The Intertoto cup that we won in 2001 obviously doesn’t count then, even though it was administered by the same Uefa that administers all the current European competitions.
Just like football didn’t exist before the Premier league, nor did any older competitions that aren’t current, obviously.
I wonder how the dark side feels now their Fairs cup is being obliterated from history in a similar way?
They’re probably not as concerned as they are about their impending final game against Norwich on Saturday. Not that I’m too bothered. I just thought I’d throw it in, in case anyone doesn’t know the predicament they’re in and might fancy a bit of a laugh.
Anyway, I haven’t really said much about our Conference league exploits because I’m simply not knowledgeable enough about European football. I’ll watch it occasionally for a big game, as I did last night, but generally I don’t bother and am loathe to talk about European teams for fear of making myself look a mug, which in fairness, is already not too difficult.
And the same is true of Olympiacos. Except I do know one thing about them. I’m not really inclined to call the Greek league a joke, but the reality is there are a couple of Greek teams that very often feature in the Champion’s league and tonight’s opponents are one of them.
I’m quite surprised they never achieved qualification for this year’s competition, but they did make the Europa league, only to be relegated to face us.
Which all in all makes them tough opponents.
Squad news and the big one is that Martinez is suspended for receiving three yellows. Anyone else think is timewasting is becoming a bit tedious and more costly to the team than playing the game and not getting suspended?
Whatever it’s okay, because Olsen will replace him, which is fine because according to Unai “the team trust him and believe in him”.
Hmm, colour me not in the slightest bit convinced about that, but I’ll go with it. Not that there’s any choice. In fairness, his hamstring issue might have kept Emi out anyway and if that’s still affecting him, the rest can only help, you would think.
Tielemens and Moreno are out, but Zaniolo might be available, which is a good thing, because I feel he’s better suited to a more European game at this stage of his Villa career. If he stays with us, that is.
Olympiacos don’t seem to be in too bad shape regading injureis from what I can see, but defender Andrea Ntoi and midfielder Giorgos Masouras are both suspended for tonight’s first leg.
Thoughts then and it’s difficult, isn’t it?
As per, I’m predicting nothing, but the truth is over 2 legs, I’m not feeling confident. There’s no reason for it at all, other than just a hunch. I was chatting to a Manc who likes a bet and I said that if anything, I’d put my money on a draw for tonight.
Ultimately, I just think a lot depends on which Villa turn up. If we play well and our defence can keep it together, we’re more than capable of winning. And we do seem to be dveloping a bit of a knack of not losing, even when not playing well.
Here’s to nervously hoping. We need to take advantage of being at home ffor this leg.
UTV!
I’m happy being not too confident.
It hasn’t done us too much harm this season.
My main concern is the injury impact on our midfield and not having our inspirational goalkeeper.
Team news then Olsen, Cash, Konsa, Lenglet, Digne, McGinn, Luiz, Rogers, Bailey, Diaby, Watkins.
Pretty much our strongest available team with Lenglet coming in for Torres and Bailey for Tielemans over the starting XI against Chelsea.
Carlos and Torres on the bench together with Duran and good to see Zaniolo there as well – after that only Iroegbunam has any experience – the rest being kids!
Not a lot Emery can do to liven it up if we stutter as against Chelsea.
Like you Badger, I don’t really feel that confident particularly facing Podence who has history at VP – thought we’d seen the back of him 🙂
UTV
Villa: Olsen , Cash, Konsa, Lenglet, Digne, D. Luiz, McGinn, Bailey, Rogers, Diaby, Watkins.
Villa subs: Gauci (GK), Wright (GK), D. Carlos, Pau, Zaniolo, Duran, Iroegbunam, Kesler-Hayden, Munroe, Kellyman, Young.
You beat me to it!
Heh, it’s always good to have back up Hitch.
Emery just seemed to say any changes are only to use players, so not any real issues.
I was also thinking the bench looks a bit weak, fwiw. That might tell, bu I’m not convinced they’re going to be running themselves into the ground tonight.
Nice evening for it!
Hope we do well as I have two daughters and a granddaughter at the game – for all of them it will be their first European night – not bad being a semi-final to boot.
I remember those heady European nights when I was a season ticket holder!
Let’s hope it’s a good first game then, eh?
I’ve got the collie wobbles Badger normally I’m cool and collected, me and the wife are waiting for the kick off and that’s a first as the wife is an Emmerdale fan but Villa take centre stage tonight. Two games tonight as Chelsea and Tottenham play at 19-30 and it’s important for us . God Villa
Make it our day please . Vtid .
Ooh. I’m turning over for a bit then.
Cheers for the Spuds heads up.
Just as important as our semi final is Chelsea v Spurs. A Chelsea win would be brilliant and leave a 7 point gap with them only having one game in hand. Unfortunately, I can see Spurs winning as they have more at stake.
As for Villa, I’m not confident either. A 2 goal lead minimum is needed for the second leg. Their fans are more intimidating than most so we can’t allow them any big advantage.
We are massively low in options off the bench and I’m hoping as much as the win, that we don’t suffer any injuries tonight.
Chelsea goal yippee
Yep, confirmed after loads of VAR bollox.
That early save will do Olsen good confidence wise.
Bailie nets, but it’s not given.
This is going badly.
A marginal disallowed goal and the opposite at the other end.
Olympiacos take the lead.
Dodgy offside, imo.
Someone remind me who owns the club?
Are you suggesting VAR is frightened of the Forest owner?
Either that or he’s used a brown paper bag.
It was the Manc that I mentioned who suggested that’s what he was worried about for this game.
Not beyond the Greeks generally.
Our final pass is poor.
Shit.
Well there you go and we are out!
Total inability to pass the ball and hold onto it. Team know our midfield is weak and they are blocking off are passing channels.
Too many injured players.
That looks like 2 and it’s all over already, by the looks of it.
I hope we don’t implode the way Pool have done.
We’re f***ed.
Time to concentrate on 4th
Looks like your hunch was right Badger, we’re f**king awful.
They play direct with pace, we tippy tappy around our own box.
Absolute dross.
We are architects of our own downfall. Midfield can’t win or retain possession.
Officials and VAR hate English teams! No decisions going our way again.
How is that not a yellow for the foul on Bailey?
Wow!
This is like watching a game from the 80’s with us being the continental team over playing it and them like an English side just going for the jugular.
I hope someone goes for the juggler, because this ref’s a clown!
I’ll get me coat…
Sounds like we’re being royally screwed, having just tuned in a read your comments…
And, once again we’re playing the referee as well.
How is that not a pen???