'The Sting' - What to expect from Legia Warszawa

Dzien Dobry! I'm currently sat in a restaurant, central of Poznan, Poland. I'm awaiting a trip to Warsaw tomorrow to see our lads play.

But something is on my mind. Legia Warsaw to be exact, and their squad - to be more exact.

Listen. I know it's Legia Warszawa but they lost all privileges to that name the second I said Warszawa to the border patrol only for him to laugh at me. Warsaw it is. Where's the big fuckoff B and M?

That's a Walsall joke. Sorry.

Anyway. Instead of waiting to head into the unknown, I spoke to the brilliant AVFC Scout on Twitter to learn more about the side that will host Villa in their first group stage game in the Europa Conference League. This is more xG than xHKI (head kicked in), you'll have to wait for my post-Warsaw write up for that. I already know it'll be a doozy.

On with the show.

Firstly, what's the clash in playstyles between the clubs? When they come together, what breaks?

AVFC Scout: From what I've seen, Legia have a very distinct style of play. They build up their attacks along the flanks, using passing triangles to set up crosses into a congested penalty area. If they are allowed to play their game, the crosses into the box could pose a problem for Villa. They have a tall target striker, #7 Pekhart, who will test our centre-backs. The key for Villa will be stopping any crosses at source. Force them to try and build through the middle and into a bottle neck, where we can utilise our midfield superiority. When we have the ball, Villa's patient and probing play could be Legia's downfall. Defensively, Legia sets up with five at the back. Their centre-backs are aggressive and can be drawn out of position, creating gaps that the likes of Watkins and Diaby would have a field day running into.

How are Legia getting on and are there any emerging trends that we should be aware of in how they play football?

AVFC Scout: In the Polish Ekstraklasa, Legia currently sit in third, although they have games in hand compared to the teams above them. Notably, they are the only remaining undefeated team in their league. Their journey so far in the UECL qualifying rounds has been a challenging one, and one they have had to show resilience to battle through. They began with a victory over Kazakhstani side Ordabasy, 5-4 on aggregate. Next, they overcame Austria Wien 6-5 on aggregate. Finally, in the playoff round they beat Midtjylland on penalties after a 4-4 aggregate draw.

There's got to be one key man for Legia above all?

AVFC Scout: Honestly, I believe Legia is a well-balanced side and not overly reliant on any single player. If I had to select one, it would be their captain #27 Josue, who is a technically skilled attacking midfielder and their primary creative force. However, it's worth noting that Legia managed to secure a draw against Piast Gliwice even after Josue was sent off, indicating their collective strength.

How do you expect the match to go? Should be a tough game for Villa, right?

AVFC Scout: I expect a tough game, yes. Legia have a team of seasoned pros with European football experience who won't be fazed by the occasion. I expect Legia to come out swinging early on. There will be a rowdy atmosphere within the crowd building up to kick-off. Once we weather the initial 10-15 minutes, I anticipate Villa having the majority of possession. It's crucial for us to control the game and take the sting out of the crowd, breaking down their defence with our style of play.

There you have it. Go give AVFC Scout a follow.

See you post Warsaw for what I'm sure will be my best Villa writing yet. I'm not kidding.

Yours,

James x