There's been a lot of debate on here regarding how much effort we should put into the Europa League and how much we should prioritise the league.
For me at all comes down to the simple fact of, how we are doing in the league by the time our Europa campaign starts. If we get into the competition that is.
I've just checked our fixture list and the schedule for the FA cup and Europa League by the time our Europa league campaign starts we will have played 25 EPL matches. By this point we will have played most of our difficult fixtures. The only four difficult ties we will have left at this point will be United, Arsenal, Southampton and Everton and they will all be at home.
It is likely the last 32 tie will be a walkover for us. There will be no premier league football in between the 1st and 2nd leg of the last 32 tie because that weekend will be a FA cup weekend.
So by the time we play the 2nd leg of the last 32 tie we will know the following information.
- Our situation in the league
- Whether or not we have made it to the last 8 of the FA cup
How much energy we put in the Europa should purely rely on our league and FA cup situation.
This is how I would play it.
-If we are within 5 points of the top of the table then the league must be our main priority.
- If we are not in a title challenge but within 5 points of top 4 then put some effort into the Europa League but rotate the squad for these matches depending how close we are to the top four
- If we have no realistic chance of top 4 and we are at least 6 or 7 point from fourth place, then I see no reason why we should not put everything into the Europa League campaign.
So in essence let's try get into the Europa league and if we are in a good situation then we can treat these games like the league cup but if there's nothing to play for in the league then I see no reason why we cannot go for it.
Discuss
Europa League vs Premier League
posted on 5/12/16
Would be funny if you got Astra Giurgiu though.
posted on 5/12/16
The simple fact is that we were shocking in the summer transfer window (and clearly in the time preceding it in terms of scouting) which is why we're having this debate.
Fail to prepare, prepare to fail. Simple.
posted on 5/12/16
I don't think the Top 4 will change personally.
posted on 5/12/16
comment by Ledders The King - Football Manager Icon (U20121)
posted 7 minutes ago
The simple fact is that we were shocking in the summer transfer window (and clearly in the time preceding it in terms of scouting) which is why we're having this debate.
Fail to prepare, prepare to fail. Simple.
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think shocking is over the top, but at the moment it doesn't look great
wanyama been a quality addition, but so far janssen hasn't done what was hoped.
nkoudou I think offers something and needs to be used more, but our sales of chadli was nonsense.
posted on 5/12/16
I can see pochettino resting a lot of players for this game as he is more concerned about man utd at the weekend.
-----------------Vorm--------------------
Trippier toby wimmer Davies
Onomah Dier winks n'koudou
---------------Sissoko------------------
--------------Janssen-------------------
Hopefully some much needed match fitness for toby and Davies if they are ready to play.
posted on 5/12/16
If we're in it play to win it.
As a fan, that's how I view every game we play.
If we're in the Europa League, and I hope we are, then what's the point of jumping out of it! Every round of every tie is a lottery as to who plays who. We may get a good draw, it could be terrible, but over 2 legs we can give any team in that competition a game.
posted on 5/12/16
comment by Chronic (U3423)
posted 40 minutes ago
comment by Ledders The King - Football Manager Icon (U20121)
posted 7 minutes ago
The simple fact is that we were shocking in the summer transfer window (and clearly in the time preceding it in terms of scouting) which is why we're having this debate.
Fail to prepare, prepare to fail. Simple.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
think shocking is over the top, but at the moment it doesn't look great
wanyama been a quality addition, but so far janssen hasn't done what was hoped.
nkoudou I think offers something and needs to be used more, but our sales of chadli was nonsense.
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1 out of 4 is pretty shocking IMO. Especially considering that's Sissoko is used to the league and what we paid for him compared to what other players went for across Europe who play in the same position
posted on 5/12/16
Totally agree Super
posted on 5/12/16
For years and years we have prioritised the league over European fixtures and the result is always the same. We are knocked out of Europe without giving a good account of ourselves. Not just ropey league, but even this seasons Champions League.
If the club decides that we must try to reach the very latter stages of a European competition this season then we will not get there by fielding "squad players" with a sprinkling of youth players. We will be knocked out. More than this, you are going to have prioritise some European games over league games.
Still find it amazing that some fans think we can progress in Europa by fielding weakened sides. We will be dumped out of it if or should I say when Poch does this.
posted on 5/12/16
comment by stevetheyid (U6712)
posted 5 hours, 55 minutes ago
I can see pochettino resting a lot of players for this game as he is more concerned about man utd at the weekend.
-----------------Vorm--------------------
Trippier toby wimmer Davies
Onomah Dier winks n'koudou
---------------Sissoko------------------
--------------Janssen-------------------
Hopefully some much needed match fitness for toby and Davies if they are ready to play.
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Facking hell. Could be the most embarrassing Champions League campaign by a Premiership team in in history. That team is an absolute joke. Why not just field 11 random clown shoe wearing caants instead.