07 May 2026 13:27:23
Just been reading the BBC’s Villa Correspondent. He reckons that Villa have the second oldest squad (in terms of minutes played in the Premier League this season). He also says that they are subject to the law of diminishing returns, much like Nuno with us last season ie running out of steam, having to use 12 or 13 players with top flight credentials, the rest of the squad a long way behind in terms of quality. He also says after the first hours play, they tend to drop off.
Food for thought?
Emery threw the game against Spurs in a desperate bid for their first silverware in 30 years, and thus buying time for him to rebuild next season. Like all great managers he was ruthless in losing a battle to win a war, only bringing on Watkins after an hour of being outplayed then 2 subs on 85 minutes, presumably with the game lost as a sop to the booing fans.


VP had no such choice due to the respective league position but he made his changes for Chelsea in a much more nuanced way, by measuring the minutes.
I have two comments…. Firstly, despite Emery's ridiculous claims that we are favourites tonight (the bookies disagree and they are not usually wrong), Villa have certain advantages (playing at home, extra days recovery and only one key injured player (alledged) Onana), whereas we probably have 4 or 5.
Secondly, the first goal will be vital. If Villa score it, the momentum swings decisively towards them. If we score it, they will have to throw the kitchen sink at us, leaving them increasingly open to our counter attacking style.
Strap yourselves in fellow Reds, it’s going to be a bumpy night…….

1.) 07 May 2026
07 May 2026 16:02:10
Typical Beeb. I read that article, but on their sports page there is no mention of us, surprise, surprise. You'd be forgiven for thinking Villa are already in the final. ⭐?⭐

2.) 07 May 2026
07 May 2026 17:24:00
TBH Red Robin, I think it suits us to fly under the radar mate. ??

3.) 07 May 2026
07 May 2026 18:42:46
Kamara was their best player till he got injured in January. That's their 2 main midfielders out.

When they were flying, they had Tielemans freed up ahead of them, with McGinn and Rogers either side. They haven't hit the same heights since.

4.) 07 May 2026
07 May 2026 19:25:34
Can't wait to watch this tonight on our last night in Guernsey. Good post, Stokey, but you made my eyes bleed again towards the end.

I prefer to be on a 'rollercoaster ride' with Forest than supporters of certain other clubs who are forever on the 'merry go round'.

5.) 07 May 2026
07 May 2026 19:42:21
Come on Forest!!!!!
This is Our destiny!!!!!
Let's do this!!!!!!

6.) 07 May 2026
07 May 2026 20:55:55
This system isn't working....
Wonder if Vito can find a solution?
Villa's tails are up...
Let's wipe that smirk off Watkins' face!!!
COYRS!!!!

7.) 07 May 2026
07 May 2026 21:03:30
Be nice to see the players turn up in the second half. This is a chance to get into the final of Europe, you donkeys. Terrible.

8.) 07 May 2026
07 May 2026 21:08:32
Classic, Skeggs...
Not an ounce of encouragement.