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!
Looks like the ref’s been ‘purchased’ from where I’m sitting.
We’re certainly getting none of the decisions.
The team might trust Olsen, but he dosen’t convince me in the slightest.
I don’t like anything about his positioning, for a start.
He just doesn’t look anywhere near a decent goalie to me, but what do I know.
I won’t even mention his average goals conceded.
I have to agree, Badger.
We’re learning that in Europe, English teams are disliked and the European teams use every artifice possible to take advantage of that.
We need to learn a new set of black arts!
This referee is something else! The calls made by him and var have killed is here.
This ref is a fxxxing joke!
That’s a pen and I’ve decided, we ain’t getting a decision from this ref.
OLLIE!!!!!
2-1.
Now tear them a new one!
That’s a stonewall penalty.
Bet VAR don’t even look at it.
Absolutely shit referee and totally bent VAR.
Watkins – F**k the cheating scum
F**k all wrong with the disallowed goal!
Spot on RSS and theirs was offside – if you watch it the player he comes back from an offside position to receive the ball.
Ref and VAR bent as a nine bob note.
Yet even the Coms are saying it was narrowly on, even in the HT analysis?
They must be saying that purely because it was given, but I was wondering what they were talking about as I watched the replays???
Ollliiiieeeeeeee!!!!
Great Olsen save too!!!
Villa need to feed of the injustice and screw these cheats in the second half
Play like that last 5 minutes and we can batter these, even though we’re playing 12 men.
Echoes of Forrest 84?
The referee, officials and VAR clearly biased and corrupt. They seem to get worse with every game we play in Europe. A clear foul on Bailey in the penalty area. Absolute joke! Prince William needs to use his power and get them all locked up in the tower.
On a positive, Chelsea are winning!
We need to attack, attack, attack! Our best hope is to out score them with our poor defence and playing against 12 on the pitch and numerous off it.
Yep, Mutton has it right.
We play better when we play quickly.
The question is, do we have enough energy to sustain it?
Chelsea 2 Spurs 0 🙂
Watching the pen claim again and it’s stonewall.
He takes his leg and chops him across the throat just to make sure.
Someone has had a heart attack, so a small delay.
Stay well mate.
Heart attack in Lower Holte. I know how he feels! Let’s hope the fan is okay.
We know how precarious a 2-0 lead can be!!!!
Come on Villa!!!!!!
Looking to the weekend while the delay is ongoing, if we beat Brighton and Citeh beat Spuds, 4th place is ours!!!!
Really?
I didn’t realise it was that straightforward!
First things first, Bum Bum…
Thought Spuds we playing Pool?
Bailey is hurting them.
What a goal Diaby
YESSS!!!
Fuck you, bent Ref and VAR.
Come on Villa!!!!!
oh, 2-2.