UEFA Champions League: Martin Keown says new format means 'jeopardy' for Bayern Munich at 'rocking' Aston Villa - Eurosport
Released on February 10, 2024, at 09:40 GMT.
Aston Villa Hosts Bayern Munich In Europe Return
Emery has extended his contract with Aston Villa until 2029 following his successful guidance of the team into the Champions League.
Martin Keown shared with TNT Sports that the new format of the UEFA Champions League brings "risk" for Bayern Munich as they prepare for a tough match against Aston Villa on Wednesday.
Villa Park is set to welcome a match in the highest level of European football for the first time in more than four decades. This exciting game will feature Vincent Kompany's team and can be watched live on TNT Sports and discovery+.
Villa faces Bayern for the first time since the 1982 European Cup final, in which the English team celebrated a remarkable 1-0 win, earning the title of European champions.
The updated competition format means that Wednesday's match is a unique opportunity for both teams to compete in the league stage. There's also a chance they could meet again later in the knockout rounds. According to Keown, the atmosphere at Villa Park will play a significant role in this matchup.
"Villa Park is one of those venues that really generates an amazing vibe," the ex-Arsenal and Villa player remarked to TNT Sports.
"Emery acknowledges the need for acceptance regarding our departure from the Conference League."
"There's something special about those European nights; they have a unique charm. It was during the semi-finals of the FA Cup, and the atmosphere was just electrifying."
"It needs to be lively, and there are still plenty of fans who recall those amazing European nights from the past. Plus, a new wave of supporters is discovering that Villa is currently a highly entertaining team to watch."
He went on to say, "I'm a fan of this new format because it adds an element of risk. We can directly compete head-to-head, and we can do it on our own turf. Now, teams only have one shot, and they won't have to meet Bayern again until the later rounds, which I think is great."
"Alright, if you're interested in spending an evening here, Villa Park offers a unique vibe that you won't find anywhere else. Let's see how you handle it, because it promises to be an experience like no other. I'm really glad the stadium gets another chance for fans to enjoy those unforgettable European nights."
"Crucial To Their Tactical Play"
Villa will go into the match without their captain, John McGinn, who suffered a hamstring injury during the 3-1 victory against their local rivals, Wolves.
"I believe the football community recognizes his significance," Keown stated. "He has a strong personality. I see him as crucial to their tactical approach."
"I’m not worried about that" – Ten Hag feels assured about his position remaining secure even after the tough defeat against Spurs.
I believe he has a solid grasp of the system. When they don't have the ball, they set up in a 4-4-2 formation. Once they regain possession, they position two players ahead and two strikers, creating a four-player box in the midfield.
He achieves this by dropping deep into the midfield, and he does it from the wide position, while sometimes one of the forward players will also drop back from the frontline. This strategy is very effective, and I believe it creates significant problems for the opposing teams.
"McGinn is versatile enough to be positioned as a No. 6 or on the flanks. He brings strength and dependability to the team, consistently delivering performances rated around 7 or 8 out of 10."
TNT Sports will broadcast more than 500 games from the UEFA Champions League, UEFA Europa League, and UEFA Conference League throughout the 2024-25 season. Fans in the UK can find all of this content on discovery+, which offers a subscription that combines TNT Sports, Eurosport, and a variety of entertainment options in one place.
