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Sliding doors

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So this is it. An absolute saga of a season drawing to a close today and for Man Utd, Chelsea, Leicester, Bournemouth,  Watford, Villa there is very much a binary outcome. Will Frank Lampard be lauded as a resounding (if somewhat sweary) success in his first EPL season, or will his story be one of sentimental naivety? Same vibe for Ole. Brendan Rodgers knows better and has been manipulating the media narrative carefully such that a fifth place finish is still measured as a resounding success. 

And at the other end. Will the Watford owners' cheesing of the new manager bounce rule prove to be a sound move? Will Eddie Howe be a miracle working shoe-in for future England manager, or just a scowling wreck languishing  in the EFL? For Dean Smith, I think his reputation is actually the least subject to this single result. He is a nice man, learning his trade, improving - but the variation between relegation or redemption couldn't be starker for us. Relegated, and Grealish will inevitably  leave, and with him there will be major risk of losing Mings, Luiz, McGinn, Targett. Two or three others that we don't mind losing would likely go also, and so once again the overhaul would begin,  and the appetite of rich owners with Covid-adjusted wealth balances would be severely tested. Either that or we stay up, trim a bit of deadwood, build a team around our key players and look forward to a positive season next time. That kind of range in scenarios, all to be settled over 90 minutes.

The Birchy house is a sea of cables right now, as my 5-screen plan takes shape. On the big screen will be West Ham v Villa. This will be flanked by the Watford and Bournemouth  games on tablets. Then on a mobile will be the side interest of Man Utd v Leicester, and on the PC will be a constantly refreshing live league table.  Bombay mix is procured,  beers are chilling. There is no champagne on ice - in a nod to last year's  playoff triumph - that can be sought and bought if, as and when needed.

Let's not beat around the bush, today is massive.  I feel Villa need a draw. I'm also rather worried we will lose. I am shitting myself.

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