aygee

It's Nigel Spink replacing Jimmy RImmer 9 minutes into the 1982 European Cup final - Spink who was making only his 2nd first team appearance put on a MOTM performance as we went on to win the game 1-0.

No it's not. It's only an early kick off as it got moved on relatively short notice because of the Courteeners gig in Manchester. Not like they'd know about that for months in advance or anything!

I am fine with the idea of it and would certainly have a beer at my seat myself if I could. I don't like the thought of leaving the stadium drenched and smelling of stale Heineken as a result of the 'limbs' from a last minute winner though! Swings and roundabouts.

Not sure I agree with your opening sentence based on everything that's written afterwards Agree it is a huge achievement to be where they are - it will be very interesting to see how the season plays out for them from here

Every time we play this lot I tell myself that law of averages alone suggests we're due one. That being said, I fully expect us to more than hold our own for the first 30-40 minutes, only for them to be awarded a nothing penalty that changes the game and sees them go on to cruise to a 3-0 win. Hope I'm wrong!

I'm going purely because it'll probably be one of the only away games I'll get to do this season until I build my history back up. Not one of the 'same ol' faces' and all that.

Great goal and great celebration - he loved every second of that! Not a fan of the interviewer on Sky saying 'it reminded me of Grealish, with the hair and everything'. No need to mention Jack, just let him enjoy his moment.

What a player we've got here - absolute baller! Hopefully fit enough to start at Old Trafford next week.

Great atmosphere yesterday, I just said in the match thread it was probably the best atmosphere since we played Everton at home in our first season up. You could see some of the subs when warming up where taken aback by it a bit (I sit Lower North), Traore in particular as he won't have experienced a packed out rocking VP before - it was great to see.

Loved it yesterday - probably the best atmosphere at VP since Everton at home in our first season back up! VP really is a sight to behold in an evening kick off where the team are playing well. Unbelievable cameo from Bailey and I thought Cash, Mings and Nakamba were all excellent too. Not sure why Martinez was given two bonus points on the Fantasy Football considering they had 1 shot on target but I'll take it!

I'm in the lower North and the first half in particular was quiet, bar the opening 5 minutes or so. Newcastle fans made a decent racket in the first half but quietened down a lot after the penalty, at which point our fans started to increase the volume somewhat. I understand why the atmosphere was the way it was, and I wouldn't say it was 'bad', but I was really hoping we'd get a repeat of the Everton game from our first season back up.

I get a great feeling of nostalgia seeing Ash back in a Villa shirt. Despite his age he is proving that he is capble of playing a lot of football this season and being a very reliable addition to the squad. Great business bringing him back.

Purely for Fantasy Football purposes I'm annoyed his yellow card still stands, although it could have quite easily been a red so he's a lucky boy. Nothing but a rush of blood to the head in his first appearance in front of a packed VP where he had little to do. He'll settle and play as big a role as he did last season I'm sure.

Absolutely top drawer goal and could be the most natural goal scorer we've had at VP for many a year

This is the team I expect to see start but personally I wouldn't be averse to starting JPB ahead of AEG

Can't wait to be back inside a packed VP for the first time in what feels like a lifetime. Shame Bailey isn't fit enough to start and Watkins won't make it, but they have their own injury problems to deal with and I'm sure the added momentum our players will get from the crowd will carry them through. 2-0 Villa

Maybe not!

I was really excited when we signed Bailey and even more so after his cameo off the bench yesterday. I think he could very likely become our main man this season and I look forward to seeing him start against Newcastle.

Newcastle looking good against West Ham today - this won't be an easy game but we should still have enough to beat them at home. Bailey must start and it's important that we play Buendia on the wing. I think we saw enough yesterday to say he won't be effective as a 10. Unfortunately for Ings this will likely mean he loses his place to a returning Ollie Watkins, but it's great to finally have options up top.

A bad day at the office and I'll be surprised if we play that badly again this season so I suppose it's better to get it out of our system now. Really impressed with the cameo from Bailey but fear we may not find a system that accommodates Bailey, Buendia, Ings and Watkins. I feel that it may be need to be Ings or Watkins and not both. It'll be interesting to see how our midfield shapes up in the coming week - I think we may bring in an enforcer type of player but we also have Luiz and Sanson to come back. Sanson has the potential to have the impact of a new signing if he can settle and keep himself fit. Targett's performance was very concerning after such a solid season last season - hopefully he can put it behind him and quickly move on, but his fitness does appear to be a concern.

Hi everyone. First time poster, long time reader here. Season ticket holder of 10+ years and look forward to talking Villa with you all.