Best Holtecast Podcasts (2025)

1
ASTON VILLA 3-1 FULHAM: We have liftoff! 47:47

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1d ago47:47

47:47

Aston Villa are starting to get their mojo back! Join Cole, Simon and Seb as the lads discuss Villa's first win of the 2025/2026 Premier League campaign and look ahead to the trip to Feyenoord on Thursday! You can listen for FREE on Acast, Apple Podcasts, and Spotify - dig in! WHAT DO WE DISCUSS? What can be made of Sunday's performance at Villa Pa…

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UNDER THE LIGHTS | John McGinn seals Villa's win against Bologna 23:21

4d ago23:21

23:21

Happy Friday everyone and welcome to a new feature on the Holtecast called "Under The Lights". Join Cole and Dom as they reflect on the good and the bad of Aston Villa's first win of the season against Bologna and look ahead to Sunday's match against Fulham in 25 minutes or less. You can listen for FREE on Acast, Apple Podcasts, and Spotify - dig i…

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SUNDERLAND 1-1 ASTON VILLA: An identity crisis! 1:02:28

8d ago1:02:28

1:02:28

Aston Villa secured their first Premier League goal of the season, but failed to hold on for all three points against 10-man Sunderland. Listen in as Cole, Simon and Seb gathered to reflect on another frustrating performance, Morgan Rogers' poor form and try to figure out where Villa's identity has drifted off to. You can listen for FREE on Acast, …

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EVERTON 0-0 ASTON VILLA: The goalless drought continues! 42:56

16d ago42:56

42:56

Aston Villa's struggles infront of goal continue, with Unai Emery's men now failing to score a goal in their last 5 Premier League fixtures. Join Cole, Tom and Simon as the lads dive into all the latest Villa-related chatter. You can listen for FREE on Acast, Apple Podcasts, and Spotify - dig in! WHAT DO WE DISCUSS? Given Aston Villa's struggles th…

1
Equality, diversity and inclusivity in football with Gemma Taylor-Whitehead 34:48

20d ago34:48

34:48

Only a few days remain until Aston Villa are back in action and with that in mind, Cole and Simon are joined by fellow Villa fan and UEFA B coach, Gemma Taylor-Whitehead, to discuss supporting the club from her point of view, inclusivity in football and how things are shaping up for Unai Emery's men ahead of Saturday's trip to the Hill Dickinson St…

1
Crystal Palace fallout, Martinez's future and a hectic transfer deadline day 1:12:07

29d ago1:12:07

1:12:07

Cole, Simon and Seb return for the latest episode of the Holtecast to discuss all of the fallout from the 3-0 loss to Crystal Palace on Sunday, Emi Martinez's future and Aston Villa's hectic transfer deadline day. You can listen for FREE on Acast, Apple Podcasts, and Spotify - dig in! WHAT DO WE DISCUSS? Where has Aston Villa's goalscoring touch go…

1
BRENTFORD 1-0 ASTON VILLA: A slow start or cause for concern? 45:21

1M ago45:21

45:21

Aston Villa claim their first loss of the young Premier League campaign, falling to a 1-0 loss away at Brentford. As a result, Cole and Tom got together to react to the performance and chat about what's really going on at the football club. You can listen for FREE on Acast, Apple Podcasts, and Spotify - dig in! WHAT DO WE DISCUSS? What did the lads…

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ASTON VILLA 0-0 NEWCASTLE UNITED: Marco Bizot's safe hands and a night out with Barry Bannan! 58:34

1M ago58:34

58:34

The Newcastle match has come and gone and with that, Aston Villa have their first point of the Premier League campaign. Join Cole, Simon and Tom as the lads reflect on an opening weekend stalement at Villa Park, Marco Bizot's Premier League debut and Simon's encounter with Barry Bannan on a night out all those years ago. You can listen for FREE on …

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The BIG Aston Villa 2025/2026 Season Preview! 57:01

2M ago57:01

57:01

The 2025/2026 season is nearly underway for Aston Villa and as a result, Cole, Simon, Seb and Tom are back for their annual season preview show ahead of Saturday's match against Newcastle United. Join in on the fun and sign up for our FPL league, The Holtecast Cup, for your chance to win one of two prizes: https://shorturl.at/veEhE. You can listen …

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THE VILLA CATCH UP: Guessand's arrival, Ramsey's future and McGinn's importance 49:22

2M ago49:22

49:22

Happy Tuesday and welcome back the latest edition of the Holtecast! It's been a while since we've reflected on the latest Aston Villa news, so tune in as we have plenty of chatter in store for you. You can listen for FREE on Acast, Apple Podcasts, and Spotify - dig in! WHAT DO WE DISCUSS? Boubacar Kamara may have signed a new contract back in July,…

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What to expect from Evann Guessand w/ French football expert, Jonathan Johnson! 18:34

2M ago18:34

18:34

Aston Villa unveiled the signing of 24-year-old Ivory Coast international, Evann Guessand on Friday and as a result, Cole was joined by French football expert, Jonathan Johnson to discuss what Villa fans can expect from Guessand and how he could fit into Unai emery's plans. You can listen for FREE on Acast, Apple Podcasts, and Spotify - dig in! WHA…

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ULTIMATE ASTON VILLA XI: A season ticket holder of 28 years' best Villa team! 58:43

2M ago58:43

58:43

There's been plenty of memorable players that have donned the famous Aston Villa shirt over the years, but what would a best XI look like from a tenured season ticket holder? Listen in as Cole and Simon run through Simon's best Villa XI from his time as a season ticket holder (beginning in the 1997/1998 season). You can listen for FREE on Acast, Ap…

1
WAKING THE GIANT: Inside the Rebirth of Aston Villa w/ Gregg Evans and Matt Maher 42:33

2M ago42:33

42:33

Following the release of "Waking the Giant: Inside the Rebirth of Aston Villa" on July 17th, Cole and Simon had the pleasure of speaking with co-authors, Gregg Evans and Matt Maher, to discuss the ins and outs putting the book together and the stories that have Aston Villa fans captivated across the globe. You can listen for FREE on Acast, Apple Po…

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NEWS ROUNDUP | Bizot joins, Barrenechea's move to Benfica and the oddly timed home kit release! 39:42

3M ago39:42

39:42

Happy Wednesday and welcome to another episode of the Holtecast! Things are starting to get busy for Aston Villa, so join Cole and Simon as they have their say on the latest news surrounding the football club. You can listen for FREE on Acast, Apple Podcasts, and Spotify - dig in! WHAT DO WE DISCUSS? Incomings - Marco Bizot has officially joined th…

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TIER LIST: Ranking Aston Villa's signings in the Unai Emery era! 1:06:00

3M ago1:06:00

1:06:00

Aston Villa fans have enjoyed plenty of fantastic moments with Unai Emery at the helm and with that, new arrivals have made their mark along the way. Join Cole, Simon and Tom as lads rank the football club's signings within the Unai Emery era. You can listen for FREE on Acast, Apple Podcasts, and Spotify - dig in! WHAT DO WE DISCUSS? From the depth…

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Assessing Aston Villa's trajectory w/ Daz Hale of BBC Radio WM! 39:58

3M ago39:58

39:58

BBC Radio WM host, Daz Hale, returns to reflect on last season's campaign for Aston Villa and key decisions that the football club will have to make heading into next season. You can listen for FREE on Acast, Apple Podcasts, and Spotify - dig in! WHAT DO WE DISCUSS? What did Daz make of the season that was for Unai Emery's men? Was missing out on t…

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KEEP, LOAN, SELL: Aston Villa's summer rebuild starts here! 56:52

4M ago56:52

56:52

With the summer transfer window now open once more, Cole, Simon and Tom assess the futures of the first steam squad in what is sure to be yet another busy and challenging period for the football club. You can listen for FREE on Acast, Apple Podcasts, and Spotify - dig in! WHAT DO WE DISCUSS? Which first team regulars could be made available this su…

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THE VILLA ROUNDTABLE: Looking ahead to Aston Villa's busy summer! 45:38

4M ago45:38

45:38

The Villa Roundtable is here! Cole is joined by Neil Dunworth, Pete Schaad and Rich Sutherland to reflect on where the 24/25 season leaves Aston Villa and look ahead to what will be a busy summer for the football club. You can listen for FREE on Acast, Apple Podcasts, and Spotify - dig in! WHAT DO WE DISCUSS? Right then, how are we all feeling abou…

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The BIG Aston Villa 2024/2025 End of Season Review! 1:03:38

4M ago1:03:38

1:03:38

With Aston Villa's 2024/2025 campaign now in the rearview mirrior, Cole, Simon and Seb sat down to reflect on the season that was for Unai emery's men – who was our standout player of the season? Who failed to live up to expectations? And everything in-between. You can listen for FREE on Acast, Apple Podcasts, and Spotify - dig in! WHAT DO WE DISCU…

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MANCHESTER UNITED 2-0 ASTON VILLA: Falling at the final hurdle! 51:30

4M ago51:30

51:30

Aston Villa's season certainly ended with plenty of chaos! Join Cole and Gather 'Round The Lamps, Andy Bates, as they try and make some sense of Sunday's frustrating loss to Manchester United shortly after the final whistle. You can listen for FREE on Acast, Apple Podcasts, and Spotify - dig in! WHAT DO WE DISCUSS? Just how poor was that performanc…

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PREVIEW | Manchester United v Aston Villa: Can Villa end the season in style? 38:43

4M ago38:43

38:43

The final day of the 2024/2025 season is nearly here! Cole and Simon are back again to look ahead to Sunday's trip to Old Trafford and look at what's at stake for Unai Emery's men. You can listen for FREE on Acast, Apple Podcasts, and Spotify - dig in! WHAT DO WE DISCUSS? How are we all feeling heading into the final match of the season? Is there a…

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ASTON VILLA 2-0 TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR: Anyone fancy some final day drama? 51:09

5M ago51:09

51:09

Aston Villa are taking their Champions League bid down to the final day of the 2024/2025 Premier League campaign! Join Cole and Simon as the lads reflect on a professional performance by Unai Emery's men, an emotional Emi Martinez and attempt to dissect the log jam for the last two Champions League spots. You can listen for FREE on Acast, Apple Pod…

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BOURNEMOUTH 0-1 ASTON VILLA: Record-breaking Watkins sends Villa on another European tour! 41:56

5M ago41:56

41:56

It's been another important weekend for Aston Villa Football Club, with Ollie Watkins becoming Villa's record Premier League goalscorer and Unai Emery's men securing a third consecutive season in Europe. Listen in as Cole and Tom wax lyrical about a vital win on the South Coast and reflect on Villa's chances of a top 5 finish. You can listen for FR…

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THE VILLA MONDAY SUPPLEMENT: What would be a successful season? 52:23

5M ago52:23

52:23

Well, it certainly wasn't a good week for Aston Villa, with consecutive losses to Manchester City and Crystal Palace. With only a few games remaining in the Premier League, it's now a big week leading up to Fulham's trip to Villa Park, so Cole and Simon got together to look at the bigger picture (or at least attempt to). You can listen for FREE on …

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ASTON VILLA 4-1 NEWCASTLE UNITED: The Ian Maatsen appreciation society! 45:49

5M ago45:49

45:49

It's now five consecutive wins for Aston Villa in the Premier League, with Unai Emery's men now only two points off of Newcastle United in third place. Listen in as Cole and Simon discuss a massive victory at Villa Park, the squad's undeniable confidence and look ahead to the trip to Manchester City on Tuesday. You can listen for FREE on Acast, App…

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GOIN' OUT SWINGIN': Can Aston Villa keep up the momentum? 38:41

6M ago38:41

38:41

Aston Villa bow out of the Champions League in style, with a 3-2 comeback win against PSG and nearly turning the tie around. Join Cole and Simon as the lads return to reflect on Tuesday's memorable performance at Villa Park and look ahead to Saturday's clash against Newcastle United. You can listen for FREE on Acast, Apple Podcasts, and Spotify - d…

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SOUTHAMPTON 0-3 ASTON VILLA: A sub-perb victory! 42:41

6M ago42:41

42:41

It's four Premier League wins in a row now for Unai Emery's Aston Villa, with a 3-0 win over Southampton being the latest result in a strong run of form. Listen in as Cole and Simon got together to react to a positive result on the road, Villa's sub-perb options from the bench and look ahead to Tuesday's massive clash against PSG. You can listen fo…

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Post-Paris reflections and looking ahead to Southampton! 25:12

6M ago25:12

25:12

Aston Villa's trip to Paris was certainly a difficult adventure, but one that shows just how far this team has come. Join Cole and Simon as the lads return to reflect on some valuable lessons learnt away at PSG and look ahead to this weekend's trip to Southampton. You can listen for FREE on Acast, Apple Podcasts, and Spotify - dig in! WHAT DO WE DI…

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VILLA MEAN BUSINESS: Reflecting on a perfect week and looking ahead to PSG w/ Jonathan Johnson! 45:58

6M ago45:58

45:58

Unai Emery's Aston Villa are now on a seven match unbeaten run and are heading into a massive clash with Paris Saint-Germain on Wednesday, with plenty of momentum. Listen in as Cole and Simon reflect on wins over Brighton and Nottingham Forest and look ahead to Villa's trip to Paris with France-based football journalist, Jonathan Johnson. You can l…

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PRESTON NORTH END 0-3 ASTON VILLA: We're off to Wembley! 48:55

6M ago48:55

48:55

Aston Villa are off to Wembley for a date with Crystal Palace in the FA Cup Semi-Finals! Cole, Seb and Simon return to chat about all things Villa in the wake of victory and a clean sheet at Deepdale against Preston North End on Sunday. You can listen for FREE on Acast, Apple Podcasts, and Spotify - dig in! WHAT DO WE DISCUSS? How do the lads feel …

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FA CUP PREVIEW | Preston North End v Aston Villa w/ former Preston striker Neil Mellor! 28:52

6M ago28:52

28:52

Former Preston North End striker, Neil Mellor, joins Cole and Simon for a chinwag ahead of Preston v Aston Villa in the FA Cup Quarter-Finals. You can listen for FREE on Acast, Apple Podcasts, and Spotify - dig in! WHAT DO WE DISCUSS? We're FINALLY back after a long and dreaded international break - hooray! What has Neil made of Preston's season th…

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A HECTIC RUN-IN: Can Aston Villa go the distance this season? 41:00

7M ago41:00

41:00

The Aston Villa train is going full steam ahead heading into the latter stages of the 2024/2025 campaign, with Unai Emery's men set to compete in the quarter-finals of the Champions League and FA Cup alongside their bid for a European place in the Premier League. Join Cole, Simon and Seb as the lads look ahead to Villa's clash with PSG next month a…

1
BRENTFORD 0-1 ASTON VILLA: Watkins stings The Bees again! 51:05

7M ago51:05

51:05

Aston Villa are officially undeafeted in the Premier League for the month of March! Listen in as Cole, Seb and Simon get together to discuss a hard-fought win away at Brentford, Axel Disasi's passion and try to spread some optimism heading into Wednesday's Champions League clash against Club Brugge. You can listen for FREE on Acast, Apple Podcasts,…

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CLUB BRUGGE 1-3 ASTON VILLA: Tyrone Mings' redemption! 32:02

7M ago32:02

32:02

It's advantage Aston Villa heading into the second leg of their Champions League round of 16 tie against Club Brugge following a 3-1 away win on Tuesday evening. Join Cole and Simon as the lads return to reflect on a key victory in Belgium, Villa's squad health and look ahead to a clash with Brentford on Saturday. You can listen for FREE on Acast, …

1
Palace frustrations, Cardiff celebrations and Champions League aspirations! 45:58

7M ago45:58

45:58

Aston Villa's inconsistent form continued in the Premier League, with a frustrating 4-1 loss to Crystal Palace, however, Unai Emery's men quickly redeemed themselves by besting Cardiff City 2-0 to advance to the Quarfer-Finals of the FA Cup for the first time since the 2014-2015 season. Listen in as Cole and Seb return to put some perspective on th…

1
Liverpool fireworks, Maatsen's growing pains and Villa's late-season push! 1:04:34

7M ago1:04:34

1:04:34

Aston Villa are back in the thick of the race for a Champions League spot following a 2-2 draw against Liverpool and 2-1 win over Chelsea at Villa Park. Join Cole, Simon and Seb as the lads discuss the crucial week that was for Unai Emery's side, Ian Maatsen's role in the side and the importance of a healthy squad going into the latter stages of th…

1
ASTON VILLA 1-1 IPSWICH TOWN: A missed opportunity! 56:46

8M ago56:46

56:46

Unai Emery's Aston Villa fail to close the gap between themselves and the clubs above them in the Premier League table following a 1-1 draw with Ipswich Town. Listen in as Cole and Simon are joined by Andy Bates from the Gather 'Round The Lamp podcast to assess Villa's stalement at Villa Park, the club's conistently inconsistent nature and how Emer…

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ASTON VILLA 2-1 TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR: Rashford's flicks and Asensio's tricks! 33:14

8M ago33:14

33:14

Aston Villa are heading to the 5th round of the FA Cup thanks to goals from Jacob Ramsey and Morgan Rogers. Tune in as Cole and Seb are joined by Neil Dunworth from the For The Love of Paul McGrath podcast to discuss Jacob Ramsey's strong form, Donyell Malen's dynamic nature and gush over Villa's shiny new toys (Marcus Rashford and Marco Asensio, w…

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TRANSFER WINDOW REVIEW: Assessing Aston Villa's winter transfer business! 59:09

8M ago59:09

59:09

It's been an extremely busy winter transfer window for Aston Villa and with that in mind, listen in as Cole, Seb and Simon discuss the ins and outs of the football club's transfer dealings and try to answer the most important question of all...is the current Villa squad better than it was prior to the opening of the winter transfer window? You can …

1
Champions League hangovers and Monchi madness! 51:44

8M ago51:44

51:44

In a week where transfer speculation seems to have consumed our minds over football matches being played, listen in as Cole and Tom return to reflect on another Champions League hangover, a bevy of defensive concerns and a plethora of transfer business/news surrounding the football club. You can listen for FREE on Acast, Apple Podcasts, and Spotify…

1
Centre-back woes and European foes! 1:01:58

8M ago1:01:58

1:01:58

Between a loss to AS Monaco and draw against West Ham United, it was a frustrating week for Aston Villa, with more questions than answers being posed. Join Cole, Tom and Simon as the lads reflect on Champions League priorities, centre-back concerns and Jhon Durán's future. You can listen for FREE on Acast, Apple Podcasts, and Spotify - dig in! WHAT…

1
Nobody puts Ollie in a corner! 59:47

8M ago59:47

59:47

Aston Villa remain undefeated in 2025 following an away win over Everton and comeback draw against Arsenal. Join Cole and Simon as the lads discuss an important week for the football club, the brilliance of Ollie Watkins and the importance of the Lucas Digne/Ian Maatsen left-back rotation. You can listen for FREE on Acast, Apple Podcasts, and Spoti…

1
How far can Aston Villa go in the FA Cup? 52:14

9M ago52:14

52:14

Aston Villa marked their 150th anniversary match with a win over West Ham United in the third round of the FA Cup on Friday and with that, perhaps the potential for a bit of cup magic seeps into the hopes and dreams of Villa fans alike. Join Cole and Seb as the lads reflect on a historic night at Villa Park, look ahead to a massive week and discuss…

1
Leon Bailing us out! 51:48

9M ago51:48

51:48

Unai Emery's Aston Villa began 2025 with three points in the bag ahead of a busy month filled with Premier League, Champions League and FA Cup action. Listen in as Cole and Tom return to discuss an ugly, but important win over Leicester City at the weekend, Leon Bailey's redemption arc and look ahead to, what most Villa fans will hope is the start …

1
Why are Aston Villa consistently inconsistent in 2024? 43:24

9M ago43:24

43:24

It certainly wasn't the end to 2024 that Aston Villa fans were hoping for, with a loss away at Newcastle United and a hectic draw against Brighton, which leaves fans heading into 2025 with more questions than answers. Tune in as Cole and Seb discuss officiating blunders, defensive concerns and try to look positively into a new year that surely will…

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Emery's early Christmas gift and Grealish's fingers 1:00:31

9M ago1:00:31

1:00:31

Unai Emery delivered an early Christmas present for Aston Villa fans on Saturday, with a 2-1 win at Villa Park against a struggling Manchester City side. Listen in as Cole and Simon reflect on Saturday's victory, Jhon Durán's most complete performance in a Villa shirt and assess the true value of Emery's side. You can listen for FREE on Acast, Appl…

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The great Aston Villa balancing act! 1:00:17

10M ago1:00:17

1:00:17

From Champions League highs to lowly Premier League moments, it's been a mixed week for Aston Villa Football Club. Join Cole and Simon as the lads discuss the European/domestic balancing act that Villa continue to struggle with and try to figure out exactly why Emery's men continue to struggle defensively. You can listen for FREE on Acast, Apple Po…

1
Underachieving vs Overachieving: The ebbs and flows of Aston Villa's season 59:45

10M ago59:45

59:45

The claret and blue machine is beginning to chug along nicely again ahead of yet another important week for the football club. With that in mind, Cole and Simon return after a brief spell on the sidelines to discuss the ebbs and flows of Villa's recent results, the Watkins/Duran 1-2 punch and the importance of Boubacar Kamara and Lucas Digne. You c…

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LIVERPOOL 2-0 ASTON VILLA: Mindset is everything! 50:41

11M ago50:41

50:41

Aston Villa are well and truly in a bit of a rough patch at the moment, with a self-inflicted loss to Brugge in the Champions League and a hard-fought loss to Liverpool in the Premier League. Join Cole and the returning Tom Nightingale as the lads try to put some perspective on Villa's recent form, look at the bigger picture, and try to decide whic…

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TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR 4-1 ASTON VILLA: A most peculiar week! 48:04

11M ago48:04

48:04

In what will likely be the worst week of the season thus far from an Aston Villa perspective, Cole and Simon return to discuss Villa's dip in form as of late, squad rotation question marks, and look ahead to away trips to Brugge and Liverpool. You can listen for FREE on Acast, Apple Podcasts, and Spotify - dig in! WHAT DO WE DISCUSS? 2 losses and 1…