UEFA Europa Conference League-Knockout stages (Olympiacos)

[AV82EC]

I hope we don't draw them as I can see the home leg being behind closed doors like it was in Gent.

Away leg would be fun though, think they’re playing at Honveds ground in Budapest.

[Demitri_C]

Dont care who wins tonight as long as its not legia

[ChicagoLion]

i have to be honest, i have given up on this competition and I hope we protect our key players from injury and fatigue.
We do not have the squad now to win this competition and get a CL place.

[Brazilian Villain]

CL would rather a CL spot next season than win the CL this season.

[Brend'Watkins]

i have to be honest, i have given up on this competition and I hope we protect our key players from injury and fatigue.
We do not have the squad now to win this competition and get a CL place.

I see where you are coming from with the mindset that we're bound to pick up more injuries as it seems to be a case of see a black cat, run over it. We still have enough to compete in this and the league. Playing games there is always the potential to pick up knocks just as much as in training. Do we stop training? Of course we don't. Besides, the walking wounded are now beginning to trickle back.  I expect Konsa back in a week or two.

[Dogtanian]

I've said all season that the league has to be the priority, because consistently finishing in the european places is the next step on our journey.

But at the same time, we can't give up on this competition while we are in it. Players want to win things and we need to develop that mentality and confidence.

Plus, there's another £8-9m in prize money still on the table that we could use on new knees.

[Meanwood Villa]

I really hope UE hasn't given up on this competition

[claret+blue ed]

I'd like to see us go full on for both CL spot and Conference league, then what will be will be

Would love to see us win a trophy as it's been way too long

Also, the further we get in the Conference league will help out England's coefficient rating for the season and potentially a 5th spot in the CL which could help us if we drop off slightly

[rougegorge]

I've said all season that the league has to be the priority, because consistently finishing in the European places is the next step on our journey.

But at the same time, we can't give up on this competition while we are in it. Players want to win things and we need to develop that mentality and confidence.

Plus, there's another £8-9m in prize money still on the table that we could use on new knees.

I agree. We should be taking it seriously after doing so well to get into it in the first place. We definitely want to be in a position where European football does not get dismissed as a distraction or even a nuisance, so becoming better and more consistent in the league is important as well. An objective has to be top 6, top 4 or beyond etc and the reward is then European football the following season.

Also, I think making the most of an opportunity is important as there is definitely no guarantee that we will just qualify for Europe season after season.

[Richard]

I'd like to see us go full on for both CL spot and Conference league, then what will be will be

Would love to see us win a trophy as it's been way too long

Also, the further we get in the Conference league will help out England's coefficient rating for the season and potentially a 5th spot in the CL which could help us if we drop off slightly

This with bells on. Am sure Emery is going to go full on for 4th and winning a trophy.

[ChicagoLion]

I'd like to see us go full on for both CL spot and Conference league, then what will be will be

Would love to see us win a trophy as it's been way too long

Also, the further we get in the Conference league will help out England's coefficient rating for the season and potentially a 5th spot in the CL which could help us if we drop off slightly

This with bells on. Am sure Emery is going to go full on for 4th and winning a trophy.

You reckon he will go full strength in the away leg 3 days before we play Spurs in what could be the most important game of the season?
He wont.

[LeeS]

I'd like to see us adopt the attitude Liverpool have. Fuck the injuries, we want to win. Until there are so many on the treatment table that we cant field an eleven then we should be going for everything. Winning begets winning

[chrisw1]

I'd agree with CL.  This just isn't a particularly significant trophy. It would be a great day out and nice to win, but in the scheme of things it will never be considered a major trophy by most people (despite whether it is technically classed as one)  I'd definitely rank it well below the FA and League Cups.  If we were mid-table the Eufa Cup qualification for winning it would make it worth pushing for, but with our league position and injury list, I just don't see us going all out in this.

[darren woolley]

I really want us to finish top four and win the Conference League that would be a fantastic season and if we do achieve that the sky's the limit.

[manic-road]

I'd agree with CL.  This just isn't a particularly significant trophy. It would be a great day out and nice to win, but in the scheme of things it will never be considered a major trophy by most people (despite whether it is technically classed as one)  I'd definitely rank it well below the FA and League Cups.  If we were mid-table the Eufa Cup qualification for winning it would make it worth pushing for, but with our league position and injury list, I just don't see us going all out in this.

I disagree, it is significant because winning it would gain Villa more UEFA ranking points which could lead to us being seeded in future UEFA competitions plus I would love to see us lift a trophy again.