Personally I think it's really great to see a couple of teams from further down the football pyramid getting involved in the battle for a top four berth 2/3 of the way through the season. I think it will be a real test, however, for the strength of both squads to maintain their fight to the end of the season.
We have to balance our challenge with our Europa League commitments. We shouldn't see that as a negative. We worked hard last season to qualify for a European place so we shouldn't give it up easily. The key will be sensible rotation and better luck with injuries than we've had so far this season. Getting Castagne back soon should help ease the loss of Justin and Fofana back next month will help with the rotation of Evans. Ultimately, Praet would help take the load off Tielemans, but I'm hoping that we don't break Youri before he comes back. This all assumes that we don't lose any more players. If we do we may have to sacrifice being competitive in all competitions if we want to finish top four.
I think United have gone under the radar a little bit this season. Everyone has been talking about Leeds, Villa, Everton and ourselves, whilst they've chipped away and currently sit above Liverpool in fifth. They also don't have the distraction of European football this season. It's a great turnaround from where they were last season. Personally I think their next six or seven games might define their season. They have a lot of the better teams to play. If they emerge after that run of games still in contention then I think they challenge until the end.
With talk of European Super Leagues and Champions League coefficients I think it would actually be great if Leicester AND West Ham were to put the cat amongst the pigeons a bit. I'd love to see both qualify, but my fear is that when the squad depth is really tested that both might fade. I hope not!
Will City or United make Champions League?
posted on 18/2/21
Utd
posted on 18/2/21
I hope WHU make it, always liked them
posted on 18/2/21
Good question Joby. I’ve been waiting for United to falter for some time but they just seem to keep winning. There’s a crazy potential that United could actually sneak in ahead of Man U, but now I’m getting ahead of myself.
I really hope one of us can upset the top 4, but with Chelsea’s bounce under Tuchel and Liverpool surely remembering they’re a top team at some point, I do fear for both of us.
Long way to go.
posted on 18/2/21
I personally think Leicester will as you have shown the capabilities to cope with injuries throughout and managed to sustain a good EL performance alongside the league this season, the difficulty will be now the EL returns and how far you go.
I still think West Ham are just lacking in their depth, one or two injuries in key areas and they may be crippled. Think of the likes of Antonio and/or Rice missing for a game or two, that may cost them in the long haul.
posted on 18/2/21
Good post Joby, it is indeed nice to see one of the smaller clubs like City or United doing well.