Middlesbrough v Aston Villa pre-match thread

[Toronto Villa]

The most interesting cup tie at 5.30 is a mid table Championship team vs the team 2nd in the PL that has failed to get out of round 3 for a few years. But nope, we have Chelsea at home to Preston.

[john e]

If we win today, i'll be delighted. If we lose, i'll be frustrated for 5 mins but then remember we have a much more important game next weekend which, if we win, might take us top of the PL.

I get the sentimentality, but like most the Villa podcasts this week have said, we simply must prioritize the PL and CL qualification because that will be a game changer in a way that winning the FA Cup will not.   

Yes, I think I would agree that getting a Champions League spot is more beneficial long-term financially than winning the FA Cup

You’re right in saying a Champions League spot is a game changer
But I would argue that winning the FA Cup is a life changer, you’ll remember it for the rest of your life as long as you live

[PeterWithesShin]

The majority of favourite memories as a fan tend to be derbys or cup games. No one really mentions the league wins under Sherwood for example, but we sure as fuck will always remember the Albion and Liverpool cup games.

[VillaTim]

That league cup QF at Albion was a great game , one of my favourites

[john e]

The majority of favourite memories as a fan tend to be derbys or cup games. No one really mentions the league wins under Sherwood for example, but we sure as fuck will always remember the Albion and Liverpool cup games.

Yes, and we remember the league cup final V Man United when we were both guests in Danny Browns little club outside Wembley

At least we knew we’d be okay if it kicked off getting out of there

[RamboandBruno]

If we win today, i'll be delighted. If we lose, i'll be frustrated for 5 mins but then remember we have a much more important game next weekend which, if we win, might take us top of the PL.

I get the sentimentality, but like most the Villa podcasts this week have said, we simply must prioritize the PL and CL qualification because that will be a game changer in a way that winning the FA Cup will not.   

Yes, I think I would agree that getting a Champions League spot is more beneficial long-term financially than winning the FA Cup

You’re right in saying a Champions League spot is a game changer
But I would argue that winning the FA Cup is a life changer, you’ll remember it for the rest of your life as long as you live

Is correct

[BC54 VFC]

Last won the year before my birth (I like to claim that I was conceived as a result of the celebrations following our win, but neither of my folks had any interest in Football or the Villa), so - for me - it's a quest we need to fufill, and soon!

Well I was!! Mum and dad were both lifelong Villa fans.....and I was duly born in February 1958!!

[eamonn]

If I am, ahem, 'in the UK', can I stream this live on iPlayer tonight?

Depends. Are you in the Red Zone ?

[not3bad]

The most interesting cup tie at 5.30 is a mid table Championship team vs the team 2nd in the PL that has failed to get out of round 3 for a few years. But nope, we have Chelsea at home to Preston.

Villa are on BBC1? Although that might not help Toronto.

[Gareth]

Trophy over top 4 any day of the week

[PeterWithesShin]

The most interesting cup tie at 5.30 is a mid table Championship team vs the team 2nd in the PL that has failed to get out of round 3 for a few years. But nope, we have Chelsea at home to Preston.

Apparently in Canadia it's on Rodgers Sports, whatever that is.

[Bad English]

The most interesting cup tie at 5.30 is a mid table Championship team vs the team 2nd in the PL that has failed to get out of round 3 for a few years. But nope, we have Chelsea at home to Preston.

Apparently in Canadia it's on Rodgers Sports, whatever that is.

BC Villain might know.

[ASHTONVILLA]

Trophy over top 4 any day of the week

Both.

FA cup, Conference league double and Top 4 would do me.