7500 To Holte - All PostsVilla Til We Cryhttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/46611/7500-fave.png2023-12-22T06:00:00+00:00http://7500toholte.sbnation.com/rss/current/2023-12-22T06:00:00+00:002023-12-22T06:00:00+00:00Match Preview: Aston Villa v Sheffield United - Will Villa go top of the Premier League table on Friday evening?
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<img alt="Aston Villa Training Session" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/kFIZIfX0QZQof1Xuc6r4Go_FEFE=/91x0:4549x2972/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/72989413/1871675080.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Neville Williams/Aston Villa FC via Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p><em>Aston Villa will look to go top of the Premier League table on Friday evening as Sheffield United make the trip to Villa Park. Here’s everything you need to know prior to kick-off!</em></p> <h2 id="YAucJO"><em><strong>The Build-Up</strong></em></h2>
<p id="RzA3CC">It is nearly Christmas and what better way to kick off the holidays with three points in the Premier League! Villa will look to do this on Friday evening as Villa welcome bottom of the table Sheffield United. </p>
<p id="4Z9fuz">Sheffield United have recently sacked Paul Heckingbottom and in his place have called on Chris Wilder to perform miracles as he begins his second stint in charge of the club.</p>
<p id="2b3jK4">This fixture will also see Cameron Archer returning to Villa Park. </p>
<p id="ZP8wlC">Last Sunday saw Villa come from behind to beat Brentford 2-1 away from home thanks to goals from Alex Moreno (his first in the Premier League) and Ollie Watkins, who netted his ninth of the campaign. </p>
<p id="JwAkQY">More than anything, this highlights the spirit and character in which is thriving throughout this team and the togetherness that Unai has brought to the table. </p>
<p id="rb2SSo">Villa currently sit third in the table with an opportunity to go top on Friday night if a win is secured. This may be short-lived as Arsenal and <a href="https://liverpooloffside.sbnation.com/">Liverpool</a> will have a game in hand, but who thought we could even be top of the league come Christmas?</p>
<p id="HIrtrp">For Villa, it is nine unbeaten, with the club’s last loss coming at The City Ground in a 2-0 loss to Nottingham Forest.</p>
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<img alt="Brentford FC v Aston Villa - Premier League" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/WAJEjRR4baZWgxV6afPWTwDvPS4=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/25180634/1855325114.jpg">
<cite>Photo by Vince Mignott/MB Media/Getty Images</cite>
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<p id="EVCX8P">This game is the definition of opposites. Villa, who are unbeaten at home in the league for the last 15 matches against a Sheffield United side who have managed to secure one point away from home all season. </p>
<p id="Gihxgc">The Blades’ only wins this season have been at home, the first against Wolverhampton Wanderers and the latter coming against Brentford. </p>
<p id="zapUZK">If form is the thing to go off of, there is only one winner. </p>
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<h2 id="X9nTsD"><em><strong>Team News</strong></em></h2>
<p id="RMmNZv">Villa will be without Tyrone Mings, Emiliano Buendia, Bertrand Traore, Robin Olsen, Youri Tielemans and Pau Torres for the fixture. </p>
<p id="MkaVmT">Boubacar Kamara was shown a straight red in the Brentford game, therefore, he will miss the next three league fixtures (Sheffield United, <a href="https://thebusbybabe.sbnation.com">Manchester United</a>, Burnley).</p>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt="Brentford FC v Aston Villa - Premier League" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/xJ5t6Iw5rGjigfBJHZpSf40UBXY=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/25180640/1855425323.jpg">
<cite>Photo by Nigel French/Sportsphoto/Allstar via Getty Images</cite>
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<p id="HbxPCZ">Douglas Luiz and Lucas Digne both return from their one-match suspensions. </p>
<p id="0tIeei">As for the Blades, they are without Chris Basham, John Egan, Tom Davies, Rhys-Norrington Davies, Rhian Brewster and Daniel Jebbison. </p>
<p id="xWjo69">Jack Robinson returns from a one-match suspension. </p>
<p id="C0TtC7">Otherwise, there are no fresh injury concerns for Sheffield United.</p>
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<h2 id="fdSHP2"><em><strong>Likely Lineups</strong></em></h2>
<p id="HB8bry"><a href="https://7500toholte.sbnation.com"><strong>Aston Villa</strong></a><strong> (4-2-3-1)</strong></p>
<p id="Nytuhc">Martinez; Moreno, Diego Carlos, Konsa, Cash; Dendoncker, Douglas Luiz, Ramsey, McGinn, Diaby; Watkins </p>
<p id="zsfId1"><strong>Sheffield United (4-1-4-1)</strong></p>
<p id="eUJoXD">Foderingham; Bogle, Ahmedhodzic, Robinson, Lowe; de Souza Costa; McAtee, Hamer, Brooks, Archer; McBurnie </p>
<hr class="p-entry-hr" id="yeV7nP">
<h2 id="Qk7WcR"><em><strong>Score Prediction</strong></em></h2>
<p id="NXrxGw">With all due respect to Sheffield United, I believe that this will be a 4-0 win for the Villa. I think the quality that Villa have in the squad majorly outweighs that of the Blades. </p>
<p id="djgpbz">A side that have only scored 12 goals so far this season should not pose a threat to the Villa backline. However, this is not the same Sheffield United side that started the season as now Chris Wilder will have his say. Wilder should make the team more defensively secure, but it is Villa at home, and we know what usually happens. </p>
<p id="EFFHct"><strong>Prediction: </strong><em>Aston 4 Sheffield United 0</em></p>
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https://7500toholte.sbnation.com/2023/12/22/24011831/match-preview-aston-villa-v-sheffield-united-will-villa-go-top-of-the-premier-league-on-friday7500 News Desk2023-12-18T03:30:00+00:002023-12-18T03:30:00+00:00HOLTECAST | Brentford 1-2 Aston Villa - Swatting away The Bees!
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<p><em>It’s the second half of December and the mighty Villa are one point away from league leaders, Arsenal...let that sink in, Villans! Join Cole and Simon as the lads huddle together for a quick recap on Sunday’s away victory over Brentford and look ahead to Cameron Archer’s return to Villa Park on Friday. You can listen for FREE on </em><a href="https://shows.acast.com/holtecast-an-aston-villa-podcast"><em>Acast</em></a><em>, </em><a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/holtecast-an-aston-villa-podcast/id1534074397"><em>Apple Podcasts</em></a><em>, and </em><a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/7yJ4AR2y5mfZOtKZm7p93B"><em>Spotify</em></a><em> - dig in!</em></p> <h1 id="XwOtb7"><strong>What Do We Discuss?</strong></h1>
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<li id="cveHWY">Right then, who said <a href="https://7500toholte.sbnation.com">Aston Villa</a> struggle away at Brentford...well, we all have in the past, but what did the lads make of a vital win at the Gtech Community Stadium?</li>
<li id="d9RVWU">A sluggish 70 minutes from Unai Emery’s side is aided by Ben Mee’s extremely rash challenge on Leon Bailey; how dangerous was the challenge from the Brentford defender and how important was it to see Villa make The Bees pay having gone down to 10 men?</li>
<li id="hd34H4">Moreno equalizes and Super Ollie Watkins scores the winner; an important first Premier League goal for the left-back and a return to form for the Torquay Haaland shows the goal threat throughout this Villa side, right?</li>
<li id="71jbFU">30 minutes of mayhem! Ben Mee and Boubacar Kamara were both sent off at different times for their respective sides, with the likes of Ezri Konsa, Neal Maupay, Saman Ghoddos, and Emi Martinez joining in on the handbags as well - a pretty unusual reaction for this Villa side, but one we should not expect to see often!</li>
<li id="qwsMZN">With Boubacar Kamara now set to miss the next three Premier League fixtures, could this issue actually be coming at a good time considering the run of fixtures for Emery’s men?</li>
<li id="sbCQSc">Sheffield United on Friday! What can we expect from Chris Wilder’s Blades and the return of Cameron Archer to Villa Park?</li>
<li id="23Zrz6">All of this and so much more! Enjoy the podcast and Up The Villa!</li>
</ul>
<p id="ilFm4g"><strong>STAY CONNECTED:</strong></p>
<p id="isxjHu"><strong>Email: </strong><em>holtecast@gmail.com</em></p>
<p id="FKfRRJ"><strong>Twitter: </strong><em>@7500ToHolte</em></p>
<p id="zvG8fk"><strong>Cole Pettem: </strong><em>@TalkAstonVilla</em></p>
<p id="hbsLZo"><strong>Simon O’Regan: </strong><em>@SiORegan</em></p>
<p id="zJQv1i">EPISODE NOTES:</p>
<p id="eu5kDP">Thank you to our charity partner, Acorns Children’s Hopsice.</p>
<p id="Hgq4wm">Donate today to support a fantastic charity: <a href="https://www.acorns.org.uk/get-involved/donate/">https://www.acorns.org.uk/get-involved/donate/</a></p>
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<h1 id="gUuNaI"><strong>Where Can I Listen?</strong></h1>
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<h3 id="YFCv4t"><strong>Spotify</strong></h3>
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https://7500toholte.sbnation.com/2023/12/18/24004942/holtecast-brentford-1-2-aston-villa-swatting-away-the-beesHoltecast2023-12-15T19:45:49+00:002023-12-15T19:45:49+00:00Match Preview: Brentford v Aston Villa - Can Villa continue stunning top four push?
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<img alt="Aston Villa v Arsenal FC - Premier League" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/M5vszODdutGiz70TWN76gr-d-VE=/0x0:3333x2222/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/72967396/1848035177.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Visionhaus/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p><em>Villa look for a third league win in a row after the high of beating Manchester City and Arsenal. Here’s everything you need to know prior to kick-off!</em></p> <h2 id="YAucJO"><em><strong>The Build-Up</strong></em></h2>
<p id="0hDlYC"><a href="https://7500toholte.sbnation.com">Aston Villa</a>’s remarkable season continues with a trip to the Gtech Community Stadium to face Thomas Frank’s Brentford.</p>
<p id="7L3lc2">Unai Emery’s side are fresh off the back of a monumental week and one that has caused them to re-evaluate their ambitions for the campaign. </p>
<p id="MixtVI">Back-to-back wins at Villa Park over <a href="https://bitterandblue.sbnation.com">Manchester City</a> and Arsenal via goals from Leon Bailey and John McGinn moved Villa above Pep Guardiola’s side into third, just a point off the Gunners and two points off leaders <a href="https://liverpooloffside.sbnation.com/">Liverpool</a>.</p>
<p id="I4gjiE">Villa would have begun the campaign hoping to break the glass ceiling of the top five and be in with a shout of claiming a place in the <a href="https://www.sbnation.com/champions-league">Champions League</a>, but now they are in a position where they could be top of the table at Christmas with a significant buffer to fifth, should the next couple of results go their way.</p>
<p id="XqZbaX">Whilst the supporters are allowed to dream, Emery and the players will be taking it one match at a time and Brentford will be a difficult obstacle for them as they look to continue their assault on the league’s summit.</p>
<p id="GeGO4i">On Thursday, Villa sealed their progression to the last-16 of the Europa Conference League as winners of Group E as they drew 1-1 away at Zrinjski Mostar, with Nicolo Zaniolo claiming his first goal in Claret and Blue. The Italian will be hoping that the goal will kickstart his Villa career.</p>
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<img alt="HSK Zrinjski v Aston Villa FC: Group E - UEFA Europa Conference League 2023/24" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/2e_Ma6dpCvkXafMR5FgcK_thrtg=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/25165431/1855580070.jpg">
<cite>Photo by Neville Williams/Aston Villa FC via Getty Images</cite>
</figure>
<p id="q2vQdw">But Brentford isn’t a happy hunting ground for Villa, who have failed to win in their last seven trips to West London, with their last victory at Brentford coming in an <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/fa-cup">FA Cup</a> victory in 1953. Should they claim their first triumph at the Gtech Community Stadium, they will consolidate their position in the top four and could even go top of the table if Arsenal and Liverpool drop points.</p>
<p id="64Yxyi">The corresponding fixture last season saw Villa claim a crucial 1-1 draw in their charge towards the top seven, with a last-minute Douglas Luiz goal salvaging a point after Ivan Toney had put the hosts ahead early in the second half. Neither of those players will be involved on Sunday.</p>
<p id="cVr8Dk">Thomas Frank’s Bees come into Sunday’s fixture on a run of just two wins in their last six games and off the back of back-to-back defeats. Last time out, Brentford lost 1-0 away at Chris Wilder’s Sheffield United via a spectacular strike from James McAtee. That result left them in 11th place, two points off the top half. </p>
<hr class="p-entry-hr" id="RyodQP">
<h2 id="X9nTsD"><em><strong>Team News</strong></em></h2>
<p id="XAyaTy">Villa will be without key midfielder Luiz and left-back Lucas Digne for the trip to West London after they each picked up their fifth booking of the campaign against Arsenal, while Unai Emery said on Friday that Youri Tielemans and Bailey are both fitness doubts as Villa’s early-season fixture congestion piles up. If Bailey and Tielemans are fit, they will likely keep their places in the team after impressing in recent weeks. If not, we’ll surely see Moussa Diaby and potentially even Leander Dendoncker.</p>
<p id="P1T5Vk">Diego Carlos may come back into the side after being rested against Mostar. Álex Moreno and Jacob Ramsey are in line for their first domestic starts of the season after they both played against Mostar on Thursday. </p>
<p id="f7RmJy">Villa are also without Bertrand Traore with a muscle injury whilst Emi Buendia and Tyrone Mings remain on the sidelines with ACL injuries. </p>
<p id="dxXj7K">Brentford are also without several key first-team players for the visit of Villa, with Bryan Mbeumo, Rico Henry, Aaron Hickey, Kevin Schade, Kristoffer Ajer, Jay Dasilva, Nathan Collins, and Mathias Jensen out with knee, thigh, ankle, and hip injuries respectively. Toney is still banned due to breaching betting rules. </p>
<p id="bSjlLk">Neal Maupay will lead the line in Mbuemo’s absence whilst Ben Mee will partner Ethan Pinnock in the heart of the defence to cover for the missing Collins and Ajer.</p>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt="Aston Villa v Arsenal FC - Premier League" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/KGvVY4LILDMduZJvkxBYqX5j6tU=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/25165441/1847950333.jpg">
<cite>Photo by James Gill - Danehouse/Getty Images</cite>
</figure>
<hr class="p-entry-hr" id="SQ9R0L">
<h2 id="fdSHP2"><em><strong>Likely Lineups</strong></em></h2>
<p id="502fSE"><strong>Brentford (4-3-3)</strong></p>
<p id="xKFJsM">Flekken; Ghoddos, Mee, Pinnock, Janelt; Onyeka, Norgaard, Baptiste; Lewis-Potter, Maupay, Wissa</p>
<p id="3MhWYa"><strong>Aston Villa (4-2-2-2)</strong></p>
<p id="bGl6ft">Martinez; Konsa, Carlos, Pau, Moreno; Kamara, Tielemans; Ramsey, McGinn; Watkins, Diaby</p>
<hr class="p-entry-hr" id="1LhcSf">
<h2 id="Qk7WcR"><em><strong>Score Prediction</strong></em></h2>
<p id="NXrxGw">Given their excellent recent form and Brentford’s injury crisis, Villa will be confident of continuing their charge up the Premier League and claiming their fifth league win in six matches and shoring up their position in the top four in the process. </p>
<p id="LnkrJN">A third consecutive league clean sheet could even be on the cards given that Brentford are without three of their main attacking players in Mbeumo, Schade, and Toney.</p>
<p id="EFFHct"><strong>Prediction: </strong><em>Brentford 0 Aston Villa 2</em></p>
<p id="U6e5Qx"></p>
<p id="n88n9v"></p>
https://7500toholte.sbnation.com/2023/12/15/24002700/match-preview-brentford-v-aston-villa-can-villa-continue-stunning-top-four-push7500 News Desk2023-12-11T19:30:00+00:002023-12-11T19:30:00+00:00Villa Women Weekly: No Joie again for Aston Villa in defeat to Manchester City
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<img alt="Manchester City v Aston Villa - Barclays Women´s Super League" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/NrOhY61E9RrplIZD7WJH3p3vD_c=/0x0:3574x2383/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/72952983/1842508484.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Matt McNulty/Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
<p><em>Carla Ward’s side surrendered a lead in the second half to lose 2-1 on Saturday.</em></p> <p id="mmoabG">As the team with the most points from away games in the WSL this season, it was time for Carla Ward’s squad to put their quality to the test once more. Hosts <a href="https://bitterandblue.sbnation.com">Manchester City</a> knew they needed a point or three to stay in contention with the teams at the top, while Villa needed the points to break away from the bottom of the table. Ward’s side are far too close to a relegation battle no one expected after the highs of last season.</p>
<p id="9uYCdV">In her pre-match interview, Ward mentioned how the team “have shown a lot more promise and quality” recently and that “the girls can take confidence from the past results against Manchester City”. But this Villa team are in a very different place to the ones who beat City 2-1 in the Women’s <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/fa-cup">FA Cup</a> quarter-finals in March this year. </p>
<p id="Wkcl0N">Ward chose a 4-2-3-1 formation to try and stifle City’s attack with a strong backline. By moving Rachel Corsie forward to hold that midfield with the commanding Lucy Staniforth, it allowed Simone Magill, Jordan Nobbs, and Kenza Dali freedom to support Daly upfront, offering last season’s Golden Boot winner the supply lines she’s crying out for.</p>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt="Manchester City v Aston Villa - Barclays Women´s Super League" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/j1tr5Eg0WkvoYmCAB5kZWUoIHYg=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/25152972/1842427146.jpg">
<cite>Photo by Matt McNulty/Getty Images</cite>
<figcaption>Through nine WSL matches thus far, Daly has four goals to her name.</figcaption>
</figure>
<p id="clXkek">Personally, I would have chosen Kirsty Hanson and Adriana Leon to start as having two attacking threats down the wings might have enabled a stronger, fast-paced start against the home side. </p>
<p id="rdqfc6">The match began with Villa looking for a first-ever win at City.</p>
<p id="wEKdBi">Even though the hosts had a very early chance, Villa stayed strong and were able to crowd out Lauren Hemp and remove the danger. It was clear that a mix of progressive, attacking football and solid defending would have to be Villa’s approach.</p>
<p id="IY0Ax3">Villa’s most underrated player, Dani Turner, showed her worth from the off with some great clearances and it was obvious that decision-making from the defenders and goalkeeper Daphne van Domselaar would make or break this match, especially with how high City were pressing.</p>
<p id="TrRUs9">One of our most experienced players, Nobbs, stood out with her quality during this match. Willing to push forward and make some vital runs, demonstrating good link-up play with the forward line, especially Maz Pacheco.</p>
<p id="ivM5zv">As the game settled, Villa created some really nice build-up play and Nobbs managed to make something from a bad Alanna Kennedy clearance, but the chance went just wide after a deflection and handball calls fell on deaf ears.</p>
<p id="vYXpqQ">But within a minute, super Turner hooked the ball with her right foot over Khiara Keating to make it 0-1 to Villa. It was her first goal in 18 months and one born of complete instinct. The young City keeper certainly wasn’t expecting it and didn’t have a chance to save it.</p>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt="Manchester City v Aston Villa - Barclays Women´s Super League" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/DR8KJ32LLEkUHAFFb8Te-qsKapY=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/25152978/1842397438.jpg">
<cite>Photo by Matt McNulty/Getty Images</cite>
<figcaption>Danielle Turner’s goal against Manchester City on Saturday was her first WSL goal of the season.</figcaption>
</figure>
<p id="F5AHgN">Villa had followed through on their warning signs and showed they were here to compete. But, as we said in the stands, we’ve seen this before: Villa had already lost the most points after a winning start in the WSL before this game. The signs were ominous.</p>
<p id="mFqpeL">City were right back on the attack, but Nobbs again was able to run on the counter. She’s working hard to really push the team forward but loose passes on both sides were disrupting the rhythm of the game. Villa needed to capitalise on those errors, instead of making them. Ward’s side would also benefit from someone with the initiative to switch up play. Could that someone special be something to hope for in the <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/transfer-rumors">transfer window</a>?</p>
<p id="lPwBh4">In the first half we had glimpses of brilliance with Anna Patten and Turner’s strong partnership at the back, Dali showing her magic to find a way out of the congested midfield area, and moments of lovely link-up with Daly and Nobbs. However, more often than not, Daly could be heard shouting she wanted the ball to her quicker, as her game intelligence saw her in some great positions but she kept getting caught offside, to her frustration. </p>
<p id="yPKrlY">Close eyes were kept on City attacker Bunny Shaw, and Villa tightened up to make it hard for City to break through, with the home side having to work harder to find any gaps in the defence. </p>
<p id="eknmmW">Although the first half was very City dominant, they hadn’t been able to ripple the net, but it wasn’t for want of trying from Hemp. The young City striker’s quality was incredible: her pace, her foresight, her ability to switch up play, and her determination to score is what Villa need from someone to help Daly upfront. </p>
<p id="55S4Wx">In these first 45 minutes, Villa were thriving on the pressure of playing a top team like City, and the quality of play against a lower team would have probably been enough to win it on another day. </p>
<p id="MB4cuC">However, the second half was a different story.</p>
<p id="c2f9nB">Both sides had attempts, with another Nobbs effort going just wide of the crossbar for Villa. She was such a presence on the pitch and was able to quieten Leila Ouahabi while showing her technical experience from Arsenal and England. Villa were finally able to dominate possession since the restart and the stats were going in their favour, they just needed to make something of it.</p>
<p id="7LUFrH">But City are so dangerous, and Villa’s bliss ended in the 60th minute when the hosts equalised through a strong header from an unmarked Hemp. We’ve seen too often that once Villa concede, they are liable to concede again quickly, and within five minutes Hemp had her brace from a toe-poke into the bottom corner, her fifth goal of the season. Again, no one was on her in the box and Villa had lost another winning position.</p>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt="Manchester City v Aston Villa - Barclays Women´s Super League" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/Ujw4BlBDZTdlG479CV5uMVj3p4U=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/25152992/1842509558.jpg">
<cite>Photo by Matt McNulty/Getty Images</cite>
<figcaption>Lauren Hemp’s brace against Aston Villa keep the Sky Blues in the top 3, with 22 goals scored across 9 matches.</figcaption>
</figure>
<p id="ZII0qI">As the half progressed, City grew in confidence and Villa looked conflicted between not wanting to concede on the counter and trying to go for the win. Players like Pacheco kept fighting until the end but, unfortunately, is this the consequence of having one of the oldest average team ages in the WSL and not enough depth on the bench to stay in the game after the 70th minute?</p>
<p id="pQezJv">An injection of youth and strength did come into the game with Ebony Salmon and Lucy Parker coming on for Nobbs and Corsie, and Salmon made an impact down the wing with Parker right there with her for support. The latter even managed a powerful strike but it was straight into the arms of Keating. </p>
<p id="KXuXqq">This fight was encouraging and Sarah Mayling and Salmon showed a very good partnership down the right wing with the former picking out space to run into, but the end product was just not there.</p>
<p id="NJOjYJ">As a fan sitting in the stadium, the lack of end product was frustrating. Keeping possession is important, but passing backwards will never help get balls in the back of the net. The only real late chance was Daly’s header in the 93rd minute but she just couldn’t get enough of a connection to put any real power behind it. </p>
<p id="Whr396">Overall, although City were frustrated by us, their skill, quality, and squad depth were the difference, plus some questionable decision-making from the visitors. The way Villa hung in the game after going 2-1 down was a positive, but ultimately, whether it’s 12-1 or 2-1, it’s still another game without any points to show for the effort.</p>
<p id="uvxhYW">Villa now sit in 10th place on six points, a mere two points above West Ham in the relegation spot. Villa’s last game of the year is at home to Brighton, where every Villa fan is hoping for those magical three points for Christmas.</p>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt="Manchester City v Aston Villa - Barclays Women´s Super League" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/77FFszygjyt96LGHSURDiDcatus=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/25153028/1843158091.jpg">
<cite>Photo by Matt McNulty/Getty Images</cite>
<figcaption>With a win over Brighton this weekend, Aston Villa have an opportunity to rise as high as eighth in the WSL table.</figcaption>
</figure>
https://7500toholte.sbnation.com/2023/12/11/23996817/villa-women-weekly-no-joie-again-for-aston-villa-in-defeat-to-manchester-city7500 News Desk2023-12-09T23:30:00+00:002023-12-09T23:30:00+00:00HOLTECAST | Aston Villa 1-0 Arsenal - BraveArse!
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<p><em>Well, what a week for the mighty Villa! Moments after the final whistle our Cole and Tom got together to try and find the right words that would make sense of such a memorable week for Unai Emery’s side, with Villa walking away from Fortress Villa Park with a 1-0 win over Arsenal. You can listen for FREE on </em><a href="https://shows.acast.com/holtecast-an-aston-villa-podcast"><em>Acast</em></a><em>, </em><a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/holtecast-an-aston-villa-podcast/id1534074397"><em>Apple Podcasts</em></a><em>, and </em><a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/7yJ4AR2y5mfZOtKZm7p93B"><em>Spotify</em></a><em> - dig in!</em></p> <h1 id="XwOtb7"><strong>What Do We Discuss?</strong></h1>
<ul>
<li id="cveHWY">Well then, how are the lads feeling after <a href="https://7500toholte.sbnation.com">Aston Villa</a>’s 15th consecutive win at Villa Park?</li>
<li id="Mr7spC">We’ve certainly tried our best so soon after the final whistle to try and make sense of how mint Villa have been this season and the journey that Unai Emery is taking us on, but is there even a correct way to figure that out at this point?</li>
<li id="jRrD1K">Villa Park victories over both <a href="https://bitterandblue.sbnation.com">Manchester City</a> and Arsenal within a matter of days is certainly impressive and deserves its plaudits, but winning these matches in very different ways shows how much this side has developed, right?</li>
<li id="FjijPP">Comfortably in the top 4 and it’s up to the likes of City and Spurs to catch up to us now; how crazy of a sentence is that?!</li>
<li id="veJcSY">THE WORLD’S NUMBER ONE! How important was Emi Martinez against the Gunners on Saturday and what sort of confidence will two clean sheets on the bounce give him?</li>
<li id="zmuCc3">BRAVEARSE! John McGinn is literally the perfect captain, isn’t he?</li>
<li id="ZbmmXw">Look, it’s hard trying to make sense of the pure magic that has occured thus far this season, but let’s just all soak it in and dare to dream, shall we?</li>
<li id="23Zrz6">All of this and so much more! Enjoy the podcast and Up The Villa!</li>
</ul>
<p id="ilFm4g"><strong>STAY CONNECTED:</strong></p>
<p id="isxjHu"><strong>Email: </strong><em>holtecast@gmail.com</em></p>
<p id="FKfRRJ"><strong>Twitter: </strong><em>@7500ToHolte</em></p>
<p id="zvG8fk"><strong>Cole Pettem: </strong><em>@TalkAstonVilla</em></p>
<p id="hbsLZo"><strong>Tom Nightingale: </strong><em>@tdnightingale</em></p>
<p id="zJQv1i">EPISODE NOTES:</p>
<p id="eu5kDP">Thank you to our charity partner, Acorns Children’s Hopsice.</p>
<p id="Hgq4wm">Donate today to support a fantastic charity: <a href="https://www.acorns.org.uk/get-involved/donate/">https://www.acorns.org.uk/get-involved/donate/</a></p>
<hr class="p-entry-hr" id="tjYCLY">
<h1 id="gUuNaI"><strong>Where Can I Listen?</strong></h1>
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<h3 id="YFCv4t"><strong>Spotify</strong></h3>
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<p id="yrtFNV">Otherwise, just type in ‘Holtecast’ into your search engine - simple as that.</p>
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https://7500toholte.sbnation.com/2023/12/9/23994897/holtecast-aston-villa-1-0-arsenal-bravearseHoltecast2023-12-08T22:46:10+00:002023-12-08T22:46:10+00:00Opponent Spotlight: Arsenal writer Tom Canton talks about facing Aston Villa, Kai Havertz and Declan Rice’s impact!
<figure>
<img alt="Luton Town v Arsenal FC - Premier League" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/radVMzEiEOozLDgHiUV7qZJbBR8=/57x0:4872x3210/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/72945849/1837405200.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
<p><em>Ahead of Arsenal’s visit to Villa Park on Saturday, we spoke to Arsenal writer </em><a href="https://twitter.com/TomCantonMedia"><em>Tom Canton</em></a><em> to get the lowdown on Mikel Arteta’s side.</em></p> <h3 id="10uy8h"><em><strong>Following last season’s rollercoaster ride for the Premier League title, I think it is fair to say that many neutrals were curious to see how Arsenal would approach this season. Keeping in mind that Mikel Arteta’s side are currently sitting in first, what are Gunners fans expecting this season?</strong></em></h3>
<blockquote>
<p id="754hOk"><em><strong>Tom Canton:</strong></em><em> Arsenal supporters are expecting a range of things. Some expect us to win the league, some expect us to simply challenge, some expect a trophy and others are just along for the ride with no expectations. </em></p>
<p id="fRpEFJ"><em>Everyone is entitled to their views, but from my perspective the most accurate would be to expect a better challenge than last season. When </em><a href="https://bitterandblue.sbnation.com"><em>Manchester City</em></a><em> sit as the favourites for the vast majority then expecting to beat them to any trophy seems a bit backwards in my mind. We should be aiming to win it all, but expecting it is always a word I tend to avoid at the present time.</em></p>
</blockquote>
<hr class="p-entry-hr" id="xSpsn7">
<h3 id="H0tZe3"><em><strong>We will get to Declan Rice in a moment, but the summer signing of Kai Havertz from Chelsea came as a bit of a surprise to some football fans - what have you made of the German’s time at Arsenal thus far?</strong></em></h3>
<blockquote>
<p id="wwisuw"><em><strong>TC: </strong></em><em>Kai Havertz has been on a journey, but were it for many vocal critics he’d never have been allowed to reach his current level of form. Three goals in the last three starts has seen a huge shift in the view of Havertz and for good reason.</em></p>
<p id="Xmdtl6"><em>His movement is excellent, and he has shown great resilience to plough on despite the persistent criticisms. He offers Arsenal something different and we have been very grateful for it of late.</em></p>
</blockquote>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt="Luton Town v Arsenal FC - Premier League" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/ncj-Av0Z8gFgWtwh0QjXumSLTsc=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/25145084/1837398316.jpg">
<cite>Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images</cite>
<figcaption>Declan Rice has slotted seamlessly into this Arsenal side and is proving to be a major difference maker for the Premier League title challengers.</figcaption>
</figure>
<hr class="p-entry-hr" id="VDn9Bm">
<h3 id="pzrmWc"><em><strong>The signing of Declan Rice from West Ham United certainly cost a pretty penny, but has already proven to be worth while, with the midfielder already adding three goals and an assist to his resume this season. How crucial is Rice in regards to any potential success Arsenal may have this season and beyond?</strong></em></h3>
<blockquote>
<p id="qvwUGZ"><em><strong>TC: </strong></em><em>Declan Rice is the best player in the Premier League at the moment, bar none. There are others having great seasons, but there is no single player who has contributed more to their team’s successes than Rice has for the club this season.</em></p>
<p id="2B5SKR"><em>£100 million? Bargain. Some witty fans have set up a GoFundMe to raise money for West Ham United because they feel so guilty for underpaying and quite right too! What a player and any success Arsenal have will require his availability for the entirety of the season.</em></p>
</blockquote>
<hr class="p-entry-hr" id="xi2dBV">
<h3 id="Od4Zs1"><em><strong>Since Aston Villa’s return to the Premier League in the 2019/2020 season, Arsenal have won five out of a possible eight meetings between the two sides, with Villa winning the other three matches. What sort of match are you expecting to see at Villa Park on Saturday?</strong></em></h3>
<blockquote>
<p id="iVHKwm"><em><strong>TC:</strong></em> <em>I am expecting Villa to attack us on Saturday and after the win over Manchester City they have plenty of encouragement to do so. The difference from that game is unlike City, Arsenal do have competent central midfielders playing in natural roles and will be looking to win that war in the middle third.</em></p>
<p id="6wFWJJ"><em>That said, Arsenal must be wary because this Unai Emery team are a giant-killer and know how to win. Arteta will be in the stands too, so it will be interesting to see if that has an impact on things.</em></p>
</blockquote>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt="Arsenal Training Session" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/jg11-j3ii0j7gsG0tX1oY3XauVg=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/25145096/1840598167.jpg">
<cite>Photo by Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC via Getty Images</cite>
<figcaption>Arsenal boss, Mikel Arteta, will be missing from the dugout on Saturday due to a touchline ban. Could this prove to be an issue for the Gunners?</figcaption>
</figure>
<hr class="p-entry-hr" id="NabcN4">
<h3 id="xydhzp"><em><strong>Which eleven players do you expect Mikel Arteta to select?</strong></em></h3>
<blockquote><p id="3YkhGf"><em><strong>TC:</strong></em><em> Raya; White, Saliba, Gabriel, Zinchenko; Rice, Havertz, Odegaard; Saka, Jesus, Martinelli</em></p></blockquote>
<hr class="p-entry-hr" id="xzCySc">
<h3 id="LjTL6M"><em><strong>From a Villa perspective, it feels incredibly strange stating that this is a clash between first and third in the table, but nonetheless, that is reality at this point in time - what is your score prediction?</strong></em></h3>
<blockquote><p id="NtJ5pF"><em><strong>TC:</strong></em><em> It is, but that is a credit to both sides and what they have achieved this season. I think there are goals here, but will give it to Arsenal 2-3.</em></p></blockquote>
<div id="NEkqei"><div style="left: 0; width: 100%; height: 0; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.25%;"><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/S-B8dNOF4_E?rel=0" style="top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute; border: 0;" allowfullscreen="" scrolling="no" allow="accelerometer; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share;"></iframe></div></div>
https://7500toholte.sbnation.com/2023/12/8/23994182/opponent-spotlight-arsenal-writer-tom-canton-facing-aston-villa-kai-havertz-and-declan-rices-impactCole Pettem2023-12-08T17:04:26+00:002023-12-08T17:04:26+00:00Match Preview: Aston Villa v Arsenal - Can Villa lay down another marker against the league’s best?
<figure>
<img alt="Aston Villa v Manchester City - Premier League" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/PND30S9koWnX5wV_2ikAk57ajGU=/203x0:5254x3367/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/72944316/1838018793.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Neville Williams/Aston Villa FC via Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
<p><em>4 days after Manchester City, Villa look for another statement win against the league-leading Gunners. Here is everything you need to know prior to kick-off!</em></p> <h2 id="fUiRrm"><em><strong>The Build-Up</strong></em></h2>
<p id="fjyhYg"><a href="https://7500toholte.sbnation.com">Aston Villa</a>’s season continues with a clash against table-toppers Arsenal on Saturday evening at Villa Park, in a match that pits two of the most in-form teams in the Premier League against each other. Villa have won four of their last six games and the visitors have triumphed in five games over the same period.</p>
<p id="3y8gVX">Last time out, of course, Unai Emery’s hosts leapfrogged last season’s treble-winners <a href="https://bitterandblue.sbnation.com">Manchester City</a> on Wednesday evening with a fully-deserved victory over Pep Guardiola’s side courtesy of a second-half strike from Leon Bailey to move up to third in the league, just four points shy of Saturday’s opponents. Villa’s triumph over the Citizens was a 1-0 battering as the Claret and Blues had 22 shots to City’s two and had several opportunities to make the scoreline even more convincing.</p>
<p id="KetS65">Wednesday night’s win was also Villa’s 14th home win in a row, which equals a club record for consecutive Villa Park victories that was achieved twice in 1902-03 and 1930-31. This current home winning streak began after Villa were beaten by Saturday’s visitors 4-2 back in February in a match in which Villa should have taken something from having led twice in the game. The upcoming match gives Villa and Emery the chance to gain revenge for that defeat whilst also consolidating their position in the top four. </p>
<p id="gpKL2Y">Villa are playing with immense confidence at home currently, and that was typified by the way they suffocated City on Wednesday night by only allowing them to have two attempts on goal across the entire match. Emery’s side will be optimistic that they can produce a second-successive statement performance when the Gunners come to town. </p>
<p id="l0QaVu">The Spaniard spent 18 largely unhappy months in the Arsenal hot seat and will be hoping to get one over on his old team and post a record-breaking 15th straight home win in the process. Should the hosts beat Arsenal at Villa Park for the third time in six seasons then they will be only a point behind them and could even jump into second place, depending on <a href="https://liverpooloffside.sbnation.com/">Liverpool</a>’s result at Selhurst Park earlier on Saturday.</p>
<p id="1xhdNy">Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal enjoyed a fine midweek victory of their own, as they came from 3-2 down to clinch a 4-3 win over Luton Town at Kenilworth Road via a 97th-minute Declan Rice header. The three points was the Gunners’ fourth maximum-points haul on the road in their last six encounters and they have the chance to consolidate their position as league leaders with another win away from home on Saturday.</p>
<p id="wLgHjg">The North London side have conceded just six goals on their travels all season, but three of those came at Luton on Wednesday in an uncharacteristically shaky defensive performance from Arteta’s side. If they are to take the spoils from Villa Park then they will need another miserly display from the back four as seen in the win at Brentford two weeks ago, otherwise Ollie Watkins, Leon Bailey, and John McGinn will make hay for Villa. </p>
<p id="Y57MVb">Rice and Martin Ødegaard will need to also be on their game in order to win the midfield battle against Douglas Luiz and Boubacar Kamara, who have formed a formidable axis at the heart of the hosts’ midfield. The game will likely be decided by whichever one of these thriving midfield pairings dictates the flow of proceedings.</p>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt="Aston Villa v Manchester City - Premier League" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/DSmFbTeARCRvV3sDvTTboPjaTuU=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/25143732/1835896046.jpg">
<cite>Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images</cite>
</figure>
<hr class="p-entry-hr" id="lYZ8qu">
<h2 id="lWJceC"><em><strong>Team News</strong></em></h2>
<p id="AhlL4J">Unai Emery will be without Bertrand Traore with a muscle injury, whilst Tyrone Mings and Emi Buendia remain long-term absentees with ACL injuries. </p>
<p id="Q6pFMr">Otherwise, Villa have a clean bill of health ahead of the meeting with Arsenal, and given their heroics against City they may well field the same lineup. </p>
<p id="BxQ7Y5">Bailey and Tielemans deserve to keep their places in the side after their performances on Wednesday night. Moussa Diaby, Àlex Moreno, and Jacob Ramsey are excellent options to have in reserve to change the game.</p>
<p id="9dJQVL">Ezri Konsa will probably play at right back again, with Diego Carlos and Pau Torres continuing their partnership at the heart of the defence.</p>
<p id="BaDJq2">Arsenal are without several first-team players for the trip to Villa Park, with Takehiro Tomiyasu, Emile Smith-Rowe, Thomas Partey, Jurrien Timber, and Fábio Vieira missing with calf, knee, groin, and thigh injuries, respectively.</p>
<p id="hwaOP4">Mikel Arteta will also be missing from the touchline after picking up a yellow card against Luton.</p>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt="Aston Villa v Manchester City - Premier League" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/kUyrugPRCtA8iCIMBU5po2dClTs=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/25143738/1837368124.jpg">
<cite>Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images</cite>
</figure>
<hr class="p-entry-hr" id="8O2yuM">
<h2 id="AYwONh"><em><strong>Likely lineups</strong></em></h2>
<p id="89qTJ6"><strong>Aston Villa (4-2-2-2)</strong></p>
<p id="iIVWZW">Martinez; Konsa, Carlos, Torres, Digne; Luiz, Kamara; Tielemans, McGinn; Watkins, Bailey</p>
<p id="tqL4V4"><strong>Arsenal (4-2-3-1)</strong></p>
<p id="m8JdoU">Raya; White, Saliba, Gabriel, Zinchenko; Ødegaard, Rice; Havertz, Saka, Jesus; Martinelli</p>
<hr class="p-entry-hr" id="obIhMP">
<h2 id="R1Nlku"><em><strong>Score Prediction</strong></em></h2>
<p id="NcYd0m">Villa have the huge incentive of posting a 15th consecutive home win but Arsenal will be a significant obstacle to that goal. The Gunners are in formidable form themselves but looked less than secure on Wednesday night. Both of these teams have masses of attacking talent and a high-scoring draw is a very possible outcome.</p>
<p id="LuO20h"><strong>Prediction: </strong><em>Aston Villa 2 Arsenal 2</em></p>
<p id="ZR8Hkm"></p>
<p id="Czy6aR"></p>
https://7500toholte.sbnation.com/2023/12/8/23993627/match-preview-aston-villa-v-arsenal-can-villa-lay-down-another-marker-against-the-leagues-best7500 News Desk2023-12-08T02:30:00+00:002023-12-08T02:30:00+00:00HOLTECAST | Aston Villa 1-0 Manchester City - An Unai Emery masterpiece!
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/5N7pIcktMfxQ9-BmD7CuxG-s9X8=/80x0:944x576/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/72942579/Holtecast_Podcast___Template___7500_Website.0.jpg" />
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<p><em>With Wednesday’s victory over Manchester City potentially being the most complete performance most Aston Villa fans may have ever seen, our Cole and Dom got together to process the brilliance of Unai Emery’s Villa and look ahead to Arsenal on Saturday. You can listen for FREE on </em><a href="https://shows.acast.com/holtecast-an-aston-villa-podcast"><em>Acast</em></a><em>, </em><a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/holtecast-an-aston-villa-podcast/id1534074397"><em>Apple Podcasts</em></a><em>, and </em><a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/7yJ4AR2y5mfZOtKZm7p93B"><em>Spotify</em></a><em> - dig in!</em></p> <h1 id="XwOtb7"><strong>What Do We Discuss?</strong></h1>
<ul>
<li id="cveHWY">Well then, I think it’s fair to say that Unai Emery’s <a href="https://7500toholte.sbnation.com">Aston Villa</a> are officially the real deal (we already believed that, but I’m sure more neutrals will potentially jump on the bandwagon now).</li>
<li id="xhMdLK">Is Wednesday’s victory over <a href="https://bitterandblue.sbnation.com">Manchester City</a> the most complete performance we’ve ever witnessed from a Villa side?</li>
<li id="uLfXCN">We could certainly talk all day and night about each and every Villa player that featured on Wednesday evening, but focusing on Emi Martinez and Leon Bailey specifically, how crucial were these two on the night?</li>
<li id="t6w7U3">THE JAMAICAN SENSATION! Leon Bailey has truly reached a different level this season and the performance he put in at Villa Park on Wednesday has to be his best performance in a Villa shirt; what should we expect going forward from the Jamaican?</li>
<li id="JqjMhZ">Arsenal on Saturday (certainly not on Sunday like Cole said in the podcast a few times...), how are the lads feeling ahead of the league leaders paying a visit to Villa Park?</li>
<li id="WRNooH">The lads answer listener questions and maybe get a tad carried away with Villa’s mintness this season...oh well!</li>
<li id="23Zrz6">All of this and so much more! Enjoy the podcast and Up The Villa!</li>
</ul>
<p id="ilFm4g"><strong>STAY CONNECTED:</strong></p>
<p id="isxjHu"><strong>Email: </strong><em>holtecast@gmail.com</em></p>
<p id="FKfRRJ"><strong>Twitter: </strong><em>@7500ToHolte</em></p>
<p id="zvG8fk"><strong>Cole Pettem: </strong><em>@TalkAstonVilla</em></p>
<p id="hbsLZo"><strong>Dom Phillips: </strong><em>@domphillips02</em></p>
<p id="zJQv1i">EPISODE NOTES:</p>
<p id="eu5kDP">Thank you to our charity partner, Acorns Children’s Hopsice.</p>
<p id="Hgq4wm">Donate today to support a fantastic charity: <a href="https://www.acorns.org.uk/get-involved/donate/">https://www.acorns.org.uk/get-involved/donate/</a></p>
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<h1 id="gUuNaI"><strong>Where Can I Listen?</strong></h1>
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<h3 id="W8mFzR"><strong>Acast</strong></h3>
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<h3 id="YFCv4t"><strong>Spotify</strong></h3>
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