juanpabloangel18

Jesus

I think most sensible fans agree that it's fine to rest players for cup games. And Emery has consistently said the most important competition we're involved in is the PL - you can look this up if you want. The rest, I cba

The vast majority of fans advocate rotating the team for league and FA cup games to keep the team fresh to play in the PL. Every single PL team does it, it's routine. If smaller trophies were so important, this wouldn't happen. Everyone knows finishing as high as possible in the PL is the priority, and that's absolutely fine. There is also nothing wrong with keeping an eye on whether 5th in the PL gets CL football (and I find it odd that people seem to take issue with that). It's an entertaining side show and adds another dimension of interest to high level games that otherwise have nothing to do with us - and what a privilege that is!

Although we'll get both, Champions League qualification over a UECL trophy all day for me. The UECL is cute little tournament, but it has no history or prestige. It was invented in 2021. It would be brilliant to win it, but, see below. There's no qualification round in the UCL next year. Once you're in, you're in a massive group and we'd be in the worst pot of teams, so we'd definitely be drawn against some European giants. Villa in a competitive match European match against Madrid, Barca, Bayern? Beating one of those teams at VP under the lights? Imagine! People saying 'it'd be a footnote of history' - I just disagree. Villa have not been in Europe's elite competition for over 40 years. It would be a historic achievement to be in it. And I definitely remember when Spurs got in under Redknapp, Leeds got in, Newcastle got in, etc. If our squad get the experience of playing in the CL against elite European opposition, think about what that could do for their development under Unai. Who knows where that could take us. We'd probably be able to keep all of our players, whereas we probably wouldn't if we don't. Revenue, long term club health, all improved. People ignoring this fact are the same ones that will be moaning if we have to ship off Jacob or Dougie in the summer if we don't get in. Unai will win a trophy at Villa. We may not have a better chance of UCL qualification than we have this season, for several years. But yeah both

Jhon Duran Duran Our crazy Columbian He might get a 3 match ban Jhon Duran Duran

Something is just off with this lad, and I won't miss him. The vibe just isn't right. Was incredibly thirsty for a goal at first (to the detriment of the team), his body language is consistently bad, waving his arms around in frustration like a petulant child. Silly fouls in good attacking areas too. And don't get me started on him running into the crowd to celebrate an equalizer at home when there was time on the clock to go for a winner.

Yes he's not been his normal self, but he's been out for a long time with a serious injury, and his sharpness hasn't quite returned yet. There have been glimpses. It'll click soon

PS check out this 20 year old Portugese regen I just signed:

Beginning to think this pre-season tour of China was a bad decision

Ah, JP: the incel professor. A sad indictment of the current lack of spiritual, intellectual and moral leaders in the English speaking world that so many people (men) idolise this disingenuous freak and genuinely think he is an intelligent person. Enjoy:

But the way we are playing, we're extremely patient with the ball in our own defensive third. We pass and probe and then only transition forward with numbers very quickly once there's an opportunity to break through the lines. I think he looks perfect for that approach, personally.

Fair to say my 25/26 pre season is going quite well

Didn't we get one of the hardest possible Brexits?

Probably already been mentioned but in England, if the circumstances are right, you can get £1m tax free inheritance. E.g, parents own a £1m house. Parent 1 dies - £325k universal allowance passed onto spouse, plus £175k main residence nil rate band Parent 2 dies - total allowance £325k x 2 = £650k plus 2 x main residence allowance (£175k x 2 = £350k) = £1 million, tax free.

What do we think Pau's arrival means for Tyrone's season?