Heroes & Villains, the Aston Villa fanzine
Heroes & Villains => Match Threads & Player Ratings => Topic started by: Toronto Villa on May 03, 2026, 11:47:28 PM
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Let’s hope the last three games are nothing like what will happen on Thursday night. We’ve been quite awful of late so something has to drastically change. I expect a full strength side and a much more committed performance against a confident Forest side who will have day less rest. Not sure where I am getting my optimism from right now, but I’ll go 3-1 Villa. Probably on 3 shots as we don’t do many of those.
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Not now, TV. I can’t bring myself to think about it
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Without Onana and SJM, we might as well kiss this match goodbye. If one plays we have a chance, if both do I think we will win it. But we need to win it and win it well to get even a hint of forgiveness for todays decisions and performance.
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Clarity. Nothing inbetween now and Thursday. No distractions, all down to this. I cannot wait.
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Ive been uncharacteristically calm and relaxed throughout every one of our matches this season. I believe that'll change on Thursday.
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Hard to even pick an X1 after the last 2 x PL performances. If Onana is out we probably need to play McGinn in the middle. But who plays right side then? Rogers finished the Forest game there so maybe him.
Martinez, Cash, Konsa, Torres, Maatsen, Luiz, McGinn, Rogers, Buendia, Tielemans, Watkins.
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Hope I'm wrong, I'll be in P2 on Thursday...but I can't see us scoring twice..😕
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3-1 to us, and all will be well with the world.
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Hope I'm wrong, I'll be in P2 on Thursday...but I can't see us scoring twice..😕
I'm sure the view isn't that restricted.
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0-2 It's over.
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3-1 to us, and all will be well with the world.
AET? I dont want us fecked for Burnleh 65 hrs later.
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Hard to even pick an X1 after the last 2 x PL performances. If Onana is out we probably need to play McGinn in the middle. But who plays right side then? Rogers finished the Forest game there so maybe him.
Martinez, Cash, Konsa, Torres, Maatsen, Luiz, McGinn, Rogers, Buendia, Tielemans, Watkins.
If Onana is out and if McGinn is back, I would go with this line up.
Really dont know about a scoreline, 2-0, eyes closed (Watkins2)
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After yesterday, they owe us big time.
If we don't make the final, that Spurs defeat will last long in the memory.
Pressure on. What have they got ?
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Yesterday has evaporated any confidence I had. I just cannot see how a team who has played in the last 3 games can suddenly turn around and score at least 2 goals against a team that is quite adept at defending.
I hope I’m wrong, but it’s going to take a massive turnaround.
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Feel like we are under even more pressure on Thursday now, after effectively passing on yesterday's match.
We'd better win, or it will feel like when our season collapsed after resting players at CSKA Moscow.
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I expect Forest to go with a low block and hit us on the break, it's going to be tough breaking them down.
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1-2. Another one to add to the ever growing list of semi/final fails over the last 30 years.
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I shall need to find somewhere in Tarragona where I can watch this game.
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We might do it - but there is absolutely nothing from of performances against English opposition since the turn of the year to say we can. We don’t score many, and very rarely win by two clear goals. It is going to need to be a complete flip of the script, because a we’re not in form at all, and don’t appear to have a creative plan.
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Pressure is piled up massively on the manager and players, some goodwill was lost last night. I’m really worried about it. An incredible amount depends on this result, I hope with couple a couple of big performances in us.
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1-1
Im a little worried now .
anyway still pi55ed off about last night .
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Even the strongest team squads cannot turn form on and off to suit, especially a threadbare one like ours.
If there is any thought about playing Mings to combat thier big lump then we are fucked.....Unai please don't
Strap Onana up and get him on the pitch, same with SJM (although I'm sure he will do everything to play)
Tell sancho we are playing on Friday. He is that bad I would prefer Bailey to start.
Looks like Digne will start as we seemingly cannot pick Maatsen with Torres for some inexplicable reason.
Midfield needs to play like thier lives depend on it.
Watkins needs shooting practice all week.
And ffs practice for penalties as it might be needed
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I'm afraid I just can't see a Villa win. Since the Tammy 'get out of jail card' winner against Sunderland Unai has got it all wrong. We now go into this game devoid of confidence and form. I was so angry at last night that on the long drive home last night I was questioning can I put myself through this again on Thursday. This team are so close to glory but do they have the mentality to make themselves heroes.
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Nottingham Forest have scored 3.33gpg in their last 3 games.
Aston Villa have scored 0.33gpg last 3 games.
Nottingham Forest have conceded 0.5gpg over 10 games.
Aston Villa have conceded 1.33 gpg last 3 games.
From Collymore on twitter.
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But we need to win it and win it well to get even a hint of forgiveness for todays decisions and performance.
Nope, a shit performance and ay sort of win would be more than acceptable. And yesterday will be forgotten again.
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But we need to win it and win it well to get even a hint of forgiveness for todays decisions and performance.
Nope, a shit performance and ay sort of win would be more than acceptable. And yesterday will be forgotten again.
Blowing the chance to relegate one of the scum six will never be forgotten. If it was Burnley, or Brentford or whoever it would but not a greedy six club .
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Nottingham Forest have scored 3.33gpg in their last 3 games.
Aston Villa have scored 0.33gpg last 3 games.
Nottingham Forest have conceded 0.5gpg over 10 games.
Aston Villa have conceded 1.33 gpg last 3 games.
From Collymore on twitter.
They beat us 1 nil with their only attempt at goal 2nd half from the penalty spot a few days ago, but ok.
Fuck me they're all out today.
Martinez
Cash
Konsa
Torres
Maatsen
Onana
Tielemans
McGinn
Buendia
Rogers
Watkins
If Onana isn't fit, then Luiz.
An absolutely raucous Villa Park, a European Final and a place in history. Up the fucking Villa.
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I know we’ve been off it for the last three games but Collymore is clearing trolling to try and rage bait Villa fans. He had us down to lose the first leg by three.
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Feel like we are under even more pressure on Thursday now, after effectively passing on yesterday's match.
We'd better win, or it will feel like when our season collapsed after resting players at CSKA Moscow.
Why are we under more pressure now? Forest are a goal up and have it all to lose, we have rested players and will give it 110%. The pressure is all on Nottingham Forest.
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Nottingham Forest have scored 3.33gpg in their last 3 games.
Aston Villa have scored 0.33gpg last 3 games.
Nottingham Forest have conceded 0.5gpg over 10 games.
Aston Villa have conceded 1.33 gpg last 3 games.
From Collymore on twitter.
More pressure on Forest - they're a shoo-in by all accounts. UTV.
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2-0
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Why are we under more pressure now? Forest are a goal up and have it all to lose, we have rested players and will give it 110%. The pressure is all on Nottingham Forest.
Disagree. Forest are playing well and full of confidence. Villa are the total opposite.
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I shall need to find somewhere in Tarragona where I can watch this game.
I don't think you'll be stuck chap. There's plenty there and Salou is a cab ride away.
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Will they have their blockhead at the back, Murillo, back ?
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Why are we under more pressure now? Forest are a goal up and have it all to lose, we have rested players and will give it 110%. The pressure is all on Nottingham Forest.
Disagree. Forest are playing well and full of confidence. Villa are the total opposite.
Great, so the weight of expectation is on Forest. We have nothing to lose, so let's give it 110% on Thurday night.
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Who knows what sort of Villa will turn up to any game we play, (let alone the Europa league semi-final on Thursday)? After nearly 50 years of being a fan, I've never managed to find the answer!
Probably (hopefully!) end up winning now: how we do it following recent games, fcuk knows!
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If McGinn can't play I'd literally rather have Maatsen wide right than Sancho. I'd rather put Ollie on the wing and Tammy (who shat it badly but still) up front than Sancho. If Sancho starts on Thursday it's time to ask him where the kompromat is and what Emery's doing in it.
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Would Marinakis choose CL qualification over relegation? You might make up the money lost from not being a PL club but imagine having to navigate all those Tuesday night Championship league games along with facing Bayern and Bruges!
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McGinn will play.
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Ten years ago if you'd said we would have the chance of making a European final, within a scenario like this, we would have thought we were in dreamland. Absolute dreamland. Genuinely, folks, please snap out of it, we all love this great club - the grandest of clubs. Grasp the bigger picture and do everything in your power (and our collective power) to lift our incredible Club into its second major European Final on Thursday night. We can do it. UTV
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Why are we under more pressure now? Forest are a goal up and have it all to lose, we have rested players and will give it 110%. The pressure is all on Nottingham Forest.
Disagree. Forest are playing well and full of confidence. Villa are the total opposite.
Great, so the weight of expectation is on Forest. We have nothing to lose, so let's give it 110% on Thurday night.
Nah. We've been one of favourites from the start, have comfortably navigated our way through and now look likely to choke. This is all a bonus for Forest after a season of struggle. There is no pressure on them whatsoever.
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Ten years ago if you'd said we would have the chance of making a European final, within a scenario like this, we would have thought we were in dreamland. Absolute dreamland. Genuinely, folks, please snap out of it, we all love this great club - the grandest of clubs. Grasp the bigger picture and do everything in your power (and our collective power) to lift our incredible Club into its second major European Final on Thursday night. We can do it. UTV
I think the trouble is it feels like it's now or, if not never, at least a really really long time. It's so easy to slip back into the muddle, and so extremely hard to keep competitive. Not to mention the whole system trying to stop us from progressing into a top-table club of any permanence, it's hard not to feel frustrated that every time we seem like we're about to make that extra step we piss in our own mouths.
I saw on the Newcastle thread people were saying that they sold their soul and got nothing in return. But they at least got a pot out of it. Crystal Palace, Leicester, Newcastle, Spurs, West Ham have all won something in recent years, so we know it's possible. I'm not suggesting we get all spoiled or entitled or anything, but it is saddening to think that we might come out of this really promising era with nothing to show for it.
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It was now or never against Man United last day of the season as well. Yet...here we are. Again.
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It was now or never against Man United last day of the season as well. Yet...here we are. Again.
My point is it doesn't feel sustainable, or at any rate solid. We could slide down any time (especially with performances like some we've seen this year...).
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It was now or never against Man United last day of the season as well. Yet...here we are. Again.
My point is it doesn't feel sustainable, or at any rate solid. We could slide down any time (especially with performances like some we've seen this year...).
Yet...here we are again, where we've been for the past 4 seasons.
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It was now or never against Man United last day of the season as well. Yet...here we are. Again.
My point is it doesn't feel sustainable, or at any rate solid. We could slide down any time (especially with performances like some we've seen this year...).
The next transfer window we need to get absolutely spot on, and the previous ones do not give me a great deal of confidence that we will.
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It was now or never against Man United last day of the season as well. Yet...here we are. Again.
My point is it doesn't feel sustainable, or at any rate solid. We could slide down any time (especially with performances like some we've seen this year...).
Yet...here we are again, where we've been for the past 4 seasons.
Please no, I'm not going in these circles again. You know perfectly well what I'm saying.
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It was now or never against Man United last day of the season as well. Yet...here we are. Again.
My point is it doesn't feel sustainable, or at any rate solid. We could slide down any time (especially with performances like some we've seen this year...).
Yet...here we are again, where we've been for the past 4 seasons.
Please no, I'm not going in these circles again. You know perfectly well what I'm saying.
You're articulating an irrational feeling of inferiority when Emery's facts say otherwise.
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I’d imagine McGinn will play. A lot of this will come down to mental strength and bravery and who makes mistakes. This game is era defining for the players and the manager and I think they all know it.
Will we have the bollocks? Will we finally have a bit of fucking luck with a referee decision? Will we win the duels in midfield? Absolutely crucially (because we aren’t creating loads of chances at the moment) will we score goals when we should?
If the answers to those questions are yes, we will win.
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You're right, we're Real Madrid now. Semifinals every year forever.
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The short-sighted reaction of miserabilist, defeatist Villa fans (not a personal dig at you, Pete3206, just observing the views of podcasters etc) is certainly a bonus for Forest. The rest, not so much. This is sport. If bookies make us favourites, so what? That's just noise and meaningless noise, at that. Forest are huge favourites, going by the recent results, they have a lead to defend away from home so the pressure is entirely on them. The Villa players won't bottle this, my concern lies with our fans some of whom seem to be hellbent on manifesting defeat.
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l know we all want a trophy, but tbh it isn't the be all and end all this season. What we really need to do is win the Europa OR finish top five. Then spend what money we can sensibly and sign some actual quality attackers. Job done. On to next season.
The most embarrassing thing about yesterday for me was not the performance, but the reaction. Some perspective is needed.
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You're right, we're Real Madrid now. Semifinals every year forever.
The direction of travel certainly seems to indicate the later. I'd very much welcome State backed rule bending to let us spend what we want, but cannot see it.
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How do we appear to be choking? We've lost an away leg 1-0 and need to beat Nottingham Forest at home to qualify for a European final. It sucks passing Tottenham 3 points but Emery and surely most people can see that this is a massive and probably final opportunity for this group of players to achieve something tangible. We've fought all season, scraping 1 goal wins, average performances, last gasp winners. We haven't been great but there's a spirit about this side. We are far from choking, Emery is a master of European football management and is balancing our resources to try and achieve the ultimate. Actually winning something. Not keeping Tottenham in the bottom 3. Not making 5th mathematically safe as soon as possible. Actually winning something, which no one here has achieved in 3 decades.
If we fail on Thursday then there's no doubt in my mind that everyone has given their all and we've just come up short but fuck me will the players be switched on for it. Look at all the tight games we've come out the right side on. They want to win, this is not a group who gives up but we have to be savvy with what we have and where we are.
We can do this on Thursday. We're playing Nottingham Forest, not PSG. They are a decent team, so are we. It might just be the support that carries this group over the line.
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You're right, we're Real Madrid now. Semifinals every year forever.
The direction of travel certainly seems to indicate the later. I'd very much welcome State backed rule bending to let us spend what we want, but cannot see it.
OK.
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It was now or never against Man United last day of the season as well. Yet...here we are. Again.
My point is it doesn't feel sustainable, or at any rate solid. We could slide down any time (especially with performances like some we've seen this year...).
I do get that and Ive had similar conversations with my son on the way to Villa Park, he rightly tells me to get over it. One of the knock on effects of lots of supporters feeling like this, I think, is the transference into the atmosphere in the stadium, at least yesterday. I know it was a really terrible collective performance, but literally as soon as Gallaghers shot went it, there was huge anxiety in the Holte End, that transcended into quite a lot of irrational anger quite quickly. I know we need to feed off the players but I also think there needs to beca bit more calmness. We really need to be behind them inside the stadium on Thursday
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Win the next 2 and we're on for our best season since 1982, lose them and we could be on for the biggest choke job certainly in my 50+ years if not in the history of the club. At least it isn't boring.
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Win the next 2 and we're on for our best season since 1982, lose them and we could be on for the biggest choke job certainly in my 50+ years if not in the history of the club. At least it isn't boring.
Yep.
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Ten years ago if you'd said we would have the chance of making a European final, within a scenario like this, we would have thought we were in dreamland. Absolute dreamland. Genuinely, folks, please snap out of it, we all love this great club - the grandest of clubs. Grasp the bigger picture and do everything in your power (and our collective power) to lift our incredible Club into its second major European Final on Thursday night. We can do it. UTV
I think the trouble is it feels like it's now or, if not never, at least a really really long time. It's so easy to slip back into the muddle, and so extremely hard to keep competitive. Not to mention the whole system trying to stop us from progressing into a top-table club of any permanence, it's hard not to feel frustrated that every time we seem like we're about to make that extra step we piss in our own mouths.
I saw on the Newcastle thread people were saying that they sold their soul and got nothing in return. But they at least got a pot out of it. Crystal Palace, Leicester, Newcastle, Spurs, West Ham have all won something in recent years, so we know it's possible. I'm not suggesting we get all spoiled or entitled or anything, but it is saddening to think that we might come out of this really promising era with nothing to show for it.
Does it feel like "now or never"? It certainly doesn't to me. It feels like part of a progressive journey. Off the pitch the Club is growing nicely and we're being invited to play international friendlies v Bayern Munich, such has our stock risen. As of today, we are six points clear with three games to go and in a European semi...why on earth is this now or never? This is steady improvement, surely? All on one of the lowest net spends in the Premier League, too. Does it feel like "now or never" because we've lost our last two games in the run up to this huge semi? Genuinely, I don't get it. Is the pressure getting to some of our fans? Are some of our fans losing all sense of perspective?
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I would say that our transfer situation and management of that situation is bad and getting worse, and in the last year has been borderline farcical. Look at our opponents yesterday for how easy it is to fall back if you get that side of things so badly wrong for a long while.
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It's now or never for a number of the players I reckon. I've said before that I think we'll see a lot of movement in the summer and the only way is down for a fair few players.
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It's now or never for a number of the players I reckon. I've said before that I think we'll see a lot of movement in the summer and the only way is down for a fair few players.
Yes, I think this is what I mean. It feels like we're due a bit of a squad overhaul, which isn't bad in and of itself - it's just that the club has given us no real reason to think they can pull off the necessary good business.
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I would say that our transfer situation and management of that situation is bad and getting worse, and in the last year has been borderline farcical. Look at our opponents yesterday for how easy it is to fall back if you get that side of things so badly wrong for a long while.
Yesterday's opponents got it wrong by chopping and changing their manager every couple of years. They even sacked a manager on the eve of a final. They've been a basket case for a good few years and need stability and direction - we have both, thankfully. Re transfers, we have to operate within tight FFP regulations, so in that context I believe our manager is working absolute miracles.
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I would say that our transfer situation and management of that situation is bad and getting worse, and in the last year has been borderline farcical. Look at our opponents yesterday for how easy it is to fall back if you get that side of things so badly wrong for a long while.
Yesterday's opponents got it wrong by chopping and changing their manager every couple of years. They even sacked a manager on the eve of a final. They've been a basket case for a good few years and need stability and direction - we have both, thankfully. Re transfers, we have to operate within tight FFP regulations, so in that context I believe our manager is working absolute miracles.
None of which I find very reassuring!
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I can see us winning 2-0.
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The short-sighted reaction of miserabilist, defeatist Villa fans (not a personal dig at you, Pete3206, just observing the views of podcasters etc) is certainly a bonus for Forest. The rest, not so much. This is sport. If bookies make us favourites, so what? That's just noise and meaningless noise, at that. Forest are huge favourites, going by the recent results, they have a lead to defend away from home so the pressure is entirely on them. The Villa players won't bottle this, my concern lies with our fans some of whom seem to be hellbent on manifesting defeat.
Fair enough Billy but, are you not concerned by the drastic dip in form, surrendering to a Spurs side easing to a 2nd win in 2026, the other being at already relegated Wolves?
Only a few weeks ago, we stank out Molineux, then got thrashed by Chelsea who were on a terrible run, meekly surrendered at Old Trafford and produced a dismal 2nd half showing at Fulham, not even laying a glove on them. OK, we got wins at home to West Ham, who were rubbish and Sunderland and we very nearly cocked that up at the death.
We were crap in the 1st leg at Forest, absolutely crap. Then came that nonsense yesterday. Both Forest and Spurs expressed a desire to press and win the ball and we couldn't match them. I love Emery and admire what he's done for the club and hope he continues to manage the team. But we can't keep getting to these stages in competitions and just being rolled over by teams like Olympiacos, Palace and Forest.
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Why were we crap at Forest? A game where nothing happened beyond two VAR decisions. Why do we have to pretend our wins dont count in the league?
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It’s been the issue for seasons now but we have no pace. The only player who you could describe as quick is Maatsen. I’d go all Mcleish and play him in a wide attacking role. It definitely won’t happen but something has to change and we have to surprise them. Push Rogers into the middle instead of Buendia.
As usual, in any game, the central midfield area is vital, we need to get some physicality in there.
Please Unai, don’t play Sancho and please let McGinn be fit.
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If we didn't go through after playing a full strength team against Spurs, some of the same people moaning about yesterday would be questioning why Unai hadn't rested players ahead of a semi-final.
We may or may not go through, but I'm willing to trust the guy who's won it four times on what gives us the best chance to get to the final.
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How would we be if we won 1-0 at home and had to defend this away at a team chasing the champions league. Forests players and fans must be all over the place more than us
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The short-sighted reaction of miserabilist, defeatist Villa fans (not a personal dig at you, Pete3206, just observing the views of podcasters etc) is certainly a bonus for Forest. The rest, not so much. This is sport. If bookies make us favourites, so what? That's just noise and meaningless noise, at that. Forest are huge favourites, going by the recent results, they have a lead to defend away from home so the pressure is entirely on them. The Villa players won't bottle this, my concern lies with our fans some of whom seem to be hellbent on manifesting defeat.
Fair enough Billy but, are you not concerned by the drastic dip in form, surrendering to a Spurs side easing to a 2nd win in 2026, the other being at already relegated Wolves?
Only a few weeks ago, we stank out Molineux, then got thrashed by Chelsea who were on a terrible run, meekly surrendered at Old Trafford and produced a dismal 2nd half showing at Fulham, not even laying a glove on them. OK, we got wins at home to West Ham, who were rubbish and Sunderland and we very nearly cocked that up at the death.
We were crap in the 1st leg at Forest, absolutely crap. Then came that nonsense yesterday. Both Forest and Spurs expressed a desire to press and win the ball and we couldn't match them. I love Emery and admire what he's done for the club and hope he continues to manage the team. But we can't keep getting to these stages in competitions and just being rolled over by teams like Olympiacos, Palace and Forest.
I'm not "concerned" per se. I think there is context. Unlike a lot of other (rival) clubs we have gone deep into Europe and have had to balance our players' minutes accordingly. Over the past ten days (I think) we'll have played two games more than Liverpool and Man Utd, the manager has to factor that in when he picks our teams. We have two very clear priorities - achieve Champions League and win a trophy - despite all the obstacles against us we are on course for this. Since our Europa quarter final win, I think Unai has started to prioritise that trophy over league fixtures, too - another factor behind our dip in league form. I'm just trying to look at the bigger picture and the way Unai is trying to manage our season - and if the way it has panned out had been offered to us back in August, surely we all would have grasped it?
Thursday night is now a one-off match, Forest have it all to lose and we have everything to gain, we're in an incredible position. Genuinely, the negativity, the hysterical podcasts, all the moaning betrays a bottling mentality within the fanbase, not our manager (who has won many trophies). Small Heath, Nottingham Forest and Arsenal fans will be lapping up the reaction of Villa fans to Unai's tactical decision - seriously, as a fanbase we can be our own worst enemy at times. We have the chance of making a European Final on Thursday night - I'm going to say it again - a European Final! My message to everyone here is to snap out of the funk, and grasp the very real moment we are in.
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Yup.
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Well said, Billy.
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I agree with you, Billy, if we get through on Thursday we'll soon stop caring about Spurs. It just feels like we're less likely to do so after turning in that shitshow last night.
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I think we’ll likely concede so we have to go all out in this tie. It was the worst fixture we could have got in the semis tbh. Yesterday was awful and Fulham was bad but we didn’t deserve to lose at Forest. All to play for and I’m sure Emery and the players will be motivated.
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The short-sighted reaction of miserabilist, defeatist Villa fans (not a personal dig at you, Pete3206, just observing the views of podcasters etc) is certainly a bonus for Forest. The rest, not so much. This is sport. If bookies make us favourites, so what? That's just noise and meaningless noise, at that. Forest are huge favourites, going by the recent results, they have a lead to defend away from home so the pressure is entirely on them. The Villa players won't bottle this, my concern lies with our fans some of whom seem to be hellbent on manifesting defeat.
Fair enough Billy but, are you not concerned by the drastic dip in form, surrendering to a Spurs side easing to a 2nd win in 2026, the other being at already relegated Wolves?
Only a few weeks ago, we stank out Molineux, then got thrashed by Chelsea who were on a terrible run, meekly surrendered at Old Trafford and produced a dismal 2nd half showing at Fulham, not even laying a glove on them. OK, we got wins at home to West Ham, who were rubbish and Sunderland and we very nearly cocked that up at the death.
We were crap in the 1st leg at Forest, absolutely crap. Then came that nonsense yesterday. Both Forest and Spurs expressed a desire to press and win the ball and we couldn't match them. I love Emery and admire what he's done for the club and hope he continues to manage the team. But we can't keep getting to these stages in competitions and just being rolled over by teams like Olympiacos, Palace and Forest.
I'm not "concerned" per se. I think there is context. Unlike a lot of other (rival) clubs we have gone deep into Europe and have had to balance our players' minutes accordingly. Over the past ten days (I think) we'll have played two games more than Liverpool and Man Utd, the manager has to factor that in when he picks our teams. We have two very clear priorities - achieve Champions League and win a trophy - despite all the obstacles against us we are on course for this. Since our Europa quarter final win, I think Unai has started to prioritise that trophy over league fixtures, too - another factor behind our dip in league form. I'm just trying to look at the bigger picture and the way Unai is trying to manage our season - and if the way it has panned out had been offered to us back in August, surely we all would have grasped it?
Thursday night is now a one-off match, Forest have it all to lose and we have everything to gain, we're in an incredible position. Genuinely, the negativity, the hysterical podcasts, all the moaning betrays a bottling mentality within the fanbase, not our manager (who has won many trophies). Small Heath, Nottingham Forest and Arsenal fans will be lapping up the reaction of Villa fans to Unai's tactical decision - seriously, as a fanbase we can be our own worst enemy at times. We have the chance of making a European Final on Thursday night - I'm going to say it again - a European Final! My message to everyone here is to snap out of the funk, and grasp the very real moment we are in.
👏👏👏
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Great post Billy. I used to laugh at the idea of debates in forums like this and podcasts etc having any influence on what happens inside the ground, but yesterday dispelled that for me. My 16 year old was fuming more than me at the reaction of many elements of the crowd from the moment the first goal went in. This is a lad who in his first proper season of lots of games rather than the odd few, saw us relegated, then had season tickets through the championship years to now. He seems to remember how far we’ve come more than some of the older heads.
The collective anxiety really does need to be quelled for Thursday, if we don’t score early, the crowd need to stay with the team. In Unai we trust.
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Forest playing the reserves at Chelsea. So much for that plan.
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I hope you're right about the rest of the season Billy but, I don't agree about your comments about our fanbase and I couldn't care less what fans of other clubs are saying about us. I'm concerned about our loss of form, lack of desire, pace and any sort of a game plan in recent weeks. We've come a long way in three and half years, but we seem to be creaking at the vital moment.
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It was now or never against Man United last day of the season as well. Yet...here we are. Again.
My point is it doesn't feel sustainable, or at any rate solid. We could slide down any time (especially with performances like some we've seen this year...).
The next transfer window we need to get absolutely spot on, and the previous ones do not give me a great deal of confidence that we will.
I think this is it for me. When we couldn’t do anything last summer, I consoled myself with the fact if we held onto our best players we had a good squad. That turned out to be true, and hopefully we don’t balls up the opportunity in front of us. But it was a squad with a shelf life and it’s very apparent time is pretty much up. That means a lot of work in the summer to refresh and we are going to need a much better hit rate.
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Forest playing the reserves at Chelsea. So much for that plan.
Weird choice from them as well.
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Forest playing the reserves at Chelsea. So much for that plan.
Of course they will. They're not stupid. They want to win a trophy and qualify for the Champions League. They wouldn't give a fuck about keeping Tottenham in the bottom 3 for another week either.
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Forest smell blood hence their team selection tonight. And rightly so.
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I would say that our transfer situation and management of that situation is bad and getting worse, and in the last year has been borderline farcical. Look at our opponents yesterday for how easy it is to fall back if you get that side of things so badly wrong for a long while.
Yesterday's opponents got it wrong by chopping and changing their manager every couple of years. They even sacked a manager on the eve of a final. They've been a basket case for a good few years and need stability and direction - we have both, thankfully. Re transfers, we have to operate within tight FFP regulations, so in that context I believe our manager is working absolute miracles.
None of which I find very reassuring!
Indeed. We ideally don't want to be in the top 5 due to "miracles", because eventually the magic will run out. We want to be here on easy mode such that any half-wit manager could get us into the top 5 without even knowing how. As has been the case for most of the Sky6 until recently.
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Forest smell blood hence their team selection tonight. And rightly so.
They’re also getting the reaction they need from their back up players.
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Thing about us is that we're a fundamentally weird team, and trying to predict what we're going to do in any given situation is a fool's errand. We could storm this. We could equally reproduce yesterday and go out with a total whimper. There's no way of knowing.
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0-2. Emery will be cautious (as always), theyll nick a goal. We'll attack more in 2nd half and they'll grab a late second. Then onto a draw against Burnley.
Apologies if that sounds miserable but I just can't see anything different.
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Man im so worried now. The preparation for the game couldn't go any worse for us
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We need to create an atmosphere on Thursday that we haven't seen in quite a while. Fuck all the negativity, if you don't believe & you're not ready to rupture your lungs, stay at home.
We need to match Forest for their physicality & intensity. If we do that I'm confident.
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We need to attack.
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Us getting the first goal is absolutely crucial, and hopefully in ridiculously short order. Only then will we know if anything has been learned from this abysmal dip in form.
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If you’re currently confident about Thursday then fair play. You’re a better person than me.
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If you’re currently confident about Thursday then fair play. You’re a better person than me.
Indeed there’s not much to be confident about. We’re behind, we’ve been rubbish of late, and the opposition are flying. Still it’s a one off game, so you never know.
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We need to create an atmosphere on Thursday that we haven't seen in quite a while. Fuck all the negativity, if you don't believe & you're not ready to rupture your lungs, stay at home.
We need to match Forest for their physicality & intensity. If we do that I'm confident.
Its all us doing that and i absolutely agree but the players also need to believe and give everything. Forest will so we have to do that.
Bogarde simply has to be out the side its as simple as that. Go mcginn dougie and youri. Thats a experienced midfield and i do believe can cause forest problems
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I think I’d genuinely rather be playing Arsenal or Man City on Thursday. They are absolutely flying.
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Weirdly I’m more relaxed about Thursday than I was a week or so ago, when I was still confident but with some doubt and anxiety.
Now the feeling is more akin to just before the PSG second leg - fully expecting us to get battered, and anything better than that will be a bonus.
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Reality is I think we’ll have to score at least 3. Seems fucking unlikely now, but that’s the attitude we need to approach the game with.
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First goal decides it imo.
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It seems weird to be underdogs at home to Forest with present league positions and past very poor record at Villa Park. It will be interesting to see the bookies odds for this now. I can imagine Forest are strong favourites.
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We’ve lost 3 games on the bounce, and Forest have won 5 on the bounce. Surely the football Gods and laws of probability will have to come in to play on Thursday?
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I think I’d genuinely rather be playing Arsenal or Man City on Thursday. They are absolutely flying.
Yep, I think we're getting splattered.
Still think we'll get CL though by finishing 5th...
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They are tonking Chelsea
Obviously our tactic of yesterday to put pressure on them worked.
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Nothing has changed my view that the only way we have a chance is being proactive. We’re not good enough at keeping it tight to squeeze them. We have to get at them.
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I think I’d genuinely rather be playing Arsenal or Man City on Thursday. They are absolutely flying.
Yep, I think we're getting splattered.
Still think we'll get CL though by finishing 5th...
We seem to always bottle the pivotal games under Unai. I think we’ll get Champions league football, but boy what an anti climax that will feel after losing yet another semifinal. We’ll be knocked out in heartbreaking style. I’ve been conditioned by Villa to believe this, with most knockout games. We are the ‘unlucky Alf’ of cup football
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We might as well all sell our tickets back to the club. I mean we're doomed playing at home to a team that beat us 1-0 to a lucky pen at their place aren't we?
Obviously we're screed forever now too.
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Can hardly say we are favourites this time around….
Nottingham Forest have gone unbeaten in 10 games in all competitions for the first time since January, 2016 (13), and for the first time as a top-flight side since November, 1995 (10).
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Obviously we're screed forever now too.
We played with concrete boots on that’s why.
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I think I’d genuinely rather be playing Arsenal or Man City on Thursday. They are absolutely flying.
Yep, I think we're getting splattered.
Still think we'll get CL though by finishing 5th...
We seem to always bottle the pivotal games under Unai. I think we’ll get Champions league football, but boy what an anti climax that will feel after losing yet another semifinal. We’ll be knocked out in heartbreaking style. I’ve been conditioned by Villa to believe this, with most knockout games. We are the ‘unlucky Alf’ of cup football
Oh Bugger...
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Wonder if Prince William is going? Need a lucky mascot
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Can we stop being the bridesmaids and be the bride for once ?
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Their last two away games against Sunderland and Chelsea they have scored 8 times from 10 shots on target and 16 shots altogether. They are certainly being clinical at the moment. (Also 4 from 4 on target against Burnley). In those two away matches they have also conceded 1 from 35 shots at goal.
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Can hardly say we are favourites this time around….
Nottingham Forest have gone unbeaten in 10 games in all competitions for the first time since January, 2016 (13), and for the first time as a top-flight side since November, 1995 (10).
We’re favourites to win the match, but outsiders (just) to qualify
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Their last two away games against Sunderland and Chelsea they have scored 8 times from 10 shots on target and 16 shots altogether. They are certainly being clinical at the moment. (Also 4 from 4 on target against Burnley). In those two away matches they have also conceded 1 from 35 shots at goal.
Thats frightening form. Thats like a team fighting for the title.
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Wonder if Prince William is going? Need a lucky mascot
Can't he do something unconstitutional to Forest and get away with it?
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Wonder if Prince William is going? Need a lucky mascot
If he attends, I'll be more confident of Forest being pegged back.
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I can't buy into Forest have it all to lose, The pressure is completely on us down to our making.
Forest have secured premier league status which looked unlikely a few months ago and now could put the cherry on the cake. If they lose it would be disappointing but im sure they happy to have turned their season round.
We on the other hand if we don't actually win anything and then fail to qualify for the champions league are a bit screwed.
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Their last two away games against Sunderland and Chelsea they have scored 8 times from 10 shots on target and 16 shots altogether. They are certainly being clinical at the moment. (Also 4 from 4 on target against Burnley). In those two away matches they have also conceded 1 from 35 shots at goal.
Thats frightening form. Thats like a team fighting for the title.
Conversely it is the type of thing that is likely to go pop very quickly. Before this run they had been on a shocking run for goal scoring. Hopefully their luck hits an absolute brick wall on Thursday.
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Wonder if Prince William is going? Need a lucky mascot
Can't he do something unconstitutional to Forest and get away with it?
Thay sort of thing ended with Andrew's arrest.
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My Wolves son-in-law says Perreira started like a train ,winning six on the bounce.Then it all came crashing down,couldn't get a point.There's hope.
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Wonder if Prince William is going? Need a lucky mascot
If he attends, I'll be more confident of Forest being pegged back.
Hopefully be the spark we need to come in from behind
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It appears to me there's a bit of a media wank-fest about Forest now, which being fair we have been on board with at different times over the last few years. Nothing would give me greater pleasure than to burst their very short term bubble.
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Our best hope is that their gods turn against them and that's a great place to start.
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Our best hope is that their gods turn against them and that's a great place to start.
Our Gods are greater than their gods.
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Bastard of an injury for MGW but means he will be playing unfortunately
(https://i.ibb.co/DDByq0tM/IMG-9669.jpg) (https://ibb.co/DDByq0tM)
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I thinks it's better that he plays, we have not done very well against teams when their star men have been missing.
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Also, you can't be totally focused when you're protecting a wound like that.
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MGW has a funny sort of 1970s musician look about him.
Looks like he'd be seen playing bass with Al Green, or a (terrified) member of James Brown's backing band on an episode of Soul Train.
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Also, you can't be totally focused when you're protecting a wound like that.
Indeed, that is a horrible injury.
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MGW has a funny sort of 1970s musician look about him.
Looks like he'd be seen playing bass with Al Green, or a (terrified) member of James Brown's backing band on an episode of Soul Train.
Ha ha, he really does.
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Jaysus, looks like he's bunged something so far up his hooter its split his head. Is he not concussed after a whack like that?
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Apologises if this has been posted already - John Percey
"In a slight defence of Unai Emery after his much debated Villa team on Sunday..
Forest made 8 changes with a lot of players who have rarely played this season, yet still put in a big shift. Villa’s 7 changes were almost all senior internationals.
Risky tactic from both managers but the players arguably deserve more attention"
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Jaysus, looks like he's bunged something so far up his hooter its split his head. Is he not concussed after a whack like that?
I suspect he would almost certainly have had his bell rung, but football is generally way too casual about concussion.
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Not beaten us at home since October 1994. Lost all 4 since they came up with an aggregate score of 12-4.
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have a feeling this will be either a famous or infamous night. One way of another well talk about this in 30 years time (god willing)
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Bastard of an injury for MGW but means he will be playing unfortunately
(https://i.ibb.co/DDByq0tM/IMG-9669.jpg) (https://ibb.co/DDByq0tM)
Why does that mean he’ll be playing?
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Not beaten us at home since October 1994. Lost all 4 since they came up with an aggregate score of 12-4.
Oh my word Ads
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Not beaten us at home since October 1994. Lost all 4 since they came up with an aggregate score of 12-4.
Oh my word Ads
Haha! Only played them 10 times mind.
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Bastard of an injury for MGW but means he will be playing unfortunately
(https://i.ibb.co/DDByq0tM/IMG-9669.jpg) (https://ibb.co/DDByq0tM)
Why does that mean he’ll be playing?
I think that’s his interpretation. When I saw the pic mine was the opposite. Stitches plus concussion mean he’ll be told to rest and recover other than light training.
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Bastard of an injury for MGW but means he will be playing unfortunately
(https://i.ibb.co/DDByq0tM/IMG-9669.jpg) (https://ibb.co/DDByq0tM)
Why does that mean he’ll be playing?
I think that’s his interpretation. When I saw the pic mine was the opposite. Stitches plus concussion mean he’ll be told to rest and recover other than light training.
How can you possibly play a few days after having more than a dozen stitches in your forehead?? That looks season ending to me. Not concussion related, just no idea how you can protect and injury like that when heading is part of the game? It would be like have a dozen stitches across the top of your foot.
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https://www.instagram.com/p/DX6kbFLCr5P/?igsh=cjAxZDNobGVoZ3l0
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emi_martinez26
8 h
Worse performance by far this season we have to put things right on Thursday night
We need to be all together for that game .
Directors , managers , fans and players to get the win and play a European final 😍🙏🏽
UTFV ♥️
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Their last two away games against Sunderland and Chelsea they have scored 8 times from 10 shots on target and 16 shots altogether. They are certainly being clinical at the moment. (Also 4 from 4 on target against Burnley). In those two away matches they have also conceded 1 from 35 shots at goal.
Thats frightening form. Thats like a team fighting for the title.
Conversely it is the type of thing that is likely to go pop very quickly. Before this run they had been on a shocking run for goal scoring. Hopefully their luck hits an absolute brick wall on Thursday.
Ill tell you something if we do over come this its going to ever so sweet. Wehn you win a game as under dogs it is bitter sweet.
In a mad way i think if we knock forest out i think the confidence and belief goes sky high over night ans we win the trophy. Bit man have we made it fucking hard for ourselves
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I will cry the day Emi leaves.
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2.2
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Also, you can't be totally focused when you're protecting a wound like that.
Not if you get an elbow into it early on.
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emi_martinez26
8 h
Worse performance by far this season we have to put things right on Thursday night
We need to be all together for that game .
Directors , managers , fans and players to get the win and play a European final 😍🙏🏽
UTFV ♥️
Blah blah blah. Don’t want to hear it. Radio silence between now and Thursday and then do our talking on the pitch.
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Seems strange to mention the need for togetherness and make the point of directors and managers ???
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I very rarely vote against us in these things but I think the game will finish 1-1. Forest have hit form just at the right/wrong time.
To stand any chance of winning we will need to play like we did in the first half on Thu, all game. No good half bad half allowed this time around
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Seems strange to mention the need for togetherness and make the point of directors and managers ???
I assume thats a "from top to bottom" type quote
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Bastard of an injury for MGW but means he will be playing unfortunately
(https://i.ibb.co/DDByq0tM/IMG-9669.jpg) (https://ibb.co/DDByq0tM)
Why does that mean he’ll be playing?
I think that’s his interpretation. When I saw the pic mine was the opposite. Stitches plus concussion mean he’ll be told to rest and recover other than light training.
How can you possibly play a few days after having more than a dozen stitches in your forehead?? That looks season ending to me. Not concussion related, just no idea how you can protect and injury like that when heading is part of the game? It would be like have a dozen stitches across the top of your foot.
He might have one of those Phantom of the Opera masks on...
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Bastard of an injury for MGW but means he will be playing unfortunately
(https://i.ibb.co/DDByq0tM/IMG-9669.jpg) (https://ibb.co/DDByq0tM)
Why does that mean he’ll be playing?
I think that’s his interpretation. When I saw the pic mine was the opposite. Stitches plus concussion mean he’ll be told to rest and recover other than light training.
How can you possibly play a few days after having more than a dozen stitches in your forehead?? That looks season ending to me. Not concussion related, just no idea how you can protect and injury like that when heading is part of the game? It would be like have a dozen stitches across the top of your foot.
He might have one of those Phantom of the Opera masks on...
I could understand that to protect fresh scar tissue, but those stitches are unlikely to come out in the next 3 days. It’s not even like they can bandage his face to protect the scar.
If he plays on Thursday I will be shocked. I wouldn’t be surprised if that’s him done for the season.
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If he does play Thursday we should be going for him from the kick-off.
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First chance twat the ball into his face as hard as possible.
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Seems strange to mention the need for togetherness and make the point of directors and managers ???
I assume thats a "from top to bottom" type quote
Indeed. Hardly controversial.
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To stand any chance of winning we will need to play like we did in the first half on Thu, all game. No good half bad half allowed this time around
Did we play that well in the first half on Thursday?! I think we'll need to go up at least two more gears than that...
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I think this team is gassed. I don’t think we have the physicality in speed or movement to beat Forrest that way.
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I was as depressed and angered by the Tottenham performance as anyone, but think we'll smash these clowns.
4-1 to the Villa.
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Fuck forest. Full on shit or bust on Thursday
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I think this team is gassed. I don’t think we have the physicality in speed or movement to beat Forrest that way.
They’ve just had a nice bank holiday weekend off, with a practice match on Sunday.
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I know I keep saying this, but we have to attack this game. Forest will be comfortable if we start slowly, and after Spurs I think the crowd will get edgy quickly if this isn’t going our way. The crowd need to be full of energy, but it needs the team to underpin that energy.
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I think they will come out firing, if they get a second the crowd drops and do we have 3 in us ?
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The referreeing team from our last game has been "rewarded" with Bayern PSG although the VAR has been demoted to Assistant VAR and someone else has that role.
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The referreeing team from our last game has been "rewarded" with Bayern PSG although the VAR has been demoted to Assistant VAR and someone else has that role.
Tells you all you need to know
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It feels like the whole of Emery's reign comes down to this, it doesn't of course we can still make the CL it just feels like that after Sunday.
A manager stands or falls by the decisions he makes, the positives outweigh the negatives by a mile with Emery but football is a game of fine margins and he will end up vindicated or (slightly) vilified on the back of Thursday.
I still feel flat, am not relishing a game we should all look forward too and my hope is that this feeling isn't replicated around the club itself and that for umpteenth time, Emery will prove me wrong.
1-1
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As good as Forest have been recently, there really was nothing between the sides at the City Ground.
They got the VAR and we didn't.
Feels like we held back on Sunday, but we won't on Thursday.
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We held back v Fulham too. Not to same extent v Spurs but another abject lifeless performance. McGinn was quiet in the first leg, really need him to set the tone from the off. Have a horrible feeling that this game has the end of an era feel about it.
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I'm still raging with bitterness at how abject we were on Sunday.
Unless we get at them from the first whistle, I think we're done for. Feels like our watershed moment which could go either way - Ageing squad combined with financial restrictions means we're going to struggle to reach these heights any time soon (*especially as it looks like we've failed to land the knockout blow to Spurs, and they'll be back challenging sooner rather than later now).
Team for Thursday:
Martinez
Cash, Konsa, Torres, Digne
Rogers (*McGinn), Tielemans, McGinn (*Onana), Maatsen (*Rogers)
Buendia, Watkins
Guessing Mr Glass (Onana) is out, but put alternatives in brackets in case he defies the odds.
Don't want to see Sancho, Bailey, Mings or Barkley anywhere near that starting lineup. Bogarde has a pass, but only if he comes on as night watchman around 80mins in when we're 3 goals to the good.
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Bastard of an injury for MGW but means he will be playing unfortunately
(https://i.ibb.co/DDByq0tM/IMG-9669.jpg) (https://ibb.co/DDByq0tM)
Why does that mean he’ll be playing?
Midfield and defence need to be all over this bastard with hands, arms and elbows in his face all game long.
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Olaftab re above i sent a nessage re spare is this Still avaiilable?
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21:00 CET - Birmingham (Villa Park)
ASTON VILLA FC (ENG) - NOTTINGHAM FOREST FC (ENG)
Referee: Glenn Nyberg SWE
Assistant Referee 1: Mahbod Beigi SWE
Assistant Referee 2: Andreas Söderkvist SWE
Fourth Official: Rade Obrenovič SVN
Video Assistant Referee: Jérôme Brisard FRA
Assistant Video Assistant Referee: Willy Delajod FRA
UEFA Referee Observer: Carlos Velasco Carballo ESP
UEFA Delegate: Charles Schaack LUX
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Think I might have been one of the few at VP that even mildly celebrated the goal on Sunday, not because I felt it was particularly well earned, but because taking no goals in 270 mins into a semi final would have been absolute poison.
I have few expectations as it stands. I'd have backed us to beat anyone and to an extent I still do, but I think Sunday has had more of an effect on fans then we yet realize. I didn't think this club could allow a performance like that to happen and I'd be lying if I said the spell Emery's had me under for almost 4 years hasn't lost it's vigor because of it.
Regardless, this team has surprised us all too many times to count them out of anything, got to get behind them.
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French VAR team, expect all the decisions to go against Martinez...
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Bastard of an injury for MGW but means he will be playing unfortunately
(https://i.ibb.co/DDByq0tM/IMG-9669.jpg) (https://ibb.co/DDByq0tM)
Why does that mean he’ll be playing?
Midfield and defence need to be all over this bastard with hands, arms and elbows in his face all game long.
I can’t see him being risked
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I think Perreira said something about they'll give him every chance even if it means he doesn't head the ball but I don't know if he meant that.
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Bastard of an injury for MGW but means he will be playing unfortunately
(https://i.ibb.co/DDByq0tM/IMG-9669.jpg) (https://ibb.co/DDByq0tM)
Why does that mean he’ll be playing?
Midfield and defence need to be all over this bastard with hands, arms and elbows in his face all game long.
I can’t see him being risked
I can see every chance he’s risked. Football and duty of care to individuals is always pretty flaky.
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You'd better pray we get through because if they go on and win it the media who really do have a major hard-on for Forest will go absolutely off the scale and we'll never hear the end of it - ever - not in this lifetime or the next.
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He'll be risked, he's their talisman. He needs to be shithoused and roughed up non stop until he wilts.
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I don't care if he plays or not, but if they're daft enough to put him on the pitch in that condition, it's not going to take much to split that wide open.
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He'll be risked, he's their talisman. He needs to be shithoused and rough up non stop until he wilts.
I’m not convinced we have a player capable or willing to do that. Maybe McGinn.
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Watch one of our lot go in studs up on one of theirs and get a straight red while Anderson got away with a potential season/career ender.
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He'll be risked, he's their talisman. He needs to be shithoused and rough up non stop until he wilts.
I’m not convinced we have a player capable or willing to do that. Maybe McGinn.
Cash and McGinn on the right flank! Cash dealt with MGW pretty well in first leg but he's still a threat. Made the chance for the one they missed.
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Seems strange to mention the need for togetherness and make the point of directors and managers ???
Not really. He wants to say he wants and needs the fans behind the team but cant really single us out so he's including everyone.
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The question is, is this team still capable of putting in the type of performance we have seen against Citeh, PSG, Arsenal etc.
Because that is what we are going to need on Thursday.
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No Rashford or Asensio, no party.
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MGW will play. He will then score a headed equaliser, get his head rebandaged and do a Terry Butcher Chris Waddle celebration at the end.
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Our set pieces have been terrible of late. Need to get Tielemans off them for starters but if Onana is out then it's only Ollie you might expect or Buendia maybe to win a header. Few days with McPhee to come up with some new routines.
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No Rashford or Asensio, no party.
We beat Arsenal and Man City without Asensio or Rashford. We have the players to turn around a 1 goal deficit.
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Well the bookies have got us odds on to win. That can’t be due to where the money is going because who the fuck is betting on Villa atm
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You'd better pray we get through because if they go on and win it the media who really do have a major hard-on for Forest will go absolutely off the scale and we'll never hear the end of it - ever - not in this lifetime or the next.
I have no problem with a team like Forest getting extended air-time. Rather that than the usual suspects.
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Well the bookies have got us odds on to win. That can’t be due to where the money is going because who the fuck is betting on Villa atm
I'd still back us to get something in all honesty. We're the better, more experienced side who've made Pereiras Forest look pretty average twice in a short space of time, at their own place, all while their supposedly on a hot run of form.
Should we be as confident or as excited as we should be? Not at all, many factors attributing to that, but have to believe our lads will be up for this one. When we turn up, we can beat anyone. Football can be as simple as that some times.
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Well the bookies have got us odds on to win. That can’t be due to where the money is going because who the fuck is betting on Villa atm
Me.
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Well the bookies have got us odds on to win. That can’t be due to where the money is going because who the fuck is betting on Villa atm
Me.
That’s cancelled out by my bet on Forest
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Forest are favourites to win the tie on skybet. Not by a massive amount though, 4/6 vs us at 11/10
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Forest are favourites to win the tie on skybet. Not by a massive amount though, 4/6 vs us at 11/10
Villa 8/11 and Forest 7/2 on Paddy Power.
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That's for the match, not the tie.
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It won’t get to extra time anyway lads
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It won’t get to extra time anyway lads
*Runs mental image of us being two down on the night inside ten minutes*
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Yep.
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It won’t get to extra time anyway lads
*Runs mental image of us being two down on the night inside ten minutes*
I’m saying nothing
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Forest are winning and in form, of course they're favourites.
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It won’t get to extra time anyway lads
Yeah, I fancy us to get the job done in 90 mins as well.
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Forest are favourites to win the tie on skybet. Not by a massive amount though, 4/6 vs us at 11/10
Villa 8/11 and Forest 7/2 on Paddy Power.
Forest sadly very good value at that price. We are going to have to take risks the longer the game goes on and could open up for them.
Heart says we have McGinn, that could be crucial.
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Forest are winning and in form, of course they're favourites.
But we've been CL for 6 months.
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I do think we’re getting a bit carried away. Tottenham was fucking diabolical, and Forest are in decent nick, but it’s 1-0. If we get the first goal - which is eminently possible - it favours us.
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I do think we’re getting a bit carried away. Tottenham was fucking diabolical, and Forest are in decent nick, but it’s 1-0. If we get the first goal - which is eminently possible - it favours us.
Yeah, get an early goal and Villa Park will be rocking. If it's still 0-0 on 67 mins, we'll all be getting a little twitchy.
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We’re top five. They’re bottom five. We have a second leg to come where a minimum two goal win shouldn’t be beyond us.
Yet seemingly the whole country is praying and hoping that we get a good tonking as our comeuppance and just reward.
What should have been an enjoyable and exciting cup run seems to have become a toxic PR disaster for the club. How did it come to this?
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The whole country lol
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Not Spurs people. They love us. Aren't we the last sharers of the Charity Shield? Lions and Cockerels together forever :)
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Not Spurs people. They love us. Aren't we the last sharers of the Charity Shield?
Nope. Arsenal and Tottenham, 1991.
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The whole country lol
Small Heath.
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Yet seemingly the whole county is praying and hoping that we get a good tonking as our comeuppance and just reward.
Understandable, if you're based in Northants.
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I would be cheering on the opposition of any English team in Europe, always harder to choose when it it two English teams though. However the fans of anyone who can still get 6th will be cheering us on to go and win it I suspect. Most others might see the Sunday capitulation on a reason to cheer Forest on along with them being seen as a smaller club in many ways. I know if it was Forest V someone in the top 6, that would be my reasoning to go with them.
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The whole country lol
Small Heath.
Yeah. Also it’s something their fans would come out with. People need to chill.
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We’re top five. They’re bottom five. We have a second leg to come where a minimum two goal win shouldn’t be beyond us.
Yet seemingly the whole country is praying and hoping that we get a good tonking as our comeuppance and just reward.
What should have been an enjoyable and exciting cup run seems to have become a toxic PR disaster for the club. How did it come to this?
Because cuddly Forest and Brian Clough.
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Just don't mention the brown envelopes.
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I think we will nick it to be honest. Forest needed to smash Chelsea to secure pl status. We may be just shithousing. Or we may go mildly into the night with smashed confidence and again miss out on CL. Who knows?
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I cannot go 30 seconds without thinking about this game.
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I cannot go 30 seconds without thinking about this game.
Same Ads. I've had a knot in my stomach all day. Its finance month end at work and I'm really struggling to concentrate.
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I cannot go 30 seconds without thinking about this game.
Yep. Last Thursday was stressful enough. I keep wavering from a steady performance with enough control to nick it to a nightmare of forest scoring a few on the counter attack.
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Forest showed very little in the 2 games we played them recently to suggest they'll come to Villa Park & turn us over with the kind of ease some seem to think. Sunday's game against Spurs is irrelevant to what happens on Thursday.
They've been incredibly proficient in their other games against a dreadful Burnley, a Sunderland who failed to defend everything & a Chelsea side who seem to have turned into Spurs.
We have nothing to fear, but we'll have to play with much more energy, tempo & movement.
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I cannot go 30 seconds without thinking about this game.
Same Ads. I've had a knot in my stomach all day. Its finance month end at work and I'm really struggling to concentrate.
I cannot go 30 seconds without thinking about this game.
Yep. Last Thursday was stressful enough. I keep wavering from a steady performance with enough control to nick it to a nightmare of forest scoring a few on the counter attack.
Its awful. I have no idea what I'll feel like if we don't go through. I want this so badly it's impossible to articulate.
I am wavering between being 2 down dead early and huffing and puffing, but then I've read the "bring a scarf" rallying cry and I can hear the noise of Villa Park and it fills my cup again.
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I cannot go 30 seconds without thinking about this game.
Same Ads. I've had a knot in my stomach all day. Its finance month end at work and I'm really struggling to concentrate.
I cannot go 30 seconds without thinking about this game.
Yep. Last Thursday was stressful enough. I keep wavering from a steady performance with enough control to nick it to a nightmare of forest scoring a few on the counter attack.
Its awful. I have no idea what I'll feel like if we don't go through. I want this so badly it's impossible to articulate.
I am wavering between being 2 down dead early and huffing and puffing, but then I've read the "bring a scarf" rallying cry and I can hear the noise of Villa Park and it fills my cup again.
If it's going to happen, it'll happen. And when/if we win it'll be to a backdrop of atmospheric intensity that will have the whole of football remembering what we are.
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Its awful. I have no idea what I'll feel like if we don't go through. I want this so badly it's impossible to articulate.
It's not just getting to a European final, it's getting to a European final that the winner of this semi-final will most likely win.
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Ooh is there a bring a scarf initiative? I’m not on Socials so don’t hear about this stuff.
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I cannot go 30 seconds without thinking about this game.
Same Ads. I've had a knot in my stomach all day. Its finance month end at work and I'm really struggling to concentrate.
I cannot go 30 seconds without thinking about this game.
Yep. Last Thursday was stressful enough. I keep wavering from a steady performance with enough control to nick it to a nightmare of forest scoring a few on the counter attack.
Its awful. I have no idea what I'll feel like if we don't go through. I want this so badly it's impossible to articulate.
I am wavering between being 2 down dead early and huffing and puffing, but then I've read the "bring a scarf" rallying cry and I can hear the noise of Villa Park and it fills my cup again.
I was thinking today that I should be excited and looking forward to this. We’ve dreamed of competing in Europe like this. The reality is like you I’m too desperate for us to get through to enjoy any of this.
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0-0 going into the last minute of added on time, penalty for Villa! Ollie places the ball...
That would be fun.
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I cannot go 30 seconds without thinking about this game.
Same Ads. I've had a knot in my stomach all day. Its finance month end at work and I'm really struggling to concentrate.
I cannot go 30 seconds without thinking about this game.
Yep. Last Thursday was stressful enough. I keep wavering from a steady performance with enough control to nick it to a nightmare of forest scoring a few on the counter attack.
Its awful. I have no idea what I'll feel like if we don't go through. I want this so badly it's impossible to articulate.
I am wavering between being 2 down dead early and huffing and puffing, but then I've read the "bring a scarf" rallying cry and I can hear the noise of Villa Park and it fills my cup again.
If it's going to happen, it'll happen. And when/if we win it'll be to a backdrop of atmospheric intensity that will have the whole of football remembering what we are.
I am a big believer in destiny in football. Sometimes you just get a sense. Christ I want it though, as I am sure everybody does. But the thought of not being in Istanbul is inconceivable.
Ooh is there a bring a scarf initiative? I’m not on Socials so don’t hear about this stuff.
Yeah, I don't normally wear any sort of colours, but the boy and I have claret and blue scarves and I am going to bring it. Why not!
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It’d be really nice, at this pivotal moment, to turn up and be the best of what we can be.
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Life needs a fast forward button. Admittedly I'd just skip to Friday morning and check the score.
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Absolutely why not! Loud and proud please! I expect my gentleman's gentleman to be able to hear you from the clock tower.
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It’d be really nice, at this pivotal moment, to turn up and be the best of what we can be.
Yes please - to avoid the weight of past failures and turn in our best performance of the season (so far!)
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Dear Villa. Please don’t make me hate football at the end of Thursday. It’s been a week.
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1-1 FT (1-2 agg)
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0-0 going into the last minute of added on time, penalty for Villa! Ollie places the ball...
That would be fun.
I'm sure VAR would overturn it.
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Are Forest or Nottingham generally all that popular across the UK, Clough aside, with the miner strikes, scabs et al?
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Are Forest or Nottingham generally all that popular across the UK, Clough aside, with the miner strikes, scabs et al?
Yeh but, Robin Hood,Friar Tuck, Little John, Maid Marion Phwoar, Will Scarlet- great bunch of lads.
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We've become the underdogs, which seems to suit Emery and this team. I'm jealous of everyone going tomorrow, it'll be like Tranmere.
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We've become the underdogs, which seems to suit Emery and this team. I'm jealous of everyone going tomorrow, it'll be like Tranmere.
what a night that was, don't want this one to go to penalties though
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0-0 going into the last minute of added on time, penalty for Villa! Ollie places the ball...
That would be fun.
Blood pressure says fuck that.
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Anyone else in a situation where work this week is pretty much a write-off? I can't think about anything else!
Thinking about it, must be the same, if not worse for the players. Just want it over with... with US coming out on top.
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Just don't mention the brown envelopes.
Which ones, Marinakis or Clough? Reckon they'd have got on like a house on fire those pair.
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Anyone else in a situation where work this week is pretty much a write-off? I can't think about anything else!
Thinking about it, must be the same, if not worse for the players. Just want it over with... with US coming out on top.
I foresaw a myself being a wreck so booked annual leave for both legs the day after the QF's.
Also booked the Wednesday, Thursday and Friday off for the week of the finals... for science...
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Anyone else in a situation where work this week is pretty much a write-off? I can't think about anything else!
Thinking about it, must be the same, if not worse for the players. Just want it over with... with US coming out on top.
Totally!
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I've just read on the BBC website that Istanbul Airport has the most cancelled flights this month of any in the world, as a result (it is said) of the war on Iran.
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I'm a little concerned that coverage of our victory in Europe will be overshadowed by the local election results.
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Strange, I felt the opposite.
Don't know when they're going to be able to tell us about new promises for green bin collection days amongst all the clips of SJM's wonder goal to seal it.
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Central News bloke reckons McGinn training but not Onana
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Seems about right. With Onana you could see the muscle go when he stretched for that header - and that's not the sort of injury that he shakes off in a week.
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Seems about right. With Onana you could see the muscle go when he stretched for that header - and that's not the sort of injury that he shakes off in a week.
No which is a real blow - hope Unai has clocked Bogarde is not the answer.
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Onana won't be back this season
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If fit, I'd be playing McGinn and Luiz holding, Youri at 10 and Elliot on the right.
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0-0 going into the last minute of added on time, penalty for Villa! Ollie places the ball...
That would be fun.
No. 3-0 up after 20 mins would be fun.
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From Collymore on twitter, thought I'd pit it here because some don't Ike him/twitter
Villans
Only one Villa team have broken the glass ceiling in our European history, we know their names, immortal in the history of our great club.
Many of us have tried and failed to to bring a magical European trophy back to Villa Park.
I remember that night against Atletico Madrid, glorious failure on the night. I've never heard Villa Park so loud. The Holte lead the way, and young Villans in K3, K4, K5, you have the chance to do something special and louder. You can and you must.
Make this grand old stadium stand for 90 minutes and never relent for one damn second.
But the Holte End is one fourth of the jigsaw.
Trinity. We need you.
North. We need you.
Witton (sorry Doug). We need you.
Bayern Munich. Beaten.
PSG. Beaten.
Atletico Madrid. Beaten.
Anderlecht. Beaten.
Athletic Bilbao. Beaten.
Barcelona. Beaten.
Inter Milan. Beaten.
Ajax. Beaten.
Celtic. Beaten.
A handful of clubs have those scalps.
The special sauce in every win? You, Villans. YOU.
Every one of those wins, the noise rivaled anywhere at any time.
We face admirable foe and a special football club that I know very well. A club who believed in miracles and miracles came true for them.
Our players need our voices, our songs, our heart and soul on Thursday. Every stand. Every Villan, old or young.
Remember when you walked into Villa Park for the first time? The joy, the tears, the pride, holding the hand of your Mom or Dad or excitedly shephereded in by your big brother or sister or best mate?
Let the memory of them be your guide tomorrow night.
Sing for Spinksy, Birchy, Alan McInally, for Gary Shaw, for Brian Little, for Paul McGrath and for John McGinn.
To the players and staff, we know how good you are, and we ALL want you to walk into the pantheon of greats that adorn our halls.
As someone once said..
"The lows just make the highs higher. We are at the heart of English football, we have a majestic name, a decorated past, we serve as a shining light among our peers, we are Aston Villa ".
I believe.
We believe.
Villa believes.
UP THE FUCKING EUROPEAN VILLA!!!!
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Central News bloke reckons McGinn training but not Onana
Reports Onana seen training on Twitter
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0-0 going into the last minute of added on time, penalty for Villa! Ollie places the ball...
That would be fun.
You've a warped sense of fun.
Out of interest, who's on penalty duty tomorrow night? Not that I don't trust any of them, why would I but I'd probably give it to Martinez.
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Out of interest, who's on penalty duty tonight? Not that I don't trust any of them, why would I but I'd probably give it to Martinez.
Tonight? Maybe Mbappe or Kane or Doue?
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Jacob Tanswell
John McGinn trained this morning. No Amadou Onana out there. #AVFC
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Out of interest, who's on penalty duty tomorrow night? Not that I don't trust any of them, why would I but I'd probably give it to Martinez.
Tomorrow night? Maybe Mbappe or Kane or Doue?
I wish. ;)
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Out of interest, who's on penalty duty tomorrow night? Not that I don't trust any of them, why would I but I'd probably give it to Martinez.
Well we might be going to penalties so hopefully all of them have been training and only allowed to go and eat when they have scored 5 on the trot each.
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Out of interest, who's on penalty duty tomorrow night? Not that I don't trust any of them, why would I but I'd probably give it to Martinez.
Surprised it hasn't got round to McGinn's turn yet.
Don't necessarily think he'd be any better than the others, but he's the sort of personality that you'd think would see it as something we struggle with and make it his responsibility.
It's not like he can't hit a ball.
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Out of interest, who's on penalty duty tomorrow night? Not that I don't trust any of them, why would I but I'd probably give it to Martinez.
Well we might be going to penalties so hopefully all of them have been training and only allowed to go and eat when they have scored 5 on the trot each.
Hopefully against Bizot. Don't want Emi to injure himself facing 265 penalties.
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Out of interest, who's on penalty duty tomorrow night? Not that I don't trust any of them, why would I but I'd probably give it to Martinez.
Surprised it hasn't got round to McGinn's turn yet.
Don't necessarily think he'd be any better than the others, but he's the sort of personality that you'd think would see it as something we struggle with and make it his responsibility.
It's not like he can't hit a ball.
He can shape the ball into the corner better than anyone, surprised he hasn't taken them more tbh..
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Didn’t McGinn miss in the Brentford shoot out defeat?
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I remember McGinn scoring one for Scotland a couple of years ago but it wasn't a good one and it squirmed through the keeper
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Seems about right. With Onana you could see the muscle go when he stretched for that header - and that's not the sort of injury that he shakes off in a week.
No which is a real blow - hope Unai has clocked Bogarde is not the answer.
I doubt it, he's stubborn and also really likes Bogarde.
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Seems about right. With Onana you could see the muscle go when he stretched for that header - and that's not the sort of injury that he shakes off in a week.
No which is a real blow - hope Unai has clocked Bogarde is not the answer.
I doubt it, he's stubborn and also really likes Bogarde.
I liked Bogarde in that period earlier this season when he played a bit but he’s been absolutely abject recently
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Still feel he's been targeted by herd mentality the past few times he's played, especially Sunday. Tammy and Barkley where about as press resistant as a stale blueberry, Tielemans with his worst game in the shirt for some time and absolutely zero assistance on the right for Cash from Sancho. Poor lad had to cover about 20 yards of space at all times. At least he looked like he gave a shit.
Not saying he's good enough, but Emerys moved him about like a chess piece all season and he's rarely played in a side chock full of our best.
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Still feel he's been targeted by herd mentality the past few times he's played, especially Sunday. Tammy and Barkley where about as press resistant as a stale blueberry, Tielemans with his worst game in the shirt for some time and absolutely zero assistance on the right for Cash from Sancho. Poor lad had to cover about 20 yards of space at all times. At least he looked like he gave a shit.
Not saying he's good enough, but Emerys moved him about like a chess piece all season and he's rarely played in a side chock full of our best.
I agree.
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Unai Emery expects John McGinn to be fit for the second leg against Nottingham Forest tomorrow. Says Forest are favourites, with Amadou Onana, as Emery responded, "obviously not" available to play.
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Out for the rest of the season then, judging by that.
Hopefully won't matter too much for the league if we beat Burnley.
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Onana obviously not fit is something you can say at least once a month. Definitely cash in in the Summer.
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If Emery does not solve the central midfield problem then the tie is gone.
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Massive blow that is :(
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We
Massive blow that is :(
Massive blow that is :(
yes, we are 1 short of a decent X1
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Dougie deeper for me rather than Bogarde, given Douglas can move the ball on better.
Time for heroes.
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If Emery does not solve the central midfield problem then the tie is gone.
Sadly yes, can’t go with Bogarde on his current form. I’d have Mcginn in there but then who plays wide right? Sancho definately not. Why hasn’t little Harvey had some game time?
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This will be the team:
Martinez
Cash Konsa Pau Digne
Tielemans Doug (or Bogarde)
McGinn Rogers Buendia
Watkins
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I'd go a little left field and have a midfield behind Watkins of:
Maatsen McGinn Doug Youri Rogers
If I see Bogarde Buendia or Sancho starting I'll not be overly optimistic, however MGW possibly out for them is significant.
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I'd go a little left field and have a midfield behind Watkins of:
Maatsen McGinn Doug Youri Rogers
If I see Bogarde Buendia or Sancho starting I'll not be overly optimistic, however MGW possibly out for them is significant.
If there's one thing we've surely learned under Unai, there will be abssolutely no 'left field' surprises in selection.
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Linderlof as a CDM next Youri makes sense to me. Keep McGinn on the right. We need a physical player in that pivot.
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This will be the team:
Martinez
Cash Konsa Pau Digne
Tielemans Doug (or Bogarde)
McGinn Rogers Buendia
Watkins
This is the 11 I'd go with too... (*but ditch Bogarde, unless its as night watchman in the 85th minute and we're 4 goals up on aggregate!).
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Linderlof as a CDM next Youri makes sense to me. Keep McGinn on the right. We need a physical player in that pivot.
It’s a pity he didn’t try this when we had 3 midfielders out, so I can’t see him springing this one.
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Anyway, 2-0, with goals in the 90th and 93rd minutes, just to kill off about a third of our supporter base.
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Dougie deeper for me rather than Bogarde, given Douglas can move the ball on better.
Time for heroes.
I agree. I don’t love Doug in the defensive role, but he’s not worse than Bogarde and he absolutely is better with the ball. We need to be proactive.
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Linderlof as a CDM next Youri makes sense to me. Keep McGinn on the right. We need a physical player in that pivot.
I'm inclined to agree with this.
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I'm not expecting anything out of the ordinary or untried for the semi final. If there is to be a variation, I'd look at what we did against Burnley earlier in the season where McGinn was wide right out of possession but then in possession, Bogarde moves into full back, Cash bombs on and McGinn tucks into play centrally. It means less pressure on Bogarde to be on the ball a lot as McGinn becomes the central midfielder
Anything like Lindelof in midfield won't happen. I don't think we'll see much of Douglas Luiz either, judging by recent weeks. Maybe later in the game and offers penalty taker option with Abraham and Sancho.
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Think you're forgetting that Malen did a fair bit of the heavy lifting in that scenario...
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I can remember who scored the goals. Rogers would play in that second striker/number 10 role, like he has done a lot
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We have 9 positions covered, it’s what we do about the other 2, all are not perfect options.
Perm 2 from Bogarde - Sancho- Buendia- Luiz -Bailey- Lindelof.
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Either Mcginn has to be next to Youri in the middle. Or we bring Doug in - 100% Bogarde cant play
I'm more inclined to play Konsa at RB, Lindelof with Pau + Digne
Then have Cash, Rodgers and Buendia behind Ollie
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Either Mcginn has to be next to Youri in the middle. Or we bring Doug in - 100% Bogarde cant play
I'm more inclined to play Konsa at RB, Lindelof with Pau + Digne
Then have Cash, Rodgers and Buendia behind Ollie
I would do the same, it has the added benifit of closing out their left.
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If Emery does not solve the central midfield problem then the tie is gone.
Sadly yes, can’t go with Bogarde on his current form.
Worse is Tielemans on current form, somebody Bogarde has had to carry, at least in part in the last couple of games. Of course Youri will start but we need him to really get back up to speed tomorrow.
Dougie? It's a risk but if he can't put in a top midfield performance in such a huge game, at Villa Park, against a team who rejected him and where things didn't go well for him, he may as well hang up his boots. Tomorrow night is the night to shine. Lack of game time? The occasion should be enough to get him through. Maybe fitness wise he can only do 75/80 minutes but that should be enough. The fans can certainly help him settle and let him feel loved again.
Linderlof? An option in defensive midfield but not tomorrow night.
Harvey Whatshisname: It's so long since he played, it's difficult to judge him. Even if we were to drop SJM back into a more central role and move Harvey W to his favourite role, I'd prefer we make the fewer changes possible, no square pegs in round holes.
Bogarde? He's done more than okay and there's a player there but not tonight. Maybe off the bench when we need fresh legs. He already has too many fans on his back, let's not feed the trolls.
So based on that, it's Dougie. It's a risk but whoever we put there will be a risk. Dougie has the chance to set the record straight and shove those Forest boos down their throats. Just don't get yourself sent off. Time for skill, effort and maturity.
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I don't understand why people want to play defenders out of position in midfield. It may as well be Bogarde if we're shoehorning centre halves in or our full backs.
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Cash would still be playing in the lower leagues if he was still a winger. Let him do what he does best, defend and support the attack when possible. If he could cross a ball it would be a more serious consideration.
I prefer we play to our strengths and for once let the opposition worry more about us.
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The only other option would be to play Tammy as a deep 9 behind Watkins with Rogers on the left, SJM on the right. It may give Rogers less attention thus more freedom. Unfortunately we've never bothered trying it out despite talking about it and tomorrow isn't the day unless we go behind.
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I'd rather start Lindelof in midfield and keep it simple than shove Cash about, stick Rogers in goal, the two Emis up front and have Emery pilot the team zeppelin.
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I don't understand why people want to play defenders out of position in midfield. It may as well be Bogarde if we're shoehorning centre halves in or our full backs.
Anything to avoid starting Bogarde and Buendia.
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Whilst I understand the desire for it, I would not be tearing things up and trying materially new things in this game. Tweaks like Doug instead of Bogarde make sense, but stuff like Cash as wide right would concern me.
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Whilst I understand the desire for it, I would not be tearing things up and trying materially new things in this game. Tweaks like Doug instead of Bogarde make sense, but stuff like Cash as wide right would concern me.
Im with PWA.
Its all about getting the right midfield which might be as simple as Luiz over Bogarde.
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Unai didn't namecheck Bogarde when asked about Onana's replacement, he did last week. Please, Luiz!
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I don't understand why people want to play defenders out of position in midfield. It may as well be Bogarde if we're shoehorning centre halves in or our full backs.
Anything to avoid starting Bogarde and Buendia.
Buendia has had far better games at home then away all season and Bogarde will be more secure with Pau and Konsa behind him.
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There's no way we're going to go with some wacky players out of natural position game plan in a European Semi Final 2nd leg with a deficit of only 1 goal. It's not panic stations, we don't need to throw Forest off or ourselves for that matter. Have a bit of faith with the team and plans that have got us this far in the first place.
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There's no way we're going to go with some wacky players out of natural position game plan in a European Semi Final 2nd leg with a deficit of only 1 goal. It's not panic stations, we don't need to throw Forest off or ourselves for that matter. Have a bit of faith with the team and plans that have got us this far in the first place.
Nailed it.
Emi
Cash
Konsa
Pau
Digne
Youri
DL
McGinn
Buendia
Rogers
Watkins
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The only reason I think it might well be Dougie is that we didn't see him at all on Sunday.
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There's no way we're going to go with some wacky players out of natural position game plan in a European Semi Final 2nd leg with a deficit of only 1 goal. It's not panic stations, we don't need to throw Forest off or ourselves for that matter. Have a bit of faith with the team and plans that have got us this far in the first place.
Nailed it.
Emi
Cash
Konsa
Pau
Digne
Youri
DL
McGinn
Buendia
Rogers
Watkins
Yup that’s what I would go with.
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I think it’ll be that but with Bogarde instead of Luiz.
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Forest fans seem to think that Aina and Sangare are definitely out (neither trained today), Gibbs-White didn't train but they seem 50/50 on whether he'll play, and Murillo was back in training so will probably play.
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Forest fans seem to think that Aina and Sangare are definitely out (neither trained today), Gibbs-White didn't train but they seem 50/50 on whether he'll play, and Murillo was back in training so will probably play.
I would be shocked if Gibbs-White is anywhere near being ready to play tomorrow, and wouldn't be surprised if he is out for a good few weeks. Looking at the pictures from Monday it's pretty clear that he lacerated his scalp/forehead as well as breaking his nose. I was unfortunate enough to lacerate my knee a few years ago and it's not just a straightforward deep cut, for a start he will be on pretty strong painkillers and antibiotics aside from just allowing sufficient time for the wound to heal.
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There is no doubt whatsoever that Gibbs-White will be fit.
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Linderlof as a CDM next Youri makes sense to me. Keep McGinn on the right. We need a physical player in that pivot.
agree .
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Yup that’s what I would go with.
Me too but when was the last time (assuming there was ever a first time) when Unai picked a team we'd all wanted?
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I'm sure it's muscle memory from Olympiacos, or PTSD, but I fear if Dougie starts he's going to cough up a soft penalty for them.
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It’s not Unai’s MO, but i wonder if an out of the box selection might be worth trying.
Tammy up front with Ollie? Maatsen out wide in a 5 man midfield of mcginn, teilemans, rogers, luiz, maatsen all behind Watkins?
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There is no doubt whatsoever that Gibbs-White will be fit.
Then we'll have to make him unfit.
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I think we should keep Rashford, Asensio and Malen on the bench and bring them on second half if required.
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There is no doubt whatsoever that Gibbs-White will be fit.
100%
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He has to solve the problem of lacking a defensive midfielder or we cede the midfield to Anderson.
Struggling to find a decent performance without Kamara or Onana.
So I think my solution would be Lindelof to win duels and then play it simple.
I’d also play Maatsen for his attacking instincts.
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I'm indifferent to whether Gibbs-White plays or not. Because there's no way he's putting in a performance with that injury.
If we pull off a victory, it'll be one to remember.
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There's no way we're going to go with some wacky players out of natural position game plan in a European Semi Final 2nd leg with a deficit of only 1 goal. It's not panic stations, we don't need to throw Forest off or ourselves for that matter. Have a bit of faith with the team and plans that have got us this far in the first place.
Nailed it.
Emi
Cash
Konsa
Pau
Digne
Youri
DL
McGinn
Buendia
Rogers
Watkins
This team.
There is no way Unai is dicking about now with defenders in midfield and centre backs at right back for the first time all season.
Until this minute I have been trying to disengage all day and enter a zen mode, just too much nervous energy when I start to think about it.
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It's mine and Stu's wedding anniversary tomorrow and we met at a Villa match. That's got to be a lucky omen, surely!?
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Congratulations and everything but that's like pissing in the gods' blue WKD at a charity function for lame foxes.
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Haha - very true!
Edit: It was pretty much tongue in cheek btw
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Just had a flick through the forest forum. They seem very confident, bordering on cocky. I hope their team feels the same way.
We have a tendency to pull a performance out of the bag when least expected - that gives me some hope.
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Not beaten us at home since October 1994. Lost all 4 since they came up with an aggregate score of 12-4.
Oh wow yes I remember that game. We were a few mins late getting into the ground and heard the roar from the away end when they won a penalty and another when it was dispatched. Then they got a second. I don't remember us doing anything other than labouring badly, especially Deano.
That was really the last time they beat us at home? Wowsers. BFR was still (just) in charge and I was just about to marry Wife #1. Been with Wife #3 for close on 16 years now. That's how long ago that was...
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Not beaten us at home since October 1994. Lost all 4 since they came up with an aggregate score of 12-4.
Thanks for this.
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There's no way we're going to go with some wacky players out of natural position game plan in a European Semi Final 2nd leg with a deficit of only 1 goal. It's not panic stations, we don't need to throw Forest off or ourselves for that matter. Have a bit of faith with the team and plans that have got us this far in the first place.
Nailed it.
Emi
Cash
Konsa
Pau
Digne
Youri
DL
McGinn
Buendia
Rogers
Watkins
This team.
There is no way Unai is dicking about now with defenders in midfield and centre backs at right back for the first time all season.
Until this minute I have been trying to disengage all day and enter a zen mode, just too much nervous energy when I start to think about it.
Think I'd go
Martinez
Cash
Digne
Konsa
Torres
Mcginn
Tielemans
Maatsen
Rogers
Sancho
Watkins
Tielemans class and McGinns engine in the centre, Maatsen left attack, Rogers centre and unfortunately the one duffer in Sancho who at least doesn't keep giving the ball away. Could change it at some point, Luiz for Sancho and push McGinn to the right but I'd like to see this...
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There is no doubt whatsoever that Gibbs-White will be fit.
And that he will score with a bullet header and as we search for an equalizer clear one of the line with his head.
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There is no doubt whatsoever that Gibbs-White will be fit.
And that he will score with a bullet header and as we search for an equalizer clear one of the line with his head.
And look like Terry Butcher 1989 to boot
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I’d play Linderlof in defensive midfield.
He has always been solid there when needed.
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I have such weried feelings about this game - I cant think of another game I felt quite like this. I have had varying degrees of nerves and excitiment for games - but never this sense of dread.
Its like having a big work pitch for a contract you know your unlikely to get but really need to pay the bills. At the same time you know if you go in with a defeatist attitude, you def wont get it. But then if you psych yourself up and really go for it dare to believe you just know it will hurt more when the likely outcome happens.
Fuck it - better to risk it then die wondering - UTV
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There is no way Lindy will be playing DMF; when did Emery last start with him in that role? He's also unlikely to start Watkins and Abraham in the same starting team, for the same logic.
Sancho should be nowhere the starting XI.
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I have such weried feelings about this game - I cant think of another game I felt quite like this. I have had varying degrees of nerves and excitiment for games - but never this sense of dread.
Its like having a big work pitch for a contract you know your unlikely to get but really need to pay the bills. At the same time you know if you go in with a defeatist attitude, you def wont get it. But then if you psych yourself up and really go for it dare to believe you just know it will hurt more when the likely outcome happens.
Fuck it - better to risk it then die wondering - UTV
Have you been reading the texts I send to myself?
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I have such weried feelings about this game - I cant think of another game I felt quite like this. I have had varying degrees of nerves and excitiment for games - but never this sense of dread.
Its like having a big work pitch for a contract you know your unlikely to get but really need to pay the bills. At the same time you know if you go in with a defeatist attitude, you def wont get it. But then if you psych yourself up and really go for it dare to believe you just know it will hurt more when the likely outcome happens.
Fuck it - better to risk it then die wondering - UTV
Have you been reading the texts I send to myself?
Guilty. On a related note, dont worry it happens to most men at some point or another
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Are we capable of raising our game to levels we haven’t seen for a few months because that’s what it will take to beat an in form Forest
No doubt the crowd will do their bit, we have the players, but will they perform Will they go for it
I can’t remember the last time we put persistent pressure on the oppositions goal we seem to have lost that ability
I’ve seen the atmosphere drain out the ground too many times with Martinez standing on the ball for five minutes before passing to Konsa and playing it around the back for another 10 passes before getting trapped in the corner and either losing it or lumping it forward
Let’s hope we can find one of the great performances again tomorrow night and give ourselves an historic night
We’ll do our bit let’s hope the players an follow suit
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The performance against WHam was pretty decent in both halves.
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Either Mcginn has to be next to Youri in the middle. Or we bring Doug in - 100% Bogarde cant play
I'm more inclined to play Konsa at RB, Lindelof with Pau + Digne
Then have Cash, Rodgers and Buendia behind Ollie
Moving our best/only RB into midfield creates two problems and fixes none. Lindelof into midfield is another mad one.
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Tonight's SF showed you can have very different games in the 2nd leg. If Youri, SJM and Rogers play well we can beat this lot comfortably. Let's get the place rocking and see how Forest handle it 💪
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The performance against WHam was pretty decent in both halves.
And Bologna and Sunderland last 5 minutes aside
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Congratulations and everything but that's like pissing in the gods' blue WKD at a charity function for lame foxes.
It’s ok man, I forgot to buy her a card
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A penalty shootout would be fun.
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Just watched the extended highlights of last year’s Bayern and PSG games. It’s perked me up a bit.
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It's match day 8)
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Ugh. Sense of dread, activated.
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(https://i.pinimg.com/originals/8c/84/79/8c8479b0f69b216368e1ce83bbc492de.gif)
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Can’t sleep , up 2 hours before the alarm clock was set to go off.A drum at Villa Park , Jesus suffering fuck. Hopefully a great night under the lights and the post match thread is all about the team, Unai , the atmosphere and plans for the final.
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We're going to smash it. Obviously.
No disrespect to them, but after all the pants-wetting, they're still Nottingham Forest and we're still Aston Villa.
We have a better manager than them, we have better players than them, we have better fans than them, and we are going to win the match and the tie.
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Still feel he's been targeted by herd mentality the past few times he's played, especially Sunday. Tammy and Barkley where about as press resistant as a stale blueberry, Tielemans with his worst game in the shirt for some time and absolutely zero assistance on the right for Cash from Sancho. Poor lad had to cover about 20 yards of space at all times. At least he looked like he gave a shit.
Not saying he's good enough, but Emerys moved him about like a chess piece all season and he's rarely played in a side chock full of our best.
I agree.
He was doing really well until late January; like the team as a whole, his form has dropped off since. His versatility makes him important to us way beyond his value. Every player can be criticised but bashing Bogarde is often the easy option among other under performers. He’s a young player, he’s ours, get behind him.
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The only reason I think it might well be Dougie is that we didn't see him at all on Sunday.
Also, we’ll be expecting to be on the ball more tonight, so it should suit Dougie better, despite his limitations in that position.
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He has to solve the problem of lacking a defensive midfielder or we cede the midfield to Anderson.
Struggling to find a decent performance without Kamara or Onana.
Spurs away in the Cup?
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Good morning all 8)
My balls are tingling for the claret and blue 8)
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Good morning all 8)
My balls are tingling for the claret and blue 8)
And you know why?
Because we're going to win, that's why!
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It will be Turkey or turkeys by the end of the evening I guess ...
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Never felt so nervous about a game in my life.
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A pivotal game in so many ways.
Lose with so little physical and mental recovery time to Burnley I'll really fear for us. Win and I think we'll have the greatest end to a season in decades.
So all or nothing, literally.
Fuuuuck........ UTFV!
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5Live at half time last night was going on like PSG were coming. They had a game plan last week and we didn't apparently. I felt we contained them and I am not sure what not having a shot at at goal beyond the penalty second half was planned, but that's Stephen Warnock for you. If MGW plays, then apparently it's over for us.
I hope the players feel a simmering anger from the justified criticism that came at them from the weekend. And I hope they take this talking up of Forest and their form against Burnley and two sides with their buckets and spades out as the 2nd coming of PSG or Pep's Barca, with the jaw grinding irritation it deserves.
Super John McGinn is the key for us. An elevated performance from him, to give Yuri the time to pull strings, to let Rogers find the space, absolutely key.
This feels like a 1 shot do or die. The game is just massive and all consuming for me and the players too I hope. Time to fucking deliver, Villa. Fucking deliver.
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Never felt so nervous about a game in my life.
Feel like I'd like to just go to back to bed and wake up in about 22 hours time rather than deal with the stress of today.
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Never felt so nervous about a game in my life.
Feel like I'd like to just go to back to bed and wake up in about 22 hours time rather than deal with the stress of today.
Same!
I can't see Gibbs-White being able to play with that wound on his head, and if he does, surely not without severe discomfort. They should also be playing without that thug in midfield. But fuck em - just win the bloody game Villa.
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Never felt so nervous about a game in my life.
Feel like I'd like to just go to back to bed and wake up in about 22 hours time rather than deal with the stress of today.
Done 2 cup final wins in 1994 and 1996. The cup final defeats in 2000, 2010, 2015 and 2020. Semi final defeats against Liverpool in 1996, Olympiacos, Palace last season. Play Offs against Fulham and then that 7 minutes of added on time against Derby. Last game of the season at Man United last time out. Going to Carrow Road in 1994. Needing to beat Brighton in 2023 for Europe. Watching Man City labour against Spurs on the box to get us Champions League football.
Important moments, ones by and large I enjoyed, that I was looking forward to or as angry and disappointed as I was, that I got over.
For this game, I've found levels of stress I did not think I had. I don't get nervous about football. I am bricking it over this. Like I have major surgery or something booked. I don't want to contemplate defeat, stomach is in knots and it's only quarter to 9.
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I was genuinely nervous yesterday. I think we've lost the game so many times in my head that I've reached a comparative level of zen today.
Think positive. Be positive. Semi finals don't come around every day
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I watched the first half of the match last night and it changed my mood completely. No real idea why, but it was great football, exciting and full of endeavour from both sides and we can play like that and did against both of them.
I woke up this morning full of optimism, not that we will defiantly win but the all round feeling of being in a European semi, on the cusp of the CL and a night at a boiling and noisy Villa Park ahead. It feels like the culmination of the last few years, and as bad as Sunday was and as disappointed in the Manager I felt it doesn't define us or him, it's more than that.
I'm already looking forward to Burnley and the likely reward of a victory there even if we end up disappointed tonight the future still promises much. David Bradleys video came up on my timeline again last night, the first time I've watched it for while and I welled up, bursting with pride for my club and the people I share it with.
Tootling along the Hagley Road into Town, Brassneck at full volume, and the skyline of the City in the distance I relished the day and night to come, whatever will be, will be and I wouldn't want to change anything.
Even the prospect of a fucking drum in the ground can't temper my mood. Up The Fucking Villa.
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I watched the first half of the match last night and it changed my mood completely. No real idea why, but it was great football, exciting and full of endeavour from both sides and we can play like that and did against both of them.
I woke up this morning full of optimism, not that we will defiantly win but the all round feeling of being in a European semi, on the cusp of the CL and a night at a boiling and noisy Villa Park ahead. It feels like the culmination of the last few years, and as bad as Sunday was and as disappointed in the Manager I felt it doesn't define us or him, it's more than that.
I'm already looking forward to Burnley and the likely reward of a victory there even if we end up disappointed tonight the future still promises much. David Bradleys video came up on my timeline again last night, the first time I've watched it for while and I welled up, bursting with pride for my club and the people I share it with.
Tootling along the Hagley Road into Town, Brassneck at full volume, and the skyline of the City in the distance I relished the day and night to come, whatever will be, will be and I wouldn't want to change anything.
Even the prospect of a fucking drum in the ground can't temper my mood. Up The Fucking Villa.
More of this kind of thing I say
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I have been an absolute mess all week. But I have woken up this morning full of excitement and surprisingly calm. Lets do this!!!!
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I’m not feeling at all confident, but I was confident last week so hopefully it’s a good sign.
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Good morning all 8)
My balls are tingling for the claret and blue 8)
And you know why?
Because we're going to win, that's why!
Yes.
3-1 Villa.
FTF 8)
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I watched the first half of the match last night and it changed my mood completely. No real idea why, but it was great football, exciting and full of endeavour from both sides and we can play like that and did against both of them.
I woke up this morning full of optimism, not that we will defiantly win but the all round feeling of being in a European semi, on the cusp of the CL and a night at a boiling and noisy Villa Park ahead. It feels like the culmination of the last few years, and as bad as Sunday was and as disappointed in the Manager I felt it doesn't define us or him, it's more than that.
I'm already looking forward to Burnley and the likely reward of a victory there even if we end up disappointed tonight the future still promises much. David Bradleys video came up on my timeline again last night, the first time I've watched it for while and I welled up, bursting with pride for my club and the people I share it with.
Tootling along the Hagley Road into Town, Brassneck at full volume, and the skyline of the City in the distance I relished the day and night to come, whatever will be, will be and I wouldn't want to change anything.
Even the prospect of a fucking drum in the ground can't temper my mood. Up The Fucking Villa.
Well said, Nev.
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Didnt sleep
going to tidy the garage and cut the hedge, paint the bench to take my mind off it .
Probably end up listening to Villa podcasts while Im doing it knowing me , as I cant stop thinking of this game.
feel like Ive got football DTs , infact might need a whisky before the game to calm me down .
Please Villa , just turn up and spank these trees.
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Just turn up Villa and play with speed and purpose. None of this tippytappy shite that sucks the life out everyone when we eventually pass to the opposition. If we get the upper hand don't sit back and invite them on to us. We are better in every way, but we need to show it now.
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I watched the first half of the match last night and it changed my mood completely. No real idea why, but it was great football, exciting and full of endeavour from both sides and we can play like that and did against both of them.
I woke up this morning full of optimism, not that we will defiantly win but the all round feeling of being in a European semi, on the cusp of the CL and a night at a boiling and noisy Villa Park ahead. It feels like the culmination of the last few years, and as bad as Sunday was and as disappointed in the Manager I felt it doesn't define us or him, it's more than that.
I'm already looking forward to Burnley and the likely reward of a victory there even if we end up disappointed tonight the future still promises much. David Bradleys video came up on my timeline again last night, the first time I've watched it for while and I welled up, bursting with pride for my club and the people I share it with.
Tootling along the Hagley Road into Town, Brassneck at full volume, and the skyline of the City in the distance I relished the day and night to come, whatever will be, will be and I wouldn't want to change anything.
Even the prospect of a fucking drum in the ground can't temper my mood. Up The Fucking Villa.
I just decided I don't trust you anymore
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I watched the first half of the match last night and it changed my mood completely. No real idea why, but it was great football, exciting and full of endeavour from both sides and we can play like that and did against both of them.
I woke up this morning full of optimism, not that we will defiantly win but the all round feeling of being in a European semi, on the cusp of the CL and a night at a boiling and noisy Villa Park ahead. It feels like the culmination of the last few years, and as bad as Sunday was and as disappointed in the Manager I felt it doesn't define us or him, it's more than that.
I'm already looking forward to Burnley and the likely reward of a victory there even if we end up disappointed tonight the future still promises much. David Bradleys video came up on my timeline again last night, the first time I've watched it for while and I welled up, bursting with pride for my club and the people I share it with.
Tootling along the Hagley Road into Town, Brassneck at full volume, and the skyline of the City in the distance I relished the day and night to come, whatever will be, will be and I wouldn't want to change anything.
Even the prospect of a fucking drum in the ground can't temper my mood. Up The Fucking Villa.
Lovely stuff. Fingers crossed we go out and get ‘em! (boy)
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Great post, Nev. Today is a good day. An European second leg semi final at Villa Park under the lights, it's stuff dreams are made of.
What was it Ron Saunders said, 'Do you want to..'
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Just to steady the pre match nerves.
Are we going to start a seperate thread on who takes the penalties ? Don't forget the poll.
After match travel information
Last trains from Aston to Birmingham New St....23.42, 23.52
Last train Aston to Lichfield....23.14
Last train Aston to Four Oaks....23.45
Last train Witton to Rugeley...23.32
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Woke up earlier feeling oddly calm, whereas on Sunday I was a bag of nerves. What I can read in that fcuk knows!
I'll be definitely taking the Long Lasting Ibuprofen later as a prophylatic at the prospect of a drum in Villa Park to avoid the migraine I got at Wembley from the Palace one!
BTW, Congratulations for your anniversay tomorrow to you & your husband, Jane: hope it'll be a good one, in more ways than one! x
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I went to the cemetery this morning to visit my Uncle's grave. As a seven year old, he took me the the Villa in 1970. I asked him to put in a word for us tonight.
We have the better players, the better Manager & a stadium with an unrivalled atmosphere. This has all the makings of Tranmere back in 1994.
If everything else fails, I know John McGinn will drag this team to a memorable victory.
Just remember, it doesn't have to be done in the first ten minutes.
They won't know what's hit them. UTV.
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Sadly, I don't think our patched up midfield is better than their first choice midfield, which they are allowed to select because VAR are cheating twats. Unai only seems able to win games when we dominate the midfield battle and I suspect that will be the difference.
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Simon Jordan is backing them and he is normally wrong , clutches more paper straws
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Feeling very anxious about tonight.
Firstly everything is going for them at the moment. We're on a terrible run while they're absolutely flying. Even their reserves smashed Chelsea while ours put in a miserable half arsed display against Spurs.
Unai was caught out by Pereira who held his nerve against Chelsea as he unexpectedly rested his main players.
We are weak in midfield and we are really going to miss the physical presence of Onana and Kamara.
But.
We have Unai Emery. The past master of winning this trophy against the odds. I've been cheering myself by thinking it's all part of Emery's grand plan and we're going to be red hot tonight and they won't handle it.
For our part we must make Villa Park a cauldron. I really really hope that there's no drums tonight. I detest drums in football grounds. We don't need some prat to lead us we can make plenty of our own noise.
Let's get it done. COME ON YOU VILLA BOYS.
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I’m a bit worried about the midfield without Onana. Bogarde doesn’t look comfortable enough on the ball, and although I like Dougie, he can get pushed off it too easily at times. I think I’d probably have to sacrifice McGinn playing further forward and drop him back alongside Tielemans. The downside is that it would mean having to start Sancho or Bailey.
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May be alone in this, but Bogarde was oke of thd only vaguely competent players on Sunday for me. He and Martinez were our best players. Watkins decent off the bench too.
Tielemans clearly wasn't trying though and a lot were obviously holding back. Think even Unai wasn't bothered.
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Just to steady the pre match nerves.
Are we going to start a seperate thread on who takes the penalties ? Don't forget the poll.
After match travel information
Last trains from Aston to Birmingham New St....23.42, 23.52
Last train Aston to Lichfield....23.14
Last train Aston to Four Oaks....23.45
Last train Witton to Rugeley...23.32
Just spotted this scrolling though the latest comments . Thanks for this & have taken a screenshot of the times.
Fingers crossed it won't come to that!
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I'd take penalties right now. Though they have beaten us in our only previous penalty shootout, if you include glorified friendlies.
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I'd take penalties right now.
You'd miss.
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I'd be aiming for the drum.
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I'd be aiming for the drum.
Which one as there will be lots of them.
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Kick anything that moves, use every trick in the book and show them we're a rung above - the trouble is I get the awful feeling it'll be the other way around. I hated forest before but I've got a sinking feeling I will hate them even more tomorrow morning.
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I'd be aiming for the drum.
preferably with an artillery barrage.
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On Sunday, I was done with the lot of them. I can’t ever remember feeling so let down by the club before. Yes, we’ve been just as shit, and even occasionally worse, than that over the years. But this felt like a whole new way to let me down. It was stupid and cowardly, and I think we’ll regret it for years to come.
So I was in the Graham Taylor frame of mind: “you got us into this mess, you get us out of it”. I’ve spent the week not thinking about tonight. Presumably trying to protect myself from feeling like that again, while I haven’t got over the last one.
But here we are. “Just when I thought I was out, they pull me back in”.
Dave’s article, Nev’s post. The fact that I’ve been reading the forum all week despite telling myself I wasn’t getting sucked in, not again. I’ve crumbled, and now I can’t focus on anything but this same fucking club that almost always lets me down when it counts.
Because, maybe they won’t this time. Maybe if I shout a little louder, get past that taste of blood in my mouth and feeling faint, maybe this time will be the one. Maybe that one crucial decision will go our way this time. Maybe the hit-and-hope effort from the edge of the box will fly into the top corner. Maybe it’s the opposition’s turn to spectacularly fuck it up.
So here I am. Categorically not doing work. Thinking back to those special nights, hoping and praying that I might get to witness one more tonight. No matter what I try to tell myself, I can’t stop the hairs on the back of my neck from tingling. I can’t stop feeling sick at the thought of it. I can’t stop dreaming. It's pathetic. But here we go.
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I'm dreading penaltes, apart from maybe Ollie, there's not one Villa player I would feel confident about taking one.
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I'm dreading penaltes, apart from maybe Ollie, there's not one Villa player I would feel confident about taking one.
Blimey, if a career record of "taken twelve, missed six" is the one player we'd be confident about...
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Feel sick , don't want my dinner. Feckin ell hurry up 8 o clock !
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First time Martinez puts his foot on the ball the crowd should let him know that aint on tonight.
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I'm dreading penaltes, apart from maybe Ollie, there's not one Villa player I would feel confident about taking one.
Blimey, if a career record of "taken twelve, missed six" is the one player we'd be confident about...
I was going to say, love Ollie but not on pens.
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Really think he will go with Bogarde again.
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I'm dreading penaltes, apart from maybe Ollie, there's not one Villa player I would feel confident about taking one.
I'd probably not even have Ollie in my first 5.
Cash
Dougie
Digne
McGinn
Buendia
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I'm dreading penaltes, apart from maybe Ollie, there's not one Villa player I would feel confident about taking one.
I'd probably not even have Ollie in my first 5.
Cash
Dougie
Digne
McGinn
Buendia
Martinez on the sixth
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Chances of McGinn being on the pitch after 120 minutes are slim, I'd say.
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Cash - has he ever taken one?
Dougie - Missed
Digne - as Cash?
McGinn - Missed
Buendia - Missed
I really hope it does not go to pens
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Cash - has he ever taken one?
Dougie - Missed
Digne - as Cash?
McGinn - Missed
Buendia - Missed
I really hope it does not go to pens
Think Cash took and scored one in the Lille shoot-out.
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Cash and McGinn missed in the Brentford League Cup defeat. Watkins and Buendia scored. Tielemans, Watkins, Cash and Luiz scored against Lille, Bailey missed. Of the current players, Konsa and Buendia both scored when Chelsea knocked us out while Tammy, just about, scored in the playoff win against Albion.
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Would fancy our chances saving pens but not scoring them
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If we're level going into a period of extra time later, we HAVE to go for the win. I'm totally convinced we wouldn't score more than 1 or 2 pens out of 5.
Levels of tension rising as the day progresses. Me and my clan will be watching from (behind) the sofa later. Here's to everyone going tonight managing to enjoy what I hope will be a very special atmosphere and result.
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I feel sick.
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Too nervous, voice in my head, keeps telling me its the biggest game in 44 years….keeps reminding me of potential knock on affects and consequences if we fail, more than likely driving tonight, so pre match voice not going to be quashed by alcohol.
Can’t think about team selections good or bad now until they are announced, definitely can’t contemplate pens.
This is the day. The team, manager and us lot have to stand up and see it through, there is no other option.
Cmon the lads….UTFV!!!
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Chances of McGinn being on the pitch after 120 minutes are slim, I'd say.
I expect it will be one of them that he stays on as he isn't needing to play too many more matches, but I suspect it will depend on his "knock" and how bad he becomes when he is fatigued.
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For those saying biggest game in 40 odd years I’d say the 2 FA Cup Finals were bigger.
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First time Martinez puts his foot on the ball the crowd should let him know that aint on tonight.
Steady. That's how we've played for three years and it isn't going to change tonight. We need to be better in every way than Sunday and I'm sure we will be.
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We essentially have to turn round pretty much everything tonight - the scoreline, Forest’s form, and our form. But the big difference is muscle memory of European success at home. If the crowd is with the team and we start really well, ideally scoring early, then it will be like riding a wave.
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(https://i.ibb.co/rf30BmFV/Screenshot-2026-05-07-at-13-18-43.png) (https://ibb.co/rf30BmFV)
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It's Unai's biggest game since he's been here.
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The more I think on it the more he needs to play Lindelof in midfield. I can’t remember when we have played well without Kamara or Onana. Failing that move McGinn into the centre. It’s crucial we win the battles and dominate possession,
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Anyone not attending VP are you planning to watch in town?
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The more I think on it the more he needs to play Lindelof in midfield.
If we haven't thought it worth experimenting with that up to this point, there's absolutely no way that tonight is going to be the first time.
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I woke up pretty calm about this, but all the comments are now making me apprehensive. The more we go on about how massive a game it is, Unai's legacy, last hurrah for this wonderful squad we've had, Holte Enders in the sky looking down etc, the more likely I feel Villa are to shit the bed.
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I feel sick.
Physically? Kippax has trademarked visible vomming.
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Is it really bigger than our promotion play-offs or even our last cup final or semi-final? You could make an argument that Burnely on Sunday is bigger.
Shackles off, 4-1 up after 79 minutes, cigars out. Let's do it!
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I wonder what the reaction would be if Unai was to play both Watkins and Abraham with Rogers, McGinn dropping back into central midfield alongside Youri?
The one thing you can expect from Unai is to expect the unexpected. It would certainly mean Forest having to change formation from a favoured back three. More space in midfield? What ever team he selects I hope every Villa fan will support every single Villa player. I'm also wondering who is going to be our unlikely hero tonight?
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I agree with the earlier post, if it goes to ET we just have to go all out for the win. No way are we winning on penalties, not a chance.
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It's Unai's biggest game since he's been here.
Legacy defining it feels. Unai can't afford another Wembley or Old Trafford type no show. With his antics, and subsequent team performance v Spurs, he's loaded even more pressure onto the team and himself tonight.
But we have McGinn.
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Is it really bigger than our promotion play-offs or even our last cup final or semi-final? You could make an argument that Burnely on Sunday is bigger.
Shackles off, 4-1 up after 79 minutes, cigars out. Let's do it!
Not bigger than play offs - biggest since 2015 Cup Final IMO.
An early Ollie goal would settle us and him and Unai and the rest of the fans and the dogs of fans and the cats of fans right down. Probably some others too.
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We enter the FA Cup every season. This is far bigger.
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Yep. Plus UEFA literally consider winning the Europa League to be more important than any domestic cup, given that they award the winners a Champions League place. Also, qualifying for the Super Cup is clearly better than the Charity Shield.
We started the last four major finals we have been in as significant underdogs. After last Thursday was the last time we weren't classed as tournament favourites for this one. It would be a huge missed opportunity and have more of us wondering if we will ever win a trophy again.
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I wonder what the reaction would be if Unai was to play both Watkins and Abraham with Rogers, McGinn dropping back into central midfield alongside Youri?
The one thing you can expect from Unai is to expect the unexpected. It would certainly mean Forest having to change formation from a favoured back three. More space in midfield? What ever team he selects I hope every Villa fan will support every single Villa player. I'm also wondering who is going to be our unlikely hero tonight?
Pau Torres header
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The more I think on it the more he needs to play Lindelof in midfield. I can’t remember when we have played well without Kamara or Onana. Failing that move McGinn into the centre. It’s crucial we win the battles and dominate possession,
There is no situation where Lindelof playing out of position in midfield is the right choice in a Semi Final. You're over thinking it.
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Definitely, it’s a mental suggestion.
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Energy. Atmosphere. Enthusiasm.
https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=1578451943804560
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Difficult to call, was positive last week after losing 1-0 that was easily recoverable, we probably always needed 2 goals at Villa park, problem now is the blistering form Forest are having, they are well in the groove, that in itself is not impossible but what makes it really a problem is by the same measure Villa's form has nosedived, therein lies the problem, so very difficult to call this.
Had we beat Spurs I would have had nailed on we would beat Forest, we need a fast start and an early goal because with their confidence pretty sure they will throw everything at us and equally want the early goal to silence the crowd, all this will almost certainly play out differently but here we go.
Over to the lads tonight at Villa park.
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I've woke up today feeling like I can run through walls.
After being really down all week and being convinced we are going to fluf it once again I am now convinced we are going to smash them all over the park. I predict 4 or 5-0
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Difficult to call, was positive last week after losing 1-0 that was easily recoverable, we probably always needed 2 goals at Villa park, problem now is the blistering form Forest are having, they are well in the groove, that in itself is not impossible but what makes it really a problem is by the same measure Villa's form has nosedived, therein lies the problem, so very difficult to call this.
Had we beat Spurs I would have had nailed on we would beat Forest, we need a fast start and an early goal because with their confidence pretty sure they will throw everything at us and equally want the early goal to silence the crowd, all this will almost certainly play out differently but here we go.
Over to the lads tonight at Villa park.
I think you're right, I expect Forest to come at us hard from the start, the risk/reward of an early goal to puncture the atmosphere and probably guarantee at worst extra time makes sense. I hope we've been doing drills this week where we go more direct.
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It's our time, i'm sure it won't be easy, but let's get it done and have a good old party in Istanbul
UTFV
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Happy to be corrected, but didn’t Lindelof play there once earlier in the season? I don’t recall which game, and maybe he came on as a sub, but he did well. More confidence than Bogarde, who often looks panicked.
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Beginning to get nervous now. Need to try and eat a decent amount of food before tonight. Could be a long one...
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If we start Bogarde in midfield tonight then Forest are heavy favourites to go through.
Will be interesting to see if Forest continue with two up top or put another body into midfield. Likely the former, Id back Luiz/McGinn/Tielemans to outplay them and at least let Anderson know he's in a game this time around.
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The more I think on it the more he needs to play Lindelof in midfield.
If we haven't thought it worth experimenting with that up to this point, there's absolutely no way that tonight is going to be the first time.
Not sure I agree. Previous games we’ve played haven’t been dress rehearsals for this one. They have been important games in their own right. If he ever decides he wants to play that way he’ll do it. He doesn’t have the luxury of testing formations out beforehand.
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I'm also wondering who is going to be our unlikely hero tonight?
Pau Torres header
Good call.
I'm going for a Bogarde world class display. Tonnes of humble pie served up post match in the Warehouse.
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The more I think on it the more he needs to play Lindelof in midfield.
If we haven't thought it worth experimenting with that up to this point, there's absolutely no way that tonight is going to be the first time.
Not sure I agree. Previous games we’ve played haven’t been dress rehearsals for this one. They have been important games in their own right. If he ever decides he wants to play that way he’ll do it. He doesn’t have the luxury of testing formations out beforehand.
He does a bit. Lindelof sat on the bench for 90 minutes while we turned 3-1 into 6-1 on aggregate with an hour to play against Bologna.
If there was ever a plan to do this, there's a nice easy chunk of a game which Onana didn't have to play to test it out, for starters.
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On team selection, the only decision is Bogarde or Luiz & Digne or Maatsen. Everything thing else is settled. I suspect it will be Bogarde & Maatsen. I don't see any evidence he'll pick Luiz, when he's ignored him for weeks.
Sunday's selection & performance is irrelevant to the game tonight. Have Forest turned us over badly in the two games we've played in the last month? Absolutely not.
They're not world beaters.
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First time Martinez puts his foot on the ball the crowd should let him know that aint on tonight.
Anyone that does that is an idiot.
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Right finished work. Too nervous to be back on here now before k/o.
Hope its a massive one for us all. UTV
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It's fine, we'll probably still get in the Champions League. That's massive for us. Istanbul isn't a great place for a European final and I've already seen Villa play there this season. Emery isn't going to Real Madrid. The squad will be a lot better next season. In a few years we'll look back on losing a Europa League Semi Final and laugh at why we took such a meaningless competition so seriously.
Just mentally preparing myself for the disappointment.
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The first semi final I ever went to was back in 1970. Third division Villa v Manchester United (the team of Best, Charlton and Law, who had won the European Cup two years earlier). The first leg ended 1-1 at OT.
For the return, nearly 60000 turned up at Villa Park. Kidd gave United the lead, only for Andy Lochhead to claim the equaliser. In the second half Pat McMahon scored the second. The noise from Villa Park must have been heard right up to Manchester and down to Wembley. I have never known an atmosphere quite as good as that night. Let's recreate that tonight.
Let's believe, roar the Villa on and get through to the final.
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(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/HHueX7AXQAAtziZ?format=jpg&name=medium)
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/HHugD7EXIAUEIEc?format=jpg&name=medium)
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/HHugD81WsAMupLq?format=jpg&name=medium)
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An expectant, festooned, calm Villa Park. Wouldn't it be a great place to die or fall in love again?
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Flag wankers.
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I cannot go 30 seconds without thinking about this game.
Same Ads. I've had a knot in my stomach all day. Its finance month end at work and I'm really struggling to concentrate.
I cannot go 30 seconds without thinking about this game.
Yep. Last Thursday was stressful enough. I keep wavering from a steady performance with enough control to nick it to a nightmare of forest scoring a few on the counter attack.
Its awful. I have no idea what I'll feel like if we don't go through. I want this so badly it's impossible to articulate.
I am wavering between being 2 down dead early and huffing and puffing, but then I've read the "bring a scarf" rallying cry and I can hear the noise of Villa Park and it fills my cup again.
I was thinking today that I should be excited and looking forward to this. We’ve dreamed of competing in Europe like this. The reality is like you I’m too desperate for us to get through to enjoy any of this.
I was listening to the Proper Villans podcast the other day, and the guy summed up my feelings perfectly when he said it was a totally alien concept to him that anyone is mad enough to actually enjoy this pastime.
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I'm actually kind of fascinated by how we approach this because Emery's "handbrake ball" will very obviously not work and we need to "get into 'em" or at the very least, not spend 75 passing between defenders.
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Never felt so nervous about a game in my life.
Feel like I'd like to just go to back to bed and wake up in about 22 hours time rather than deal with the stress of today.
I tried to sleep through the Fulham game on purpose after being at work all night Friday. My internal panic button woke me up on about 70 minutes and I was both gutted and knackered all day Saturday.
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You know it's a proper European tie when you see a bunch of away fans in town and can't understand a word they're saying.
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Happy to be corrected, but didn’t Lindelof play there once earlier in the season? I don’t recall which game, and maybe he came on as a sub, but he did well. More confidence than Bogarde, who often looks panicked.
He came on and played there v Arsenal at home.
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It's fine, we'll probably still get in the Champions League. That's massive for us. Istanbul isn't a great place for a European final and I've already seen Villa play there this season. Emery isn't going to Real Madrid. The squad will be a lot better next season. In a few years we'll look back on losing a Europa League Semi Final and laugh at why we took such a meaningless competition so seriously.
Just mentally preparing myself for the disappointment.
Yep, that’s what I’m thinking. I’ll be more pissed off if we blow CL qualification.
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Never felt so nervous about a game in my life.
Feel like I'd like to just go to back to bed and wake up in about 22 hours time rather than deal with the stress of today.
I've done this a few times in the past - last time was v WBA in the play-offs second leg.
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First time Martinez puts his foot on the ball the crowd should let him know that aint on tonight.
Anyone that does that is an idiot.
let's be honest, there will be plenty there tonight.
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Flag wankers.
That made me laugh.
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I'm heading to the Indian Brewery Tap to watch it.
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Just win Villa!
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I'm not looking forward to this - tonight is more about mentality than talent. We need to be switched on, run hard, commit and concentrate.
I'm not cut out for this sort of success of having a good team in big games.
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The first semi final I ever went to was back in 1970. Third division Villa v Manchester United (the team of Best, Charlton and Law, who had won the European Cup two years earlier). The first leg ended 1-1 at OT.
For the return, nearly 60000 turned up at Villa Park. Kidd gave United the lead, only for Andy Lochhead to claim the equaliser. In the second half Pat McMahon scored the second. The noise from Villa Park must have been heard right up to Manchester and down to Wembley. I have never known an atmosphere quite as good as that night. Let's recreate that tonight.
Let's believe, roar the Villa on and get through to the final.
Yup - I was there and it was A.Maz.Ing.
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An expectant, festooned, calm Villa Park. Wouldn't it be a great place to die or fall in love again?
Where are the free snare drums?
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The first semi final I ever went to was back in 1970. Third division Villa v Manchester United (the team of Best, Charlton and Law, who had won the European Cup two years earlier). The first leg ended 1-1 at OT.
For the return, nearly 60000 turned up at Villa Park. Kidd gave United the lead, only for Andy Lochhead to claim the equaliser. In the second half Pat McMahon scored the second. The noise from Villa Park must have been heard right up to Manchester and down to Wembley. I have never known an atmosphere quite as good as that night. Let's recreate that tonight.
Let's believe, roar the Villa on and get through to the final.
Yup - I was there and it was A.Maz.Ing.
I was there too, an unbelievable night
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I'm heading to the Indian Brewery Tap to watch it.
I'm head to bed for a hour until the teams are announced. It's been 6pm for hours.
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Lots of Villa strolling 'round Town today, more then usual, perhaps it's the clement weather?
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Off to the Unity Pub in Brighton shortly, should be a decent number of Sussex Villans.
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Lots of Villa strolling 'round Town today, more then usual, perhaps it's the clement weather?
Nas, Wes, and Prince William out for a few pre-match scoops to steady the nerves?
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Go at it fast and get lots of crosses in, it's well known that fancy dan foreign teams don't like it up 'em.
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Never felt so nervous about a game in my life.
Feel like I'd like to just go to back to bed and wake up in about 22 hours time rather than deal with the stress of today.
I've done this a few times in the past - last time was v WBA in the play-offs second leg.
I am not going to watch it, my nerves are already fucked with an hour or two to go. I'll just have a nice relaxing evening, avoiding everything football and then have a look on here at 10 or so and see if all the stress and nonsense is over.
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The first semi final I ever went to was back in 1970. Third division Villa v Manchester United (the team of Best, Charlton and Law, who had won the European Cup two years earlier). The first leg ended 1-1 at OT.
For the return, nearly 60000 turned up at Villa Park. Kidd gave United the lead, only for Andy Lochhead to claim the equaliser. In the second half Pat McMahon scored the second. The noise from Villa Park must have been heard right up to Manchester and down to Wembley. I have never known an atmosphere quite as good as that night. Let's recreate that tonight.
Let's believe, roar the Villa on and get through to the final.
Yup - I was there and it was A.Maz.Ing.
I was there too, an unbelievable night
I listened to it in my bedroom. Scared the living daylights of those downstairs when I shrieked and jumped around the room when we scored the second!
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I am not going to watch it, my nerves are already fucked with an hour or two to go. I'll just have a nice relaxing evening, avoiding everything football and then have a look on here at 10 or so and see if all the stress and nonsense is over.
10pm? Just in time for the penalties.
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The first semi final I ever went to was back in 1970. Third division Villa v Manchester United (the team of Best, Charlton and Law, who had won the European Cup two years earlier). The first leg ended 1-1 at OT.
For the return, nearly 60000 turned up at Villa Park. Kidd gave United the lead, only for Andy Lochhead to claim the equaliser. In the second half Pat McMahon scored the second. The noise from Villa Park must have been heard right up to Manchester and down to Wembley. I have never known an atmosphere quite as good as that night. Let's recreate that tonight.
Let's believe, roar the Villa on and get through to the final.
Yup - I was there and it was A.Maz.Ing.
I was there too. Never known an atmosphere like that. The resulting final finalised my hatred of Spurs.
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Abject terror is slowly turning into excitement and anticipation now.
Will probably last for 90 seconds until the team news.
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Lindelof starts as DM.
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The more I think on it the more he needs to play Lindelof in midfield.
If we haven't thought it worth experimenting with that up to this point, there's absolutely no way that tonight is going to be the first time.
Nailed it.
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Lindelof starts.
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Lindelof starts.
352 maybe in possession