2024-25 English Premier League Discussion Thread

[Baseline81]

Lavia was our rock before he got injured and a reason for that recurring injury was him getting rushed back on a bad hamstring last season by Pochettino. He was apart of the spine that allowed us to overwhelm teams in the middle of the park.

Our most impressive run this season came when he was starting, that time when the media was begging us to declare being apart of the title race.

Between 10/27 & 12/08 we faced Newcastle, United, Arsenal, Leicester, Villa and Spurs, he started in every fixture but Leicester and we collected 14/18 points.

His profile is extremely rare, you just don't give up on these types of players. An athletic six that you can't press and has dominant passing range.

I'll wait for next season for him and hope and pray for better fitness. We should also have Andrey Santos and Dario Essugo joining the squad so there'll be more robustness in the centre of the park.

I could see Ekitike going to Liverpool, he's an intriguing player. Personally I want Delap, and if not Delap then Pedro or Sesko.

I'm not saying give up on him, however, you better have a backup who can be seen as a starter. Unfortunately for Lavia, he's not proven he can last a full season. And it's getting to the point, with his type of injuries, that he's entering Reece James territory.

It'll be interesting what happens to Sesko. Arsenal appears to favor Gyokeres. If Liverpool brings in Ekitike, that doesn't leave many options. In fact, he may stay at RBL. Delap likely goes to either Chelsea or Manchester United. Both clubs offer ample playing time. As I said, unless you're willing to overpay, as you did with Caicedo, Pedro isn't leaving Brighton.

[MetalFingaz]

Newcastle adding Cunha to this machine in the summer, wow.

Is that in the cards? Newcastle are excellent, but I think they need midfield depth if they're playing European football. Though Cunha could play in that Joelinton role maybe.

[stormi]

Newcastle adding Cunha to this machine in the summer, wow.

Is that in the cards? Newcastle are excellent, but I think they need midfield depth if they're playing European football. Though Cunha could play in that Joelinton role maybe.

I've seen brief links.

I assume if they're holding onto Isak and Anthony Gordon, that they need to make a statement to these players that they should view being apart of the club as a destination and not a stepping stone.

I think they have a pretty nifty crop of attackers. I always liked Harv Barnes at Leicester and Jacob Murphy has really come on this year, but they could do with a real top attacker that can elevate them into a higher perch in Europe.

Also that sort of dually plays into the favour of Cunha who can probably step into an attacking midfield role in a MF3 ahead of Tonali and Bruno G. Versatile player.

Read on Twitter

[MetalFingaz]

Newcastle adding Cunha to this machine in the summer, wow.

Is that in the cards? Newcastle are excellent, but I think they need midfield depth if they're playing European football. Though Cunha could play in that Joelinton role maybe.

I've seen brief links.

I assume if they're holding onto Isak and Anthony Gordon, that they need to make a statement to these players that they should view being apart of the club as a destination and not a stepping stone.

I think they have a pretty nifty crop of attackers. I always liked Harv Barnes at Leicester and Jacob Murphy has really come on this year, but they could do with a real top attacker that can elevate them into a higher perch in Europe.

Also that sort of dually plays into the favour of Cunha who can probably step into an attacking midfield role in a MF3 ahead of Tonali and Bruno G. Versatile player.

Read on Twitter

Yeah, he's technically excellent and has a pretty good work rate, so he can play all over the pitch, but also Wolves let him play literally all over the pitch so it'll be interesting to see him in a more disciplined set up.

[stormi]

Is that in the cards? Newcastle are excellent, but I think they need midfield depth if they're playing European football. Though Cunha could play in that Joelinton role maybe.

I've seen brief links.

I assume if they're holding onto Isak and Anthony Gordon, that they need to make a statement to these players that they should view being apart of the club as a destination and not a stepping stone.

I think they have a pretty nifty crop of attackers. I always liked Harv Barnes at Leicester and Jacob Murphy has really come on this year, but they could do with a real top attacker that can elevate them into a higher perch in Europe.

Also that sort of dually plays into the favour of Cunha who can probably step into an attacking midfield role in a MF3 ahead of Tonali and Bruno G. Versatile player.

Read on Twitter

Yeah, he's technically excellent and has a pretty good work rate, so he can play all over the pitch, but also Wolves let him play literally all over the pitch so it'll be interesting to see him in a more disciplined set up.

And he's also sort of a headcase. He has mercurial talent, maybe the feeling like a big fish in a small pond is a cause for some of his extracurriculars.

I think he's a gem that any club that can afford his RC should be looking at.

[Baseline81]

Massive victory for Aston Villa and their hopes to finish in the top 5. Now level on points with Nottingham Forest, who have a game in hand.

Tomorrow's match between Fulham and Chelsea may spell doom for the Blues should they fall at Craven Cottage.

[LDNMagic90]

So happy we battered Newcastle we’ve owed them one. Onwards to our game against City, hopefully we can finish the season strong.

[Baseline81]

Such a crazy top-5 race. Chelsea's two late goals keep them afloat.

Two points separate third through seventh. IMO, a loss tomorrow for Nottingham Forest at Tottenham would be crushing, considering the season they've had.

EDIT: Though he doesn't post anymore, dark day for HIF and Leicester City.

[stormi]

EDIT: Though he doesn't post anymore, dark day for HIF and Leicester City.

We had some good wars back in the day.

Fond of that poster.

[Baseline81]

This one is for you, Baphomet:

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[Baseline81]

Matheus Nunes' goal in the fourth minute of stoppage time may end up being a dagger to Aston Villa's top-5 hopes...

Remain two points back of the fifth spot, Newcastle United. Doubtful the Magpies drop points to Ipswich Town this Saturday.

[Pipp33]

Horrid game today..both teams not great , But Villa were very poor with our ball control and passing. Looked like a relegation team at times when trying to get the ball out of our half.

Were still taking a point until the last 2 minutes, with another poor defensive decision by Disasi to dive in of Doku, resulting in a late goal.

Disasi is NOT a good fullback, and has been exposed the last 2 times he's been put there. I think he's a solid CB, but he can't defend agile wingers when isolated.

After such a great run of form, a blip was inevitable. At least we grabbed 3 points vs Newcastle, but this would have been another huge 3 points if we were able to get the result.

Emery has the right to do what ever he wants with lineups, but I think he got some players wrong today, both starting and subs. Managers can make mistakes, and Emery has been the best thing to happen to Villa in the last 25 -30 years.

Not sure if he had an eye on the FA Cup semi on Saturday and resting some players. But I think this game needed 90 minutes of McGinn, and starting Watkins at 9, with Rashford out wide on the left. Hopefully we get a big win on Saturday vs Palace in the semi

[Baseline81]

The "wobble" occurred in the cups...

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[wco81]

Top 5?

What does fifth place get you?

[Baseline81]

Top 5?

What does fifth place get you?

A little thing called Champions League.

Such a spot is normally for those finishing in the top 4, however, this year, due to European coefficients, an additional spot has been given to the PL.

[wco81]

Top 5?

What does fifth place get you?

A little thing called Champions League.

Such a spot is normally for those finishing in the top 4, however, this year, due to European coefficients, an additional spot has been given to the PL.

That's right I forgot that they changed the rule and the format to favor the bigger leagues and the richest clubs.

[Baseline81]

Even my son knew today was the day. When he asked me who Liverpool were playing, I simply replied, "It's Spurs."

[stormi]

I wonder if Flopp is boiling somewhere watching Slot clinch a title with 80 points.

[The_Brecht]

Last season they cheered losing to City and therefore losing their Champions League spot.
Now they're 17th.

[KG Leonard]

I wonder if Flopp is boiling somewhere watching Slot clinch a title with 80 points.

Klopp? Flopp really? A joke or you dislike Klopp that much?

8 of his team from the PL champions 2020 was in the team and everyone minus Chiesa was his players, i would say 50% of this title is his influence. Slot has to build his own team just like Klopp had to.