Down 1-3 to Liverpool, it would’ve been all too easy to quit. Disappointment in the Conference League, a dreary loss to Brighton. Everything looked like it was fizzling out. But Villa had still something to say, and what they said is that the culture has changed. They weren’t going quietly into the night.
So here we are, on the brink of elimination in the Conference League and 7 points to the good in 4th with two to play. Villa should’ve had at least 3 last week, and this is a game they don’t really deserve to be chasing like this. But they are, so it’s the classic situation where Villa have to come out, force the issue, and open themselves up to the counter from the off.
As you might expect, Emery is fielding about as strong a side as he can, with Rogers and Bailey getting starting nods and Konsa, Carlos and Torres filling out the back three with Digne wide left. Will certainly be good to have Super John back in the side.
I think if I’m Emery, I’m challenging the squad to show they’re Champions League quality tonight. To show that even in adversity, they can come out and be smart, disciplined, and committed. Think of it as an away fixture in the knockout rounds.
Here we are traveling to the Riverside to take on Middlesboro and try to avoid a slightly embarrassing record of FA Cup exits. I’d think that in itself would spur Emery on. But obviously, how seriously Villa take the competition has to be viewed in a larger context.
