I probably should be, but am not, anywhere near as nervous about tonight’s game as I was on Saturday.
A 2-1 advantage shouldn’t really make me feel so confident, but given that we played quite poorly, especially in the first half, yet still managed to win, I’m just not particularly worried.
I think the biggest plus for us is Gayle not being able to play and although Jimmy Shan insists that Albion have very good attacking options, I just don’t think their attack will be equal to ours.
Squad-wise we’re all good and the only questions are about who Dean Smith wans to start.
The team mostly picks itself, but there are doubts about Whelan and Adomah being in the eleven.
Although many are calling for Hourihane to start after his decent performance on Saturday, it wouldn’t surprise me if Whelan starts again. That might puzzle some of you, but an away game, where the opposition surely have to come at us, probably suits Whelan better, as he’s much better defence-wise.
Of course there’s always the argument that attack is the best means of defence and Hourihane is easily the better option if we’re going to go all out.
Adomah was poor, but I’m not convinced Green did enough to warrant a start over him and I think the youngster is better as a backup, brought on to attack tiring legs.
Anyway, I’m looking forward to a more open game, although Albion need to be careful they don’t open up too much.
I just think we’ll certainly have enough about us to not lose by two goals, which means I think we’ll be going through.
If we get the first goal, it’ll probably be all over.
But then, if they score first, that’ll make a real game of it.
I can see a 1-1 draw, but I’m going to go for a win.
2-1 to us.
Here’s hoping. UTV!
Extra time?
Just got in and seen the score. You may have noticed my recent posts were on the negative / cautious side after the home leg. I had a feeling this would happen…the boys need to find the spirit that saw them snatch points at the death so many times this season. Those points got them to this point right now. Need another huge push to get over the line. I knew the baggies wouldn’t just roll over. Over confidence is practically a sin in football, always asking for trouble…
Rodriguez off. No recognised striker then.
Playing for pens?
Logic says we should win with them down to 10, but who knows?
I’m bricking it now.
Me too. I’m glad I’m not watching it… 😣
Kodjia on for El Ghazi.
Pens in mind for us too?
89% possession and we’ve done very little with it, imo.
Listening to 5 Live. Sounds like the nerves have got to the team. Over thinking it and making errors. If that’s not pressure and nerves, I don’t know what is…we’ve got 90% possession in extra time. Can we break them down? A long range special maybe?
Not really creating anything. Penalties – a lottery and that is what Albion are playing for. We need to go all out.
we’re bottling it and only hope now is workrate.
please god, no pens.
Davis on for Elmohamady.
If it does go to pens, surely we’d be favourites?
Ermmmm
Abraham had a bad game today, this is shoot outs.
I dont fancy Speer v Johnstone as penalty stoppers.- something last gasp please. Villa nominate one player not to take a pen to make it 10 each.
That’s easy.
Taylor.
He’s dogshit.
Jedinak on for tuanzebe.
Clever.
Don’t fancy this
Penalties it is then
Jedi to take first one! OMG…
Have faith
Pens it is then.
Whatever happens now, I hate it.
Same here. We deserve nothing I’m afraid and they will feel favourites now they’ve got to pens. They probably have the best keeper but here we go.
Forget talent and ability now. Who’s got the biggest balls. Get the calipers out…
I think we’re f***ed.