Villa’s Final Champions League Push – What’s at Stake?
The latest episode of the My Old Man Said podcast shifts its focus to Aston Villa’s Champions League campaign as the league stage reaches the business end. With crucial matches against Monaco and Celtic on the horizon, Villa’s ambition of a top eight spot in the league to avoid the play-off round hangs in the balance.
Europavision returns to preview the landscape of the Champions League table with two games to go and to assess the threat that both Monaco and Celtic pose to Villa.
1. Villa’s Champions League Path: Fine Margins and Big Opportunities
The episode opens with a reflection on Villa’s Champions League performances so far. Despite some defensive frailties, Villa finds itself in a strong position to push for a top-eight finish. The financial stakes are discussed, as well as other advantages to Villa’s season of finishing in one of the top spots.
2. Monaco: The Toughest Test Yet?
Villa’s upcoming clash with Monaco is described as potentially their most challenging group game. Monaco, sitting third in Ligue 1, boasts attacking talent like Breel Embolo and Folarin Balogun but have shown signs of vulnerability in recent weeks.
3. The Celtic Factor: A Battle of Britain Finale
Villa’s final group game against Celtic promises to be a fiery affair, with the Scottish giants bringing their trademark intensity in such match-ups. While Celtic’s qualification hopes might already be decided by then, the match could still carry the emotional weight of a Battle of Britain.
4. Financial and Tactical Stakes
The podcast dives into the financial implications of progressing to the last 16, with Villa needing at least four points from their remaining games to clinch a top-eight finish. Beyond the monetary rewards, the knockouts would also allow players like Jhon Durán and Morgan Rodgers to continue their impressive development on the European stage.
5. Squad Depth and Defensive Adjustments
With Pau Torres injured, Tyrone Mings will need to step up in Europe, especially against Monaco’s dynamic front three. The podcast discusses how Unai Emery might tweak his tactics to adapt to the latest Villa injuries.
Listen Now
Don’t miss this episode of My Old Man Said, listen below or on Apple, Spotify, or your favourite podcast app:
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Credits:
David Michael – @myoldmansaid
Armen Mirzoian – @VillanArmen
