Villarreal vs Young Boys: Champions League Gamethread

At the point of our season where we need absolutely no distractions whatsoever, a story breaks the morning of a Champions League match that our manager may be leaving to take over a relegation threatened side that happens to be owned by a human rights violating oil state. This piece of circumstance does not in any way lower the desperate need for a win.

Lineups

It’s wonderful to see a bona fide striker in the lineup, and that should give our attack focus that it has sorely lacked in times that we’ve used a false 9. In theory, this should give us a bit more balance. I like the idea of playing both Coquelin and Capoue together. It should make us as dynamic as our midfield is capable of being, creating turnovers that will result in counter attack opportunities if we are willing to take them. No reason for ponderous slow buildup today or any other day for that matter.

I went to go check the Young Boys lineup and stumbled across their English page, where they haven’t posted since March 2020. In case you’re wondering, their last post was a video of Saidy Janko playing basketball, in case you are wondering.

Here’s their actual lineup:

Thoughts?

If we can get a win today, we’ll have our Champions League destiny completely within our own control, regardless of what happens in the other match in our group. A draw from Man United and Atalanta would see a winning Villarreal go top, and at worst we’ll be a strong second if we win.

I, personally, would love to send Manchester United down to the Europa League.

Endavant Groguets!