Heroes & Villains, the Aston Villa fanzine
Heroes & Villains => Match Threads & Player Ratings => Topic started by: Toronto Villa on April 30, 2026, 10:58:33 PM
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After two incredibly lacklustre away losses without even bothering the scoreboard operator, we need a morale boosting win versus Tottenham. While I want them to go down and a win helps to that end, but this needs to be all about us. A big Villa Park crowd, under the lights, a few goals for our boys will do us the world of good and set us up for what we all hope is a storming second leg versus Forest. A win on Sunday and CL football is all but guaranteed.
I'll go 3-1 Villa. Ollie, McGinn, Rogers.
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Martinez, Cash, Lindelof, Mings, Maatsen, Luiz, McGinn, Sancho, Rogers, Barkley, Tammy.
Shake it up a bit.
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Bet you we give them an escape clause ;-)
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…A big Villa Park crowd, under the lights, a few goals for our boys will do us the world of good and set us up for what we all hope is a storming second leg versus Forest. A win on Sunday and CL football is all but guaranteed.
I'll go 3-1 Villa. Ollie, McGinn, Rogers.
This is what we want!
I’m with TV; 3-1 on Sunday, then 3-0 on the Thursday night, 3-1 on agg to the Mighty Villa and onwards & upwards to infinity and beyond! 👍
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Play the U15s, get everything ready for the 2nd leg. 0-7.
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Please beat these fucks you useless bottling men.
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2-2, they score a last min equaliser and stay up on goal difference.
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2-0
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I’m with TV; 3-1 on Sunday, then 3-0 on the Thursday night, 3-1 on agg to the Mighty Villa and onwards & upwards to infinity and beyond! 👍
Can't agree with this at all. We'll batter Spurs. It'll be 3-0 on Sunday, then 3-1 on the Thursday night as we go through 3-2 on aggregate.
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I’m with TV; 3-1 on Sunday, then 3-0 on the Thursday night, 3-1 on agg to the Mighty Villa and onwards & upwards to infinity and beyond! 👍
Can't agree with this at all. We'll batter Spurs. It'll be 3-0 on Sunday, then 3-1 on the Thursday night as we go through 3-2 on aggregate.
This 8)
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Why is this on at a weird time?
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Telly twats.
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18-0 to us.
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Tippy tappy crappy football goes for a break for a week and we win both games 3-0.
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We really need to target this game.
Also given our current situation the pragmatic thing is to attack to get us kicked out of started before the Forest game. Attacking Spurs is what Spurs will fear.
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Martinez
Cash
Konsa
Torress
Tielemans
Luiz
McGinn
Beundia
Watkins
Rogers
Sancho
3-0 (Watkins, Rogers 2)
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I think he will play Barkleyand Mings , he should also use Tammy, Lindelof and Luiz.
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Martinez
Cash
Konsa
Torress
Tielemans
Luiz
McGinn
Beundia
Watkins
Rogers
Sancho
3-0 (Watkins, Rogers 2)
Buendia cannot be starting after last night.
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Martinez
Cash
Konsa
Torress
Tielemans
Luiz
McGinn
Beundia
Watkins
Rogers
Sancho
3-0 (Watkins, Rogers 2)
Buendia cannot be starting after last night.
No left back either in that team. Got to be Maatsen as he has pace which we badly need.
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Maatsen gives us an energy, pace and thrust that we badly lack, just start him FFS.
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I wish we could play the second leg on Sunday and this game next Thursday
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REST SOME PLAYERS FOR THE LOVE OF GOD UNAI!
For me rogers being a obvious one he looks like he could take a breather. Give tammy a chance as well and rest ollie
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Bizot
Bogarde
Lindelof
Mings
Maatsen
Barkley
Luiz
Bailey
Elliott
Buendia
Abraham
Full strength team. All in our PL squad.
Rotate players for Thursday.
If a battling Spurs play well and get a result and that puts pressure on Forest for Monday at Chelsea, that happens in the ‘Best League in the World’…
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Bizot
Bogarde
Lindelof
Mings
Maatsen
Barkley
Luiz
Bailey
Elliott
Buendia
Abraham
Full strength team. All in our PL squad.
Rotate players for Thursday.
If a battling Spurs play well and get a result and that puts pressure on Forest for Monday at Chelsea, that happens in the ‘Best League in the World’…
I wouldnt go that extreme as spyrs beat that side easy. But a few changes like morgan ollie pau and youri on bench
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Bizot
Bogarde
Lindelof
Mings
Maatsen
Barkley
Luiz
Bailey
Elliott
Buendia
Abraham
Full strength team. All in our PL squad.
Rotate players for Thursday.
If a battling Spurs play well and get a result and that puts pressure on Forest for Monday at Chelsea, that happens in the ‘Best League in the World’…
I would go with this but I can guarantee Rogers starts.
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Forget about resting players. Strongest team possible, get a fucking win and rebuild some momentum.
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Play the under 15s team. Lose deliberately. All our players are fresh for Thursday. Forest then become concerned about relegation and have to put in 100% at Chelsea and even potentially rest players for the second leg if they lose at Chelsea.
I don't really think we should do this.
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Forget about resting players. Strongest team possible, get a fucking win and rebuild some momentum.
We definitely need to view this as a must win and attack it in that way. Both because a win pretty much makes top a certainty (or which actually guarantee it depending on other results I think), but also we need confidence and momentum for Thursday.
This is definitely a game to get right into Spurs.
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They will have a very weak team out, the pretend dart throwing wanker will be back though.
Xavi Simons (ACL), Cristian Romero, and Guglielmo Vicario. Key absentees also include Dejan Kulusevski, Destiny Udogie, Ben Davies, Pape Sarr, and Wilson Odobert
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Fulham type performance
Saving it for Thursday
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They will have a very weak team out, the pretend dart throwing wanker will be back though.
Where is that from? De Zerbi's said that he's only been on the bench for moral support and most reporting suggests that he'll be back on the pitch for their game against Leeds at the earliest.
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It's Villa. He'll be back and he'll score. See also: Woods.
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Need to do dirty spurs and paulinha Sunday, irrespective of the team Unai puts out.
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Yeah im expecting maddsion to play as well whether sub or start
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I think we're spent.
0-1
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We look mentally tired as much as anything.
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We look mentally tired as much as anything.
Agree and thats why i think unai needs to freshen things up and rotate the squad so they are fresh for 2nd leg
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Horrible kick-off time.
Keep getting flashbacks to that God-awful Palace game early in the season at the climax of Emi-to-Manuregate.
Hopefully we'll get a narrow, morale-boosting win to set up a felling of the Forest next Thursday!
Come on Matty! ;)
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Here’s another bet. spurs win, Brighton win, Forest qualify for the final. 12-1.
Buys a few consolation drinks for one of our worst weeks in ages. If you also did the Forest win last night, Spurs and Brighton win, you get double bubble.
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We have to go for it you know. We're behind in the tie meaning CL qualification is less likely via that route, and Forest - ahead, virtually safe, playing later - have every incentive to play the B team on Monday against, who is it? Oh yeah, fucking Chelsea.
People saying we sack this one off are, I'm sorry to say, not thinking straight.
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We have to go for it you know. We're behind in the tie meaning CL qualification is less likely via that route, and Forest - ahead, virtually safe, playing later - have every incentive to play the B team on Monday against, who is it? Oh yeah, fucking Chelsea.
People saying we sack this one off are, I'm sorry to say, not thinking straight.
!00% agreed.
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Some posters are showing mental fatigue, not sure the players are.
Half a team out for them, but given how shit they've been the past two seasons, that shouldn't make too much of a difference.
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We have to go for it you know. We're behind in the tie meaning CL qualification is less likely via that route, and Forest - ahead, virtually safe, playing later - have every incentive to play the B team on Monday against, who is it? Oh yeah, fucking Chelsea.
People saying we sack this one off are, I'm sorry to say, not thinking straight.
!00% agreed.
Totally it’s not either or, we need to be winning both.
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We need to funeral these fuckers for our confidence, momentum, CL place and to send these big time Charlies * down.
No excuses anymore Villa, the nation expects.
* ‘big time Charlies’ is courtesy of Ron Toss.
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Please don’t die wondering Villa. We have to go for this.
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That's it, no more playing within ourselves or conserving energy. Our aim is the CL or we'll be watching players with the quality of Buendia, Sancho and Bailey again next season rather than the like of Asensio and Rashford. The most likely route is via the league and a win on Sunday will almost see us there. So do that first and worry about Thursday afterwards. We are strong at home and I have a feeling Emery knows this, hence the caution towards the end last night.
A barnstorming performance with the ground bouncing throughout.
3-0
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Please go at this full tilt and destroy the bastards. Going into the Forest second leg on the back of a resounding home win can only be a good thing.
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I'm not sure we will go mental, full tilt attack like a Klopp team, but many teams have been blown away under Unai at home. I really want the players to express themselves and play with freedom, though. Huge, huge game. In fact, the next three games will very much determine the short, mid, and long-term Villa futures.
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We need to win this; get the top-five thing out of the way before Thursday. Barkley should start, as should Lindy and Luiz.
Why not give Elliott some gametime?
Pls do not start with Lil' Emi!
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I'd go;
Martinez, Cash, Maatsen, Lindeloff, Mings, Luiz, Bogarde, Barkley, McGinn, Watkins
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We need to win this; get the top-five thing out of the way before Thursday. Barkley should start, as should Lindy and Luiz.
Why not give Elliott some gametime?
Pls do not start with Lil' Emi!
Elliot has no past, present or future with the club. Verging on cruel asking him to tog out to sit on the bench. Sancho will start on one wing, hopefully has had an exorcism since his cameo v Sunderland.
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I've just remembered that Newcastle are my second team. Come on you Georges!
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Thought again about my time and especially forgetting a left back.
Martinez
Cash
Konsa
Torres
Mastsen
Tielemans
Barkley
Mcginn
Watkins
Rogers
Sancho
Still going 3-0 (Watkins, Rogers 2)
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Thought again about my time and especially forgetting a left back.
Martinez
Cash
Konsa
Torres
Mastsen
Tielemans
Barkley
Mcginn
Watkins
Rogers
Sancho
Still going 3-0 (Watkins, Rogers 2)
You're ignoring the elephant in the room; Watkins. Abraham has to be given a chance either alone or even with Watkins. We're so toothless up front, something has to change. I'd go with Abraham for 70 minutes and give Watkins the last 20 running at tired defenders. It's pretty much what he'd be doing should he manage to be selected for the World Cup, a chance that is slipping away from him with each and every game. His shot/toe poke on goal last night was really poor when it was so much easier to side foot it anywhere he wanted with greater control.
As ever, he's not fully responsible for his recent poor form, his poor touch, yes but not his lack of goals. It's tiresome repeating it but we either play to his strengths, which we're not or we give Abraham a chance to have a go. Right now and the way we're playing, he can't be any worse. We're doing him and the team no favours right now.
Unai has said on numerous occasions when questioned that he has considered playing them both together, why not on Sunday, Rogers can play on the right, Abraham in the middle and Watkins drifting in from the left? Either that or you bring in Sancho but he hardly fills me with confidence. Something needs to change if we want to start scoring again.
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Watkins has been fine of late, he literally scored 2 and got an assist two games ago. I don’t think Tammy should start, but he should be getting more time off the bench - particularly if we’re not winning.
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Is that enough credit in the bank until the end of the season, Paul. I know you love him more than most but you must be concerned at the lack of opportunities he has even if we ignore his lack of clinical finishing?
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I'd start Tammy. If you can't start him against a side facing relegation so as your main striker is rested for a semi final then what's the point of him being here.
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On the plus side, at least the whole weekend can't be ruined by this one.
Eidt: ignore, just remembered it's bank holiday. As you were, Villa.
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Is that enough credit in the bank until the end of the season, Paul. I know you love him more than most but you must be concerned at the lack of opportunities he has even if we ignore his lack of clinical finishing?
I’m concerned with the lack of chances he’s getting, but that’s not really about him and if that’s the issue it’ll be an even bigger problem for Tammy.
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But to be clear - whoever starts this game, for me, it’s about the approach. Unai wants the fan’s energised, which is fair and understandable, the team needs to approach the game with intent and purpose.
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De Zerbi speaks. (https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/articles/cvgze85889do)
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Is that enough credit in the bank until the end of the season, Paul. I know you love him more than most but you must be concerned at the lack of opportunities he has even if we ignore his lack of clinical finishing?
To be fair I wouldn’t mind if Tammy did start on Sunday, but I don’t he’s a good a player as Watkins, but like Paul I think he should be getting more time.
Watkins ran Bologna ragged twice as well as Sunderland and West Ham, thats 4 out of our last 6 games
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We need to win this.
I think the angst of last night's mediocre - yet far from awful - result is really reflecting the fear that we might still manage to once more fall at the last-but-one fence, and also then go on to not win matches like this and fail to qualify for the CL through the league, too.
If that would happen, let's be honest, it would be spiritually crushing. Other than 2nd place finishes 35 plus years ago, that would be soul destroyingly bad on a level we've not really seen since then.
I'd also start to wonder if Unai might think he's done everything he can and be offski.
That's certainly what is keeping me awake at night*
* metaphorically, i could sleep through a nuclear war.
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Villa win, vital we get this right, just win this then go on to beat Burnley, obviously the last 2 games is take a deep breath time, that said we win tomorrow i think the Champions league is almost in our hands, just can't see Brighton winning their game, sure Newcastle will want to show some pride and win at home.
Villa 2-0
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I'd start Tammy. If you can't start him against a side facing relegation so as your main striker is rested for a semi final then what's the point of him being here.
That's where I am too. Sure Ollie's back to goal play is far superior but Tammy's last two cameos off the bench have been strong. Brilliant winner v Sunderland and nearly a goal of the season contender v Fulham. Deserves a start, Ollie is there to come on anyway.
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Sure Rambo but it's hard to ignore our last two games and where we were toothless. This is supposed to be the business end of the season, we need to deliver and if needed we have to use the squad and/or be more flexible in our approach. Watkins is not alone but neither should he be a sacred cow. Getting Martinez to pump long balls down to him doesn't play to his strengths, only his weaknesses. It seems Unai is willing to play him every game as a pay-off for setting up not to lose. The problem comes when the opposition score. We need to create numerous chances as everybody knows Watkins is rarely clinical.
Fortunately we have Spurs next and Villa Park will be up for it, what could be more fun than sending Spurs on their way in the direction of the Championship. Seeing scumbag Palhinha clattered and limping off the pitch in tears? Almost. FDP.
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Sam Barrott is the referee.
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Sam Barrott has a simple dream
He calls it his plan b
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Get an early goal & Spurs will collapse.
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We need to step up and win this.
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Sam Barrott is the referee.
With a surname like that, he'll be a 'homer'.
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Get an early goal & Spurs will collapse.
Could I interest you in a fourth-minute concession after a dry shampoo mix-up in defence, followed by the best part of an hour hoping-in-cringe we can get to half-time at one-nil down?
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Thought again about my time and especially forgetting a left back.
Martinez
Cash
Konsa
Torres
Mastsen
Tielemans
Barkley
Mcginn
Watkins
Rogers
Sancho
Still going 3-0 (Watkins, Rogers 2)
I'd go with this but with Tammy instead of Sancho.
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Think both mings and lindeloff will start at centre halves - they will score 1st we will win 2-1
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:o
We need to step up and win this.
We are brilliant at doing this…….Cough.
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It seems everyone has written us off for this and Thursday, that should be the motivation.
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Unai must revert to bringing Buendia on when the pace of the game has slowed. He has started the last couple and been a very weak link in an already fragile forward line. We have to attack them form the off and not slow walk the ball out of defence. This is a must win even a draw will have consequences.
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It seems everyone has written us off for this and Thursday, that should be the motivation.
Yep agreed - we’ve had two pretty passive performances in a row. The next two games are massive, and the whole club should be highly motivated.
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Assuming Onana is back, I’d start the same 11 as against West Ham. That means him and Ross in the middle with Sancho on from the start.
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3-0 Can't see Spurs getting anything from this, they are gash.
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Assuming Onana is back, I’d start the same 11 as against West Ham. That means him and Ross in the middle with Sancho on from the start.
He isn’t back.
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I don't mind if we rest a few for this. We'll still get at least a point. Spurs are awful.
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A point is wank, we need to win.
If that prick "Madders" is miraculously fit to play, you just know he'll do that throwing darts in lovers' eyes celebration in front of the Holte. It just can't be allowed to happen.
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Yeah bollox to a point, I want nothing less than destruction and humiliation.
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I don't mind if we rest a few for this. We'll still get at least a point. Spurs are awful.
It is unacceptable not to win this.
I really hope West Ham win, as the pressure would be massive on Spurs.
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We need to steamroller these pricks into oblivion. No less than 6-0 will suffice.
If West Ham beat Brentford today, and we win tomorrow, I think they'll be done. And how nice would it be to serenade some of the most self-entitled fans in the country with 'We'll meet again' over the 90 minutes?
Beautiful stuff. Please don't fuck it up Villa!
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We need to steamroller these pricks into oblivion. No less than 6-0 will suffice.
If West Ham beat Brentford today, and we win tomorrow, I think they'll be done. And how nice would it be to serenade some of the most self-entitled fans in the country with 'We'll meet again' over the 90 minutes?
Beautiful stuff. Please don't fuck it up Villa!
'Lincoln away, Ole Ole' would be nice as well.
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Martinez
Cash
Konsa
Torress
Tielemans
Luiz
McGinn
Beundia
Watkins
Rogers
Sancho
3-0 (Watkins, Rogers 2)
Buendia cannot be starting after last night.
Barkley instead ..Id get Linedlof maatsen and sancho in too. And Tammy some mins .
Just cement them into the championship Villa.
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I don't mind if we rest a few for this. We'll still get at least a point. Spurs are awful.
seemed most was resting against Fulham
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If we go in with a complacent view on this one we’ll get beat. We need to be right on it and clinical.
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We need to steamroller these pricks into oblivion. No less than 6-0 will suffice.
If West Ham beat Brentford today, and we win tomorrow, I think they'll be done. And how nice would it be to serenade some of the most self-entitled fans in the country with 'We'll meet again' over the 90 minutes?
Beautiful stuff. Please don't fuck it up Villa!
'Lincoln away, Ole Ole' would be nice as well.
Lincoln away, ole ole, Lincoln away, Preston away, Albion away ole ole.
Make it happen Villa
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Just stuff the potatoes with feta on top. 2-0 to the boys in C&B.
Alas, fellow villans the summer season has arrived and I have to make hay whilst the sun shines. No choice. Be back in October and thanks for the banter over winter, much enjoyed and appreciated.
COYVB.
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Only if we are winning comfortably in the final stages. No jinxing.
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Only if we are winning comfortably in the final stages. No jinxing.
Maybe we could bring back the hubris of that "happy birthday" rendition in the Marlon Harewood 4-4.
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Only if we are winning comfortably in the final stages. No jinxing.
You are of course correct
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Baldy, you're a voice of reason... Please mind your bare bonce in the summer sunlight. Let's hope for a bountiful harvest in Q3.
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If we attack and are committed to winning we will batter this lot. This is a massive week for us. A win tomorrow all but guarantees CL. And it sets up a huge second leg on Thursday. Our attitude needs to be spot on and we need to be clinical. Psychologically as much as anything, we all need a lift.
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Only if we are winning comfortably in the final stages. No jinxing.
Maybe we could bring back the hubris of that "happy birthday" rendition in the Marlon Harewood 4-4.
If people still jinx after that they’re lost and damned.
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Only if we are winning comfortably in the final stages. No jinxing.
Maybe we could bring back the hubris of that "happy birthday" rendition in the Marlon Harewood 4-4.
God dont remind me of that game i wanted to kill harewood after that game!
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So did MON
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1-1 at a nervy Villa Park.
Luiz with an equalizer in the final ten minutes, after numerous missed chances from Ollie and another no show from Rogers.
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1-1 at a nervy Villa Park.
Luiz with an equalizer in the final ten minutes, after numerous missed chances from Ollie and another no show from Rogers.
We’ve got no reason to be nervy really. If we lose it’s not ideal, but it’s unlikely to matter, this is the perfect opportunity to really attack the game. I badly want us to win for us, and because West Ham are useless and are letting everyone down. But as players, this should be a great tune up.
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Should be.
But it's us, at the business end of the season.
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A win tomorrow and Bournemouth don’t beat Palace we will be in the CL. Just look after our own business. Nearly there.
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Should be.
But it's us, at the business end of the season.
Oh for sure. But I’m really hoping they remember and use Kamara’s injury as positive motivation.
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I don’t know if you know but in case you don’t. Simon Thomas on SSS has said 18 times that it’s a big window of opportunity for Tottenham tomorrow night.
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I don’t know if you know but in case you don’t. Simon Thomas on SSS has said 18 times that it’s a big window of opportunity for Tottenham tomorrow night.
That’s because the whole world (outside of Aston) assumes top 5 is already settled. Spurs are the story.
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Sigue Sigue Sputnik?
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I don’t know if you know but in case you don’t. Simon Thomas on SSS has said 18 times that it’s a big window of opportunity for Tottenham tomorrow night.
That’s because the whole world (outside of Aston) assumes top 5 is already settled. Spurs are the story.
Yep. Chelsea losing to Brighton was the day that "who isn't finishing in the top five?" ceased to be an interesting talking point for everyone but battle-scarred Villa fans.
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Emery sees CL as the most important so tomorrow should be everything if we can guarantee qualification and anything that comes after is looked upon as a bonus.
Positivity is the key.
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I’d like to see us score some goals instead of limping to a 0-1 loss to a shit team like we have for the last two games. Business end of the season and we appear to be fucking about far too much.
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We did score four in each of our last two home games, tbf.
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Same needed in the next two then!
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Anything less and Unai can jolly well sling his hook!
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1-1 at a nervy Villa Park.
Luiz with an equalizer in the final ten minutes, after numerous missed chances from Ollie and another no show from Rogers.
We’ve got no reason to be nervy really. If we lose it’s not ideal, but it’s unlikely to matter, this is the perfect opportunity to really attack the game. I badly want us to win for us, and because West Ham are useless and are letting everyone down. But as players, this should be a great tune up.
Yep, would be lovely to to practically seal a CL.spot tomorrow night with a really good win and performance. Would set us up very nicely for Thursday night.
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Never been more sure of anything than I am for a Spurs win tomorrow. Lumped £50 on it as a softener.
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We’re going to smash ‘em!
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Anything less and Unai can jolly well sling his hook!
I personally think sacking him before the second leg will do the trick. Dyche comes in, whips his two former clubs 3-0 and 4-0, job done.
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1-1 at a nervy Villa Park.
Luiz with an equalizer in the final ten minutes, after numerous missed chances from Ollie and another no show from Rogers.
We’ve got no reason to be nervy really. If we lose it’s not ideal, but it’s unlikely to matter, this is the perfect opportunity to really attack the game. I badly want us to win for us, and because West Ham are useless and are letting everyone down. But as players, this should be a great tune up.
Yep, would be lovely to to practically seal a CL.spot tomorrow night with a really good win and performance. Would set us up very nicely for Thursday night.
It would indeed, one result went our way today, Brighton, can't see Brentford being an issue in the scheme of things, so, this is it, huge game that we have to win, win this and we can relax and put right the semi final on Thursday.
Lets do the business Villa.
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Good idea. If we don't poach Dyche now, Wolves will steal him from under our noses.
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Anything less and Unai can jolly well sling his hook!
The team just needs to win a game and we can ignore the league. It feels like a weirdly long season to me, where we’ve got a certain amount of points and 3rd/4th and clung on for ages and ages. Just put it to bed, Villa.
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A comfortable Villa win and dog's abuse for 90 minutes for Palhinha. Make him cry.
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Let’s be having full stiffness tomorrow before the mid-week semi.
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If we play the way we have been playing over the last two games, well then Splottingham Hot Turd will give themselves a lifeline tomorrow. Big performance to awake us from out tippytappy bullshit from the last two efforts..
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This has got shock home defeat written all over it. In neon, all caps comic sans.
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This has got shock home defeat written all over it. In neon, all caps comic sans.
It really hasn't.
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Bayern Munich, one eye on their midweek European game, just needed a 100th minute equaliser to avoid losing at home to the bottom of the league team. We could easily fuck this up if don't give it our full concentration.
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This has got shock home defeat written all over it. In neon, all caps comic sans.
It really hasn't.
It absolutely has.
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I sometimes wonder why we bother.
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Bayern Munich, one eye on their midweek European game, just needed a 100th minute equaliser to avoid losing at home to the bottom of the league team. We could easily fuck this up if don't give it our full concentration.
Of course. If we’re not on it - and better than we have been the last couple of games - then we can easily lose. I think it being Spurs helps, irrespective of their current predicament they’re still a name. You add what Palhinha did to Kamara, which evidently stung the players, you would hope we will be hyper focussed for this.
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Bayern Munich, one eye on their midweek European game, just needed a 100th minute equaliser to avoid losing at home to the bottom of the league team. We could easily fuck this up if don't give it our full concentration.
Of course. If we’re not on it - and better than we have been the last couple of games - then we can easily lose. I think it being Spurs helps, irrespective of their current predicament they’re still a name. You add what Palhinha did to Kamara, which evidently stung the players, you would hope we will be hyper focussed for this.
Any lack of commitment will be met by anger in the crowd. This is the 2nd game I’m missing at VP this season. The first was Palace, it’s the first and only time I’ve flown over VP while a game was on. We were gash by all accounts, maybe the worst in the league this season. I don’t want to be hearing the same for this game. It’s a must win and we will if we turn up.
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If it's any help for the superstition, I think it's my lad's second ever Sunday game tomorrow.
His first was the 3-0 against Palace. It was definitely pretty awful.
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So both your kids are jonahs?
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So both your kids are jonahs?
Nah, just bringing the boy. When it's only me and him we're undefeated across ten or so games over two seasons.
My daughter's record is defeats to Palace and Brentford and a win against Bologna. She's the problem.
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Get this over the line tomorrow and that's the CL sorted. That just leaves Forest.
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We should win this but i keep thinking Wolves.
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My god let’s all get a grip! Anyone reading this would think it’s 17th v 18th and we’re fucking Burnley.
3-0 CL secured and on to dismantling Forest on Thursday.
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Kinda think we will grind out a win, but don't think it will be pretty. Would be nice if we could stop blazing great chances over the bar.
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It could all kind of work out really well, we rest players, Spurs get something from today, Forest now have to focus on Chelsea and put their strongest team out, still get beat and battered.
We turn up fresh and ready Thursday.
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I do wonder how long a period of relative success has to be, before we start feeling 'confident' about our ability in important games. I mean, we've been in and around the Champions League places since Unai arrived, yet we still can't shake this feeling that we're going to throw it away at the last minute. I have the nagging doubt myself, even though I keep telling myself we're the better side and will win if we perform close to our ability.
Is it five years? Is it more? I do wonder if there is something inherently 'brummy' about it, and we'll never lose it?
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It could all kind of work out really well, we rest players, Spurs get something from today, Forest now have to focus on Chelsea and put their strongest team out, still get beat and battered.
We turn up fresh and ready Thursday.
From bitter experience, that’s often not the best plan.
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It could all kind of work out really well, we rest players, Spurs get something from today, Forest now have to focus on Chelsea and put their strongest team out, still get beat and battered.
We turn up fresh and ready Thursday.
Can we go with the option of us winning please? (and no more injuries)
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Yes please bollocks to this - let’s hope Forest are distracted even to the point of us not winning. The best thing we can do is win this game, build up confidence, and carry it into the Forest game.
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Fuck this lot over big time and carry momentum into Thursday. Forest will fear that more.
We will then only have Bournemouth that can overtake us and they'd need 4 from 4, including Fulham, Forest and ManC having won 3 out of their last 10.
Which means we can focus on Europa.
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It could all kind of work out really well, we rest players, Spurs get something from today, Forest now have to focus on Chelsea and put their strongest team out, still get beat and battered.
We turn up fresh and ready Thursday.
From bitter experience, that’s often not the best plan.
Yes, winning games is the best plan.
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I would love to hear "Champions League...Championship" being sung for the last 30 mins.
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Like going into the last game after such a flat performance against Fulham did us any good where as Forest went into after a 5-0 rout.
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I do get the battled scarred this is Villa, nerves, but we have qualified for the CL under this manager two years ago. Yes we’ve lost semi finals, but at least we’ve got there, it wasn’t happening for the previous decade or so. Also last season yes we fooked it against man utd, but we had to go on a league winning run of form post xmas just to be in the position.
I suppose my point is, this team have been largely bloody great under Emery.
We win today, we win on Thursday.
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I do get the battled scarred this is Villa, nerves, but we have qualified for the CL under this manager two years ago. Yes we’ve lost semi finals, but at least we’ve got there, it wasn’t happening for the previous decade or so. Also last season yes we fooked it against man utd, but we had to go on a league winning run of form post xmas just to be in the position.
I suppose my point is, this team have been largely bloody great under Emery.
We win today, we win on Thursday.
Yeah we're were we are for a reason.
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I’ve woken up to feelings of dread regarding this game. I’m relying on those of you still in a positive mindset about the season to drag me through this, with your SJM like steely determination.
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I'd bring Barkley back in for Onana, Maatsen for Digne, but wouldn't change much else.
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I'd bring Barkley back in for Onana, Maatsen for Digne, but wouldn't change much else.
Id go with that but tempted to give tammy a start with ollie on bench to keep him cresh and abit angey for Thursday
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I'd bring Barkley back in for Onana, Maatsen for Digne, but wouldn't change much else.
Id go with that but tempted to give tammy a start with ollie on bench to keep him cresh and abit angey for Thursday
Wouldn't have a problem with any of that. I'd do a midfield four of DL - Barkley - McGinn- Youri, pushing Youri forward.
If Spurs have any chance, it'll be because Gallagher - Bentancur - Bissouma have got the better of the midfield, so without Onana and Kamara let's make that square as strong as possible.
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I’ve woken up to feelings of dread regarding this game. I’m relying on those of you still in a positive mindset about the season to drag me through this, with your SJM like steely determination.
Same. I have a horrible, horrible feeling about the week to come.
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I do wonder how long a period of relative success has to be, before we start feeling 'confident' about our ability in important games. I mean, we've been in and around the Champions League places since Unai arrived, yet we still can't shake this feeling that we're going to throw it away at the last minute. I have the nagging doubt myself, even though I keep telling myself we're the better side and will win if we perform close to our ability.
Is it five years? Is it more? I do wonder if there is something inherently 'brummy' about it, and we'll never lose it?
I think it's more down to the way we play under Emery. Baiting the press, slow for ages and then suddenly quick especially in transition. Goal Difference has always been poor for our league table positions under him cos we win a lot of games on the little margins.
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This week is a big, big one, as big as they get.
I am shitting bricks. Who’d have thought being a really good side pushing for things at the top would generate the same nerve-shredding anxiety as circling the plug hole at the other end.
Should probably have picked another sport, one where the stress is so much lower because nobody really gives too much of a shit about it.
Like rugby.
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Draw
Despite the fact that they've been terrible this season, they have picked up 4 points from the last 2 games and I can't see anything but a massive push from them tonight.
Martinez
Cash
Maatsen
Konsa
Torres
Luiz
McGinn
Tielemans
Barkley
Rogers
Abraham
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I’ve woken up to feelings of dread regarding this game. I’m relying on those of you still in a positive mindset about the season to drag me through this, with your SJM like steely determination.
Same. I have a horrible, horrible feeling about the week to come.
Yes.
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A horrible feeling as the ridiculous world goes by.
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I’ve woken up to feelings of dread regarding this game. I’m relying on those of you still in a positive mindset about the season to drag me through this, with your SJM like steely determination.
Same. I have a horrible, horrible feeling about the week to come.
Yes.
We'll still definitely finish in the top five, but yes, the despondency that this week has the potential to bring is very unpleasant.
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I'd bring Barkley back in for Onana, Maatsen for Digne, but wouldn't change much else.
Sancho as well, I reckon his understanding with Rogers and Maatsen is our best bet for opening them up.
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Time for some soothing whale or tantric yoga music to settle the nerves...
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A return to Fortress Villa Park today. Nobody sitting on their hands waiting for the lads to entertain and then politely clapping when we score, this will be a riot of fun and noise with Villa demonstrating why we're off to play in the Champions League. The only doubt I have is whether we score four or five. The Spurs end half empty at the interval, completely empty on 80 minutes.
A nice little warm up for Thursday night.
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Time for some soothing whale or tantric yoga music to settle the nerves...
Each to their own, it I’ll be imbibing the beta blockers.
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I’ve woken up to feelings of dread regarding this game. I’m relying on those of you still in a positive mindset about the season to drag me through this, with your SJM like steely determination.
Same. I have a horrible, horrible feeling about the week to come.
Yes.
We'll still definitely finish in the top five, but yes, the despondency that this week has the potential to bring is very unpleasant.
2 points and then Brighton can't catch us, and either of Chelsea, Bournemouth and Brentford would have to get maximum points to finish above us, and none of them will.
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I’ve woken up to feelings of dread regarding this game. I’m relying on those of you still in a positive mindset about the season to drag me through this, with your SJM like steely determination.
Same. I have a horrible, horrible feeling about the week to come.
Yes.
We'll still definitely finish in the top five, but yes, the despondency that this week has the potential to bring is very unpleasant.
2 points and then Brighton can't catch us, and either of Chelsea, Bournemouth and Brentford would have to get maximum points to finish above us, and none of them will.
I don't think any of the chasing pack will get to our current total.
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I said a while ago that I fancied there was a good chance we already had enough points.
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Which is just as well as there's no chance we're winning today. None. At all.
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A return to Fortress Villa Park today. Nobody sitting on their hands waiting for the lads to entertain and then politely clapping when we score, this will be a riot of fun and noise with Villa demonstrating why we're off to play in the Champions League. The only doubt I have is whether we score four or five. The Spurs end half empty at the interval, completely empty on 80 minutes.
A nice little warm up for Thursday night.
I'm with you mate. I'm getting fed up of all the despondency that seems to be creeping in. We're in a fantastic position and we have a fantastic manager. We need to get behind the lads and fucking go for it!!
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A return to Fortress Villa Park today. Nobody sitting on their hands waiting for the lads to entertain and then politely clapping when we score, this will be a riot of fun and noise with Villa demonstrating why we're off to play in the Champions League. The only doubt I have is whether we score four or five. The Spurs end half empty at the interval, completely empty on 80 minutes.
A nice little warm up for Thursday night.
I'm with you mate. I'm getting fed up of all the despondency that seems to be creeping in. We're in a fantastic position and we have a fantastic manager. We need to get behind the lads and fucking go for it!!
Indeed. If we can't beat a relegation threatened, injury crisis team like Spurs to cement our place in the Champions League today we may as well give up. I see West Ham fans are concerned about Paul Harrington being on VAR today but given Unai's comments this week I doubt he's stupid enough to upset Unai and draw attention to himself.
Third place finish is still on.
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We are so used to falling at the last hurdle it's become ingrained.
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I’d love to see Harvey Elliott be given 90 minutes today. If he plays well and makes the difference, it would be the perfect preparation for the second leg semi final given that we are likely to be short in the midfield area. It’s not too late for him to make an impact in the most important few weeks of the season.
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We need to put them under pressure from the off. Spurs will be shaking like a shiting pub, knowing one mistake could more or less relegate them.
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We need to put them under pressure from the off. Spurs will be shaking like a shiting pub, knowing one mistake could more or less relegate them.
Shame West Ham lost yesterday or that would almost be true. That result will have given Spurs a great lift
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We need to get at them with Bournemouth winning.
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I think Lindelof may play tonight. Hasnt put a foot wrong and means one of Pau or Konsa gets a rest
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Please win Villa. We REALLY need it now with Bournemouth and Brentford picking up points.
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This week is a big, big one, as big as they get.
I am shitting bricks. Who’d have thought being a really good side pushing for things at the top would generate the same nerve-shredding anxiety as circling the plug hole at the other end.
Should probably have picked another sport, one where the stress is so much lower because nobody really gives too much of a shit about it.
Like rugby.
It’s the fine lines between success and failure. As SGT once said ‘imagine Saunders scoring there today, the games no different but I’m then the worlds worst manager.’ Or something like that.
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Win today and it’s the perfect launchpad for Thursday. We really need to get it right tonight.
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It's not fine lines though is it? We always find a way to cock it up.
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We all know full well how it goes from here. Lose tonight, dumped out on Thursday. Tis is natural order of things
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I said a while ago that I fancied there was a good chance we already had enough points.
My thinking too. I doubt anyone below us will get 58 points.
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We all know full well how it goes from here. Lose tonight, dumped out on Thursday. Tis is natural order of things
DW is going to be incandescent soon.
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We all know full well how it goes from here. Lose tonight, dumped out on Thursday. Tis is natural order of things
Speak for yourself. We don’t ‘know’ anything of the sort.
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We all know full well how it goes from here. Lose tonight, dumped out on Thursday. Tis is natural order of things
DW is going to be incandescent soon.
He's not the only one. A bit of cynicism and caution is one thing, but the tide of surrender and misery on here is something else.
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We all know full well how it goes from here. Lose tonight, dumped out on Thursday. Tis is natural order of things
Speak for yourself. We don’t ‘know’ anything of the sort.
Having just seen sky report from Villa Park, they’ve just bigged up spurs and how they can get 3 points.
It sounded like we were in relegation zone and spurs in box seat for champs league. T**ts.
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Woke up feeling strangely confident about tonight.
Absolutely terrified for Thursday though.
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Roberto De Zerbi. Welcome back to Villa Park !
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It's not fine lines though is it? We always find a way to cock it up.
We qualified for the champions league two years ago, we regularly beat the best sides in the country as well as Europe. You need to get a grip to be honest.
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We all know full well how it goes from here. Lose tonight, dumped out on Thursday. Tis is natural order of things
Speak for yourself. We don’t ‘know’ anything of the sort.
Having just seen sky report from Villa Park, they’ve just bigged up spurs and how they can get 3 points.
It sounded like we were in relegation zone and spurs in box seat for champs league. T**ts.
The Sunday Supplement had one guy adamant West Ham were doomed and Spurs would be ok. Not sure he'd seen the league table.
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We all know full well how it goes from here. Lose tonight, dumped out on Thursday. Tis is natural order of things
Speak for yourself. We don’t ‘know’ anything of the sort.
Indeed and in a practical sense, this sort of negativity can’t seep into the stands. Not targeted at you Lee, but just generally people stop needing to feel so defeatist. If we’re turn up we are more than capable of winning tonight and Thursday. It’s in our control, and we need the fans to drive the team on.
We might not win, but we absolutely can and should.
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Some of our own fans on here can't accept we have been one of the 4 best sides for four years straight so why should the media.
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We all know full well how it goes from here. Lose tonight, dumped out on Thursday. Tis is natural order of things
Speak for yourself. We don’t ‘know’ anything of the sort.
Having just seen sky report from Villa Park, they’ve just bigged up spurs and how they can get 3 points.
It sounded like we were in relegation zone and spurs in box seat for champs league. T**ts.
The Sunday Supplement had one guy adamant West Ham were doomed and Spurs would be ok. Not sure he'd seen the league table.
Whatever the media say, you can bet most fans think the opposite.
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We need to give everything today. It almost locks in the CL spot but we also then have a day extra rest before Forest. No fucking excuses. A good performance and get the win Villa.
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This natural order of things has us on target for the Champions League again and as certain as possible for our fourth consecutive season in Europe.
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Apparently Liverpool have ten players missing who could have been in the first 11 today. Obviously they would be allowed to field two keepers.
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This natural order of things has us on target for the Champions League again and as certain as possible for our fourth consecutive season in Europe.
I think it’ll be the first time we’ve played in Europe for 4 seasons running?
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Abraham starts fam.
Mad ting.