Heroes & Villains, the Aston Villa fanzine
Heroes & Villains => Match Threads & Player Ratings => Topic started by: dave.woodhall on October 31, 2019, 10:19:53 AM
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It’s one of those days when you know what being back in the Premier League is all about. We’ll have Scandinavians, Devonians, Irish, Welsh and the occasional Scouser milling round the ground asking all sorts of daft questions and wanting to know what Shanks would have said. There’ll be press coverage before, cameras during and inquests after. We will, to put it bluntly, be getting be sort of attention we deserve and whether that’s a good thing or you’d rather still be in the Championship is up to you. Liverbastardpool have got a good team now, admittedly not as good as they or the BBC would have you believe, but it’s still more than enough to respect. Jurgen Klopp still look like the head digital programmer of a 1974 Krautrock band, James Milner deserves a good reception and their under-23s coach is named Neil Critchley, which seems a bit out of place but he is from Crewe.
I suppose we have to face facts – they’re better than us and anything get from this game will be bonus. It surely can’t be as bad as the last time they played here, which isn’t saying much. And once it’s happened it won’t have to happen again this season, hardly. There you go - there’s always something to be optimistic about if you look hard enough.
Things newfooty fans won’t know – A time when Liverpool winning the title wasn’t seen as a victory for the plucky underdogs. It still wasn’t any less annoying though.
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As is the case with Smith we will not park the bus and hope to nick one but instead will set up to attempt to win the game.
Where Man City are devastating going forward but suspect at the back Liverpool are very good at both ends and in the middle - this will be a tough game even if we are really up for it
Would take a score draw now
1-1
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And as Dave states - these have more tourist fans than any other, including United.
Expect to see them in all parts of the ground, especially kids in 'The Mighty Reds YNWA' shirts with their Villa supporting Dads >:(
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Yes so excited!! I'm going!! To actually be there !! to this one , my gf is a Liverpool fan. She is not from Liverpool!
We are both disappointing that maybe Grealish and Salah won't be playing but fortunately will be kept warm as we are able to have special seating arrangement!
I hope to take in atmosphere and hope for a positive result ! I like it's the tradionally 3pm kick off!
My group will be staying by peace gardens from tommorow eve and I hope to get a new the new villa shirt from the club shop Saturday ! I don't think I will have a name because of cost but excited all round !!
I think maybe we can stop Liverpool because they have been trailing last 2 league matches and they are like haveing to lose at some point!!
2-1
McGinn and El Ghazi!
Up the villa !
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That's the way, footy. Enjoy.
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It seems like a good opportunity (to me) for us to finally roll them over at VP. When it takes place is anybody's guess atm, but it will clearly favour the team who stick out a strong side: or not, as the case may well be. I bloody knew we'd draw them, but at least we're at home & aren't facing the prospect of inevitably getting rolled over by Oxford away...
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D 1-1
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It seems like a good opportunity (to me) for us to finally roll them over at VP. When it takes place is anybody's guess atm, but it will clearly favour the team who stick out a strong side: or not, as the case may well be. I bloody knew we'd draw them, but at least we're at home & aren't facing the prospect of inevitably getting rolled over by Oxford away...
Erm, You going to tell them or am I?
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Hate is a strong word and I use it rarely, but I hate Liverpool and everything about them, they are a little more likeable now that the insufferable bore Steven Gerrard has fucked off to manage in non league football.
Fuck the fuckers 2-1 Villa.
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It seems like a good opportunity (to me) for us to finally roll them over at VP. When it takes place is anybody's guess atm, but it will clearly favour the team who stick out a strong side: or not, as the case may well be. I bloody knew we'd draw them, but at least we're at home & aren't facing the prospect of inevitably getting rolled over by Oxford away...
Erm, You going to tell them or am I?
Nah, fill yer boots bab. I'm in the middle of dying my hair. ;)
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What have they done to our (get over it, never coming back, been eight years, etc.) James Milner's head?? I'm sure when he played for us, it, his neck and his torso were separate body parts. Bastards.
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What have they done to our (get over it, never coming back, been eight years, etc.) James Milner's head?? I'm sure when he played for us, it, his neck and his torso were separate body parts. Bastards.
It's the Nivea For Men effect. Obviously. :o
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When it takes place is anybody's guess atm...
Erm, You going to tell them or am I?
Nah, fill yer boots bab. I'm in the middle of dying my hair. ;)
My guess is Saturday at 3:00.
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Liverpool have the worst away support in the PL.
Jester hats, pissed up Irish blokes, pretend scousers, the lot.
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5-1 Villa.
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1-3 to them with the help of dubious penalty decisions.
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i seem to remember beating them 3-1? on an Easter Bank Holiday monday 1979?
Hoping for a similar result!!
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CDBF I did see that once but I don't think it's going to happen on Saturday 0-3
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I'm going to wear sunglasses to dull the glare off Klopp's & Firmino's teeth - so perfect they look false. An additional benefit is that my view of us losing will also be dulled. I'd love to get some sort of result, but like last week's game, Liverpool are so far ahead of us now that I'd be happy with a respectable scoreline. Not the spirit I know but that's the reality of where they and we are at the moment.
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5-1 Villa.
remember it well
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not looking forward to this, not feeling great and my mate who I travel with is rough as a dog too.....a draw would be great !
UTV
The Doc
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Scousers first defeat of the season coming up. 2-1 to the Villa.
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i seem to remember beating them 3-1? on an Easter Bank Holiday monday 1979?
Hoping for a similar result!!
You're correct, 16th April 1979. Two for Dixie Deehan either side of an own goal by Big Nose Thompson. David Johnson for them.
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i seem to remember beating them 3-1? on an Easter Bank Holiday monday 1979?
Hoping for a similar result!!
You're correct, 16th April 1979. Two for Dixie Deehan either side of an own goal by Big Nose Thompson. David Johnson for them.
They only conceded something like eighteen all season.
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I hear that Jon Moss is the referee on Saturday. Another absolutely clueless official who has fucked us over twice this season (once on the pitch and once as VAR) as well as fucking us over in the FA Cup final.
It’s not just us though; he’s terrible in any game I’ve watched that he’s refereed. Only Kevin Friend is worse than this guy IMO.
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i seem to remember beating them 3-1? on an Easter Bank Holiday monday 1979?
Hoping for a similar result!!
You're correct, 16th April 1979. Two for Dixie Deehan either side of an own goal by Big Nose Thompson. David Johnson for them.
Referenced this in the LC thread before I saw this. I was in the Holte End for it. IIRC a glorious sunny day and the only time they conceded more than one that season.
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Us 4-1 them.
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If we did have the nerve to win you can hear the excuses now....why do they make us play so meaningless prem games ? Why do they make us kick off at 3 on a Saturday. Why do they employ extra security guards at primark that stop our fans getting to the game ?
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Villa 4-2 Liverpool i reckon.
Saunders 2
Atkinson
Parker
Ronnie Rosenthal will miss a sitter for them.
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5-1 Villa.
What about the second half ?
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With Parker and Saunders to score again at Anfield in a rousing 2-1 victory?
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With Parker and Saunders to score again at Anfield in a rousing 2-1 victory?
yeh
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Great manager, great team.
Villa 0 Liverpool 3
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Villa 4-2 Liverpool i reckon.
Saunders 2
Atkinson
Parker
Ronnie Rosenthal will miss a sitter for them.
Fuck me, that was a great day
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Have a horrible feeling we could get our arses handed to us here. Don't think we have the mobility either in midfield or up front to press Liverpool when in possession. Out wide their full backs could slaughter us when they get forward. We might be able to keep them honest by trying to get McGinn or Grealish in behind them. Not the game for AEG or Trez.
Unless Wesley really gets the finger out, their centre halves will be able to stroll into midfield creating overlaps at will.
----------------Heaton
Guilbert, Engels, Mings, Targett
----------------Nakamba
McGinn, Luiz, Hourihane, Grealish
-----------------Wesley
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Great manager, great team.
Villa 0 Liverpool 3
Yeah that’s where I am.
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Villa 4-2 Liverpool i reckon.
Saunders 2
Atkinson
Parker
Ronnie Rosenthal will miss a sitter for them.
Fuck me, that was a great day
The 20,000 spontaneous wanker signs from the Holte to Ronnie was priceless.
Dean needs to get the tactics right and we may have a chance. Liverpool are a good side but no side is unbeatable.
Will Jack be back?
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Could be worth trying Elmo in right midfield for this one. He’d offer more defensive cover than our current wingers but can still get forward and whip in a decent cross.
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we’re going to lose hope it’s not big
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Villa 4-2 Liverpool i reckon.
Saunders 2
Atkinson
Parker
Ronnie Rosenthal will miss a sitter for them.
Fuck me, that was a great day
It really was a great day all round. And, Ronnie Rosenthal himself: Mr Sitter.
Not sure a miss like that will ever be witnessed again at Villa Park... it was fucking hilarious watching that from the Holte.
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They're not exactly demolishing teams away from home.
First game they went to Southampton and were hanging onto their 2-1 at the end, also were 0-0 with Sheffield United up to 70th minute.
Also were about to lose to a very average Man. United team and they didn't play well at Old Trafford at all.
I do wonder with both CBs getting minutes last night whether Dean might as a one off go with 5 at the back for this. Man. United suddenly did it and it seemed to catch Liverpool off guard and with Grealish probably out I think it's worth considering for this challenge.
To get a result we need to hold the ball up well in our half (Wesley has yet to show this quality v top 6 sides) and also defend well for long periods. Again this has been a weakness against the better team this season.
Think this will be similar to Man. City, we'll be competitive for 50-60 minutes and then they'll step up a gear. 0-2.
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Heaton
Gilbert Konsa Mings Targett
Nakamba
Mcginn Luiz
Trez Wes Jack
Impressed with Konsa midweek and think we need the extra mobility against their front 3.
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Could be worth trying Elmo in right midfield for this one. He’d offer more defensive cover than our current wingers but can still get forward and whip in a decent cross.
Elmo's efforts on the right wing this season have been very poor. Think we need to move away from regressive tactics like that. Konsa coming into a back three with Engels and Mings could be worthwhile though.
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Edit
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And as Dave states - these have more tourist fans than any other, including United.
Expect to see them in all parts of the ground, especially kids in 'The Mighty Reds YNWA' shirts with their Villa supporting Dads >:(
I'm one of them. But, in my defence, he supporting Liverpool is as arbitrary as I supporting Villa.
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Pretty much what I said about the Citeh game last week...it’s a free hit and another good test for the players. Any kind of positive result would be a bonus, but if we do lose then hope it’s not painful.
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Most of us expect to lose but its a great chance to see how our players perform against quality and will give a good insight to management as to strengthening in January.
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Proper free hit this one - disappointing to get them so early. Full first team squad line up and see what happens and for a deity’s sake attack! Think they might field an under strength team if the dates fall well due to other games.
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I hear that Jon Moss is the referee on Saturday. Another absolutely clueless official who has fucked us over twice this season (once on the pitch and once as VAR) as well as fucking us over in the FA Cup final.
He's also a shit drummer in a shit band. Karma Chameleon really sets my teeth on edge.
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Is there going to be any pre-match singing from some bloke in a pink suit again?
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5-1 Villa.
remember it well
That was my first game.
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I hear that Jon Moss is the referee on Saturday. Another absolutely clueless official who has fucked us over twice this season (once on the pitch and once as VAR) as well as fucking us over in the FA Cup final.
He's also a shit drummer in a shit band. Karma Chameleon really sets my teeth on edge.
There’s always one.
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I'm going for a 1-1 draw.
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I hear that Jon Moss is the referee on Saturday. Another absolutely clueless official who has fucked us over twice this season (once on the pitch and once as VAR) as well as fucking us over in the FA Cup final.
He's also a shit drummer in a shit band. Karma Chameleon really sets my teeth on edge.
There’s always one.
Did you really want to hurt me?
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Heaton
Gilbert Konsa Mings Targett
Nakamba
Mcginn Luiz
Trez Wes Jack
Impressed with Konsa midweek and think we need the extra mobility against their front 3.
What did Trezeguet do against a bunch of children on Wednesday that makes you think he's ideal for this game? I would much rather AEG who, though often anonymous, actually has the ability to change a game.
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5-1 Villa.
remember it well
That was my first game.
Stood in the Holte End with a Liverpool mate who thought they might get something when they put in their consolation goal. 5-1 at half time. The most thrilling, dynamic and exciting 45 minutes of football I have ever seen from the Villa. We were simply irresistible. Andy Gray, Dixie Deehan and he who walked on water all on the score sheet.
Can't see that score line being repeated tomorrow ...so I'll settle for a replica of our 2015 2-1 Wembley semi-final with a masterclass from our Jack.
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Heaton
Gilbert Konsa Mings Targett
Nakamba
Mcginn Luiz
Trez Wes Jack
Impressed with Konsa midweek and think we need the extra mobility against their front 3.
What did Trezeguet do against a bunch of children on Wednesday that makes you think he's ideal for this game? I would much rather AEG who, though often anonymous, actually has the ability to change a game.
Agree, Trezeguet had a poor game. He over-hit at least 4 passes in the first half that drifted out of play.
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Like the City game
We need to be on top form and they need to be below par, other way round and it could be a nightmare
I think we will get a few chances but equally our defence looks leaky at times so so will they
I would take a score draw right now
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Proper free hit this one - disappointing to get them so early. Full first team squad line up and see what happens and for a deity’s sake attack! Think they might field an under strength team if the dates fall well due to other games.
They will also probably be at full strength as this is the League fixture.
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Most of us expect to lose but its a great chance to see how our players perform against quality and will give a good insight to management as to strengthening in January.
In the seasons building up to our relegation, we were beaten in these type of games before we even got to the ground. It was just so easy for the opposition and we barely got near them.
I want to see us have a real go at them tomorrow and make things as uncomfortable for them as we can.
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Proper free hit this one - disappointing to get them so early. Full first team squad line up and see what happens and for a deitys sake attack! Think they might field an under strength team if the dates fall well due to other games.
They will also probably be at full strength as this is the League fixture.
Agreed - they will be well up for this ….. they are desperate to win the league this year
Just talking to a Liverpool supporting friend this morning and to be fair he was very respectful of the Villa and stated that he loves going to Villa Park because of the atmosphere, pre match drinks and chance to snatch a decent Balti pie :)
Sadly I sense a defeat looming … 0-3 to the RedShi*e
Hopefully I am wildly wrong
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Get battered 3-0
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I can't really see anything other than a fairly substantial Liverpool win unfortunately. I think the two midfields are fairly evenly matched, but their front three is just about the best combination in Europe, and I think they'll just be too much for our defence to handle. Conversely, our front three of Wesley/Trez/El Ghazi is extremely underwhelming, and I don't imagine VVD is having sleepless nights at facing them. But you never know, Lovren if he plays always looks like he's got a mistake in him, and if Jack is fit and on his best form with SJM, then we should at least score. Mings has got to cut out the silly errors, and Guilbert and Targett are somehow going to have to try to curtail their forwards AND their attacking full backs, as well as getting forward when they can themselves. Tough ask all round.
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3-2 Villa.
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5-1 Villa.
remember it well
That was my first game.
Stood in the Holte End with a Liverpool mate who thought they might get something when they put in their consolation goal. 5-1 at half time. The most thrilling, dynamic and exciting 45 minutes of football I have ever seen from the Villa. We were simply irresistible. Andy Gray, Dixie Deehan and he who walked on water all on the score sheet.
I was eight and remember thinking it was quite good.
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Without being so brave as to call a win for us the only thing I would point out is they are so far unbeaten. I would think it has to happen at some point. Why not tomorrow?
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Tomorrow is the day that VAR goes our way. It has to at some point.
1-0 home win
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Is there going to be any pre-match singing from some bloke in a pink suit again?
25th anniversary deluxe edition.
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(https://i.ibb.co/18FHdHJ/Dave.jpg) (https://ibb.co/18FHdHJ)
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Is Jack fit?
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He's pretty sexy tbh? If you like that sort of thing. I believe the girls like his legs.
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Liverpool have to lose sometime. Might as well be tomorrow!
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Feel like they will get at least 1 really cheating or jammy goal.
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Feel like they will get at least 1 really cheating or jammy goal.
Sorry we are not prepared to offer odds on that.
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1-1, if we can get a point out of this, we've done well.
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that was so shit that it was brilliant!
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FTF!!!!!
5-3 after trailing 1-3 at halftime
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Come on Villa boys, I would love to get something out of today's game! Our first home game against one of the "media darlings". We've run a couple of them quite close away from home already, so with the full support of the Villa crowd, it would be great to clip the wings of the liver bird and quieten the lobscouse as we did at wembley back in 2015. UTV!!
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Our team has been completely rebuilt since we gained promotion and we're up against the Champions of Europe. It's a monumental task for our players but one that i believe they are up for. The crowd must play their part and Villa Park needs to be rocking to help the boys.It's interesting that Engels Mrs and whole family are lifelong Reds but she said she loves coming to our games home and away and thinks the fans are amazing. Thats the key for me. A raucous Villa Park can un-nerve anybody. If we do that anything is possible. I don't want to predict a score but i'm going with hope in my heart for an unforgettable day at VP for all the right reasons. Come on me babbies!!
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I obviously want us to win every game we play but home to Liverpool is the one per season I *really* want to win. That's not down their team as such it's their perennial set of delusional fans that wind me up - trouble is, this season, it probably is "their year", which sickens me even more...
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FTF!!!!!
5-3 after trailing 1-3 at halftime
Haha. Yes, that's the way, mate.
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I don't think they'll go the year unbeaten. So why not us today?
Weren't they supposed to be "the best team in England" when we stuffed them 5-1 ?
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As a kid/teenager always disliked Liverpool the most, to be fair because they seemed invincible. All those feelings have been coming back since we got promoted. A good few Liverpool fans in work, to be fair one is actually from Liverpool, one from Ireland (will let him off), the rest middle aged brummies, a hark back to their 80s success I guess. They are all really smug at the moment in only the way Liverpool fans can be. Anyway, I’ve got man flu and my optimism has waned over the course of this week. However, we can give this lot a game today. Their front 3 and full backs are great as in van dyke. But I think our full backs and centre mid are key to get anything from game. C’mon boys UTV
Heaton
Guilbert
Targett
Engels
Mings
Nakamba
Luiz
Grealish
McGinn
El Ghazi
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And Wes!!
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I'm a bit more confident today than I was about last week although as good as Salah is, Mane is the one to worry about for me. It'll be a good test for us though considering what happened last time we played them in the league.
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They will win, ho hum
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South Africa were the outsiders going in to today's game !! I have backed villa at 8/1 so hope the outsiders keep coming up trumps.
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There's more than one way to crack an egg
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South Africa were the outsiders going in to today's game !! I have backed villa at 8/1 so hope the outsiders keep coming up trumps.
Bottom of the table Dijon beat PSG last night, so anything is possible.
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South Africa were the outsiders going in to today's game !! I have backed villa at 8/1 so hope the outsiders keep coming up trumps.
Bottom of the table Dijon beat PSG last night, so anything is possible.
They were mustard.
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Anyway, lovely day for it. Pissing it down and swirling wind.
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I'm remarkably optimistic that it won't be 0-6...
In fact, I reckon we might get a draw. 2-2
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Free lower Holte Tkt if anybody can use? PM me
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I wonder if it would be worth playing 5-4-1. Get our full backs up high and try and stifle theirs. I'm worried if Jack doesn't play and Trez does, Alexander Arnold will think Christmas has come early.
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Grealish not in the match day squad at all.
Amazing, innit? Salah shakes off his knock no bother in time to play a blinder against us, no doubt. Meanwhile Jack is supposed to be well in contention to play, until this morning when suddenly he's a real doubt, and now can't even make the bench.
I fear a stuffing coming our way now.
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For a game we arent expected to win, maybe good to rest Jack, and to show that we arent 100% reliant on one player
UTV! :D