Basel vs Aston Villa Pre-Match Thread

[eye digress]

With our home record we'd definitely prefer being home second in every round. Last season showed how big a difference it made against PSG.

Not the most convincing example, to be honest!

We won 3-2

Yes. But the question is whether playing the return leg at home has a beneficial impact on the outcome of the tie. We probably all instinctively agree that it does, or that we would prefer it. But in the PSG example, we lost the tie.

The broader question being, to what extent is securing home advantage in the return legs through to the final worth using minutes in the legs of first teamers?

[Garyth]

The broader question being, to what extent is securing home advantage in the return legs through to the final worth using minutes in the legs of first teamers?

I personally think it's over-stated.

The real benefit is being able to judge early whether to start second-string players in the second leg (and/or sub them on earlier in the first leg if you're up by 2+ goals). If you're away in the 2nd leg you kind of have to start a strong team even if you're well ahead in the tie, just to ensure the home team doesn't get any momentum.

[Brend'Watkins]

Rogers will play.

[Somniloquism]

I'm sure stats back up that it is better to play second match at home. Still no guarantee of course but it wouldn't be offered if not beneficial.

[LeeB]

I'm sure stats back up that it is better to play second match at home. Still no guarantee of course but it wouldn't be offered if not beneficial.

If it goes to extra time and penalties, you'd prefer that at home as well.

[Ads]

Reliably informed these are a pretty moody bunch. Be interesting to see what happens tomorrow night.

Bizot

Cash
Konsa
Lindelof
Digne

Bogarde
Onana

Sancho
Buendia
Rogers

Malen

[eamonn]

Moodier than Young Lads ?

[cdbearsfan]

Roger Federer supports them and they used to be married to Prunella Scales (RIP). Don't know much else about them. They're currently third in the Swiss League, one point above Young Twats.

[Sexual Ealing]

Lots of big pharma headquarters there I think. More of a small pharma man myself.

[eye digress]

Oh yes.

Nice town though, in that gilded Swiss frontalier way. Good river for swimming.

[Nev]

I made a tit of myself during the Woolwich game by loudly pronouncing that we had 7 days break until the next game during some of the subs, totally forgetting about this match. In my defence I had a heavy cold......

....which I still have and can't shake off but sympathy is rather thin on the ground along the lines of "you were well enough to go down the Villa".

Anyway, without wishing to temp fate, this feels like something of a routine game which makes me guilty for not appreciating what we have but this is where we want to be. The Manager is clear about this, and his selection will reflect his approach as we navigate our way through the season. The league format has done for the jeopardy at this stage of European competition which would explain the seemingly run of the mill nature of the fixture but the blood will still be pumping come kick off, and I'll undoubtedly still be blowing my hooter every 10 minutes.

0-2

[dorsetvillian]

Sat at a very quiet Bristol Airport awaiting a flight to Zurich before train to Basel tomorrow.

[dorsetvillian]

You certainly were very vocal Sat Nev. The ref was really getting some abuse...