Heroes & Villains, the Aston Villa fanzine
Heroes & Villains => Match Threads & Player Ratings => Topic started by: PeterWithesShin on December 27, 2025, 07:50:52 PM
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Tues 30th Dec, 20.15 KO.
1-1
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I think we’ll win 2-1. Watkins double from the bench.
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With the absences even harder. Before tonight’s game I’d have taken a point from these two games, we’ve already bettered that. Anything is a bonus.
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Annnnnnoooother one!!!!!
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I'd take a draw. If we had to lose a game of this group of 3, it would probably be this one. I think they'll have too much for us over the course of the rest of the season, so will City, so it's massively important to finish in the champions league places.
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Yes, a point would be a perfectly respectable result. 7 points from this run of three games would be incredible. However, I have a feeling Arsenal will have a point to prove after the VP result, so it's going to be a very tough night's work.
That said, Brighton had them under a lot of pressure after they came back to 2-1 today, and were much the better side for 20 minutes after they scored. You can definitely get at them, and however motivated they are, I guarantee the crowd will start to get twitchy if we get a foothold at any point...
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Presume we can’t appeal against the Kamara booking or ask ref to look at it again in his sky blue pyjamas?
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2-1 Villa with Rogers and Ollie on the scoresheet
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Going to be tricky without Cash and Kamara, both of whom were tip-top in the reverse fixture.
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Martinez
Bogarde
Konsa
Lindelof
Maatsen
Onana
Tielemans
McGinn
Watkins
Rogers
Malen
Don’t see us winning, would be happy with a draw, wouldn’t be surprised or mortified with a defeat.
But I’m dreaming now.
3-2 us Watkins, Tielemans, Rogers
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Martinez
Bogarde
Konsa
Lindelof
Maatsen
Onana
Tielemans
McGinn
Watkins
Rogers
Malen
Don’t see us winning, would be happy with a draw, wouldn’t be surprised or mortified with a defeat.
But I’m dreaming now.
3-2 us Watkins, Tielemans, Rogers
Just another challenge for Unai.
And don't doubt for a minute that he didn't spend Boxing Day planning how to face Arse without Kamara and/or Cash in expectation of Twatwell screwing us over.
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82nd minute winner from Chris Price.
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I reckon Tony Luna with the winner.
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I reckon Tony Luna with the winner.
What a day that was
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"spend some fackin' money"
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I'd take a draw right now away at the Gooners but we will be full of confidence and could nick it.
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They'll be shitting this game far more than we will be.
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They'll be shitting this game far more than we will be.
They won't, they're the most arrogant fanbase in football.
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He might be talking about the players. Arteta might need to get the big lightbulb out instead.
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They have everything to lose, us and MC right on them, another failed title challenge on the horizon. We're under no pressure. They'll be dreading this, the team and the fans no matter what bluster they come out with.
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I reckon Tony Luna with the winner.
What a day that was
One of my favourite aways ever. I think we saw Doug in his Rolls near Finsbury Park tube after, too.
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They have everything to lose, us and MC right on them, another failed title challenge on the horizon. We're under no pressure. They'll be dreading this, the team and the fans no matter what bluster they come out with.
Nah. They're arrogant bellends, don't consider us a threat and expect to win. Which will make it all the funnier if we do our third double over them in five years.
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If Torres or Mings are available, I wonder if he shifts Lindelof to RCB and moves Konsa to RB? UTV
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Wednesday headlines will be
Villa title fight over before it begins or
Villa hand City-eh title and spoil it for everyone
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0-4
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Quite relaxed about this one, not because we will win just it won’t break us if we lose. Pau being available would be great though
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With our manager we could put a team of 5 year olds out and still be in with a chance.
1-2 Villa.
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If Torres or Mings are available, I wonder if he shifts Lindelof to RCB and moves Konsa to RB? UTV
Hopefully not! Leave Konsa where he is.
Arsenal far from impressive lately as per reports but still getting points. Watkins, Onana and Bogarde will come in. Digne maybe too though Maatsen did very well v Saka a few weeks ago. Squad going to be very light quality wise.
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1-1, which would be a great result. If we win, I might be giddier than a giddy aunt.
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If Torres or Mings are available, I wonder if he shifts Lindelof to RCB and moves Konsa to RB? UTV
If Torres and/or Mings were particularly close to being available we would have seen them in training by now, I assume.
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Very little recovery time after Chelsea. Can someone explain why 6 matches take place in the PL on Tuesday 30th and 4 take place on Thursday 1st January? Surely that's unfair with so little recovery time after Saturday"s games - especially for Man City who get 2 extra days rest??
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If Torres or Mings are available, I wonder if he shifts Lindelof to RCB and moves Konsa to RB? UTV
If Torres and/or Mings were particularly close to being available we would have seen them in training by now, I assume.
It would be great to have either or both back but I’m of the opinion that the way Lindeloff is playing it’s not the end of the world they’re having a rest.
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It's a minor annoyance that Arsenal have such a speedy opportunity to make amends after our glorious last gasp winner, and also frustrating that this time we'll be the side with key players missing.
The thing is though, this feels like complete free hit, because consecutive wins against Utd and Chavski have solidified our place in the top 3.
I can't for the life of me see us getting a win, but I've said that before during this run and I've been repeatedly dumbfounded by Unai's ability to manipulate circumstances in our favour.
I think the best thing is that regardless of the result, we are nailed on for a Champions League place and I fully expect us to be marching round the Bullring with A cup, not sure which shape yet, come May.
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It's a minor annoyance that Arsenal have such a speedy opportunity to make amends after our glorious last gasp winner, and also frustrating that this time we'll be the side with key players missing.
The thing is though, this feels like complete free hit, because consecutive wins against Utd and Chavski have solidified our place in the top 3.
Yup. The points from us to fifth and Champions League qualification, is the same as fifth to sixteenth.
The aim should be to completely sew up top five by April so our minds can be fully on the Europa / FA Cup double in May.
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It's a minor annoyance that Arsenal have such a speedy opportunity to make amends after our glorious last gasp winner, and also frustrating that this time we'll be the side with key players missing.
The thing is though, this feels like complete free hit, because consecutive wins against Utd and Chavski have solidified our place in the top 3.
Yup. The points from us to fifth and Champions League qualification, is the same as fifth to sixteenth.
The aim should be to completely sew up top five by April so our minds can be fully on the Europa FA Cup double in May.
Absolutely this.
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They've been hurting our title charges for 4 seasons now and I'm sick of it. They need a proper humbling
I know we sometimes used to play like it was our job to help the bigger boys get nice things, but no longer, you fucking twats.
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Emi 1
Bogie
Lindy
Ezri
Maat
Onana
SJM
Sancho
YT
Morgs
Ollie
I’d prefer SJM to YT as the BooBoo stand-in
Ideally it would be Bogarde, but I expect him rather than Garcia to play RB
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Even when we were utter shit we used to quite often go to Arsenal and win. Though they did win about seventy in a row at Villa Park.
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I would start Digne against these. Need Maatsen fully fit for Forest as he will destroy their right back, who would struggle to beat me in a race.
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Also, did they ever stop to think what they've been doing to *our* title challenges over the last forty years?
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Quite relaxed about this one, not because we will win just it won’t break us if we lose. Pau being available would be great though
Yup.
I don't think Emery will risk any inexperience: Bogarde at right-back, Youri and Onana in the double pivot and Watkins / Rogers / McGinn / Buendia ahead. Sancho and Malen will come on in the second half. Injuries may force a Garcia introduction at some point, but any midfield injury will - I think - be covered by bringing on Digne.
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Also, did they ever stop to think what they've been doing to *our* title challenges over the last forty years?
Wait til they see what we’ve been doing to *Villa’s* title challenges. Successfully sabotaging ourselves for the past 43 seasons.
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EMI
Bogaardt Konsa Lind Maatsen
SJM Yuri Onana Rogers
Buendia
Watkins
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Bookies have us 6-1 to win. That's an insult.
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Bookies don't have us 6/1, punters do. If you're offended, bet twenty grand on Villa and it will soon change.
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I'll take a point. For selfish reasons, i don't mind the winning streak pausing, because I have tickets for the Forest game, and if we win 12 in a row at Arsenal there's no way we'll make it 13. And I want to see a win!
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Bookies don't have us 6/1, punters do. If you're offended, bet twenty grand on Villa and it will soon change.
you put the 20k up and I'll go put it on 😂😂
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I would do but I've invested all my savings on Northern Rock shares. As soon as they turn a profit I'll get it sorted.
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Without Mings/Torres/Cash/Kamara I'd be delighted with a draw. I'm not sure if they'll go for us after the rope a dope at Chelsea, and it could be a bit cagey.
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Martinez
Bogarde. Konsa. Lindelof. Digne
Onana. Tielemans
McGinn. Rogers. Maatsen
Watkins
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You can now get 7 to 1.
Tempting.
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If we had Cash and Kanaranzi I'd back that, but we don't and it's probably why we're so long.
Wait for them to score first to fully maximise value anyway.
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Looks like Arsenal with have 3 of the main defenders back. I think Arteta left Timber out against Brighton as a precaution to play against us. Without Kamara and Cash it will be very difficult. The sub options that Unai uses so well will be restricted. I would rather Bogarde in the midfield but think Unai will play him at right back. A massive game with a lot of pressure on Arsenal.
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If we had Cash and Kanaranzi I'd back that, but we don't and it's probably why we're so long.
Wait for them to score first to fully maximise value anyway.
That is some auto correct. French central midfielder, not pilot in vicinity of Hawaii 1941.
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If Pau makes it back for this game, I could see Konsa moving to right-back and Lindelof moving to RCB. Otherwise, it has to be Bogarde, I can't see him risking Garcia who hasn't played in months.
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If Pau makes it back for this game, I could see Konsa moving to right-back and Lindelof moving to RCB. Otherwise, it has to be Bogarde, I can't see him risking Garcia who hasn't played in months.
If Pau was back I would be over the moon, the vibe I got it was more likely to be another 10/14 days. Does anyone have an update?
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I would do but I've invested all my savings on Northern Rock shares. As soon as they turn a profit I'll get it sorted.
I'd do it but i've put it all on sha winning the Europa League this season.
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A bridge too far. 2-0 to Arsenal.
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Oof, the predictions are currently in a three-way tie, 19 different people think we'll win, lose or draw. For the deciding vote, it's only fair to allow the H&V Poster of the Year to push the button. Have we not done our awards show/thread yet?
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We have to go for a 443 formation. I'd play SJM next to Onana with Tielemans further forward. A conundrum for UE on who to replace Cash with - can he risk Garcia or play Bogarde at RB? Garcia would add more pace but Bogarde is more solid in tackles.
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Rice played RB against Brighton which surely weakens their midfield but will strengthen their RH side where they have Saka the diving twat.
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Can we ask Spurs to deliver a pasta dish for Arsenal players lunch today?
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As we move through this run the likelihood of a setback increases and a visit to Woolwich is probably as tough an ask as you could want. But the you could've said that about Chelsea.
The way things are going a victory is well within our reach, again the bench will play a vital role, perhaps in maintaining our unbeaten run.
0-0
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I’m feeling a SDM (Sir Dennis Mortimer for the youngsters) moment, hopefully with SJM completing the task. 0-2.
The unsustainables will then take notice, maybe. 🤔
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We're still going to have a competitive starting XI but all the injuries and suspensions will leave us with little defensive replacements on the bench. I'd love to see Garcia start personally but haven't seen any evidence this season that Unai fancies him.
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I wonder if our absences will be mentioned in commentary etc.
Mings
Torres
Cash
Kamara
Barkley
Guessand
All who play in, or cover defence. With Watkins carrying an injury and unlikely to play 90, and given he is brilliant at being out first line of defence and breaking up play, we're stretched.
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We're still going to have a competitive starting XI but all the injuries and suspensions will leave us with little defensive replacements on the bench. I'd love to see Garcia start personally but haven't seen any evidence this season that Unai fancies him.
He's been injured for most of it, but given that I'd be very surprised if he was thrown in for this game.
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What's Torres latest?
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Surely he'll just put Bogarde in at RB? I'm not saying that's right, but it seems to be his favoured plan B so for this season?
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Surely he'll just put Bogarde in at RB? I'm not saying that's right, but it seems to be his favoured plan B so for this season?
Think anything else would be a surprise. Only reason not to is that there is then very little to come into midfield if any of Youri / SJM / Onana need to come off.
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What's Torres latest?
I doubt very much if he’ll be fit and I can’t remember many occasions under Emery where a player has been out then thrown straight back into the starting eleven.
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I've been reading an Arsenal forum. I don't really mind them compared to their traditional rivals at the top of the league, but they're all pretty sure we're a mere irritant to be dealt with and never thought of again. We'll see I guess.
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Has there been a situation where Garcia has been fit and Bogarde has been preferred at RB?
Seems that the options are including Garcia and keep Bogarde in hand for later, or playing Garcia at RB but being ready to blood Hemmings.
Imagine being that lad in training this week...
Maybe there's also a scenario where Bogarde starts and Garcia comes on later, or a different midfielder in the engine room (McGinn?).
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Has there been a situation where Garcia has been fit and Bogarde has been preferred at RB?
Seems that the options are including Garcia and keep Bogarde in hand for later, or playing Garcia at RB but being ready to blood Hemmings.
Imagine being that lad in training this week...
Maybe there's also a scenario where Bogarde starts and Garcia comes on later, or a different midfielder in the engine room (McGinn?).
When Cash has come off, Bogarde has gone to RB even with Garcia on the bench.
eg Basel away. Cash went off at HT, YT went into midfield and Bogey moved to RB
Garcia remained on the bench
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García coming in cold after no football since... last April(?), seems boneheaded. We're better at knuckleball.
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Don't get why we're playing Arsenal again, when we've not faced Forest yet. For probably decades, it's always been clubs play everyone in the first half of the season then the reverse fixture in the second half, if it ain't broke don't fix it.
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Don't get why we're playing Arsenal again, when we've not faced Forest yet. For probably decades, it's always been clubs play everyone in the first half of the season then the reverse fixture in the second half, if it ain't broke don't fix it.
There are multiple considerations when the fixture list is compiled, many more than back in the day and these anomalies are not that rare anymore and it happens in the other leagues. The reverse Southampton fixture for the Rags is the same tonight.
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Don't get why we're playing Arsenal again, when we've not faced Forest yet. For probably decades, it's always been clubs play everyone in the first half of the season then the reverse fixture in the second half, if it ain't broke don't fix it.
It's happened before that we've played a team a few weeks after the first game, especially at this time of year. I'm not sure why though.
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Don't get why we're playing Arsenal again, when we've not faced Forest yet. For probably decades, it's always been clubs play everyone in the first half of the season then the reverse fixture in the second half, if it ain't broke don't fix it.
I asked this question several times on various threads. It's doing my head in too! Not only the asymmetry of not having played the full round before meeting Arsenal again, but also the proximity of the home and away fixtures. Did the fixture computer fuck up or summat?
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Don't get why we're playing Arsenal again, when we've not faced Forest yet. For probably decades, it's always been clubs play everyone in the first half of the season then the reverse fixture in the second half, if it ain't broke don't fix it.
I asked this question several times on various threads. It's doing my head in too! Not only the asymmetry of not having played the full round before meeting Arsenal again, but also the proximity of the home and away fixtures. Did the fixture computer fuck up or summat?
No, the next round of fixtures are as they were for the round at the beginning of the month, eg Leeds going to Liverpool a few weeks after the 3-3 draw at Elland Road.
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Remember us playing Leeds twice at the start of the season in 92-93
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We have to go for a 443 formation. I'd play SJM next to Onana with Tielemans further forward. A conundrum for UE on who to replace Cash with - can he risk Garcia or play Bogarde at RB? Garcia would add more pace but Bogarde is more solid in tackles.
I love this idea but I do reckon someone will spot the flaw in the proposal.
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We have to go for a 443 formation. I'd play SJM next to Onana with Tielemans further forward. A conundrum for UE on who to replace Cash with - can he risk Garcia or play Bogarde at RB? Garcia would add more pace but Bogarde is more solid in tackles.
No goalkeeper?
:D
I love this idea but I do reckon someone will spot the flaw in the proposal.
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With the absences if we get anything here it’d be an incredible result. In reality I think they’ll have too much.
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Don't get why we're playing Arsenal again, when we've not faced Forest yet. For probably decades, it's always been clubs play everyone in the first half of the season then the reverse fixture in the second half, if it ain't broke don't fix it.
It was arranged so that our ream can stay in London after playing Chelsea and do the "10 things to do in London according to Tripadvisor" thing.
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Bogarde at RB. Tielemans and Onana in the middle, McGinn, Rogers and Sancho behind Watkins. I'd take a draw right now but would you bet against us?
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With the absences if we get anything here it’d be an incredible result. In reality I think they’ll have too much.
Agree. 2-0/3-1 Arsenal I reckon and we’ll pick ourselves up against Forest.
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Id be happy with a draw but if we lose I see Arse and 115 have some hard games in January so we still wont be out of it.
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I wouldn’t write us off. Unai will be very motivated and has a great record against Arteta. His press conference today revealed absolutely nothing. The fit players will train, the injured players continue their recovery and the suspended players won’t play. Could mean absolutely anything and the same for Arsenal to prepare for us.
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Don't get why we're playing Arsenal again, when we've not faced Forest yet. For probably decades, it's always been clubs play everyone in the first half of the season then the reverse fixture in the second half, if it ain't broke don't fix it.
It was arranged so that our ream can stay in London after playing Chelsea and do the "10 things to do in London according to Tripadvisor" thing.
Angus Steak House
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Don't get why we're playing Arsenal again, when we've not faced Forest yet. For probably decades, it's always been clubs play everyone in the first half of the season then the reverse fixture in the second half, if it ain't broke don't fix it.
It was arranged so that our ream can stay in London after playing Chelsea and do the "10 things to do in London according to Tripadvisor" thing.
Angus Steak House
I loved that Londoners were doing that on Reddit and Tripadvisor lmao.
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I fully expect us to make it 3 unbeaten there. They must be sick of the sight of us having only beaten us once in the last 5 matches, losing 3 of them.
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It’s amusing that Tom Ross is still given a couple of minutes in the pre match pressers to ask his ridiculous questions.
Unai was rightly pissed at him today.
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I fully expect us to make it 3 unbeaten there. They must be sick of the sight of us having only beaten us once in the last 5 matches, losing 3 of them.
I think we’ve beaten them twice since coming back up, 3-0 under Smith in covid times and 2-0 under Emery two seasons ago. Drew last season, which I think leaves three defeats, first season back up 2-3, Deanos last stand in October 2021, 2-1, or possibly 3-1 and at some point under Gerard, 2-1??
So LWLLWD
Still not bad
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Six wins, six defeats and one draw since we, unlike them, earned our place in the top flight. Can't imagine too many teams have a better record against them in that time.
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Annnnnnoooother one!!!!!
I didn't see Digne celebrate at Stamford Bridge. Now I'm concerned about tomorrow.
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I fully expect us to make it 3 unbeaten there. They must be sick of the sight of us having only beaten us once in the last 5 matches, losing 3 of them.
I think we’ve beaten them twice since coming back up, 3-0 under Smith in covid times and 2-0 under Emery two seasons ago. Drew last season, which I think leaves three defeats, first season back up 2-3, Deanos last stand in October 2021, 2-1, or possibly 3-1 and at some point under Gerard, 2-1??
So LWLLWD
Still not bad
I meant last 5 home and away.
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I fully expect us to make it 3 unbeaten there. They must be sick of the sight of us having only beaten us once in the last 5 matches, losing 3 of them.
I think we’ve beaten them twice since coming back up, 3-0 under Smith in covid times and 2-0 under Emery two seasons ago. Drew last season, which I think leaves three defeats, first season back up 2-3, Deanos last stand in October 2021, 2-1, or possibly 3-1 and at some point under Gerard, 2-1??
So LWLLWD
Still not bad
I meant last 5 home and away.
Ah sorry my misunderstanding
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Don't get why we're playing Arsenal again, when we've not faced Forest yet. For probably decades, it's always been clubs play everyone in the first half of the season then the reverse fixture in the second half, if it ain't broke don't fix it.
There are multiple considerations when the fixture list is compiled, many more than back in the day and these anomalies are not that rare anymore and it happens in the other leagues. The reverse Southampton fixture for the Rags is the same tonight.
I assume this happens elsewhere, but in the league my parents’ hometown team play they always play local derbys on Boxing Day with the return game on New Years Day. Pretty much guarantees a good turnout for both.
(Well, they did when they were in the Welsh 4th/5th division - I’ve not checked but I assume they do so in the Welsh 3rd tier too … got promoted to it last season for the first time in a bit over 30 years and are desperately trying to do well but avoid promotion as the travelling costs in the 2nd tier are too much!)
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It’s amusing that Tom Ross is still given a couple of minutes in the pre match pressers to ask his ridiculous questions.
Unai was rightly pissed at him today.
What did the silly sausage ask? Did they begin with "How...?" as in How much/How pleased... the usual generic shite. Damon Green was the man for this. Alas.
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Something along the lines of ‘you won’t talk about being in a title race, but do the players talk about it’
Unai gave him the 10 yard stare for a few seconds before answering and putting him in his place.
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Remember us playing Leeds twice at the start of the season in 92-93
I'm sure we played Hull City twice in the first three games in the 1970s.
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Look at this mad fixture list:
https://www.11v11.com/teams/aston-villa/tab/matches/season/1920/
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Statement win. 4-1 Villa.
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Statement win. 4-1 Villa.
I just came in to post something like that. I've got a feeling it won't just be a win but a really big win.
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Remember us playing Leeds twice at the start of the season in 92-93
I'm sure we played Hull City twice in the first three games in the 1970s.
The wonderful season 1974/75. We played them 2nd and 4th games of the season, both midweek. 1-1 at Boothferry Park and then a week later beat them 6-0 at VP with a Sammy Morgan hat trick.
https://www.11v11.com/teams/aston-villa/tab/matches/season/1975/
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Bogarde at RB is a frightening prospect; it is his weakest position of the three (along with CB and defensive midfielder) he has been deployed in. He will get abused by Martinelli or Trossard.
Far less optimistic than most here. I think we lose, but hope we can manage a draw at least.
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Could we do something off the wall?
Martinez
Konsa. Lindelof. Digne
Garcia. Onana. Tielemans. Maatsen
McGinn. Rogers
Watkins
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Get in the bin.
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Go find your meds.
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Garcia is a decent full back if a little likely to dive in. Reminds me of Freddie Gilbert. I would give him the first 50 minutes.
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A couple of goals for Ollie on his birthday would be nice, can see it being 2-2.
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The media seem to be building this up into a do-or-die game for the Arse ...
... I see it as a free hit for us!
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Rice likely playing at right back, it would seem. Which would be happy news for us, as he’s the only player to have come close to overpowering Onana these past few months. Begs the question of who we should line up on the left?
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Rice likely playing at right back, it would seem. Which would be happy news for us, as he’s the only player to have come close to overpowering Onana these past few months. Begs the question of who we should line up on the left?
Almost tempting to start Sancho against him, and have Maatsen running in behind him. Or just wait until 60 minutes and do it then.
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I have a gut feeling that this is where the run ends for us.
That said, it’s a free hit and whether we go for the fluid style of play that we can do, or conserve energy until the second half… Arsenal start with great intensity but get tired towards the middle of the second half.
Whatever the result, I’m very proud of the team right now. Whatever a position to be in.
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Rice likely playing at right back, it would seem. Which would be happy news for us, as he’s the only player to have come close to overpowering Onana these past few months. Begs the question of who we should line up on the left?
Almost tempting to start Sancho against him, and have Maatsen running in behind him. Or just wait until 60 minutes and do it then.
Hopefully Sancho on the right from now on with Rogers playing off the left.
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I have a gut feeling that this is where the run ends for us.
That said, it’s a free hit and whether we go for the fluid style of play that we can do, or conserve energy until the second half… Arsenal start with great intensity but get tired towards the middle of the second half.
Whatever the result, I’m very proud of the team right now. Whatever a position to be in.
Think we have to be careful with the old conserving energy thang tonight. Arsenal are better than Chelsea and we could find ourselves 2 or 3 down if not careful. We started fairly aggressively agaibst them at hone from memory, so maybe same again.
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The media seem to be building this up into a do-or-die game for the Arse ...
... I see it as a free hit for us!
I agree, it certainly is a free hit for us.
the Arse msm narrative is very much, "they cant f**k it up for a fourth year running - can they?" - these are the games they have come unstuck before, so beating the Villa is one step above where they have been.
In terms of the title it will mean very little in reality as Arse will, of course, fall apart from mid March with competitive UCL games, and we will be 7 points clear when Liverpool come to Villa park.
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I’ve been thinking that the run will end ahead of every game for the last 4 or 5 (Man Utd aside weirdly). I would definitely take a draw now if offered. I reckon they would too.
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The media seem to be building this up into a do-or-die game for the Arse ...
... I see it as a free hit for us!
I agree, it certainly is a free hit for us.
the Arse msm narrative is very much, "they cant f**k it up for a fourth year running - can they?" - these are the games they have come unstuck before, so beating the Villa is one step above where they have been.
In terms of the title it will mean very little in reality as Arse will, of course, fall apart from mid March with competitive UCL games, and we will be 7 points clear when Liverpool come to Villa park.
I tend to think like may that tonight will just be asking a bit too much, but if we did pull it off I reckon it would properly fuck them up mentally for the rest of the season.
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Unai responded very well as usual to stupid questions in the Press Conf. He's right to say that talk of title at GW19 is just silly.
Furthermore there is a theme being repeated on media that tonight is a must win game for Arsenal, this is also silly. It'd not a must win for either team just now.
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Team selection time.
Fill in the gaps/make changes from Saturday’s starting XI
Dibu
XXX Ezri Lindy Maatsen
XXX Tielemans
McGinn Rogers Buendia
Malen
Bizot
Garcia
Digne
Bogarde
Onana
Hemmings
Sancho
Jimoh-Aloba
Watkins
Wonder if Unai might do something tricky
Will Torres be back
Could Harvey Elliott put in an appearance on the bench?
Here's a curveball
Dibu
Bogey Ezri Lindy Lucas
McGinn Tielemans
Rogers Onana Maatsen
Ollie
Bizot
Garcia
Hemmings
Sancho
Buendia
Elliott
Jimoh-Aloba
Malen
Maatsen playing on the left - covers Digne v Saka and Declan Rice played RB for Arse on Saturday Maatsen can use his pace to get in behind him.
One problem we have, is that there'll be sod all on the bench if we need to change things up.
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The media seem to be building this up into a do-or-die game for the Arse ...
... I see it as a free hit for us!
I agree, it certainly is a free hit for us.
the Arse msm narrative is very much, "they cant f**k it up for a fourth year running - can they?" - these are the games they have come unstuck before, so beating the Villa is one step above where they have been.
In terms of the title it will mean very little in reality as Arse will, of course, fall apart from mid March with competitive UCL games, and we will be 7 points clear when Liverpool come to Villa park.
I tend to think like may that tonight will just be asking a bit too much, but if we did pull it off I reckon it would properly fuck them up mentally for the rest of the season.
If we were doing this with Pau, Cash and Kamara I'd feel very confident. As it is, I think that the thing that has seen us able to see out these games (being able to bring on nearly half a new team without reducing the quality on the pitch for the last half hour) will see them through tonight.
Then again - eighteen months ago we went there and started with a front six of McGinn - Tielemans - Zaniolo - Diaby - Rogers - Bailey - Watkins and ruined their title. So stranger things have happened.
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The media seem to be building this up into a do-or-die game for the Arse ...
... I see it as a free hit for us!
As I said it's not a do or die for any team however I don't agree that it's a free hit. There is damage if we lose or draw that bites you at the end like it did last season.
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Maatsen playing on the left - covers Digne v Saka and Declan Rice played RB for Arse on Saturday Maatsen can use his pace to get in behind him.
In the 0-2 I mentioned above, Moreno played most of the second half ahead of Digne after coming on for Zaniolo.
So there's definitely precedent.
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We need a monster game from Amadou without Bouba. I'd play McGinn next to him.
I'd go for it with Sancho on the right ahead of Bogarde. Tielmans 10 role.
Ollie to start. I am assuming Torres not playing.
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The media seem to be building this up into a do-or-die game for the Arse ...
... I see it as a free hit for us!
As I said it's not a do or die for any team however I don't agree that it's a free hit. There is damage if we lose or draw that bites you at the end like it did last season.
It's a free hit in the sense that we've wildly exceeded everybody's expectations of how many points we'd get over whatever distance you want to stretch it back over.
We will lose a football match again - if it's this one, it's not the end of the world thanks to what we've already got in the bag.
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It feels like one that Arteta cannot afford to lose, and that a draw wouldn’t devastate us. 0-6.
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A draw at best I think tonight, unless Arsenal completely bottle it. I think we are too light with injuries and suspensions. Gooners are so lightweight they will be distraught with a draw, suicidal with a defeat. We need to hang in there until 80 mins, then its anybodies
.
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I've also gone for the draw.
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The media seem to be building this up into a do-or-die game for the Arse ...
... I see it as a free hit for us!
I agree, it certainly is a free hit for us.
the Arse msm narrative is very much, "they cant f**k it up for a fourth year running - can they?" - these are the games they have come unstuck before, so beating the Villa is one step above where they have been.
In terms of the title it will mean very little in reality as Arse will, of course, fall apart from mid March with competitive UCL games, and we will be 7 points clear when Liverpool come to Villa park.
I tend to think like may that tonight will just be asking a bit too much, but if we did pull it off I reckon it would properly fuck them up mentally for the rest of the season.
If we were doing this with Pau, Cash and Kamara I'd feel very confident. As it is, I think that the thing that has seen us able to see out these games (being able to bring on nearly half a new team without reducing the quality on the pitch for the last half hour) will see them through tonight.
Then again - eighteen months ago we went there and started with a front six of McGinn - Tielemans - Zaniolo - Diaby - Rogers - Bailey - Watkins and ruined their title. So stranger things have happened.
And we'd had the first leg of the conference league on the Thursday before. I'd given us absolutely no chance of getting anything out of that game.
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It’s the lack of options off the bench that will be the real challenge.
Maybe Emery goes for it early and then try’s to hold out.
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Think we have to get out of this “free hit” mentality. This game is a 6 pointer for both us & Arsenal right now. There’s more pressure on them than us.
We’re not in a title race right now - that’s months away for every club - but we are in a position where we *could* be in one come April. It’s a big ask, but it’s possible. Even if we don’t stay in it, keeping a nice cushion over the clubs in 4th/5th place is a good thing.
Anyway, regardless of the result here we’ve had a marvellous season so far. A win, and we’ll keep that nice gap between us and Liverpool & Chelsea, and the breathing room will be invaluable come the end of the season if we’re still in the UEFA Cup.
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Right. We have to fucking destroy them. On the Arsenal forum I've been haunting for the last few days I've just seen someone refer to "teta" and "nelli" and this cannot stand. No joy can visit these pricks. None.
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Rice likely playing at right back, it would seem. Which would be happy news for us, as he’s the only player to have come close to overpowering Onana these past few months. Begs the question of who we should line up on the left?
Rogers the obvious choice given his performances of late.
I think this is where our run comes to an end too. Missing six first team players from the squad? Have been struggling badly in midfield in recent games and don't think our defence can continue to hold out. Bench is going to be very light on quality later. Buendia or Sancho seems to be the only selection decision really, that and left back. Want to see a lot braver Martinez playing tonight as our defence will need him at his very best.
Martinez, Bogarde, Konsa, Lindelof, Digne, Onana, Tielemans, McGinn, Rogers, Buendia, Watkins.
Bizot, Maatsen, Sancho, Malen, Garcia, anybody but Elliot
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I have a sneaky feeling we will see Garcia start tonight.
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1-1 I think absolutely fabulous run and in all my years of supporting Villa, I honestly don’t remember a time when I’ve been happier.
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Just a reminder that we had a few players out when we won 2-0 down there in the Europa conference league season (*inc. Cash, Dougie Luiz and Kamara)
This was our starting line up that day:
Martinez
Konsa Diego Carlos Torres Digne
Diabi McGinn Tielemans Zaniolo
Rogers
Watkins
I personally think we'll win tonight - Forest will be the game where our run ends.
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Bollocks to "free hit", winners don't have that mentality. Let's smash the granny out of them and show everyone we're potential champions.
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I personally think we'll win tonight - Forest will be the game where our run ends.
Yep, at our fortress home against a side 4th from bottom: that sounds typical Villa! ;)
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Bollocks to "free hit", winners don't have that mentality. Let's smash the granny out of them and show everyone we're potential champions.
Agree completely. It’s only a free hit in the mentality of the loser.
Driven men don’t do ‘free hits’.
I’m pretty confident that the gentleman managing our club falls into the second category and, will be 100% focused on gaining 3 points on a rival for the Title.
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I'll take a free hit any time one's on offer.
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Driven men don’t do ‘free hits’.
Or women as I have found out from personal experience.
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Arsenal away was maybe a free hit when we were competing with Wigan to stay up.
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(https://scontent.fbhx4-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t39.30808-6/607417108_1417464513078157_6574539938433412053_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_p180x540_tt6&_nc_cat=109&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=127cfc&_nc_ohc=NQkLyz-AZzEQ7kNvwFr5J7r&_nc_oc=AdnR65IBxJCWiCS_iNkIfVaXqfgysgSgZI79NTTIV3yq_CsVBPLs-4u1Celoh8V6bvg&_nc_zt=23&_nc_ht=scontent.fbhx4-1.fna&_nc_gid=mSVT0q3k5ys3QNDCuvrTAg&oh=00_AfkGzKy7r71v8BeN5E7u0dzgfu8Y1uWjE5Nq9iAs23Wv8w&oe=695988C4)
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Driven men don’t do ‘free hits’.
Just make sure the missus has fully comprehensive insurance.
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(https://scontent.fbhx4-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t39.30808-6/607417108_1417464513078157_6574539938433412053_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_p180x540_tt6&_nc_cat=109&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=127cfc&_nc_ohc=NQkLyz-AZzEQ7kNvwFr5J7r&_nc_oc=AdnR65IBxJCWiCS_iNkIfVaXqfgysgSgZI79NTTIV3yq_CsVBPLs-4u1Celoh8V6bvg&_nc_zt=23&_nc_ht=scontent.fbhx4-1.fna&_nc_gid=mSVT0q3k5ys3QNDCuvrTAg&oh=00_AfkGzKy7r71v8BeN5E7u0dzgfu8Y1uWjE5Nq9iAs23Wv8w&oe=695988C4)
..there is no argument about Wolves consistency there lol...
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Bollocks to "free hit", winners don't have that mentality. Let's smash the granny out of them and show everyone we're potential champions.
I agree with this.
Been saying it for a while.
Such a defeatist thing to say.
It's Lambert era Villa speak.
We're Unai Villa now.
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Agreed, enough of this small minded mentality. Unai doesn’t know the meaning of a free hit.
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It’s the lack of options off the bench that will be the real challenge.
Maybe Emery goes for it early and then try’s to hold out.
Which is why I think I'd start with Garcia, and keep Bogarde in hand if we need to change midfield shape later in the game.
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Voted Villa win, we get a draw, would be brilliant, a Villa win would be fantastic for the club but incredible for this story in the Premier League, lets face it we have created a whole atmosphere of excitement for all fans in the Premier league rather than the usual turgid Man City, Arsenal, Liverpool, Chelsea maybe, so long may it continue for everybody, plus we play the better football anyway.
1-1
Fingers crossed 1-3 Villa
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It’s the lack of options off the bench that will be the real challenge.
Maybe Emery goes for it early and then try’s to hold out.
Assuming Watkins gets the start we will have our joint top scorer sitting on the bench. Malen's clinical, then Buendia , two players that make things happen. I'd like to see Garcia come in at right back, saves disrupting the team. I guess it depends if Unai trusts him. Leave Bogarde on the bench as he can cover a couple of positions if needed. Onana to replace Bouba, SJM on the right helping out Garcia when needed and Rogers given a free role. Easy.
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Looks like Rice is out for them tonight.
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Looks like Rice is out for them tonight.
That’s an excellent piece of news.
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Looks like Rice is out for them tonight.
And he was going to be there right-back, wasn't he?
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Looks like Rice is out for them tonight.
And he was going to be there right-back, wasn't he?
Think Timber might be back
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They’ll have Gabriel back which is massive for them. I just think with our absences this is probably a bridge too far.
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They’ll have Gabriel back which is massive for them. I just think with our absences this is probably a bridge too far.
Stamford would have been the last one we were able to capture.
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They’ll have Gabriel back which is massive for them. I just think with our absences this is probably a bridge too far.
Oh come on Paul, we have Watkins finally firing and you're worried about Gabriel? I can only think Smirker has hacked your account. ;)
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a million percent he won’t start with Garcia tonight
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Looks like Rice is out for them tonight.
And he was going to be there right-back, wasn't he?
Think Timber might be back
Either way, good news for us if he’s out, both in terms of his skill set and leadership abilities.
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a million percent he won’t start with Garcia tonight
Well I rate him. Who do you put there, John? Love Bogarde too but he doesn't have the pace of Garcia. Moving Konsa out right would kill us in the middle.
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I'd be happy to pick Garcia, but will be amazed if he doesn't pick Bogarde right back.
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I'd love us to win to break that club record, but under the circumstances (Little Emi's goal the other week, and them wanting revenge), I'd take a draw! Just hope we don't concede early!
We'll save our next defeat until we go to Croydon! :'(
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a million percent he won’t start with Garcia tonight
Well I rate him. Who do you put there, John? Love Bogarde too but he doesn't have the pace of Garcia. Moving Konsa out right would kill us in the middle.
One possibility nobody has mentioned - start Digne or Maatsen at right-back. I don't think it will happen as MON is not in charge.
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There’s more chance of me starting at RB than Garcia. Bogarde will start.
The closer it gets the more confident I’m becoming, the news Rice is likely out enhances my optimism whereas I now think we’ll win.
1-2 to us.
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Rumour that Rice is out for arsenal..
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a million percent he won’t start with Garcia tonight
Well I rate him. Who do you put there, John? Love Bogarde too but he doesn't have the pace of Garcia. Moving Konsa out right would kill us in the middle.
So do I, but Emery isn’t throwing him in tonight with little to no experience this season
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Unai trusts Bogarde, and that trust has been repaid on quite a few occasions now. So I can see why people think he’s sure to start.
On the other hand, why even have Garcia in the squad if we’re not going to play him?
And in something of a squad crisis situation, using Garcia also gives us more options to change the game later on.
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Unai trusts Bogarde, and that trust has been repaid on quite a few occasions now. So I can see why people think he’s sure to start.
On the other hand, why even have Garcia in the squad if we’re not going to play him?
And in something of a squad crisis situation, using Garcia also gives us more options to change the game later on.
The same is true if he doesn't start though - if one of the midfielders is flagging, Garcia can always come on for them and Bogarde moves infield.
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It would be asking a lot (understatement) to throw Garcia in for his first game of the season against Arsenal away.
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Rumour that Rice is out for arsenal..
Hmm. I’ll believe that when the teams are announced! Be good though as he’s their best player I think. Would make missing Kamara a bit less of a bind.
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Unai trusts Bogarde, and that trust has been repaid on quite a few occasions now. So I can see why people think he’s sure to start.
On the other hand, why even have Garcia in the squad if we’re not going to play him?
And in something of a squad crisis situation, using Garcia also gives us more options to change the game later on.
The same is true if he doesn't start though - if one of the midfielders is flagging, Garcia can always come on for them and Bogarde moves infield.
Yes, also true - but in that case, you don’t get fresh legs in midfield, where you’d think they’ll most likely be needed.
That said, there are probably other options too - play SJM inside with Malen or Sancho off the right? Or a variety on that sort of theme.
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Rumour that Rice is out for arsenal..
I'm of the mind that the run stops tonight, but if this is true, plus if they're missing a couple from Gabriel, Timber and Calafiori, then it levels the playing field
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Rice likely to be out with a knee injury according to the Athletic. That's usually a reliable source? If so, it sort of evens it up with Bouba suspended.
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I like to flatter myself that I have a sense of perspective on all matters football and Villa but I'm like a giddy puppy in a crack den about this. It rarely ends well.
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Mirror are reporting about Declan Rice so maybe true...
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He'd likely have been playing RB as Timber has fallen. If we keep Odegaard quiet we could dominate the midfield.
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The cynic in me says Rice and one of their centre halves will be fit to play.
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A long 2.5 hours now, just want this to crack on
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Arsenal Mania is in meltdown, and I mean full scale quivering cowardice, over the alleged Rice news. I'd argue relying so much on one player is UNSUSTAINABLE.
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Rumour that Rice is out for arsenal..
They're taking no chances after PWS' paella comment.
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Even if we win the league, it's not sustainable and we won't be able to defend it next season.
And even if a miracle happens and we do, it'll be unsustainable and someone else will win it eventually.
Fucking weird bastards with their unsustainable bandwagon.
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Even if we win the league, it's not sustainable and we won't be able to defend it next season.
And even if a miracle happens and we do, it'll be unsustainable and someone else will win it eventually.
Fucking weird bastards with their unsustainable bandwagon.
Mate, you have gone a bit hyper now. Just calm down a bit.
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The unsustainables vs the (erstwhile) invisibles.
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Even if we win the league, it's not sustainable and we won't be able to defend it next season.
And even if a miracle happens and we do, it'll be unsustainable and someone else will win it eventually.
Fucking weird bastards with their unsustainable bandwagon.
Mate, you have gone a bit hyper now. Just calm down a bit.
haha
You are right.
Sorry mate.
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Rice not playing will be the media reason when they lose.
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Rice not playing will be the media reason when they lose.
I can live with that, provided they lose I don’t care what the rationale is.
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Rice not playing will be the media reason when they lose.
I can live with that, provided they lose I don’t care what the rationale is.
Me too. I want Rice out, Saka out, Raya out and then a shit load of dodgy decisions to go against them.
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Arsenal Mania is in meltdown, and I mean full scale quivering cowardice, over the alleged Rice news. I'd argue relying so much on one player is UNSUSTAINABLE.
Yep massive meltdown over Rice trending at no 1 on X
we’ve got Cash, Pau and Kamara out all starters and not mentioned
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Rice not playing will be the media reason when they lose.
I can live with that, provided they lose I don’t care what the rationale is.
Agree entirely, I’d quite happily have folk in the media talk about how we’ve only won a game because of such and such as long as they do it for the entire season.
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Rice not playing will be the media reason when they lose.
I can live with that, provided they lose I don’t care what the rationale is.
I can live with that, provided that Captain Black's head explodes in a post-match interview.
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Sounds like the Rice story is boiling over....
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They're crying into their pilaus.
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Rice not playing will be the media reason when they lose.
Headline: Fried Rice. Lucky Aston Villa win because of Arsenal injuries.
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I was driving to Scotland for the Red Mancs game and deliberately didn't get the score until I got out of the car and switched my phone on. Same game returning to Shropshire for the Chelsea match.
You're welcome.
Unfortunately the elder Rodders Jnr is at home AND WANTS TO WATCH IT.
I'm filled with dread.
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..heard they're playing their naan in the middle
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I was driving to Scotland for the Red Mancs game and deliberately didn't get the score until I got out of the car and switched my phone on. Same game returning to Shropshire for the Chelsea match.
You're welcome.
Unfortunately the elder Rodders Jnr is at home AND WANTS TO WATCH IT.
I'm filled with dread.
HOW ABOUT PARENTING INSTEAD?
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Rice not playing will be the media reason when they lose.
Headline: Fried Rice. Lucky Aston Villa win because of Arsenal injuries.
It’s unsustainable because Villa scored 5 goals despite only having an xG of 0.0000000002 whilst Arsenal had an xG of 15 bazillion.
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Hmm Im too full of optimism and hope… I don’t like it.
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I’m worried about tonight. Kamara is such a big miss and no Cash could lead to a very unbalanced back 4…….
But then I always worry.
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Has anyone in any previous game heard any commentator mention that Villa are missing their first two picks in central defence. I watch eevry game and not once have i heard it.
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Has anyone in any previous game heard any commentator mention that Villa are missing their first two picks in central defence. I watch eevry game and not once have i heard it.
Nope. Never hear it.
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Has anyone in any previous game heard any commentator mention that Villa are missing their first two picks in central defence. I watch eevry game and not once have i heard it.
Nope. Never hear it.
No one beats the Sky Six. They only lose because of circumstances beyond their control.