2023-24 Conference League

Nightmare 48 hours in Edinburgh isn't the new Irvine Welsh novel but the European exploits of the 2 teams with Hibs as good as out & contrary to the biased BBC commentary Zander Clark keeps the score down to 1-2 so all to do in the 2nd leg especially for Hearts who were lacking midfield creativity .

If Hibs & Hearts were to ply their trade in the English Championship reckon they'd both be near the bottom end .

 

Shame Aberdeen didn't progress in the Europa League but at least they'll get three group games and away days to enjoy. Based on going out to Hacken though I imagine they'll still struggle in most of the six games.

I say every year that any of these competitions should only really be won by either a Premier League, Bundesliga, Serie A or La Liga team given their financial advantage over the rest of Europe. Osasuna have crashed out in qualifying so Villa's main competition are probably Eintracht Frankfurt and Fiorentina. I think at this stage Frankfurt are probably the competition favourites but Villa should feel confident going in to the draw.

Villa in to pot 2 so should get one 'name' at least but still comfortably progress with an obscure away day or two.

 

Group E: AZ Alkmaar, Aston Villa, Legia Warsaw, HSK Zrinjski
Group G: Eintracht Frankfurt, PAOK, Hjk Helsinki, Aberdeen

 

That was a poor team selection , I thought Unai knew better.

 

Delighted for the Finns but Aberdeen losing at home is a horrendous result for them and no help to Scotland's coefficient.

Surprised to see Villa struggling too. West Ham made a mockery of how easy this competition was but looking impressive after Spurs (21/22) and Villa's struggles.

 

Seems Villa have actually pinched a win. Much needed if they want to progress.

Edit* Aberdeen also scored late so my last post feels a bit redundant

 

Hardly pinched, 26 shots coming of shins head everything we battered them second half just would not go in enter Super John McGinn

 

I'd expect domination at home to a team from Bosnia tbf.

Stats were obviously overwhelming in your favour but a 1-0 injury time winner is pinching the win to me. 3 points nonetheless which is all that mattered for Villa. It's the easiest group game on paper so Villa couldn't afford to drop points. Very open group as things stand.

 

We have to disagree i would say well deserved , a pinch is when you get battered a score a breakaway goal.

 

Amazing point for Klaksvik of the Faroe Islands last night at home to Lille. Still unreal there’s a team from the Faroes in the group stages!

 

1 year on what a manager

 

Aberdeen 2-0 up against PAOK. Result could be a real burst of energy into their European campaign.

 

Sadly not.