11 Comments on TODAY’S BIG DEBATE: Is MON wrong to leave half the first team at home for UEFA Cup clash?

Gordon on Wed, 25th Feb 2009 11:03


I think it is a huge mistake, all eggs in one basket, we seem to chuck every competition. If we get through it will be a July start again. Whats the point. I want to hear MON say he is going all out for second place to ensure we dont waste more money for who are yoa games.
Gutted.
My brother is life long vvilla fan and lives in Istanbul. spare a thought Martin..

BBB on Wed, 25th Feb 2009 11:34


If the first team had been able to make more of an impression on the CSKA side at Villa Park, it’s a fair bet the team being sent out to Moscow would have been a stronger one.

As it stands, we need to at least score to go through. In adverse conditions, in a freezing Moscow on a plastic playing surface. It’s an uphill battle all the way.

We know we have an unprecedented opportunity to break into the Champion’s League places this season. Do we risk our much-needed first team players in such conditions, when the odds are already stacked against us, or do we rest them in preperation for a final push in the league? We already know several first teamers (Barry, Milner, Heskey, Davies) are carrying knocks, and some are in need of a rest (Gabby, Petrov).

Add to that the fact that Moscow had us well scouted at Villa Park. Changing things around may actually give us an advantage. Zico knew all about Young and Gabby – will he know enough about Delfouneso, Albrighton and Bannan to adequately prepare his (still not competitively match fit) team? Plus there are still players in that squad with plenty to prove – Shorey, Sidwell, Guzan, Gardner, Carew, Harewood – and we only need a single goal to win the tie. Don’t discount the nature of Cup football. Remember how Doncaster and QPR caused us problems. In a knock out competition, the unknown can be a big, big factor. Don’t write us off just yet.

southernvillain on Wed, 25th Feb 2009 12:40


I read the squad on the official site yesterday and was absolutely flabbergasted. I thought we had a really good chance of going through by winning or scoring two out there.

Having thought about it a bit more, I completely understand MON’s thinking and point of view. It will also prove to be a highly valuable experience for some of the younger players and just imagine what it would do for them if they actually went out there and got a result?

I’m disappointed still that we’re not going for this cup as much as I thought we would at the start of the season, but looking at our position – I understand why.

Guys – MON has basically told us that we are going all out, all guns blazing for making sure we finish 4th! He’ll have no doubt made the plaers well aware that we cant let this season wither away into disappointment. 4th guys, CL football and hopefully some really high quality signings in the summer.

I’m sure we’ll make it, and when we do, we wont look back at this.

Simon Preston on Wed, 25th Feb 2009 12:48


I reckon MON’s put all his eggs into one basket and is focusing everything on a top 4 finish. I can see why fans that have paid good money to travel to support Villa are feeling like they’ve been kicked in the teeth. After all, I certainly wouldn’t want to pay some £100 on travel, another £100 on a hotel, probably another hundred on booze just to see a reserve match.
However, look at the other side of it. Villa still have a small squad. We simply don’t have the ability to challenge on many fronts like Utd or Chelsea do. If we do then we’ll be knackered out and our league finish is surely under threat. A top 4 finish would mean a massive influx of cash from CL TV rights and and makes us a team highly desirable for players to want to go to. Which in the long term is what will make us a stronger, world class side.

Lets just hope we finish strongly now.

Just a side note: I’m sick of O’Neill being criticised. He’s the best manager we’ve had in years for gawds sake! He WILL bring us silverware to Villa Park. Certainly not instantly. But I’d rather a side established their success and built a reputation that they could keep up challenges year on year rather than just a one year of glory then crashing out very quickly (Leeds anyone?)

Timmy on Wed, 25th Feb 2009 13:32


I think if we dont make Champions League next season (forget aiming for 4th, we want 2nd or 3rd) there is a strong chance we will lose Bazza and maybe even Ashley and Gabi.

When you add all the other advantages of being in the Champions League, eg oodles of cash and being able to attract big names, the UEFA Cup is not a priority.

Anyways the team going to Russia is going to win. UTV

Martin Banks on Wed, 25th Feb 2009 13:46


Timmy, I like your confidence for the Russian game and your ambition in aiming for 4th.

BUT…. Gabby won’t be leaving the Villa if we don’t get 4th.

Barry… most likely
Young… maybe
Gabby… NO CHANCE! He’s a true claret and blue!

Mart

James I on Wed, 25th Feb 2009 20:14


the freezing conditions alone exacerbate the potential for injury, never mind the fact that it is a plastic pitch. BEsides, some players deserve a decent run out – Marlon Harewood, for the fact he didn’t leave in January, and Delfeunso, who has been one of our top (if not actually top) scorers in this competition. Add to that the fact that we are miles away from silverware in the UEFA cup – we are in the last 32. That’s the fourth round in the FA cup, with two-legged ties until the final. It really isn’t worth the gamble, but gave us decent European experience.

Stop whinging, and wait to see what happens. UTV

Dr Gonzo on Thu, 26th Feb 2009 1:06


Does anyone know anywhere to stream the game from the net?

Martin Banks on Thu, 26th Feb 2009 6:31


Try here mate, but also check back on AVB near to kick as I will be running a quick post with a link to a stream.

Mart

Sam England on Thu, 26th Feb 2009 9:53


1st thought, yes he is right, if top 4 is the target.. however we played so hard and did so well last year to get in the uefa cup and now hearing all this talk suggesting “Villa aren’t interested in the cup” is a bit dishartening – But I still think we’ve got a good chance, we’re taking a good back 4, lets have some faith in our other players…
Even if we don’t win tonight or end up fourth – lets remember, we’ve had a cracking season – lets not get branded as “Thickle fans” we’ve got some top class players, and our players are playing better than most of us would have predicted … Just really want us to come 4th (or even 3rd)

*** COME ON THE VILLA ****** COME ON THE VILLA ****** COME ON THE VILLA ****** COME ON THE VILLA ****** COME ON THE VILLA ***

hitman83 on Thu, 26th Feb 2009 11:23


MON has done the right thing. Although winning the UEFA Cup would be amazing, who’s to say our first team would get the result there…? At least MON is sending players that will be off of Zico’s radar. As the saying goes, ‘BEWARE THE UNKOWN’

Tell me what you're thinking...
and oh, if you want a pic to show with your comment, go get a gravatar!