Nottingham Forest v Aston Villa Pre-Match Thread

[Rigadon]

I'm strangely calm and confident.  Perhaps this will change once the game gets closer, but at the moment there is a zen-like vibe in the Rigadon household. 

[Grumpy]

I am literally shitting my monks

[TaxDodger]

Just fucking draw. Draw and we'll do it at home.

[Dave]

I'm strangely calm and confident.  Perhaps this will change once the game gets closer, but at the moment there is a zen-like vibe in the Rigadon household. 

Same. I think it's the two-legged thing, as unless we end up on the end of a hammering that I don't think will happen, then we go back to VP knowing what we need to do.

Unless we have a Bologna-style first leg lead though, I imagine the panic will set in next week.

[Nev]

I've been nervous all week but not this morning although that is influenced by a catastrophic hangover.

[Richard E]

Nick Mashiters take on it for BBC Sport

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/articles/ckgegjz4xd0o

Do you think this guy has some money on Forest?

Another 'local' reporter who doesn't like Villa. Did he mention Martinez leaving?

Ex Express and Star. Probably a bitter, relegation haunted Dingle.

[LeeB]

Nick Mashiters take on it for BBC Sport

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/articles/ckgegjz4xd0o

Do you think this guy has some money on Forest?

Another 'local' reporter who doesn't like Villa. Did he mention Martinez leaving?

Ex Express and Star. Probably a bitter, relegation haunted Dingle.

Yeah that would explain it, the tone put me in mind of the 'Sally from Coronation Street' haired Bill Howell.

[PaulWinch again]

Time we turned up in one of these games. If we do we’ll win.

[tomd2103]

Time we turned up in one of these games. If we do we’ll win.

Yep, third semi-final in three seasons and didn't show up at all in the previous two.  Not showing up when it really matters is probably a justified criticism that can be levelled at this group of players over the past couple of seasons, but hopefully they can deliver over the next four games.

[Clampy]

I have it on good authority that some are already on light refreshments in the Troca.

[Villa Lew]

I would like to think, we'll put the tie to bed tonight, sadly I think there's more a chance the tie will end up going to extra time or dare I say pens, which would not be great for my old ticker.

[Mellin]

Time we turned up in one of these games. If we do we’ll win.

Yep, third semi-final in three seasons and didn't show up at all in the previous two.  Not showing up when it really matters is probably a justified criticism that can be levelled at this group of players over the past couple of seasons, but hopefully they can deliver over the next four games.

I can understand Olympiakos. We were completely flat lining and the result at the Emirates was a minor miracle, as was Duran against Liverpool.  Palace was all us though. We were flying, practically full strength, and to serve that up wasn't good enough.

[Mellin]

I would like to think, we'll put the tie to bed tonight, sadly I think there's more a chance the tie will end up going to extra time or dare I say pens, which would not be great for my old ticker.

Fuck that. I'd back Martinez all day, but fuck that.

West Brom 🤢🤢🤢

[LeeB]

Another small but important point to make regarding the game the other week that we should have won comfortably is that we lost Martinez just before kick off, so we'll be already stronger than we were then.

(Providing he doesn't repeat the trick)

[kippaxvilla2]

If I work on the basis that it is going to be at least 31 years then I am at peace with myself and anything above that is a bonus.