So, a recap.
We’ve done very nicely, ta, over our first few games, with a loss at Newcastle, which is no disgrace to say the least and a couple of wins against Everton and Burnley.
So basically, about where we ought to be if we’re being honest.
Now the real tests begin and we face a team, that while currently in decline to my mind, is still a formidable opponent. Well, it’s just Pool away, isn’t it?
They’re never an easy game.
The thing is though, they are weakened when compared to the last decade or even more.
They have a Saudi club wanting to buy Mo Salad, who has basically announced by his silence that he wants to leave for their $2million a week and £150 million offer, which the club have knocked back. Expect them to come back with a £200 million offer and it just confirms that the game is just stupid.
He’s 31, ffs!
Whatever, I don’t see how Pool can account for this and I’ve heard of no replacement in place.
In fact, I personally think Pool are somewhat shellshocked.
I like Klopp, but see his days numbered at Liverpool.
Not that this affects our game tomorrow.
Except it does. This sort of event can totally unsettle everything and I’m hoping that’s happened here.
Squad news and nothing has changed for us, except Martinez will probably be straight back in after his calf twinge.
As for Liverpool, Van Diyk is suspended after his sending off last week and hopefully the inquiry into his abusing the ref will see another couple of games out too.
Curtis Jones is back is training, but Ibrahima Konate and Thiago Alcantara aren’t ready.
Useless fact;
Villa are winless in their last five league visits to Anfield (D1, L4), although only Manchester United and Chelsea have won more Premier League away games against Liverpool than Villa have.
I’m expecting a really good, all out, tactical game here.
Both teams can play at pace, while both defences, if I’m keeping my neutral head on, are prone to errors.
We are going to go for this, because Emery doesn’t do “taking a point”, which is yet another reason why I like him so much.
Let’s not forget;
“The aim of the game is to score more goals than the opponent”
I’m going for a 2-1 result.
The trouble is, I honestly don’t know who’s going to get it and can’t call it.
UTV, while hoping it’s us!
A great little story here for matchday.
https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/66808886
Sid, if Ollie doesn’t think the offer is good enough then whilst Emery rates his workrate, his end product is perhaps not good enough. If Ollie thinks the grass is greener, then it’s his risk but he has to remember he may end up at Fulham. No disrespect to Fulham, but Ollie is not a 20 goal a season player and will he be welcome as first choice at a ‘bigger club’?
Then again all this may just be paper talk, or maybe Emery has his eye on a bigger target considering how bloody good our squad looks currently?
Watch this space…After all, it’s all we can do! …and anyway, let’s get comfy and watch the Poland game!!!! Back early from work unexpectedly so bring it on!!!
Agree with those sentiments. I admire Watkins’ work-rate and overall contribution, but still don’t see him regularly getting 20 PL goals a season. Realistically I think that at 27, going on 28, he’s as good as he’s going to be.
Are Mancs, L’pool or Arsenal going to come in for him? Can’t quite see it myself, although I do remember some links to Arsenal a while back – although they’ve moved up since then in terms of the sort of transfers they’re now going for. Maybe Spurs would be interested…
Anyway, let’s hope this afternoon’s game goes according to plan!
Well no Oli Duran leading the line with 5 changes to the team , this is going to be interesting lads
Duran has a way to go but a positive move and I hope Ollie is really pissed off. He wont get his dream top 6 move if he ain’t playing.
Goal Villa 0-1 legs
1-1 Duran
These lot ain’t a bad outfit
)-:
That 2nd was slack defending…Bit of complacency????
In Canada so can only follow text.
Early days but there is a worrying trend emerging, conceding too many goals in our away games.
So sloppy In defence everyone just standing still or both goals it’s a joke. Will be quite embarrassing if we don’t win this.
2-1 Leg asleep again in defence
A defensive shambles so far with Digne at his worst.
I’m watching TNT sports and the commentary is ahead of the play. Anyone else having the same issue?
Yes, the commentary is about 4 seconds ahead, it makes Robbie Savage sound like a prophet – rather than the dead loss he is!
Oops! I take it back 😏
Who to slate next?
Sorry but this is unreal the way we are playing, we don’t seem to have a clue in what to do . We won’t go far in this competition playing lazy and half soaked attitude. No wanting and sod it play. 2-2 now
Bill – are we being affected by the number of changes made – particularly midfield / defence?
Very much the case Hitchens. Cannot understand bring in Lenglet for a first game with so many other changes. Chambers is not a fullback for the dribble out of the press style Emery favours – he is a thump it upfield man.
Thanks OLL
I admit to being surprised seeing Langlet starting the game.
Emery looks far from happy…
Holte, yeah my audio is out of sync too.
Hilarious game! Enjoy the madness!!! The defending is mental. Like we just have 2 midfields, one behind the other. Duran is pushing for a starting spot. How can u deny that when he’s scoring????
Come on Villa!!! We want a hatfull!!!!
Is Lenglet the late loan from Barca?
Do we play home and away in this competition?
Yep
What???!!! Have we swapped our marvellous defence with the keystone cops or the Mark Brothers????
The A Team coming on!!!
Sounds like Emery needs to make some substitutions in defence / midfield or we’re going to start with a defeat!
They are better dribbling than us , they beat us every time in moves.
Can’t see us rescuing this now so leggy and uninterested. Shame for those away fans having to watch this poor showing. Better turn up against Chelsea or we will get battered playing like this.
I do like the look of Zaniolo. Fight. Talent. Hard worker.
Surprised he hasn’t strengthened the defence with the substitutions.
Watkins first few touches have been awful 😞