Champions League Contention

[Risso]

I genuinely think, listening to Unai’s post game comments, and watching some recent games we’ve slipped into a negative mindset against decent teams. We need to address that fast.

Doesn’t help when the manager keeps banging on about 7 teams being better than us.

[SoccerHQ]

I genuinely think, listening to Unai’s post game comments, and watching some recent games we’ve slipped into a negative mindset against decent teams. We need to address that fast.

Bailey being taken off at 1-1 v Man. United remains the most baffling tactical call of the season.

[Clark W Griswold]

I genuinely think, listening to Unai’s post game comments, and watching some recent games we’ve slipped into a negative mindset against decent teams. We need to address that fast.

Doesn’t help when the manager keeps banging on about 7 teams being better than us.

Perhaps that’s his way of saying that if we finish 5th or 6th he’s got us punching above our weight, and / or he wants more transfer funds this summer.

[Stinkin_Thinkin]

I wouldn't shed a tear if we got eliminated thurs. To hear that Champions league music at Villa Park is my dream and we are still in 4th it's still in our hands. Man Utd, Newcastle, probably Chelsea and spurs are going to strengthen next year whilst Villa talk about selling players to meet FFP. The time is now. Conf league is a big deal for the likes of West Ham but it's chicken feed for Villa. I prefer to concentrate on the premier. The conf is a unwanted distraction the longer we are in it the more probability of burn out games like spurs. If we were 11th in the prem I'd go all out for the conf but we are 4th still 8 points clear of Man Utd. I don't believe Villa would embarrass themselves in the champions league, you see man city hammer the likes of young boys and leipzig, we wouldn't be far off that the way we play. The premier league is the strongest league in europe. The offer of champions league football would bring better players to Villa. League should be the focus from now on.

[Rory]

I wouldn't shed a tear if we got eliminated thurs. To hear that Champions league music at Villa Park is my dream and we are still in 4th it's still in our hands. Man Utd, Newcastle, probably Chelsea and spurs are going to strengthen next year whilst Villa talk about selling players to meet FFP. The time is now. Conf league is a big deal for the likes of West Ham but it's chicken feed for Villa. I prefer to concentrate on the premier. The conf is a unwanted distraction the longer we are in it the more probability of burn out games like spurs. If we were 11th in the prem I'd go all out for the conf but we are 4th still 8 points clear of Man Utd. I don't believe Villa would embarrass themselves in the champions league, you see man city hammer the likes of young boys and leipzig, we wouldn't be far off that the way we play. The premier league is the strongest league in europe. The offer of champions league football would bring better players to Villa. League should be the focus from now on.

Sorry mate, but *vomit*

[PhilVill]

Hope I'm wrong but reckon we'll be 6th, still excellent but a real wasted opportunity. Having said that, 6 years ago we were in the Championship and needing a rebuild from bottom up so as disappointing as today undoubtedly was, we've come a long way from the shite old days....

[ez]

I wouldn't shed a tear if we got eliminated thurs. To hear that Champions league music at Villa Park is my dream and we are still in 4th it's still in our hands. Man Utd, Newcastle, probably Chelsea and spurs are going to strengthen next year whilst Villa talk about selling players to meet FFP. The time is now. Conf league is a big deal for the likes of West Ham but it's chicken feed for Villa. I prefer to concentrate on the premier. The conf is a unwanted distraction the longer we are in it the more probability of burn out games like spurs. If we were 11th in the prem I'd go all out for the conf but we are 4th still 8 points clear of Man Utd. I don't believe Villa would embarrass themselves in the champions league, you see man city hammer the likes of young boys and leipzig, we wouldn't be far off that the way we play. The premier league is the strongest league in europe. The offer of champions league football would bring better players to Villa. League should be the focus from now on.

Spot on. This is our best chance in god knows how long to qualify.

[PaulWinch again]

Our success in the Conference League increases our chances of Champions League qualification. Conversely if we go out 5th is less likely to get a spot.

[Nunkin1965]

I wouldn't shed a tear if we got eliminated thurs. To hear that Champions league music at Villa Park is my dream and we are still in 4th it's still in our hands. Man Utd, Newcastle, probably Chelsea and spurs are going to strengthen next year whilst Villa talk about selling players to meet FFP. The time is now. Conf league is a big deal for the likes of West Ham but it's chicken feed for Villa. I prefer to concentrate on the premier. The conf is a unwanted distraction the longer we are in it the more probability of burn out games like spurs. If we were 11th in the prem I'd go all out for the conf but we are 4th still 8 points clear of Man Utd. I don't believe Villa would embarrass themselves in the champions league, you see man city hammer the likes of young boys and leipzig, we wouldn't be far off that the way we play. The premier league is the strongest league in europe. The offer of champions league football would bring better players to Villa. League should be the focus from now on.

Spot on. This is our best chance in god knows how long to qualify.

So what line up plays on Thursday if you're no longer bothered with Conference football?

[Stinkin_Thinkin]

obviously Olson, Chambers, Zaniolo, couple of kids etc etc

[Lastfootstamper]

Our success in the Conference League increases our chances of Champions League qualification. Conversely if we go out 5th is less likely to get a spot.

I can easily picture a scenario where we have to win the Conference final to get the CL place.

[ez]

I wouldn't shed a tear if we got eliminated thurs. To hear that Champions league music at Villa Park is my dream and we are still in 4th it's still in our hands. Man Utd, Newcastle, probably Chelsea and spurs are going to strengthen next year whilst Villa talk about selling players to meet FFP. The time is now. Conf league is a big deal for the likes of West Ham but it's chicken feed for Villa. I prefer to concentrate on the premier. The conf is a unwanted distraction the longer we are in it the more probability of burn out games like spurs. If we were 11th in the prem I'd go all out for the conf but we are 4th still 8 points clear of Man Utd. I don't believe Villa would embarrass themselves in the champions league, you see man city hammer the likes of young boys and leipzig, we wouldn't be far off that the way we play. The premier league is the strongest league in europe. The offer of champions league football would bring better players to Villa. League should be the focus from now on.

Spot on. This is our best chance in god knows how long to qualify.

So what line up plays on Thursday if you're no longer bothered with Conference football?

I never was bothered with it. I'll get pelters but it's a third rate European competition. Ron Atkinson said similar in his recent interview on YouTube 

[TonyD]

They will be told not to bust a gut on Thursday.

[Lastfootstamper]

Surely if we're planning on chucking in the towel on Thursday, we'd have made a bit more of a fucking effort today, on the day we actually needed it

[MalcolmP]

We’ve played 3 (4 if you include the cup) top half sides at home this year and lost to them all - and in 3 put in entirely flat, aw

We’ve played 3 (4 if you include the cup) top half sides at home this year and lost to them all - and in 3 put in entirely flat, awful displays. That’s been really poor.

Pau
Konsa
Kamara
Digne
Carlos
Ramsey


Not even mentioning the long term absences.

We have had awful luck with injuries

displays. That’s been really poor.

  You forgot Moreno who barelh playhed
 
Pau
Konsa
Kamara
Digne
Carlos
Ramsey


Not even mentioning the long term absences.

We have had awful luck with injuries

You forgot Moreno who was unavailable for a lengthy period alongside |Ramsay