Openreach finally did what they said and actually did our install. It’s only taken 3 months, but hey, it’s done, so happy days.
My big question now, is will the happy days continue ?
This is without doubt our biggest game in years by some distance and also one of the scariest it you consider how Liverpool were basically dismantled the the newly crowned French champions.
Squad news first and the biggest news is that Marco Asensio is actually allowed to play in this game, even though PSG are his parent club, because of UEFA rules. It seems odd and you have to have slight concerns about a conflict of interests, but I’m happy about it. A player with his European experience should prove invaluable. Donyell Malen and Andreas Garcia were omitted from the Champions league squad due to the limit in new players. Ross Barkley is available and Leon Bailey is still suffering from his paper cut heavy knock. Something’s not right there, I’m sure.
PSG have captain Marquinhos suspended for too many CL yellows and Lee Kang-in is a possible doubt and will be tested at the last minute.
As I said, this is a bit scary, to my mind, but while PSG are many people’s and I think, the bookie’s favourites, but they are by no means invincible. Whereas, we qualified for the knockouts automatically, the Parisians didn’t, for example. When they’re at the top of their game, they pretty much have it all. They press hard, can attack with loads of pace and play with a very high energy. Dembele is a powerful striker who’s really on form and will be a big threat.
But, while I’m making it sound like I’m terrified here, I also think we’re a very decent side that’s on a roll and can also offer a strong threat. I’ve often had the impression that we raise our game for the Champions league and while I don’t like that, it is somewhat understandable and human nature, I guess. Whatever, we will hopefully should be right on it and the lads will surely be giving it all.
And then, we have a cup Grandmaster at the helm who will maybe feel he has something to prove after PSG sacked him even though I heard on the way home that he’d got them 7 trophys in his fairly short tenure there.
I’m struggling to call this one. The atmosphere in the Parc de Prince will be white hot and maybe our biggest enemy tonight. And while I tend to agree that PSG are favourites for this one, you just never know. It’s a cup tie after all and anything can happen. I think if we can keep it to a maximum two goal loss, I think I’d be okay with that. If we can keep it down to a one goal loss, that would leave us with every chance of getting the overall result in an equally white hot atmosphere at Villa Park.
And if we could even nick this, well, along with all Villa fans, I’d be ecstatic.
I’m going for a somewhat hopeful 2-1 loss,
UTV!
Squeaky bum time for me, simple as.
Team news – Asensio on the bench for Villa, Rashford starts
published at 18:52 British Summer Time
18:52 BST
Paris St-Germain v Aston Villa (20:00 BST)
Paris St-Germain XI: Donnarumma, Hakimi (c), Lucas Beraldo, Pacho, Nuno Mendes, Joao Nevez, Vitinha, Fabian Ruiz, Doue, Dembele, Kvaratskhelia.
Subs: Safonov, Tenas, Kimpembe, Goncalo Ramos, Lee, Hernandez, Mayulu, Barcolo, Zaire-Emery, Mbaye.
Aston Villa XI: Martinez, Cash, Konsa, Pau, Digne, McGinn (c), Kamara, Tielemans, Ramsey, Rogers, Rashford.
Subs: Olsen, Proctor, Mings, Disasi, Maatsen, Bogarde, Onana, Barkley, Asensio, Watkins.
Have to admit I don’t half a clue about the result but I am going to say we don’t concede and Ollie comes on to score the winner.
I like your style Gerry.
And thanks for that line-up.
Who’s Proctor? Never heard of him.
Proctor is the U-18s not U-21s goalie. He is the next Martinez, try watching the youth cup s/f penalty shoot out with Manure. A star of the future.
Noted, OLL. Ta.
Oh Gosh, that is a strange line-up. One to soak it up, but possibly a McPhee set piece to be worked. 5 changes on the hour mark, maybe?
If you look at it though, OLL, who would you rather have start?
I don’t think it’s far off our best side.
I actually think I’d have started Mings over Pau for this one, purely fro his ability to chase back quickly, although Pau is obviously the better option for that out ball.
I’m intrigued to see what our tactics are here, but I don’t think we’ll be playing a high line.
Mings in the back 4 and Pau in midfield in place of Ramsey. I would start McGinn over Asensio rather than the other way round.
Definitely squeaky bum time. I just hope we don’t freeze when the game starts. I think a draw or even a one goal loss would be very decent but my head tells me a 2 goal or more loss is more likely.
A low block is probably the way we will set up with Rashford’s pace utilised by Torres and Tielemans passing as our best option.
It’s great to see the future king talking Villa and tactics. He knows his stuff and I fully admire his 2-1 Villa win prediction. Come on lads and do it for Prince William and George. Otherwise it’s off with your heads!
Missed that, but just seen him giving all the players a hug.
I really like him and hope to get to see him on the throne..
Imagine a Villa supporting king as fervent as him!
I am soooooooo nervous.
I’m not enjoying this already.
Taking it easy, while they’re all over us.
And I nearly filled me kecks then, as I thought that was a pen at first glance.
It’s so tense. We’re settling into the game slowly. What the hell was Cash’s yellow for???
This is going to be a tough watch
Agreed but i wouldn’t be suprised at a Villa goal against the run of play!
No idea why the commentary guys are celebrating the PSG stats this year. It’s like waxing lyrical about Celtic!
I AM MYSTIC BUM BUM!!!!!!!!
Get the fuck in.
That’s what we’re trying to do!
1-0!
Chesty!!!!!! What did i just say lads!!!!!!
Ah, shit.
Great goal though, in fairness.
We stopped closing them down
Who would have thought that after the first 15 mins
I’ll take that, but something needs to change because if the way it’s gone contimues, they’ll get another couple at least.
The worrying part is, while I see the sense in what I’m seeing, if we step it up and try and get the ball more, we’re likely to lose it and give them possession.
And if that happens, we’re even more likely to concede.
Come on Unai, see what I’m not seeing.
Same again, Badger. If we attack them, we create space and they’ll pick us off. Same again.
Told ya. 😔
That was a tough watch. We look so out of our depth but somehow are on level terms. I think it will be a miracle if we can get something when the full time whistle blows.
Another gutsy performance needed second half but concentration levels will be difficult to maintain.
Correct, Holte.
Xxxx
Is that you kissing our arses goodnight, Sid? 😏
Their Kysvelskisksisksi is some player. Ouch!
😆
Ramos would’ve took him out by now, Bum Bum. And I don’t mean for a meal.
And so it begins.
Great goal that and I’m gutted.
Try and keep it as it is, is the best we can hope for, imo.
F***** ell. Get Cashy back on.