ALT: a mascot is dancing in a stadium with the words go dawgs written below him

ALT: a bulldog wearing a shirt with the letter g on it stands in front of a doghouse

YouTube video by Dan ''Spiffy'' Neuman Music

Openreach finally did what they said and actually did our install. It’s only taken 3 months, but hey, it’s done, so happy days. My big question now, is will the happy days continue ? This is without doubt our biggest game in years by some distance and also one of the scariest it you consider how Liverpool were basically dismantled the the newly crowned French champions. Squad news first and the biggest news is that Marco Asensio is actually allowed to play in this game, even though PSG are his parent club, because of UEFA rules. It seems odd and you have to have slight concerns about a conflict of interests, but I’m happy about it. A player with his European experience should prove invaluable. Donyell Malen and Andreas Garcia were omitted from the Champions league squad due to the limit in new players. Ross Barkley is available and Leon Bailey is still suffering from his ~~paper cut~~ heavy knock. Something’s not right there, I’m sure. PSG have captain Marquinhos suspended for too many CL yellows and Lee Kang-in is a possible doubt and will be tested at the last minute. As I said, this is a bit scary, to my mind, but while PSG are many people’s and I think, the bookie’s favourites, but they are by no means invincible. Whereas, we qualified for the knockouts automatically, the Parisians didn’t, for example. When they’re at the top of their game, they pretty much have it all. They press hard, can attack with loads of pace and play with a very high energy. Dembele is a powerful striker who’s really on form and will be a big threat. But, while I’m making it sound like I’m terrified here, I also think we’re a very decent side that’s on a roll and can also offer a strong threat. I’ve often had the impression that we raise our game for the Champions league and while I don’t like that, it is somewhat understandable and human nature, I guess. Whatever, we will hopefully should be right on it and the lads will surely be giving it all. And then, we have a cup Grandmaster at the helm who will maybe feel he has something to prove after PSG sacked him even though I heard on the way home that he’d got them 7 trophys in his fairly short tenure there. I’m struggling to call this one. The atmosphere in the Parc de Prince will be white hot and maybe our biggest enemy tonight. And while I tend to agree that PSG are favourites for this one, you just never know. It’s a cup tie after all and anything can happen. I think if we can keep it to a maximum two goal loss, I think I’d be okay with that. If we can keep it down to a one goal loss, that would leave us with every chance of getting the overall result in an equally white hot atmosphere at Villa Park. And if we could even nick this, well, along with all Villa fans, I’d be ecstatic. I’m going for a somewhat hopeful 2-1 loss, UTV!

YouTube video by TYT Investigates