Ajax vs Aston Villa - Conf League Last 16 1st leg pre match

[eamonn]

Can anyone dig-out the match thread from 2008 last time we played this lot? Had a quick search but looks like it might be on an earlier version of the forum. It would be interesting to see who was still posting then.

[olaftab]

Currently delayed at Heathrow on what was the 10.00am flight now showing 13.15. 

AMS is the worst airport in Europe for weather delays.

[olaftab]

Currently delayed at Heathrow on what was the 10.00am flight now showing 13.15.

Bet you're glad you're going a day early!

Yeah. Seemingly foggy both here and over there. Wouldn't want to be chancing it tomorrow. And sat in the lounge so not all bad.

I was going to suggest the oysters and champagne bar but as usually you are doing it nicely

[Brazilian Villain]

Currently delayed at Heathrow on what was the 10.00am flight now showing 13.15. 

AMS is the worst airport in Europe for weather delays.

No, that's CDG.

[Brazilian Villain]

Can anyone dig-out the match thread from 2008 last time we played this lot? Had a quick search but looks like it might be on an earlier version of the forum. It would be interesting to see who was still posting then.

I think Legion predicted a 2--0 away win.

[paul_e]

I think Amsterdam Airport is great, I fly through there about 20 times a year and other than some delays with the remodelling recently I've never had any problems. CDG, Heathrow and Frankfurt are far worse and are the 3 I try to avoid whenever possible.

[darren woolley]

I can see us winning the First Leg 2-1.

[Border villan]

Is a presser from Unai expected before the match?

[TonyD]

I think Amsterdam Airport is great, I fly through there about 20 times a year and other than some delays with the remodelling recently I've never had any problems. CDG, Heathrow and Frankfurt are far worse and are the 3 I try to avoid whenever possible.

I flew into Amsterdam last year and had to queue for an hour to get through passport control. 
Only one person stamping. 
Really ate into my drinking time. 

[Andy_Lochhead_in_the_air]

Can anyone dig-out the match thread from 2008 last time we played this lot? Had a quick search but looks like it might be on an earlier version of the forum. It would be interesting to see who was still posting then.

I think Legion predicted a 2--0 away win.

ONeillandLernerforever on 23rd October 2008 at 08:05:35 pm
Martin and Randy is a match made in heaven that is going to see us have a decade of dominance in the Champions League very soon. Looking at the team tonight I think he should have rested Laursen and Barry though.

[usav]

Is a presser from Unai expected before the match?

It's contractually required.

[Bad English]

I always try to avoid Perpignan airport, which is SHITE.

[KevinGage]

Winning (or going far in this competition) helps the English coefficient re that extra CL spot.

So we really could do with winning this tie even if some of our lot think it's just another fixture to fulfil.

Ajax v Aston Villa at the Johan Cruyff Arena feels like a proper European fixture anyway.

The game has sold out n'all. So the natives feel the same way.

[eamonn]

Leon, what a lad!

[KevinGage]

Can't Skip on the Villa:

Intentions of Ajax

Van 't Schip was asked if Ajax will turn up with defensive intentions. One journalist even spoke of 'concrete football'.

"We don't want to give too much away anyway, you never want that," the coach replied. "We mainly want to build on what we are doing. What it will look like also depends on the opponent. They are quite strong, so it could be that we are going to be pushed back. But we will try to be on the ball as much as possible."

Van 't Schip sees the meeting with Aston Villa as a "nice challenge". "You only have to look at their place in the Premier League - they are fourth - to know they are very strong. In a lot of ways, it's just a good team. They are defensively strong and have experience. In addition, they have speed and are dangerous when play restarts. They can be constructive but also very direct. We will have to play very focused. If we lose the ball in places where we are vulnerable, it can become very dangerous."

FA Cup semi-final

During the press moment, Jordan Henderson also chimed in. The Englishman, of course, knows Aston Villa like no other. Does he have another showdown with the Birmingham club that is close to his mind?

"I have played against them 22 times, but the game I remember most is a lost FA Cup semi-final at Wembley. I have won more often than lost when playing them, but that is the one that hurts the most. Funnily enough, defeats always linger longer."

"Against Aston Villa, it is always difficult. That was true as a young Sunderland player and later with Liverpool as well. And it will also be the case tomorrow. I watched Aston Villa on television this week against Luton Town and they are just a very good team. Perhaps one of the teams in Europe with the best form. And I am a fan of the manager: Unai Emery."