Heroes & Villains, the Aston Villa fanzine

Heroes & Villains => Match Threads & Player Ratings => Topic started by: PeterWithesShin on January 08, 2026, 05:53:08 AM

Title: Spurs v Aston Villa Pre-Match Thread
Post by: PeterWithesShin on January 08, 2026, 05:53:08 AM
Sat 10th Jan, 17.45 KO.

Up for the cup!

And it makes a nice change to head to that there London.
Title: Re: Spurs v Aston Villa Pre-Match Thread
Post by: PeterWithesShin on January 08, 2026, 06:09:45 AM
They aren't a happy camp!

https://x.com/ChrisCowlin/status/2009025217662996574
Title: Re: Spurs v Aston Villa Pre-Match Thread
Post by: ADVILLAFAN on January 08, 2026, 06:59:27 AM
Feels like they're turning into the 1990s Tottenham.
Title: Re: Spurs v Aston Villa Pre-Match Thread
Post by: ChicagoLion on January 08, 2026, 06:59:57 AM
I think they are likely to go full strength because Frank can not afford to lose this one. I expect us to put out a weakened team. We do not have the squad to go deep in this.
Not our year again.
Title: Re: Spurs v Aston Villa Pre-Match Thread
Post by: RamboandBruno on January 08, 2026, 07:32:24 AM
I think they are likely to go full strength because Frank can not afford to lose this one. I expect us to put out a weakened team. We do not have the squad to go deep in this.
Not our year again.
I agree with what your saying largely, other than I’m not sure we have a deep enough squad for much of a weakened team.

Bizot
Cash
Konsa
Lindelof
Mastsen
Bogarde
Tielemans
Beundia
Malen
Rogers
Sancho

1-2 (Watkins off the bench, Rogers)
Title: Re: Spurs v Aston Villa Pre-Match Thread
Post by: KevinGage on January 08, 2026, 07:54:58 AM
I think they are likely to go full strength because Frank can not afford to lose this one. I expect us to put out a weakened team. We do not have the squad to go deep in this.
Not our year again.

My thoughts as well.

Rubbish draw, this.

When you consider all the other teams available in the Third Round draw.

Unai will prioritise the other two comps we're in over this one, rightly or wrongly.

2-1 to them.

Title: Re: Spurs v Aston Villa Pre-Match Thread
Post by: Demitri_C on January 08, 2026, 09:21:48 AM
I think they will take this more seriously  than us. They will want to prove a point to the fans after paulinta and VDV argued with fans

Still dont know why VDV hasnt asked to more.he is too good for them
Title: Re: Spurs v Aston Villa Pre-Match Thread
Post by: eamonn on January 08, 2026, 09:22:35 AM
We have a week after this before our next game. Puuuush!
Title: Re: Spurs v Aston Villa Pre-Match Thread
Post by: TaxDodger on January 08, 2026, 09:40:11 AM
I'm guessing we won't want to risk Emi in this, so I reckon we'll see;

Bizot

Cash, Konsa, Lindeloff, Maatsen

Bogarde, Tielemans

Sancho, Buendia, Rogers

Malen
Title: Re: Spurs v Aston Villa Pre-Match Thread
Post by: brontebilly on January 08, 2026, 09:48:30 AM
I think they are likely to go full strength because Frank can not afford to lose this one. I expect us to put out a weakened team. We do not have the squad to go deep in this.
Not our year again.
I agree with what your saying largely, other than I’m not sure we have a deep enough squad for much of a weakened team.

Bizot
Cash
Konsa
Lindelof
Mastsen
Bogarde
Tielemans
Beundia
Malen
Rogers
Sancho

1-2 (Watkins off the bench, Rogers)

Torres was back on the bench last night so will come back in Id expect. Maybe with Lindelof next to him. Really can't afford for Cash to get injured so Garcia likely will be given a run at RB. To state the obvious but the squad needs strengthening asap.
Title: Re: Spurs v Aston Villa Pre-Match Thread
Post by: Dave on January 08, 2026, 09:51:26 AM
Bizot
Garcia
Lindelof
Pau
Digne
Bogarde
Tielemans
Sancho
Buendia
Rogers
Malen
Title: Re: Spurs v Aston Villa Pre-Match Thread
Post by: Mister E on January 08, 2026, 10:19:29 AM
Bizot
Garcia
Lindelof
Pau
Digne
Bogarde
Tielemans
Sancho
Buendia
Rogers
Malen
With Hemmings and Aloba to get some minutes; perhaps even Alysson as well.
Title: Re: Spurs v Aston Villa Pre-Match Thread
Post by: LeeB on January 08, 2026, 10:24:39 AM
Can we not give the lad Jimoh-Aloba a start on the right? He's looked bloody handy the few times I've seen him.
Title: Re: Spurs v Aston Villa Pre-Match Thread
Post by: Brend'Watkins on January 08, 2026, 11:23:22 AM
I’d be inclined to leave Konsa on the bench. He needs a rest. Pau and Lindelöf would be okay. Bogarde in for SJM as he needs a rest too. Somebody, anybody in for Sancho.
Title: Re: Spurs v Aston Villa Pre-Match Thread
Post by: Demitri_C on January 08, 2026, 11:23:47 AM
Can we not give the lad Jimoh-Aloba a start on the right? He's looked bloody handy the few times I've seen him.

Yeah i see no harm in starting him for this either tbh
Title: Re: Spurs v Aston Villa Pre-Match Thread
Post by: Sexual Ealing on January 08, 2026, 11:24:15 AM
False Dawn FC 3
Aston Villa Irregulars 1
Title: Re: Spurs v Aston Villa Pre-Match Thread
Post by: Brazilian Villain on January 08, 2026, 11:26:08 AM
I’d be inclined to leave Konsa on the bench. He needs a rest. Pau and Lindelöf would be okay. Bogarde in for SJM as he needs a rest too.

Agreed, I'd like Rogers get a rest as well
Title: Re: Spurs v Aston Villa Pre-Match Thread
Post by: cdbearsfan on January 08, 2026, 11:34:22 AM
They've a manager under pressure, we have other priorities. I'd imagine they'll pick a fairly strong team while we will go with a League Cup type mixture of first teamers and back-ups. Given that, and the extra disadvantage of always losing penalty shoot-outs to London teams, I expect us to be knocked out.
Title: Re: Spurs v Aston Villa Pre-Match Thread
Post by: cdbearsfan on January 08, 2026, 11:34:59 AM
Has anyone got their tickets yet?
Title: Re: Spurs v Aston Villa Pre-Match Thread
Post by: andyh on January 08, 2026, 11:36:26 AM
Is this our 3rd priority competition?

Title: Re: Spurs v Aston Villa Pre-Match Thread
Post by: andyh on January 08, 2026, 11:37:18 AM
False Dawn FC 3
Aston Villa Irregulars 1
I thought we were the Aston Villa Invisibles now ?
Title: Re: Spurs v Aston Villa Pre-Match Thread
Post by: Dave on January 08, 2026, 11:38:49 AM
Is this our 3rd priority competition?

Obviously so.
Title: Re: Spurs v Aston Villa Pre-Match Thread
Post by: Chip Butty 111 on January 08, 2026, 11:40:35 AM
Can we not give the lad Jimoh-Aloba a start on the right? He's looked bloody handy the few times I've seen him.

Yeah i see no harm in starting him for this either tbh
Yes, really like the look of this lad. Think Unai can work his magic on him, doesn't seem phased at all on the occasions he's got minutes.
Title: Re: Spurs v Aston Villa Pre-Match Thread
Post by: Sexual Ealing on January 08, 2026, 11:46:14 AM
False Dawn FC 3
Aston Villa Irregulars 1
I thought we were the Aston Villa Invisibles now ?

Only if you're the kind of adult whose bottom lip wobbles when the nasty people on the TV forget to say the words 'Aston Villa lost/won/drew, they are on X points'!
Title: Re: Spurs v Aston Villa Pre-Match Thread
Post by: Nunkin1965 on January 08, 2026, 11:50:50 AM
Spurs are starting to implode even further with seriously negative vibes around the manager & players.
Villa to win 3-1 in front of thousands of very happy Villa supporters.
Title: Re: Spurs v Aston Villa Pre-Match Thread
Post by: garyellis on January 08, 2026, 12:05:01 PM
I know this won’t be popular but this game is far more important to them than us.
Title: Re: Spurs v Aston Villa Pre-Match Thread
Post by: Bully2345 on January 08, 2026, 12:18:17 PM
We went stronger in this competition last year than I expected us to given that we were in the more prestigious European competition so I'd expect us to go strong again for this one. There may be a little bit of workload management with something like Boubacar/Tielemans splittling minutes or Pau/Konsa having 45 mins each to ease Pau back in but not rotating to Carabao levels. Hopefully will be enough to progress.
Title: Re: Spurs v Aston Villa Pre-Match Thread
Post by: Rigadon on January 08, 2026, 12:21:21 PM
As discussed on the Emery thread, I think Unai is (actually) trying to win the PL.  I hate spurs so would love to smash them, but we will rest players do this I’m sure, and I’m just about ok with that. 
Title: Re: Spurs v Aston Villa Pre-Match Thread
Post by: paul_e on January 08, 2026, 12:31:03 PM
Can we not give the lad Jimoh-Aloba a start on the right? He's looked bloody handy the few times I've seen him.

Agree, i'd like to see at least half an hour for Hemmings as well, and ideally I'd love to see Wilson involved.
Title: Re: Spurs v Aston Villa Pre-Match Thread
Post by: Nev on January 08, 2026, 12:39:32 PM
The pain from Wembley raised itself again last night, there have disappointments over my time watching the Villa but this still feels like the worst.

So......I still covert the FA Cup but the prospect of us getting knocked out leaves me strangely ambivalent. Perhaps it's the fact that we are going so well in the League with our European campaign well set, coupled with the knowledge that we're well aware of Emery's priorities.

Anyway, a win against Spurs is always welcome, a rollocking good day out for everyone and keep the momentum going as well as giving us something to do at 7pm on Monday (or whenever the draw is).

1-2
Title: Re: Spurs v Aston Villa Pre-Match Thread
Post by: Drummond on January 08, 2026, 01:06:00 PM
Bizot

Garcia Konsa Lindelof Maatsen
         Bogarde  Tielemans
Sancho      Buendia     McGinn
                 Malen

Subs: Watkins, Torres, Digne, Hemmings, Rogers
Title: Re: Spurs v Aston Villa Pre-Match Thread
Post by: ChicagoLion on January 08, 2026, 01:16:35 PM
           Bizot
Garcia Lindy Pau Maatsen
 Bogarde Tielemens

Sancho Hemmings Buendia
           Malen
Title: Re: Spurs v Aston Villa Pre-Match Thread
Post by: Monty on January 08, 2026, 01:36:41 PM
Agree that it's a good chance to get Pau some minutes. Hopefully we'll discover that our stand-ins are better than in previous years, because stand-ins is what we're getting.
Title: Re: Spurs v Aston Villa Pre-Match Thread
Post by: Legion on January 08, 2026, 01:50:11 PM
0-4
Title: Re: Spurs v Aston Villa Pre-Match Thread
Post by: Richard on January 08, 2026, 01:56:08 PM
Harder to win this comp than the Europa. I'd go with:

Biz

Garcia
Maatsen
Lindelof
Torres

Bogarde
Buendia
Malen
Sancho
Youri/Kamara half game each
Watkins/Rogers half game each

Complete rest for Cash Konsa Emi M and SJM
Title: Re: Spurs v Aston Villa Pre-Match Thread
Post by: Behind Bluenose Lines on January 08, 2026, 02:07:42 PM
3-1 them, sadly, to save Franks' arse.

We've had our good FA Cup run (last season) for the next 10 years).

(still hoping we'll beat them...)
Title: Re: Spurs v Aston Villa Pre-Match Thread
Post by: eamonn on January 08, 2026, 02:26:39 PM
Agree that it's a good chance to get Pau some minutes. Hopefully we'll discover that our stand-ins are better than in previous years, because stand-ins is what we're getting.

Don't stand me down.
Title: Re: Spurs v Aston Villa Pre-Match Thread
Post by: VILLA MOLE on January 08, 2026, 02:27:46 PM
sadly the FA cup means less to me at this point ,  sorry I feel like that really 
Title: Re: Spurs v Aston Villa Pre-Match Thread
Post by: Brazilian Villain on January 08, 2026, 02:37:15 PM
So......I still covet the FA Cup but the prospect of us getting knocked out leaves me strangely ambivalent. Perhaps it's the fact that we are going so well in the League with our European campaign well set, coupled with the knowledge that we're well aware of Emery's priorities.

It's easier to be ambivalent about it when we're comfortably top 3 and favourites for a European trophy than when we're in a race for 11th.
Title: Re: Spurs v Aston Villa Pre-Match Thread
Post by: Duncan Shaw on January 08, 2026, 03:04:03 PM
Was chatting about this last night at Selhurst - I covet the cup , as it's the only thing I haven't seen us win, and I can't believe I'm saying this, but I would happily lose this if it keeps our season in the other two ticking away like it is at the moment.  I think the semi last year convinced me we are never going to win it, I really thought it was our year!
Title: Re: Spurs v Aston Villa Pre-Match Thread
Post by: Pete3206 on January 08, 2026, 07:07:28 PM
What a depressing 3 pages.

We're in the best nick for donkeys and there are those who wouldn't care if we were knocked out of the FA Cup. I heard two lads on about it at Palace and I couldn't believe what I was hearing.

We sold out this game easily and the team will have voracious backing against a team on their arse. 3-0 Villa.
Title: Re: Spurs v Aston Villa Pre-Match Thread
Post by: SamTheMouse on January 08, 2026, 07:11:30 PM
Can't be arsed with the FA Cup these days, to be honest. It's lost most of its romance.

I hope we beat Spurs, but if we don't I won't be crying about it.
Title: Re: Spurs v Aston Villa Pre-Match Thread
Post by: Nev on January 08, 2026, 08:01:36 PM
So......I still covet the FA Cup but the prospect of us getting knocked out leaves me strangely ambivalent. Perhaps it's the fact that we are going so well in the League with our European campaign well set, coupled with the knowledge that we're well aware of Emery's priorities.

It's easier to be ambivalent about it when we're comfortably top 3 and favourites for a European trophy than when we're in a race for 11th.

But this time last year I'd have given up both CL qualification and the CL for the FA Cup....
Title: Re: Spurs v Aston Villa Pre-Match Thread
Post by: RamboandBruno on January 08, 2026, 08:07:22 PM
Was chatting about this last night at Selhurst - I covet the cup , as it's the only thing I haven't seen us win, and I can't believe I'm saying this, but I would happily lose this if it keeps our season in the other two ticking away like it is at the moment.  I think the semi last year convinced me we are never going to win it, I really thought it was our year!
Im with you, was convinced it was our year, before a sense of dread about an hour before the semi final kicked off.
Will still be excited come Saturday, but feels a bit all or nothing for Spurs and Frank, so if Unai is a little bit more ambivalent, this combination might see Spurs through.
Title: Re: Spurs v Aston Villa Pre-Match Thread
Post by: Stu on January 08, 2026, 08:13:01 PM
His main goal is playing in Europe, and obviously CL in particular. Wouldn’t be surprised if we field a second string side.
Title: Re: Spurs v Aston Villa Pre-Match Thread
Post by: FrankyH on January 08, 2026, 08:27:12 PM
It would be befitting that a famous club like Villa become the first to win the trophy in 3 different centuries. There's only a select few clubs that can achieve that accolade. I know it's lost a bit of glamour , but I would love us to win it.
Title: Re: Spurs v Aston Villa Pre-Match Thread
Post by: Crown Hill on January 08, 2026, 09:43:54 PM
I don’t want to lose this one. Especially to this lot.

There are no replays and all games played on Saturdays. (Or weekends anyway)

I’d expect him to play a stronger side than he has been in the Europa League.
Title: Re: Spurs v Aston Villa Pre-Match Thread
Post by: Garyth on January 09, 2026, 12:50:10 AM
I don’t want to lose this one. Especially to this lot.

There are no replays and all games played on Saturdays. (Or weekends anyway)

I’d expect him to play a stronger side than he has been in the Europa League.

Funny how views can be different - I absolutely expect to see changes and something like the Europa League sides.

And while I’d love to see a trophy, I find myself quite ambivalent about this one ( in the context of our current season)
Title: Re: Spurs v Aston Villa Pre-Match Thread
Post by: PeterWithesShin on January 09, 2026, 01:23:10 AM
Aston Villa treble winners 2026 sounds nice so let's smash these so hard they become a non league club again.
Title: Re: Spurs v Aston Villa Pre-Match Thread
Post by: eamonn on January 09, 2026, 01:40:47 AM
If we do win, I think the sex'n'ski instructor (his'n'hers) will be out of a job by the end of the weekend.
Title: Re: Spurs v Aston Villa Pre-Match Thread
Post by: jwarry on January 09, 2026, 06:33:01 AM
They have 9 players out but can field a reasonably strong team if they want to.  If they do, this will be an Emery masterclass with second half substitutes
Title: Re: Spurs v Aston Villa Pre-Match Thread
Post by: SaddVillan on January 09, 2026, 09:21:54 AM
Here's the piece about the Spurs v Villa game from the Guardian's column

FA Cup third round: 10 things to look out for this weekend

.




















.























.


















.
Title: Re: Spurs v Aston Villa Pre-Match Thread
Post by: caster troy on January 09, 2026, 09:31:20 AM
We absolutely cannot risk the irreplacables in this game, so no Martinez, Konsa, Cash, Kamara, Tielemans, Rogers, Watkins. We are going to need some of the backups at some point so lets give them game time.

Bizot
Garcia Bogarde Lindelof Maatsen
Jimoh-Aloba Hemmings McGinn Sancho
Buendia Malen

Title: Re: Spurs v Aston Villa Pre-Match Thread
Post by: ChicagoLion on January 09, 2026, 09:33:00 AM
We absolutely cannot risk the irreplacables in this game, so no Martinez, Konsa, Cash, Kamara, Tielemans, Rogers, Watkins. We are going to need some of the backups at some point so lets give them game time.

Bizot
Garcia Bogarde Lindelof Maatsen
Jimoh-Aloba Hemmings McGinn Sancho
Buendia Malen
I agree,I would like to rest SJM if possible, i think there will be a lot of sharing going on.
Title: Re: Spurs v Aston Villa Pre-Match Thread
Post by: paul_e on January 09, 2026, 09:45:33 AM
I'd play Pau, it'll be useful for him to get some minutes after missing a few weeks. It sounds like there's a decent chance Alysson will play as well.
Title: Re: Spurs v Aston Villa Pre-Match Thread
Post by: TelfordVilla on January 09, 2026, 09:47:22 AM
I don't mind that team but please leave Sancho out completely. Better to actually play with 10 than 'play with 10'.
Title: Re: Spurs v Aston Villa Pre-Match Thread
Post by: SaddVillan on January 09, 2026, 09:49:33 AM
If Sancho’s named in the starting XI, will he actually play?
Title: Re: Spurs v Aston Villa Pre-Match Thread
Post by: eamonn on January 09, 2026, 10:20:56 AM
Stick in Jimoh and Georgie, let them run rampant like Chucky and Phoilogene did as subs a few years back at this Tottenham library.
Title: Re: Spurs v Aston Villa Pre-Match Thread
Post by: colin69 on January 09, 2026, 10:30:08 AM
Spurs are there for the taking at the moment. Depends who Emery puts in but I fancy us to get a narrow win.
Title: Re: Spurs v Aston Villa Pre-Match Thread
Post by: Bully2345 on January 09, 2026, 10:31:47 AM
Some wild team selections being touted. Apart from Emery's first season (Stevenage - less said the better), he's picked strong FA cup teams in both seasons. Both of those seasons we were in European competition.

There might be one or two changes but I absolutely can't see a world where Jimoh, Hemmings, Garcia etc all play
Title: Re: Spurs v Aston Villa Pre-Match Thread
Post by: SaddVillan on January 09, 2026, 10:38:26 AM
I expect Spurs will make a big thing of the death this week of Martin Chivers.

Minute silence/applause, armbands, highlights reel on the big screen etc.

Understandable.
Title: Re: Spurs v Aston Villa Pre-Match Thread
Post by: eamonn on January 09, 2026, 11:41:04 AM
So did West Ham with Billy Bonds, fat lot of good it did them.

Also, our tribute to Gary Shaw looked, sadly, a bit half-cocked in comparison. Was there even a tifo? Ozzy got one without giving a shag about the Villa.

Minute's silence was fucked-up and turned into an applause too.
Title: Re: Spurs v Aston Villa Pre-Match Thread
Post by: Allan C on January 09, 2026, 11:56:32 AM
I think we’ll win this despite putting out an almost unrecognisable team. If we do go out though, it’ll affect me for all of 5 minutes. The FA Cup lost its glory for me years ago when the clubs stopped caring. 1-0 to us I think
Title: Re: Spurs v Aston Villa Pre-Match Thread
Post by: Chris Smith on January 09, 2026, 12:09:40 PM
Some wild team selections being touted. Apart from Emery's first season (Stevenage - less said the better), he's picked strong FA cup teams in both seasons. Both of those seasons we were in European competition.

There might be one or two changes but I absolutely can't see a world where Jimoh, Hemmings, Garcia etc all play

I agree, with no midweek game next week I think he’ll go fairly strong.
Title: Re: Spurs v Aston Villa Pre-Match Thread
Post by: rougegorge on January 09, 2026, 12:41:08 PM
Some wild team selections being touted. Apart from Emery's first season (Stevenage - less said the better), he's picked strong FA cup teams in both seasons. Both of those seasons we were in European competition.

There might be one or two changes but I absolutely can't see a world where Jimoh, Hemmings, Garcia etc all play
I would agree. I can't see all of them starting and don't think I would want to. In the past, when fit, he nearly always selects Martinez, Konsa, Tielemans, and Rogers, and whilst he may vary from that, we need to put a strong team out. We shouldn't shrug the FA Cup away, especially whilst there is no guarantee of winning another trophy this season.
Title: Re: Spurs v Aston Villa Pre-Match Thread
Post by: Villa Lew on January 09, 2026, 12:50:31 PM
I see the match is on on both the Beeb and TNT, which is a bit odd, but it's good for those, who haven't Sky or Virgin.
Title: Re: Spurs v Aston Villa Pre-Match Thread
Post by: Somniloquism on January 09, 2026, 02:49:11 PM
Martinez definitely out although I doubt he would have started anyway. Mings still to be assessed. As for Alyyson, sounds like they are considering him in the squad but very non-comittal on starting.

Quote
Meanwhile, January signing Alysson could be involved at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

Emery said: “Today, we are training now and we expect to be ready for tomorrow, but we need to check him in the training session.

“Of course, he did a few training (sessions) with us and he had a small stop for one small injury.

“But he trained yesterday, he has to adapt in everything, but we want to try and include him as soon as possible in our meetings, in our moments gathering for dinner, lunch, breakfast.

“Try to get close with his team-mates and hopefully he can travel to London and be in the match tomorrow against Tottenham.”


Title: Re: Spurs v Aston Villa Pre-Match Thread
Post by: Percy McCarthy on January 09, 2026, 03:53:26 PM
Romero banned.
Title: Re: Spurs v Aston Villa Pre-Match Thread
Post by: Rigadon on January 09, 2026, 03:57:28 PM
Romero banned.

Shame, he's such a lovable scamp.
Title: Re: Spurs v Aston Villa Pre-Match Thread
Post by: Somniloquism on January 09, 2026, 04:01:40 PM
I expect an extra match ban for Grealish as well.so he might also miss our match next week.
Title: Re: Spurs v Aston Villa Pre-Match Thread
Post by: exigo on January 09, 2026, 05:12:52 PM
It's the one trophy I really want to see us lift in my lifetime. I'm also totally on-board with us focusing on winning the Europa and getting top 5 as absolute priority, and won't shed a tear if we go out tomorrow.

Equally, I'm very on board with our new Brazilian tearing them a new one and sending Spurs into meltdown.
Title: Re: Spurs v Aston Villa Pre-Match Thread
Post by: Sexual Ealing on January 09, 2026, 05:16:46 PM
I had a look at The Fighting Cock.

- They think we'll hump them.
- Some of them will be annoyed if they win because it means Frank will say longer.
- They won't have many there (in the stands or on the bench).
- They're confused why so many Villa fans seem to have a downer on them. I thought about this, and the best I could come up with for me is, 'doesn't everyone hate Spurs?'

4-0 them.
Title: Re: Spurs v Aston Villa Pre-Match Thread
Post by: Monty on January 09, 2026, 05:32:52 PM
Even more inexplicable is how many of them hate us. Guess it's a compliment!
Title: Re: Spurs v Aston Villa Pre-Match Thread
Post by: olaftab on January 09, 2026, 05:49:42 PM
Romero banned.
Oh bugger, that strengthens them.
Title: Re: Spurs v Aston Villa Pre-Match Thread
Post by: LeeS on January 09, 2026, 05:53:08 PM
We have 8 days before Everton. Play to win, please.
Title: Re: Spurs v Aston Villa Pre-Match Thread
Post by: Somniloquism on January 09, 2026, 05:55:51 PM
Romero banned.
Oh bugger, that strengthens them.

Saves some of our players from potential injury though.
Title: Re: Spurs v Aston Villa Pre-Match Thread
Post by: Sexual Ealing on January 09, 2026, 05:59:21 PM
Even more inexplicable is how many of them hate us. Guess it's a compliment!

I think it's mainly because we have the High Wycombe Goikoetxea playing at right-back (a lot of the recent stuff genuinely is that, weirdly).
Title: Re: Spurs v Aston Villa Pre-Match Thread
Post by: paul_e on January 09, 2026, 06:29:27 PM
Surely most people hate them because they snuck into the big 6 based entirely on location. They've won almost nothing, been pretty average for huge parts of the premier league era and have no real right to be lumped in that group but try to act like they belong.
Title: Re: Spurs v Aston Villa Pre-Match Thread
Post by: Rigadon on January 09, 2026, 06:30:18 PM
That and that fucking slow song.  ******. 
Title: Re: Spurs v Aston Villa Pre-Match Thread
Post by: Villa Lew on January 09, 2026, 06:46:58 PM
That and that fucking slow song.  ******.

And it's not even their song!
Title: Re: Spurs v Aston Villa Pre-Match Thread
Post by: PaulWinch again on January 09, 2026, 07:46:47 PM
It’s a curious one - they’re in a bad place, we’ll probably rotate and this is very obviously lower priority. Quite hard to call.
Title: Re: Spurs v Aston Villa Pre-Match Thread
Post by: BoVillan esq on January 09, 2026, 09:19:43 PM
Seriously hope we don't make the grave mistake of not taking this seriously, everything else is very far from done, I hope we don't rotate ourselves out of the competition and certainly not against a Premiership side, think we can win this, Spurs are not doing well.

Still a huge tournament which is why in spite of there true intentions you will see the big clubs fighting like F*** for that lovely summers afternoon at Wembley and the promise of silverware.

Come on Villa lets do this. 
Title: Re: Spurs v Aston Villa Pre-Match Thread
Post by: Andy_Lochhead_in_the_air on January 09, 2026, 09:21:25 PM
Quote
Meanwhile, January signing Alysson could be involved at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

Emery said: “Today, we are training now and we expect to be ready for tomorrow, but we need to check him in the training session.

“Of course, he did a few training (sessions) with us and he had a small stop for one small injury.

“But he trained yesterday, he has to adapt in everything, but we want to try and include him as soon as possible in our meetings, in our moments gathering for dinner, lunch, breakfast.

“Try to get close with his team-mates and hopefully he can travel to London and be in the match tomorrow against Tottenham.”


Meal times are taken in reverse ?

Title: Re: Spurs v Aston Villa Pre-Match Thread
Post by: Sexual Ealing on January 10, 2026, 12:57:58 AM
I think they might be on heroin.
Title: Re: Spurs v Aston Villa Pre-Match Thread
Post by: Skipper_The_Eyechild on January 10, 2026, 01:54:04 AM
It’s a curious one - they’re in a bad place, we’ll probably rotate and this is very obviously lower priority. Quite hard to call.

Yeah. I'm going for a narrow defeat for this one.
Title: Re: Spurs v Aston Villa Pre-Match Thread
Post by: Olof's Beard on January 10, 2026, 08:30:22 AM
https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/videos/c8d043d5jpqo

Good answer Morg.
Title: Re: Spurs v Aston Villa Pre-Match Thread
Post by: Brend'Watkins on January 10, 2026, 08:39:22 AM
I like his honesty. I don’t agree with him though. Better to have said “why not both”?
Title: Re: Spurs v Aston Villa Pre-Match Thread
Post by: john e on January 10, 2026, 08:48:39 AM
Quote
Meanwhile, January signing Alysson could be involved at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

Emery said: “Today, we are training now and we expect to be ready for tomorrow, but we need to check him in the training session.

“Of course, he did a few training (sessions) with us and he had a small stop for one small injury.

“But he trained yesterday, he has to adapt in everything, but we want to try and include him as soon as possible in our meetings, in our moments gathering for dinner, lunch, breakfast.

“Try to get close with his team-mates and hopefully he can travel to London and be in the match tomorrow against Tottenham.”


Meal times are taken in reverse ?



Proper southern talk that as well
Anyone further up north of Brum it’s breakfast-Dinner-Tea

I don’t think I ever heard of the word Lunch until I was an adult and moved south, and I’m not even joking although I am old so it’s a long time ago
Title: Re: Spurs v Aston Villa Pre-Match Thread
Post by: PeterWithesShin on January 10, 2026, 09:21:54 AM
Quote
Tottenham Hotspur's main supporters' group has accused the club of a "dramatic fall in ambition" after meeting with senior club figures.

Spurs have won just one of their last six Premier League games and find themselves 14th in the table with 27 points, just three more than at this stage last season.

The Tottenham Hotspur Supporters' Trust (THST) says members of its board met with "representatives of the Club at a senior level" on Friday to discuss supporter concerns.

Several players were pulled away from angry fans following their 3-2 defeat to Bournemouth on Wednesday.

Sections of the travelling support booed under-fire manager Thomas Frank, who also drew criticism for drinking out of a coffee cup emblazoned with the logo of rivals Arsenal before kick-off.

A THST statement cited the club's lack of transfer activity this month as evidence of reduced ambition, as well as recent comments made by Frank.

"[He reminded] supporters that the club finished 17th in the Premier League last season, that the club is only participating in the Champions League through winning the Europa League, and that Bournemouth (a side without a win in 11 games) are 'always a difficult team' and that he is 'not enjoying the job'," read the statement.

THST accused players of "directly confronting" fans who were "exercising their right to express themselves", and referred to the "embarrassment" of club captain Cristian Romero's social media activity.

After the Bournemouth loss, Argentine Romero stated on Instagram "other people" should be coming out to speak and adding they "only show up when things are going well, to tell a few lies".

The post was deleted and reposted with an altered caption.

"While these incidents may have explanations that we could understand and even sympathise with, they demonstrate a lack of understanding and a lack of care about the perception of the football club," said THST.

"We reiterated to the club that we believe the club leadership should address these issues publicly and through direct communication with fans.

"We stressed that fans need to hear directly from the club leadership [of] the ambition for the football club for this season, for next season, and for the foreseeable future.

"That begins, but is certainly not restricted to, the coming transfer window, in which all the stops need to be pulled out in order to demonstrate that Tottenham Hotspur are a serious football club and that we really do want to 'win more, more often'."

During his media conference on Thursday, Frank said: "I think it's very important to stress that even though there's noise, the club is very aligned.

"[Sporting director] Johan [Lange], [chief executive] Vinai [Venkatesham] and I are very aligned. The ownership is very aligned. We know it's a tough spell that we need to get through."
Title: Re: Spurs v Aston Villa Pre-Match Thread
Post by: Sexual Ealing on January 10, 2026, 11:10:22 AM
We're wearing the black kit. It's all over.
Title: Re: Spurs v Aston Villa Pre-Match Thread
Post by: jwarry on January 10, 2026, 11:10:39 AM
Blimey that brings back memories of us a few years ago!
Title: Re: Spurs v Aston Villa Pre-Match Thread
Post by: Villa Lew on January 10, 2026, 11:29:22 AM
9,000 Villa fans going to the match, would have been many more, tickets were snapped up within minutes of going on sale.
Title: Re: Spurs v Aston Villa Pre-Match Thread
Post by: Behind Bluenose Lines on January 10, 2026, 11:39:59 AM
We're wearing the black kit. It's all over.
That kit is cursed!
Title: Re: Spurs v Aston Villa Pre-Match Thread
Post by: Chip Butty 111 on January 10, 2026, 11:51:52 AM
Still fuming tickets didn't get as far as members, would have loved to have gone today. Have a great time all who are going, goals at the away end will be limbs everywhere....2:1 Villa...
Title: Re: Spurs v Aston Villa Pre-Match Thread
Post by: olaftab on January 10, 2026, 12:22:32 PM
We're wearing the black kit. It's all over.
And they are wearing 1901 commemorative  shirt. What can go wrong?
Title: Re: Spurs v Aston Villa Pre-Match Thread
Post by: Crown Hill on January 10, 2026, 12:31:41 PM
We're wearing the black kit. It's all over.
And they are wearing 1901 commemorative  shirt. What can go wrong?

Absolutely pathetic on both counts!
Title: Re: Spurs v Aston Villa Pre-Match Thread
Post by: Ian. on January 10, 2026, 12:57:42 PM
We're wearing the black kit. It's all over.

Come off it, there’s no such thing as superstition.

Bollocks, I’ve just noticed I went out early today and I’ve forgotten to put my lucky polo shirt on
Title: Re: Spurs v Aston Villa Pre-Match Thread
Post by: martyn ellis on January 10, 2026, 01:32:58 PM
I think I'd much rather be facing a team like Spurs than having to travel to a minnow with all the implications of defeat.
Title: Re: Spurs v Aston Villa Pre-Match Thread
Post by: Brazilian Villain on January 10, 2026, 01:42:17 PM
I think I'd much rather be facing a team like Spurs than having to travel to a minnow with all the implications of defeat.

I bet Palace would have preferred Spurs away atm.
Title: Re: Spurs v Aston Villa Pre-Match Thread
Post by: Behind Bluenose Lines on January 10, 2026, 02:03:44 PM
Quote
Meanwhile, January signing Alysson could be involved at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

Emery said: “Today, we are training now and we expect to be ready for tomorrow, but we need to check him in the training session.

“Of course, he did a few training (sessions) with us and he had a small stop for one small injury.

“But he trained yesterday, he has to adapt in everything, but we want to try and include him as soon as possible in our meetings, in our moments gathering for dinner, lunch, breakfast.

“Try to get close with his team-mates and hopefully he can travel to London and be in the match tomorrow against Tottenham.”


Meal times are taken in reverse ?



Proper southern talk that as well
Anyone further up north of Brum it’s breakfast-Dinner-Tea

I don’t think I ever heard of the word Lunch until I was an adult and moved south, and I’m not even joking although I am old so it’s a long time ago
I grew up thinking lunch was something your Mum gave you for morning break at school (eg crisps, Club biscuit). They'd call it junk food now and would be banned!  ;)
Title: Re: Spurs v Aston Villa Pre-Match Thread
Post by: eye digress on January 10, 2026, 02:39:14 PM
Club biscuits - the ones with raisins? Proper lunch, that.
Title: Re: Spurs v Aston Villa Pre-Match Thread
Post by: RamboandBruno on January 10, 2026, 02:40:06 PM
Orange club surely, the mint ones seem to have disappeared
Title: Re: Spurs v Aston Villa Pre-Match Thread
Post by: KRS on January 10, 2026, 02:41:17 PM
Anyone who calls lunch as “dinner” and dinner as “tea” is a bit weird.
Title: Re: Spurs v Aston Villa Pre-Match Thread
Post by: eye digress on January 10, 2026, 02:56:32 PM
Orange club surely, the mint ones seem to have disappeared
Giving us the mint ones was a sackable offence for our mom.
Title: Re: Spurs v Aston Villa Pre-Match Thread
Post by: ChicagoLion on January 10, 2026, 02:59:22 PM
Anyone who calls lunch as “dinner” and dinner as “tea” is a bit weird.
And failing to have supper.
Title: Re: Spurs v Aston Villa Pre-Match Thread
Post by: VILLA MOLE on January 10, 2026, 03:01:24 PM
when a northerner is invited around for supper.

What Toast ? 
Title: Re: Spurs v Aston Villa Pre-Match Thread
Post by: Toronto Villa on January 10, 2026, 03:09:00 PM
Unai clearly has no interest in the FA Cup as we will be wearing our black kit today. Guaranteed defeat.
Title: Re: Spurs v Aston Villa Pre-Match Thread
Post by: Hookeysmith on January 10, 2026, 05:49:58 PM
If we lose in this kit it  needs burning
Title: Re: Spurs v Aston Villa Pre-Match Thread
Post by: Hookeysmith on January 10, 2026, 05:53:34 PM
Kamara off  ffs
Title: Re: Spurs v Aston Villa Pre-Match Thread
Post by: pelty on January 10, 2026, 05:54:53 PM
This is why you play the kids
Title: Re: Spurs v Aston Villa Pre-Match Thread
Post by: yammers on January 10, 2026, 05:54:55 PM
Should be 2 yellows for Spurs players already
Title: Re: Spurs v Aston Villa Pre-Match Thread
Post by: Rigadon on January 10, 2026, 05:54:59 PM
Let the game breathe eh.  Fuck off ******. 
Title: Re: Spurs v Aston Villa Pre-Match Thread
Post by: Goldenballs on January 10, 2026, 05:55:01 PM
Fouling ******
Title: Re: Spurs v Aston Villa Pre-Match Thread
Post by: Woody17 on January 10, 2026, 05:55:06 PM
You couldn’t make this shit up.
Title: Re: Spurs v Aston Villa Pre-Match Thread
Post by: Rigadon on January 10, 2026, 05:55:14 PM
Fuck off. 
Title: Re: Spurs v Aston Villa Pre-Match Thread
Post by: adrenachrome on January 10, 2026, 05:56:19 PM
I fucking hate Spurs.
Title: Re: Spurs v Aston Villa Pre-Match Thread
Post by: amfy on January 10, 2026, 05:56:45 PM
So now we know if you want to put the oppositions key player out of a game you just need to do it in the first 5 minutes whilst we're letting the game breathe!
Title: Re: Spurs v Aston Villa Pre-Match Thread
Post by: kippaxvilla2 on January 10, 2026, 05:56:49 PM
Anyone care to speculate there?  He walked off at least.
Title: Re: Spurs v Aston Villa Pre-Match Thread
Post by: Somniloquism on January 10, 2026, 05:57:16 PM
Anyone care to speculate there?  He walked off at least.

He walked off with his ACL last time.
Title: Re: Spurs v Aston Villa Pre-Match Thread
Post by: VILLA MOLE on January 10, 2026, 06:43:32 PM
It looked like a kick on Kamara so hoping bruising
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