rather than vice-versa.
"It'll be over within a minute and I'll have smoked a couple of roll-ups after five. I'm game if you are?"
You're right. This (apart from football statistics from the 1930s) is the key to seduction.
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There seems to be a lot of PL managers openly whinging about the lack of progress on transfers in/out over the summer, Nuno, Silva etc. Likely to be a mad few windows until the circus ends.
If Isak does go to Liverpool, will we really be able to resist silly money for Watkins. I see Ederson has fallen out with Guardiola so Martinez might generate interest there.
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There seems to be a lot of PL managers openly whinging about the lack of progress on transfers in/out over the summer, Nuno, Silva etc. Likely to be a mad few windows until the circus ends.
If Isak does go to Liverpool, will we really be able to resist silly money for Watkins. I see Ederson has fallen out with Guardiola so Martinez might generate interest there.
Newcastle are already strongly going for Wissa, I doubt they’d buy two 29 year old strikers. Martinez I can’t see it unless Ortega comes the other way.
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Emerys pre match conference not exactly one to get the blood pulsing ahead of the new season. Not contenders for top 7 based on budget.
It's like making love, it's better to underpromise and overdeliver, rather than vice-versa.
I’ve been getting it the wrong way round for years.
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I see Ederson has fallen out with Guardiola so Martinez might generate interest there.
They've signed Trafford and are trying to sign Donnarumma.
Feels unlikely they'd add Martinez as well.
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I see Ederson has fallen out with Guardiola so Martinez might generate interest there.
They've signed Trafford and are trying to sign Donnarumma.
Feels unlikely they'd add Martinez as well.
I think Martínez and Watkins had probably hoped they’d get a move, but nobody values them at the price we’ve asked. Lots of goalkeepers and strikers have been bought and sold this summer and the fact that nobody has really pushed the boat to get them will send a signal.
As a result, I hope and expect them to perform at higher levels than last season.
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Emery often comes out with that O'Learyesque shite about not being top seven contenders and stuck with the shitmunchers (for the Charltons and Boltons of Dolly's time, see Brentford and Bournemouth nowadays) but when he's persuading Bouba to sign-up for another few years, I assume he's promising him that we'll push like fuck for the Treble.
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Emerys pre match conference not exactly one to get the blood pulsing ahead of the new season. Not contenders for top 7 based on budget.
I'm sure he'd hate to disappoint you.
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I see Ederson has fallen out with Guardiola so Martinez might generate interest there.
They've signed Trafford and are trying to sign Donnarumma.
Feels unlikely they'd add Martinez as well.
I think Martínez and Watkins had probably hoped they’d get a move, but nobody values them at the price we’ve asked. Lots of goalkeepers and strikers have been bought and sold this summer and the fact that nobody has really pushed the boat to get them will send a signal.
As a result, I hope and expect them to perform at higher levels than last season.
It must be a bit embarrassing for them, with all this movement and nobody being interested. At least Watkins didn't make a berk of himself about it.
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Here we go, finally here, first of all, very disappointing transfer window thus far, Emery must be disappointed, so following the utter corrupt PSR rules on top of the last game of last season and what that decision cost Aston Villa, we now kick off against a team that is basically in meltdown from where they should be, so we can take from that we have them at the right time, i'm going for a 2-1 win.
Draw wouldn't be the end of the world, i think if we lose this, sharp intake of breath, its going to be a difficult season, even at this point in the season and that's not an over reaction to any loss.
2-1 Villa.
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Not sure it would necessarily be a tough season if we were to lose tomorrow. Bit of a bleak way of looking at it.
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Not sure it would necessarily be a tough season if we were to lose tomorrow. Bit of a bleak way of looking at it.
Possibly, we wont get a better chance of beating Newcastle this season.
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It's like making love, it's better to underpromise and overdeliver, rather than vice-versa.
I’ve been getting it the wrong way round for years.
It's a common mistake, although as an accountant, it's little easier for me to manage expectations.
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Here we go, finally here, first of all, very disappointing transfer window thus far, Emery must be disappointed, so following the utter corrupt PSR rules on top of the last game of last season and what that decision cost Aston Villa, we now kick off against a team that is basically in meltdown from where they should be, so we can take from that we have them at the right time, i'm going for a 2-1 win.
Draw wouldn't be the end of the world, i think if we lose this, sharp intake of breath, its going to be a difficult season, even at this point in the season and that's not an over reaction to any loss.
2-1 Villa.
I think it is an over reaction. We lost the first home game to Arsenal last season and didn’t lose again at home (apart from to Crystal Kryptonite Palace in the league cup).
Anyway, I think Howe will try and create a ‘lets show em we’re not a one man team’ scenario, but they won’t be able to handle Watkins, Rogers and Tielemans and we win.
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What happened that season we got gubbed 5-1 at Newcastle?
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One thing we should have zero excuses on is being prepared. There’s been little to no meaningful turnover in the squad, so we should be really joined. You could say the same for them, but Isak is a massive gap for them.
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Here we go, finally here, first of all, very disappointing transfer window thus far, Emery must be disappointed, so following the utter corrupt PSR rules on top of the last game of last season and what that decision cost Aston Villa, we now kick off against a team that is basically in meltdown from where they should be, so we can take from that we have them at the right time, i'm going for a 2-1 win.
Draw wouldn't be the end of the world, i think if we lose this, sharp intake of breath, its going to be a difficult season, even at this point in the season and that's not an over reaction to any loss.
2-1 Villa.
I think it is an over reaction. We lost the first home game to Arsenal last season and didn’t lose again at home (apart from to Crystal Kryptonite Palace in the league cup).
Anyway, I think Howe will try and create a ‘lets show em we’re not a one man team’ scenario, but they won’t be able to handle Watkins, Rogers and Tielemans and we win.
100% behind what our lads can do tomorrow, hope we hammer them, really do, hope Villa show that in spite of these catastrophic rules a team can still turn it around after little movement in the transfer window, pick up from our best of best last season and absolutely give them a miserable start to there Champions league season, as for what happend yonks ago, of no consequence for me.
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Our opening 2 months of fixtures really are favourable. If we can hit the ground running. Big If I know .
Can see tomorrow being 1-1
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Irrelevant final score predictions for this season will be courtesy of Aston-Lee. Goodbye 2-0/0-2.
1-0.
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I feel like I've entered into a whole new crazy world and I'm not sure I'm ready.
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If we have any aspirations of Top 5/6, we should be aiming to win all our home games. Anything less than 3pts against an Isak-less Newcastle is not good enough tomorrow.
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I’ll be honest to be top 5 or 6 you don’t have to win all your home games. We could drop off a bit at home (although ideally we wouldn’t) and be fine provided our away form got a lot better.
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Our opening 2 months of fixtures really are favourable. If we can hit the ground running. Big If I know .
Can see tomorrow being 1-1
After your first 3 sentences, I was expecting 5 - 0 ! 😄
I’m going 4 - 0. Ollie, Morgs, Thielemans and SGM!
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Irrelevant final score predictions for this season will be courtesy of Aston-Lee. Goodbye 2-0/0-2.
1-0.
Leej calling losses each match is the anti-jinx to his natural jinx order. Anyone know if his son has inherited jinx?
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I just want us to avoid defeat, it will mean we go 12 months unbeaten in home league games. Something i'm pretty sure we've never done in my lifetime.
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That had crossed my mind, too. A whole season unbeaten at home would be a ridiculous achievement. I have a bad feeling it will go wrong just to ruin things.
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Last time we went eighteen home league games unbeaten was the final eighteen home games of 1976/77 (after losing at VP to Small Heath). Opening home game of the following season, Villa 1 Man City 4.
Wouldn't have been a full year/season unbeaten anyway as there were twenty-two teams in the top flight then.
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We were on a good run 82/83-83/84, Arsenal spoilt that by twatting us 6-2.
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Was 82/83-83/84. Sixteen home league games unbeaten, including one against Arsenal, before they hammered us.
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I know, that's what I wrote...
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Silly me.
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This fixture is never a draw, think we're due one. It'll feel like a missed opportunity if so what with their lack of attacking options and shitty pre-season.
My neighbour has asked if I want to watch the game with him in the pub. We've always said we should go for a pint and today I find out he's a Newcastle fan (from friggin' Cornwall)! I must have mentioned I was Villa before. Dear Deirdre, it would be nice to bond with a fellow building-resident but I don't like watching Villa games with opposing fans. What should I do?
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Tell him you're an ungracious winner so fear you'll offend him.
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Absolutely do not watch it with him, nothing good can come of it.
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4-1 win
Bizot
Cash
Konsa
Mings
Digne
Kamara
McGinn
Malen
Tielemans
Rogers
Watkins
Will be interesting to see the line-up. Think the line-up above looks pretty much the one I'd expect, with the only questions being Mings or Torres, does Rogers play as a number 10 or on the left and how does the rest of the midfield look depending on that decision? Rogers as number 10, then surely McGinn starts on the left, with Kamara and Tielemans central. Rogers on the left could mean McGinn at number 10 or if Tielemans plays further forward then Onana could partner Kamara.
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Amadou is 24 today, a birthday goal and win would be nice.
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Please turn up and win Villa.
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Irrelevant final score predictions for this season will be courtesy of Aston-Lee. Goodbye 2-0/0-2.
1-0.
Leej calling losses each match is the anti-jinx to his natural jinx order. Anyone know if his son has inherited jinx?
I have to try and break this by saying 0-2
It’s the only way! (Don’t blame me if we lose though)
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I had a dream, we lost 4-6 after being 3-1 up.
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4-1 win
Bizot
Cash
Konsa
Mings
Digne
Kamara
McGinn
Malen
Tielemans
Rogers
Watkins
Will be interesting to see the line-up. Think the line-up above looks pretty much the one I'd expect, with the only questions being Mings or Torres, does Rogers play as a number 10 or on the left and how does the rest of the midfield look depending on that decision? Rogers as number 10, then surely McGinn starts on the left, with Kamara and Tielemans central. Rogers on the left could mean McGinn at number 10 or if Tielemans plays further forward then Onana could partner Kamara.
Wouldn't be all that surprised if he gave Buendia a go today at 10. Hopefully not Rogers on the right anyway.
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It’s not the game for Buendia I don’t think, certainly not as a 10. Newcastle are horrible and physical.
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Might be a game for Onana.
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I had a dream, we lost 4-6 after being 3-1 up.
Sounds more like Tim Henman than Unai's Villa.
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I had a dream, we lost 4-6 after being 3-1 up.
Sounds more like Bille Jean King than Martin Luther King.
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Might be a game for Onana.
We scored some belters last season but the one he scored against Newcastle was probably my favourite.
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Won't be easy, but I'm going for us to win by the odd goal.
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Gates late to open again and queues already massive.