Well, isn’t astonishing how we can go from having one of the lesser injury crises in the Premier League, to then having a completely wiped out midfield in the space of around two weeks – granted you’ll all probably say, “not really”.
Football fans have a strong tendency to overreact, but it is fair to say that a call for reinforcements in the middle of the park is not an overreaction, and, as per, journalists have taken advantage of this and transfer rumours have done the rounds in the last few days.
It appears that Tammy Abraham will be first through the door in a return that seems to be anticipated by the fans, as I think a lot have effectively given up on Watkins now, despite his goal in Tyneside. It’s interesting, because I actually thought he led the line quite well, but I have received a lot of criticsm for adopting that opinion, mostly on X. As confirmed by top journalists, including Fabrizio Romano, Aston Villa have agreed upon a fee of around £18 million for the English striker. To be honest, it is one of them where you cannot really put your finger on it until you see him in Watkins position, but, given that he was instrumental in our promotion to the Premier League scoring over 20 goals, I am willing to give him the time he needs to re-adjust to the Premier League stage, and I am hoping that he provides reasonable competition for Watkins.
The other one, one that a lot of people called as soon as our injury crisis landed, is the return of Douglas Luiz. I actually think this is really smart business – at a point of the season where we are looking to avoid losing sight of Man City and Arsenal, I don’t think we have time to allow a player in our current most depleted part of the pitch to adjust, and, given that Dougie has played in an Unai Emery system before, with pretty much the same group of players, he should be okay to fit straight into the midfield, travelling under an hour from Nottingham to Birmingham. This deal also includes an option to buy, which I think is another bout of decent business from our recruiment team, it’s the best possible scenario in a loan deal.
Overall, I think we’ve done all we can, with the Premier League and UEFA constantly on our backs – not that I can be bothered to discuss that. We have filled some gaps that needed to be filled and provided reasonable contention with a striker who will always be remembered at this football club.
As for Thursday’s game, I’m debating whether to even purchase my ticket, but with the demand for away tickets I am thinking they may use Europa Home Games as part of the required criteria, so I may just purchase it to ensure my eligiblity to travel around the continent for the knockout stages, although, I am hoping we draw Forest in order to secure a cheap away day whilst adding a Europa game to my reference, ready for, hopefully, Champions League next season. I was hoping that Abraham would be available for selection, but it’s looking more a more unlikely – I wonder what is preventing him from being announced? I think we will rotate, but I do think this should be a sound victory, and I am going to go 2-0, and hopefully that will mean we have the home draw second in the Round of 16.
UTV.
Lille (18th) or Crvena Zvezda (15th) in the round of 16.
Never heard of the latter side but we have to be aware of hidden banana skins!
That looks a favourable draw.
Juve after Guessand. Could be a swap deal in the offing if Dougie Mk2 impresses?
Did anyone see his massive smile posing with Emery? I think he’s effing thrilled to be back!!!!
If/when Onana is/gets injured, would a Buendia and Luiz pairing work?
Lost a lot of respect for Onana after that interview…Is he good enough to be wanted at a ‘World Class’ side? 🤨
Crvena Zvezda.
Commonly known to us oldies as Red Star Belgrade, Hitch.
Cheers although I got a bit confused whether the draw had been made for Silver / Orange groupings
That’s a bit of a classic draw!
Onana probably should think about playing 10 games in a row before justifying his claim for a Real Madrid or similar. Reminds me of the links between Gerrard and Pool when he joined us. It’s noticeable how many players think they are better than us, and when they leave there career nosedives.
Hitch, Where has your info come from?
I’ve been looking at the Europa cup website and can’t work it out.
Meanwhile Chat GPT gives this and the source is Flashscore, 3 hours ago.
“Their specific opponent is not yet known — it will be one of the winners from the knockout play-off round (e.g., winners of Lille vs Crvena Zvezda or PAOK vs Celta Vigo).”
I definitely saw a draw with us on the Orange side and I thought I found it on the EUFA site but having gone back on I can’t find it. I’ve been trying to find out draw dates but can’t find that either so I’m definitely confused!
I’ll keep looking.
This is really weird – the draw date is not until 27th February so where that came from I don’t know but IF we end on the Orange side of the draw I’ll be mighty suspicious!
Anyway big apologies for misleading information given in good faith.
50 press ups as a punishment please Hitch!!!!
They may have posted prematurely. The pathways are always worked out beforehand.
Had to give up after one Bum Bum 🫣
Romano has said Hoffenheim have asked about taking Rory Wilson on load with an option for £6 million.
Loan, maybe but this kid scores goals, 44 in 67, so I hope we don’t sell him.
Actually I’d like to see him get some playing time.
£6m sounds very cheap in today’s markets.
As I understand it, a lot of clubs are interested in Wilson.
Interesting that Villa appear to put a higher value on Jimoh-Aloba.
And now Madjo and Alysson come in – interesting dynamics.
Jimoh-Aloba looking likely to be loaned out to Albion.
Back to the club we took him from?
I’m not sure sending him to a club struggling in the Championship is a good idea!
It’s game time and experience…
Sorry don’t think that will happen, Jimoh-Aloba needs to learn our way of playing not Albion’s way, I think he will get bench time from now on. If you recall loaning out players generally leads to sales, Time will tell .
Into the second half and Chelsea down 2-0 to West Ham. Every little helps
West Ham lost it on more watts than one. Crazy behaviour.
Chelsea and Pool winning puts extra importance on us getting 3 points tomorrow.