UEFA Cup News Round Up

Lots of talk in the lead up to the UEFA Cup game against MSK Zilina this week.

Former Villa striker Stan Collymore can see no reason why we can't keep our 100% record in Europe but has said not to take Zilina lightly.

He said on the official site, 'Everyone talks about Hamburg and Ajax as our big rivals in this group and Villa will expect to maintain their 100 per cent record in Group F on Thursday. But Eastern European clubs are no longer the game's whipping boys. A lot of them now have wealthy backers and are capable of causing shock results. I'm sure Martin will want Villa to retain their unbeaten record in the group but don't be surprised if he makes a few changes again, as he has in several other European ties.'

The Villa are also promoting the UEFA Cup special edition programmes. Issue one, published for the opening group game against Ajax, was so popular that we had to order a reprint following a total sell-out on the night. Now Villa fans can complete the set with issue two, which will be on sale at the game against MSK Zilina, priced £5. Once again, this collectable souvenir will feature a glossy cover - and if you slot the two covers together you will create a breathtaking mosaic design that feels as good as it looks because each gold tile is individually varnished. And as an added bonus, there's a set of six postcards, depicting some of Villa's greatest UEFA Cup moments, free with every copy. There is also a 50p off voucher in the Ajax programme to be used when purchasing the Zilina one.

Ticket News

Tickets for Villa's UEFA Cup clash with MSK Zilina are on general sale. Thursday with a 7.45pm kick-off.

You can buy online at: www.avfcsales.co.uk

Or call: 0800 612 0970.

Prices for MSK Zilina are:

North Stand Upper & Family: £15 (adults), £10 (over-65s and under-21) and £10 (under-16)
North Stand Lower: £10 (adults), £10 (over-65s and under-21) and £10 (under-16)
Doug Ellis/Trinity Road Central: £20 (adults), £10 (over-65s and under-21) and £10 (under-16)
Doug Ellis/Trinity Road Wings: £15 (adults), £10 (over-65s and under-21) and £10 (under-16)
Holte End: £15 (adults), £10 (over-65s and under-21) and £10 (under-16)

Individual ticket prices increase £5 when buying on matchday except under-16s which stay the same.

Meanwhile Martin O'Neill has confirmed he will shuffle the pack for Thursdays game. He told the official site:

'Marlon Harewood will start. He would have played in Prague in the last European game but his wife gave birth at that time. He is really eager to get going and chomping at the bit to play. Brad Guzan was brilliant for us in Prague and he will also get an opportunity to play too. All the players are really looking forward to the game and they are ready and determined to get the right result on Thursday.'

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