Let me say from the off that I’m sure most of you know I’ve never really believed in conspiracies and corruption in the game to much of an extent, but after last week’s debacle, I’m rapidly changing my mind.
Hence I have no doubt in my mind that we won’t get a result tonight and the absolute truth is that I don’t even know if I’m bothered. A big part of me is saying that I don’t really want to win a competition that seems as though it’s full of bent referees and bent owners too.
The trouble is, I’m now worried that corruption has also spread as high as the Champion’s league, particularly after the game between Real and Bayern. Now correct me if I’m wrong, but I’m sure I saw the VAR twice and all it showed was a white shaded area with a player’s silhouette compared to the line. Yet it didn’t show the defender that it was supposed to be comparing to, hence it could have been anywhere on the pitch.
What on earth is that supposed to prove and how is it transparent?
And it all makes me think, now the doubt is in my mind, that it was just further confirmation that the game is now corrupt at the very highest level.
I said a few weeks back that football is now seemingly all about entertainment and what draws the crowds, as opposed to being a genuine sport played on any sort of playing field, let alone a level one and I now think we’re just seeing more evidence of it as time goes on.
My meaningless rant over and onto squad news.
The only real news is that Martinez is back in the squad, but it’s not at all certain that he will prove fit. I sincerely hope he is, as while I don’t particularly blame him for last week, I don’t believe the defence has much faith in Olsen and nor do I.
Coincidently, I was talking about him to an Everton fan and guess what? Olsen played for them too and he was also rubbish there.
As for Olympiacos, I’ve looked for team news on their part and can’t find any.
What to think then?
Well, I think everything is conspiring against us and I just don’t see a win, let alone us doing enough to win the tie.
The only saving grace is that we dominated possession and chances last time out, but I’m on a bit of a roll here, having very little faith in us in the first leg and giving a major hint of my thoughts in the Brighton preview, even if I didn’t outright say I thought we’d lose.
Ah, go on, I’ll make a prediction here, as I’m really not bothered about jinxing us either way for this game.
I think we might scrape a draw, but I think it’s more likely to be a loss, 1-2.
UTV!
I can hardly believe that I’m really not too bothered about this one.
I’ve always said Silverware is all that counts 🙁
Martinez is fit and Carlos and Torres are back.
Martinez (GK); Konsa, D. Carlos, Pau, Digne; Cash, D. Luiz, McGinn, Bailey; Diaby, Watkins.
Villa subs: Olsen (GK), Gauci (GK), Lenglet, Duran, Iroegbunam, Kesler-Hayden, Patterson, Munroe, Kellyman, Young.
I just don’t see what Diaby is offering at the moment. I feel like Duran is a better option up front with Bailey and Watkins.
Badger, agree on the conspiracy theory front. I moved to the US 9 years ago this September, and I do love living here, but if anything, it’s opened my eyes to the level of corruption that we thought we were squeaky clean from in the West. It’s everywhere, and it’s sad to see if infiltrate football too. I don’t recall a year where I’ve been so pissed off at the referees for inconsistent and downright weird calls. The only option for me is corruption – not just poor standards… I still want to win tonight – even thought I agree, we likely won’t.
A lot depends on how the game is going Tex, but I suspect Diaby will be hiked so Duran can come on for his threat.
I totally agree Diaby has been poor lately, but we all know what he’s capable of.
Diaby needs to put on a good performance tonight. For the price paid for him I think we would have expected more. If we could get Olise from Palace we would definitely have serious competition if either Diaby or Bailey underperform next season.
As for the game, I don’t think we will win. In fact I think we will lose tonight as well. I hope they can prove me wrong.
Bench look weak. May be a step to far tonight but hope we give it a good go
Is Zaniolo injured?
Here we go!!!!!!
Heart’s pumping already! 😲
It’s much closer than we think. 2 goals up is nowt as we’re all aware!!!
Dream over!
All over
THAT’S BECAUSE THEY DIDN’T FUCKING SHOOT!
Oh…
Unbelievable,.
We’ve looked good too, going forward.
Very tempted to turn it off now, but I won’t.
You won’t score if you don’t shoot! FFS!!! Need to score so f****** shoot!!!
Diaby already wasteful. Konsa isn’t a RB and Cash isn’t a RM! Too many players either not performing or out of position.
Diaby is useless lately and his touch is even worse. Twice already he’s given it away in their box.
Shoot, Diaby, you t***! Just f***** unleash. Stop pissing about around the box! SHOOT!!!
With the amount of goals going in doesn’t that tell you something, there’s no way back now that fat lady can sing her fu*kin head off we still going to lose this .