Olympiacos v Villa Pre-match Thread

[Dogtanian]

It’s always darkest before the dawn. 

[john e]

I’m in the camp of going for it best we can with what we have

But the fatigue thing isn’t going to change for our remaining three fixtures, so we need to find something from somewhere

We came back from Lille after playing extra time and three days later looked really fresh against Bournemouth
We had a weeks rest before Chelsea and looked knackered they ran the rings around us and we couldn’t get the ball off them. We were second best on the day but still got a point which was great.

So it’s not an exact science, I’ve always thought it’s a convenient excuse whenever you play badly to blame it on tiredness,, I’ve said before winning teams don’t look leggy losing teams always look tired
But I’ve been swayed just lately, especially after Brighton

But if you guys that believe we are totally knackered are correct, there’s not a lot we can do we’re gonna be fucked for the rest of the season

[Ben1505p]

Would you start Duran up top with Watkins playing in behind him? Duran can't be tired....

[itmustbe_it is!]

I’m still a believer , mate

[Demitri_C]

Bailey looked exhausted at end of game when he threw his shirt to a villa fan

I think starting rodgers  bailey and diabs most weeks now is probably not helping their fitness.  Maybe rotating between them may have helped with fatigue but its hard when you have limited experienced options. Sometimes it works sometimes it doesn't.  Lewis miley being a example of one that has worked

[Nev]

Win 2-0 in normal time.

Win on penalties.

[Ben1505p]

Win 2-0 in normal time.

Win on penalties.

I think we'll concede, 3-1 win for me... need Emi in goal for penalties

[London Villan]

We have to do something to have more control in midfield. Hopefully, Tielemans will be back, but failing that we need three proper midfielders in there. How we do that with the injuries we have, I'm not sure.

Unai doesn't trust Tim, Chambers isn't in the squad, could Torres play as a 6 or a sweeper-type player?

It's going to take something imaginative to turn this around - it can be done and I'm sure Emery will come up with a plan...

[ADVILLAFAN]

Win 2-0 in normal time.

Win on penalties.

I think we'll concede, 3-1 win for me... need Emi in goal for penalties

Saw footage of a GK deliberately slipping over when taking a goalkick the other day, to waste time.

Hope Emi was taking notes.

[Ben1505p]

Theodore Theodoridis, the general secretary of UEFA is/was on the board at Olympiacos... i'm sure we'll get a fine, impartial referee for the game....

[VillaTim]

------- Olsen --------
KKH Lenglet DC Moreno
-- Luiz --- Irogbunam-
McGinn --------- Zaniolo
--- Duran -- Diaby -----

[Ben1505p]

------- Olsen --------
KKH Lenglet DC Moreno
-- Luiz --- Irogbunam-
McGinn --------- Zaniolo
--- Duran -- Diaby -----

So we're throwing the game?

[TelfordVilla]

------- Olsen --------
KKH Lenglet DC Moreno
-- Luiz --- Irogbunam-
McGinn --------- Zaniolo
--- Duran -- Diaby -----

This has to be the worst available 11 you could pick. I take it you are wanting to throw this match and concentrate on the league.
Completely the wrong thought.
4th place is already secured. We should go ad strong as possible in this tie and get to the final. Its definitely do-able

[Ben1505p]

Also , winning the game and getting through gives a feel good factor to the players and fans for the Liverpool game... throwing the game sends all the wrong messages and I'd be amazed if that's on Unai's mind... of course we could go full tilt and still go out but we should at least try....

[Paul.S]

------- Olsen --------
KKH Lenglet DC Moreno
-- Luiz --- Irogbunam-
McGinn --------- Zaniolo
--- Duran -- Diaby -----

Who’s playing in that big hole between McGinn and Zaniolo?