Boxing Day Breakdown and Brighton
Another Boxing Day, another breakdown. Naturally it was disappointing, as was the officiating that contributed to it. That’s been much more the focus than the match itself, which is never a good thing.
Champions League 6: RB Leipzig vs Aston Villa
Leipzig are a good side with plenty of CL experience that hasn’t yet won in this year’s competition after a very tough string of opponents. They’re also the second-most high-pressing team in the competition. So far, no German team has beaten an English side in this year’s edition. These are the kinds of things you don’t like to read.
Aston Villa vs Crystal Palace
Given other current events, I have to say I’m glad I managed to miss out on Villa’s losing streak while chasing around temples, castles, and gardens, and marveling at the audiovisual cacophony of Shibuya and Shinjuku and the beauty of autumn in the Japanese alps.
And We’re Back: Fulham vs Aston Villa
Returning to action today at Craven Cottage are Jacob Ramsey and Amadou Onana. Ezri Konsa, Jaden Philogene and John McGinn all make the bench. Good news. But the big surprise is Boubacar Kamara. That’s obviously very good news, while also pointing to the long road faced by Tyrone Mings.
Ho Hum, Bayern Dispatched, Here Come United
Despite a night that will live long in Villans’ memories, Unai Emery immediately switched his focus from Bayern Munich to Manchester United following his side’s massive 1-0 victory under the floodlights.