good point in isolation but not in the context of the game or situation we are in
Forest next, they have picked up good form and have Nuno manager so bound to be a struggle
then do we have the top 3 in a row?
should still do well to be worse than Europa league next season which will be good to be in, we should only improve too.
The Europa you would have a chance of winning/going far in. I hope we win it this season.
Regarding the CL not being bad but I’d see ye struggling to get out of the group stage especially if drawn in one of the harder groups.
I know CL is the be all and end all but what’s the point if purely making up the numbers? As said not wumming just making an observation.
Regarding the CL not being bad but I’d see ye struggling to get out of the group stage especially if drawn in one of the harder groups.
----
Groups are no more. Every English side should be good enough to qualify in the Swiss Model version.
DJ
Apologies I forgot about the new format
Whichever euro competitio. You're in, be prepared for a worse injury crisis than this season. It'll be interesting to see what Levy does in the transfer market and how Ange adapts his game management for the extra games.
Does anyone know if it is confirmed yet that 5th place gets top 4 in the PL this season or what needs to happen for 5th place to get top 4?
Nothing wrong with a point at West Ham on the face of it but it's so frustrating that we did the hard bit and then presented them with a pathetic equaliser.
They take some real kickings when they have to chase games but are very good at defending deep and denying teams space when they are getting the result they want.
Once again our inability to keep a clean sheet cost us and we didn't have the craft to open them up for a second time. Apart from picking the ball out of his net once and a couple of regulation saves their keeper was given an easy night.
Since the Chelsea debacle we have looked like a mid table side however the points we got early on have got us into our current position. I mean Villa aside when did we last look like a CL team?
Luckily for us Utd and Villa have been shedding plenty of points in recent weeks but at some point we have to take control ourselves instead of relying on others.
comment by Ryan Howley (U1734)
posted 19 minutes ago
Does anyone know if it is confirmed yet that 5th place gets top 4 in the PL this season or what needs to happen for 5th place to get top 4?
----------------------------------------------------------------------
If English clubs do well enough then 5th place gets top 4 Barrold
West Ham pumping Freiburg has given the edge to England over Germany for those 2 spots.
Germany are very slightly ahead of England at the moment but they have 3 teams left picking up points to England's 5.
Bayern Munich v Arsenal
Bayer Leverkusen v West Ham
In the Quarter finals are the key matches.
Opta give England a 70% chance of getting an extra spot to Germany's 30%
The Europa has been great fun this season, really enjoyed it. Of course you’d rather be in the CL, I won’t pretend otherwise, but the football is more enjoyable in the Europa.
comment by Ryan Howley (U1734)
posted 20 minutes ago
Does anyone know if it is confirmed yet that 5th place gets top 4 in the PL this season or what needs to happen for 5th place to get top 4?
----------------------------------------------------------------------
End of season
comment by Dave&Danny (U4428)
posted 3 minutes ago
comment by Ryan Howley (U1734)
posted 20 minutes ago
Does anyone know if it is confirmed yet that 5th place gets top 4 in the PL this season or what needs to happen for 5th place to get top 4?
----------------------------------------------------------------------
End of season
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Thanks. Still don't know how it works, what does it take for 5th place to get top 4 in the PL?
comment by HB Fash (U21935)
posted 17 minutes ago
West Ham pumping Freiburg has given the edge to England over Germany for those 2 spots.
Germany are very slightly ahead of England at the moment but they have 3 teams left picking up points to England's 5.
Bayern Munich v Arsenal
Bayer Leverkusen v West Ham
In the Quarter finals are the key matches.
Opta give England a 70% chance of getting an extra spot to Germany's 30%
----------------------------------------------------------------------
This feels a lot more logical than some of the quotes I've seen from the likes of Miguel Delaney, who said it was all but certain we'd get that 5th place qualification spot, which frankly is absurd.
It's all about probability. We might have 5 left, with Germany 3 but let's be real here. In all honesty, from those two fixtures above, I can only seen Munich and Leverkusen going through. That leaves us 3 vs 3 again. City are playing Madrid which is one of the toughest fixtures in the CL and Villa are up against Lille, one of the hardest fixtures left in their competition. Only Liverpool you'd think are guaranteed to go through.
The idea that 5th for our league is a foregone conclusion is naive. It's not. Not even close.
That's why I don't care what any fan says, I'll be supporting Arsenal and West Ham in the next round. We can't afford to let the Germans go through. Feck Harry Kane. I couldn't give a shiiit about him anymore. I just want us dining at the top table next year.
Let's be honest, Arsenal will not win the CL anyway. One more round won't hurt.
comment by fridgeboy (U1053)
posted 14 minutes ago
comment by HB Fash (U21935)
posted 17 minutes ago
West Ham pumping Freiburg has given the edge to England over Germany for those 2 spots.
Germany are very slightly ahead of England at the moment but they have 3 teams left picking up points to England's 5.
Bayern Munich v Arsenal
Bayer Leverkusen v West Ham
In the Quarter finals are the key matches.
Opta give England a 70% chance of getting an extra spot to Germany's 30%
----------------------------------------------------------------------
This feels a lot more logical than some of the quotes I've seen from the likes of Miguel Delaney, who said it was all but certain we'd get that 5th place qualification spot, which frankly is absurd.
It's all about probability. We might have 5 left, with Germany 3 but let's be real here. In all honesty, from those two fixtures above, I can only seen Munich and Leverkusen going through. That leaves us 3 vs 3 again. City are playing Madrid which is one of the toughest fixtures in the CL and Villa are up against Lille, one of the hardest fixtures left in their competition. Only Liverpool you'd think are guaranteed to go through.
The idea that 5th for our league is a foregone conclusion is naive. It's not. Not even close.
That's why I don't care what any fan says, I'll be supporting Arsenal and West Ham in the next round. We can't afford to let the Germans go through. Feck Harry Kane. I couldn't give a shiiit about him anymore. I just want us dining at the top table next year.
Let's be honest, Arsenal will not win the CL anyway. One more round won't hurt.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Arsenal are surely favourites over Bayern, they are a better football team than they are.
comment by fridgeboy (U1053)
posted 9 minutes ago
comment by HB Fash (U21935)
posted 17 minutes ago
West Ham pumping Freiburg has given the edge to England over Germany for those 2 spots.
Germany are very slightly ahead of England at the moment but they have 3 teams left picking up points to England's 5.
Bayern Munich v Arsenal
Bayer Leverkusen v West Ham
In the Quarter finals are the key matches.
Opta give England a 70% chance of getting an extra spot to Germany's 30%
----------------------------------------------------------------------
This feels a lot more logical than some of the quotes I've seen from the likes of Miguel Delaney, who said it was all but certain we'd get that 5th place qualification spot, which frankly is absurd.
It's all about probability. We might have 5 left, with Germany 3 but let's be real here. In all honesty, from those two fixtures above, I can only seen Munich and Leverkusen going through. That leaves us 3 vs 3 again. City are playing Madrid which is one of the toughest fixtures in the CL and Villa are up against Lille, one of the hardest fixtures left in their competition. Only Liverpool you'd think are guaranteed to go through.
The idea that 5th for our league is a foregone conclusion is naive. It's not. Not even close.
That's why I don't care what any fan says, I'll be supporting Arsenal and West Ham in the next round. We can't afford to let the Germans go through. Feck Harry Kane. I couldn't give a shiiit about him anymore. I just want us dining at the top table next year.
Let's be honest, Arsenal will not win the CL anyway. One more round won't hurt.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Englands chances pre draw were 92%, now down to 70% - it was more or less the worst draw we could have got bar Liverpools route.
It’s imperative that Liverpool do not underperform, they should be making the final.
Leverkusen have often rested players in Europe as they go in search of a historic Bundesliga title - so I don’t think the West Ham game is a foregone conclusion, Qarabag ran them very close and West Ham realistically have nothing else going on so will take it seriously.
Villa got unlucky, Lille are the only other decent side left in it - knock them out though and they probably win the whole thing.
Arsenal I think will be beaten and I think City might be also. But I then think Madrid will beat Bayern. Barca will beat Dortmund.
For me it all hinges on Liverpool making the Europa final, West Ham getting something in the home game against Leverkusen and Villa pushing past Lille - so that and it will probably be enough.
comment by Never Mind the Defending: Here’s Jürgen Klopp’s Liverpool (U3979)
posted 2 minutes ago
comment by fridgeboy (U1053)
posted 14 minutes ago
comment by HB Fash (U21935)
posted 17 minutes ago
West Ham pumping Freiburg has given the edge to England over Germany for those 2 spots.
Germany are very slightly ahead of England at the moment but they have 3 teams left picking up points to England's 5.
Bayern Munich v Arsenal
Bayer Leverkusen v West Ham
In the Quarter finals are the key matches.
Opta give England a 70% chance of getting an extra spot to Germany's 30%
----------------------------------------------------------------------
This feels a lot more logical than some of the quotes I've seen from the likes of Miguel Delaney, who said it was all but certain we'd get that 5th place qualification spot, which frankly is absurd.
It's all about probability. We might have 5 left, with Germany 3 but let's be real here. In all honesty, from those two fixtures above, I can only seen Munich and Leverkusen going through. That leaves us 3 vs 3 again. City are playing Madrid which is one of the toughest fixtures in the CL and Villa are up against Lille, one of the hardest fixtures left in their competition. Only Liverpool you'd think are guaranteed to go through.
The idea that 5th for our league is a foregone conclusion is naive. It's not. Not even close.
That's why I don't care what any fan says, I'll be supporting Arsenal and West Ham in the next round. We can't afford to let the Germans go through. Feck Harry Kane. I couldn't give a shiiit about him anymore. I just want us dining at the top table next year.
Let's be honest, Arsenal will not win the CL anyway. One more round won't hurt.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Arsenal are surely favourites over Bayern, they are a better football team than they are.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Pedigree comes in to it at this stage though, Bayern have been here multiple times before and prevailed, Arsenal have mostly failed. That big game experience counts for alot and Bayern have in bucketfuls
I definitely don't want Arsenal beating Bayern. I couldn't cope with them with the CL and if they beat Bayern then they have a big chance IMO. if it means we don't get CL so be it.
comment by Irishred (U2539)
posted 1 hour, 37 minutes ago
The Europa you would have a chance of winning/going far in. I hope we win it this season.
Regarding the CL not being bad but I’d see ye struggling to get out of the group stage especially if drawn in one of the harder groups.
I know CL is the be all and end all but what’s the point if purely making up the numbers? As said not wumming just making an observation.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
We have done better in the CL than Europa in recent times and nearly always get out of the group, topping it one year with Real Madrid in it.
Our big problem with the lesser Euro comps is that in the Levy era we tend to get to a stage in the knockouts where the manager has to choose between resting players to push for CL qualification in the league or trying to win the Europa, and to a man they all choose the former, meaning we put a pizz weak side out and get beaten.
Based on what Ange did in the league cup I cannot imagine he will do any different. However, I would still enjoy the new Swiss model group stage of the Europa so wont begrudge it.
I will just be happy to be back in Europe - we must win the home games against Forest and Burnley and pick up enough from Newcastle, Chelsea and Sheff U away as well as Arsenal at home. We will get faack all against City and Liverpool
comment by Bake 'em away toys (U7303)
posted 4 minutes ago
I definitely don't want Arsenal beating Bayern. I couldn't cope with them with the CL and if they beat Bayern then they have a big chance IMO. if it means we don't get CL so be it.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Luckily if they beat Bayern they have to play City or Madrid. If they got through that as well then it’s likely to be PSG/Atletico/Barca in the final. I think people are worrying too much about Arsenal. Out of the 8 sides left I would say the only side they would definitely beat is Dortmund - they would be the underdog in every other tie
comment by Bake 'em away toys (U7303)
posted 3 minutes ago
I definitely don't want Arsenal beating Bayern. I couldn't cope with them with the CL and if they beat Bayern then they have a big chance IMO. if it means we don't get CL so be it.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
I've heard other fans say this and honestly I can't understand it.
Firstly, it's only the quarter final. I'll be cheering on Arsenal in the full knowledge that there are a whole heap of vastly more experienced powerhouses they'll face in a semi or final. I'm very confident that even if they get past Bayern, they won't win the whole thing.
It's not going to happen though. On paper, yes, Arsenal are a decent team but this is European competition against one of the goliaths. They'll crumble. I'd like Arsenal to go through but honestly, I can see it being a one of those 5-0 aggregate scores over both legs. It's not even a contest. Arsenal struggled in that last round against Porto. This is a whole different ball game. They're a good team but they're a young team with very little CL experience.
The reason why the Arsenal Munich game is important is because it's ENG v GER. It's a direct chance to put a nail the coffin for the co-efficient. Relying on other clubs doing well is crazy when you have a direct line to a full on headshot here. I'd say the same for West Ham v Leverkusen but I think that one will be do one sided, it's gonna be impossible for WH to go through.
comment by Irishred (U2539)
posted 1 hour, 56 minutes ago
The Europa you would have a chance of winning/going far in. I hope we win it this season.
Regarding the CL not being bad but I’d see ye struggling to get out of the group stage especially if drawn in one of the harder groups.
I know CL is the be all and end all but what’s the point if purely making up the numbers? As said not wumming just making an observation.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Completely agree with this. You're right, we've not got a hope in hell of winning it but we're rebuilding right now. In terms of revenue and being able to attract certain players it's vital. I'd rather be in it, go hard in the summer in terms of recruitment and then finish third in the group and drop to the Europa League, which we can win, than fail to qualify for the CL completely. The bottom line is that the players want it. They'll see it as a vindication of Ange's methods so they'll follow him all the more.
I know we can't win it but qualifying for it is absolutely paramount for a whole host of reasons.
comment by fridgeboy (U1053)
posted 4 minutes ago
The reason why the Arsenal Munich game is important is because it's ENG v GER. It's a direct chance to put a nail the coffin for the co-efficient. Relying on other clubs doing well is crazy when you have a direct line to a full on headshot here. I'd say the same for West Ham v Leverkusen but I think that one will be do one sided, it's gonna be impossible for WH to go through.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
The key is Arsenal and West Ham not losing the home legs. Losing the tie is fine, but losing both legs will put even more emphasis on the Villa/Liverpool/City results.
I can’t see Bayern beating Madrid or City in the semi and I can’t see Dortmund beating Barca.
I think there is a chance that Leverkusen could go out this round or get beat by Roma or AC Milan in the semi as they are desperate for the title - I think they will continue to rest players.
Villa beat Lille they will easily make the final and should win it.
It’s going to be close but I think it will get done. Whether we can hold on to 5th I don’t know - United are a very odd side, you watch them one week and think ETH has finally got it to click, then they go and draw with relegation threatened Brentford and let’s face it they were lucky to get a point. Wouldn’t surprise me if they wiped the floor with Chelsea on Thursday though, or if they lost to someone really schitt at home in the run in
comment by fridgeboy (U1053)
posted 3 minutes ago
The reason why the Arsenal Munich game is important is because it's ENG v GER. It's a direct chance to put a nail the coffin for the co-efficient. Relying on other clubs doing well is crazy when you have a direct line to a full on headshot here. I'd say the same for West Ham v Leverkusen but I think that one will be do one sided, it's gonna be impossible for WH to go through.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
The permutations are endless, for example if Leverkusen and Bayern get through but Dortmund go out then we could still have more teams than Germany left in the next round (3 to 2).
I think Liverpool and Villa are going to win their competitions which I assume brings extra points, so I don't think it hinges on the Arsenal and West Ham games although they are of course important.
Nobodies talking about Italy who lost all their CL teams in the last 16. Are there extra points for the caliber of competition or is it all level in the 3 tournaments now?
comment by fridgeboy (U1053)
posted 1 minute ago
comment by Irishred (U2539)
posted 1 hour, 56 minutes ago
The Europa you would have a chance of winning/going far in. I hope we win it this season.
Regarding the CL not being bad but I’d see ye struggling to get out of the group stage especially if drawn in one of the harder groups.
I know CL is the be all and end all but what’s the point if purely making up the numbers? As said not wumming just making an observation.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Completely agree with this. You're right, we've not got a hope in hell of winning it but we're rebuilding right now. In terms of revenue and being able to attract certain players it's vital. I'd rather be in it, go hard in the summer in terms of recruitment and then finish third in the group and drop to the Europa League, which we can win, than fail to qualify for the CL completely. The bottom line is that the players want it. They'll see it as a vindication of Ange's methods so they'll follow him all the more.
I know we can't win it but qualifying for it is absolutely paramount for a whole host of reasons.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
That not how it works now - CL teams can no longer drop into the Europa.
The league stage of the CL is 2 groups of 18 sides with the top 4 from each qualifying and then places 5th to 12th in each going into a playoff to join the top 4 sides in the round of 16
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Europe
Page 1 of 2
posted on 3/4/24
good point in isolation but not in the context of the game or situation we are in
Forest next, they have picked up good form and have Nuno manager so bound to be a struggle
then do we have the top 3 in a row?
should still do well to be worse than Europa league next season which will be good to be in, we should only improve too.
posted on 3/4/24
The Europa you would have a chance of winning/going far in. I hope we win it this season.
Regarding the CL not being bad but I’d see ye struggling to get out of the group stage especially if drawn in one of the harder groups.
I know CL is the be all and end all but what’s the point if purely making up the numbers? As said not wumming just making an observation.
posted on 3/4/24
Regarding the CL not being bad but I’d see ye struggling to get out of the group stage especially if drawn in one of the harder groups.
----
Groups are no more. Every English side should be good enough to qualify in the Swiss Model version.
posted on 3/4/24
DJ
Apologies I forgot about the new format
posted on 3/4/24
Whichever euro competitio. You're in, be prepared for a worse injury crisis than this season. It'll be interesting to see what Levy does in the transfer market and how Ange adapts his game management for the extra games.
posted on 3/4/24
Does anyone know if it is confirmed yet that 5th place gets top 4 in the PL this season or what needs to happen for 5th place to get top 4?
posted on 3/4/24
Nothing wrong with a point at West Ham on the face of it but it's so frustrating that we did the hard bit and then presented them with a pathetic equaliser.
They take some real kickings when they have to chase games but are very good at defending deep and denying teams space when they are getting the result they want.
Once again our inability to keep a clean sheet cost us and we didn't have the craft to open them up for a second time. Apart from picking the ball out of his net once and a couple of regulation saves their keeper was given an easy night.
Since the Chelsea debacle we have looked like a mid table side however the points we got early on have got us into our current position. I mean Villa aside when did we last look like a CL team?
Luckily for us Utd and Villa have been shedding plenty of points in recent weeks but at some point we have to take control ourselves instead of relying on others.
posted on 3/4/24
comment by Ryan Howley (U1734)
posted 19 minutes ago
Does anyone know if it is confirmed yet that 5th place gets top 4 in the PL this season or what needs to happen for 5th place to get top 4?
----------------------------------------------------------------------
If English clubs do well enough then 5th place gets top 4 Barrold
posted on 3/4/24
West Ham pumping Freiburg has given the edge to England over Germany for those 2 spots.
Germany are very slightly ahead of England at the moment but they have 3 teams left picking up points to England's 5.
Bayern Munich v Arsenal
Bayer Leverkusen v West Ham
In the Quarter finals are the key matches.
Opta give England a 70% chance of getting an extra spot to Germany's 30%
posted on 3/4/24
The Europa has been great fun this season, really enjoyed it. Of course you’d rather be in the CL, I won’t pretend otherwise, but the football is more enjoyable in the Europa.
posted on 3/4/24
comment by Ryan Howley (U1734)
posted 20 minutes ago
Does anyone know if it is confirmed yet that 5th place gets top 4 in the PL this season or what needs to happen for 5th place to get top 4?
----------------------------------------------------------------------
End of season
posted on 3/4/24
comment by Dave&Danny (U4428)
posted 3 minutes ago
comment by Ryan Howley (U1734)
posted 20 minutes ago
Does anyone know if it is confirmed yet that 5th place gets top 4 in the PL this season or what needs to happen for 5th place to get top 4?
----------------------------------------------------------------------
End of season
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Thanks. Still don't know how it works, what does it take for 5th place to get top 4 in the PL?
posted on 3/4/24
comment by HB Fash (U21935)
posted 17 minutes ago
West Ham pumping Freiburg has given the edge to England over Germany for those 2 spots.
Germany are very slightly ahead of England at the moment but they have 3 teams left picking up points to England's 5.
Bayern Munich v Arsenal
Bayer Leverkusen v West Ham
In the Quarter finals are the key matches.
Opta give England a 70% chance of getting an extra spot to Germany's 30%
----------------------------------------------------------------------
This feels a lot more logical than some of the quotes I've seen from the likes of Miguel Delaney, who said it was all but certain we'd get that 5th place qualification spot, which frankly is absurd.
It's all about probability. We might have 5 left, with Germany 3 but let's be real here. In all honesty, from those two fixtures above, I can only seen Munich and Leverkusen going through. That leaves us 3 vs 3 again. City are playing Madrid which is one of the toughest fixtures in the CL and Villa are up against Lille, one of the hardest fixtures left in their competition. Only Liverpool you'd think are guaranteed to go through.
The idea that 5th for our league is a foregone conclusion is naive. It's not. Not even close.
That's why I don't care what any fan says, I'll be supporting Arsenal and West Ham in the next round. We can't afford to let the Germans go through. Feck Harry Kane. I couldn't give a shiiit about him anymore. I just want us dining at the top table next year.
Let's be honest, Arsenal will not win the CL anyway. One more round won't hurt.
posted on 3/4/24
comment by fridgeboy (U1053)
posted 14 minutes ago
comment by HB Fash (U21935)
posted 17 minutes ago
West Ham pumping Freiburg has given the edge to England over Germany for those 2 spots.
Germany are very slightly ahead of England at the moment but they have 3 teams left picking up points to England's 5.
Bayern Munich v Arsenal
Bayer Leverkusen v West Ham
In the Quarter finals are the key matches.
Opta give England a 70% chance of getting an extra spot to Germany's 30%
----------------------------------------------------------------------
This feels a lot more logical than some of the quotes I've seen from the likes of Miguel Delaney, who said it was all but certain we'd get that 5th place qualification spot, which frankly is absurd.
It's all about probability. We might have 5 left, with Germany 3 but let's be real here. In all honesty, from those two fixtures above, I can only seen Munich and Leverkusen going through. That leaves us 3 vs 3 again. City are playing Madrid which is one of the toughest fixtures in the CL and Villa are up against Lille, one of the hardest fixtures left in their competition. Only Liverpool you'd think are guaranteed to go through.
The idea that 5th for our league is a foregone conclusion is naive. It's not. Not even close.
That's why I don't care what any fan says, I'll be supporting Arsenal and West Ham in the next round. We can't afford to let the Germans go through. Feck Harry Kane. I couldn't give a shiiit about him anymore. I just want us dining at the top table next year.
Let's be honest, Arsenal will not win the CL anyway. One more round won't hurt.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Arsenal are surely favourites over Bayern, they are a better football team than they are.
posted on 3/4/24
comment by fridgeboy (U1053)
posted 9 minutes ago
comment by HB Fash (U21935)
posted 17 minutes ago
West Ham pumping Freiburg has given the edge to England over Germany for those 2 spots.
Germany are very slightly ahead of England at the moment but they have 3 teams left picking up points to England's 5.
Bayern Munich v Arsenal
Bayer Leverkusen v West Ham
In the Quarter finals are the key matches.
Opta give England a 70% chance of getting an extra spot to Germany's 30%
----------------------------------------------------------------------
This feels a lot more logical than some of the quotes I've seen from the likes of Miguel Delaney, who said it was all but certain we'd get that 5th place qualification spot, which frankly is absurd.
It's all about probability. We might have 5 left, with Germany 3 but let's be real here. In all honesty, from those two fixtures above, I can only seen Munich and Leverkusen going through. That leaves us 3 vs 3 again. City are playing Madrid which is one of the toughest fixtures in the CL and Villa are up against Lille, one of the hardest fixtures left in their competition. Only Liverpool you'd think are guaranteed to go through.
The idea that 5th for our league is a foregone conclusion is naive. It's not. Not even close.
That's why I don't care what any fan says, I'll be supporting Arsenal and West Ham in the next round. We can't afford to let the Germans go through. Feck Harry Kane. I couldn't give a shiiit about him anymore. I just want us dining at the top table next year.
Let's be honest, Arsenal will not win the CL anyway. One more round won't hurt.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Englands chances pre draw were 92%, now down to 70% - it was more or less the worst draw we could have got bar Liverpools route.
It’s imperative that Liverpool do not underperform, they should be making the final.
Leverkusen have often rested players in Europe as they go in search of a historic Bundesliga title - so I don’t think the West Ham game is a foregone conclusion, Qarabag ran them very close and West Ham realistically have nothing else going on so will take it seriously.
Villa got unlucky, Lille are the only other decent side left in it - knock them out though and they probably win the whole thing.
Arsenal I think will be beaten and I think City might be also. But I then think Madrid will beat Bayern. Barca will beat Dortmund.
For me it all hinges on Liverpool making the Europa final, West Ham getting something in the home game against Leverkusen and Villa pushing past Lille - so that and it will probably be enough.
posted on 3/4/24
comment by Never Mind the Defending: Here’s Jürgen Klopp’s Liverpool (U3979)
posted 2 minutes ago
comment by fridgeboy (U1053)
posted 14 minutes ago
comment by HB Fash (U21935)
posted 17 minutes ago
West Ham pumping Freiburg has given the edge to England over Germany for those 2 spots.
Germany are very slightly ahead of England at the moment but they have 3 teams left picking up points to England's 5.
Bayern Munich v Arsenal
Bayer Leverkusen v West Ham
In the Quarter finals are the key matches.
Opta give England a 70% chance of getting an extra spot to Germany's 30%
----------------------------------------------------------------------
This feels a lot more logical than some of the quotes I've seen from the likes of Miguel Delaney, who said it was all but certain we'd get that 5th place qualification spot, which frankly is absurd.
It's all about probability. We might have 5 left, with Germany 3 but let's be real here. In all honesty, from those two fixtures above, I can only seen Munich and Leverkusen going through. That leaves us 3 vs 3 again. City are playing Madrid which is one of the toughest fixtures in the CL and Villa are up against Lille, one of the hardest fixtures left in their competition. Only Liverpool you'd think are guaranteed to go through.
The idea that 5th for our league is a foregone conclusion is naive. It's not. Not even close.
That's why I don't care what any fan says, I'll be supporting Arsenal and West Ham in the next round. We can't afford to let the Germans go through. Feck Harry Kane. I couldn't give a shiiit about him anymore. I just want us dining at the top table next year.
Let's be honest, Arsenal will not win the CL anyway. One more round won't hurt.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Arsenal are surely favourites over Bayern, they are a better football team than they are.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Pedigree comes in to it at this stage though, Bayern have been here multiple times before and prevailed, Arsenal have mostly failed. That big game experience counts for alot and Bayern have in bucketfuls
posted on 3/4/24
I definitely don't want Arsenal beating Bayern. I couldn't cope with them with the CL and if they beat Bayern then they have a big chance IMO. if it means we don't get CL so be it.
posted on 3/4/24
comment by Irishred (U2539)
posted 1 hour, 37 minutes ago
The Europa you would have a chance of winning/going far in. I hope we win it this season.
Regarding the CL not being bad but I’d see ye struggling to get out of the group stage especially if drawn in one of the harder groups.
I know CL is the be all and end all but what’s the point if purely making up the numbers? As said not wumming just making an observation.
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We have done better in the CL than Europa in recent times and nearly always get out of the group, topping it one year with Real Madrid in it.
Our big problem with the lesser Euro comps is that in the Levy era we tend to get to a stage in the knockouts where the manager has to choose between resting players to push for CL qualification in the league or trying to win the Europa, and to a man they all choose the former, meaning we put a pizz weak side out and get beaten.
Based on what Ange did in the league cup I cannot imagine he will do any different. However, I would still enjoy the new Swiss model group stage of the Europa so wont begrudge it.
I will just be happy to be back in Europe - we must win the home games against Forest and Burnley and pick up enough from Newcastle, Chelsea and Sheff U away as well as Arsenal at home. We will get faack all against City and Liverpool
posted on 3/4/24
comment by Bake 'em away toys (U7303)
posted 4 minutes ago
I definitely don't want Arsenal beating Bayern. I couldn't cope with them with the CL and if they beat Bayern then they have a big chance IMO. if it means we don't get CL so be it.
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Luckily if they beat Bayern they have to play City or Madrid. If they got through that as well then it’s likely to be PSG/Atletico/Barca in the final. I think people are worrying too much about Arsenal. Out of the 8 sides left I would say the only side they would definitely beat is Dortmund - they would be the underdog in every other tie
posted on 3/4/24
comment by Bake 'em away toys (U7303)
posted 3 minutes ago
I definitely don't want Arsenal beating Bayern. I couldn't cope with them with the CL and if they beat Bayern then they have a big chance IMO. if it means we don't get CL so be it.
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I've heard other fans say this and honestly I can't understand it.
Firstly, it's only the quarter final. I'll be cheering on Arsenal in the full knowledge that there are a whole heap of vastly more experienced powerhouses they'll face in a semi or final. I'm very confident that even if they get past Bayern, they won't win the whole thing.
It's not going to happen though. On paper, yes, Arsenal are a decent team but this is European competition against one of the goliaths. They'll crumble. I'd like Arsenal to go through but honestly, I can see it being a one of those 5-0 aggregate scores over both legs. It's not even a contest. Arsenal struggled in that last round against Porto. This is a whole different ball game. They're a good team but they're a young team with very little CL experience.
posted on 3/4/24
The reason why the Arsenal Munich game is important is because it's ENG v GER. It's a direct chance to put a nail the coffin for the co-efficient. Relying on other clubs doing well is crazy when you have a direct line to a full on headshot here. I'd say the same for West Ham v Leverkusen but I think that one will be do one sided, it's gonna be impossible for WH to go through.
posted on 3/4/24
comment by Irishred (U2539)
posted 1 hour, 56 minutes ago
The Europa you would have a chance of winning/going far in. I hope we win it this season.
Regarding the CL not being bad but I’d see ye struggling to get out of the group stage especially if drawn in one of the harder groups.
I know CL is the be all and end all but what’s the point if purely making up the numbers? As said not wumming just making an observation.
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Completely agree with this. You're right, we've not got a hope in hell of winning it but we're rebuilding right now. In terms of revenue and being able to attract certain players it's vital. I'd rather be in it, go hard in the summer in terms of recruitment and then finish third in the group and drop to the Europa League, which we can win, than fail to qualify for the CL completely. The bottom line is that the players want it. They'll see it as a vindication of Ange's methods so they'll follow him all the more.
I know we can't win it but qualifying for it is absolutely paramount for a whole host of reasons.
posted on 3/4/24
comment by fridgeboy (U1053)
posted 4 minutes ago
The reason why the Arsenal Munich game is important is because it's ENG v GER. It's a direct chance to put a nail the coffin for the co-efficient. Relying on other clubs doing well is crazy when you have a direct line to a full on headshot here. I'd say the same for West Ham v Leverkusen but I think that one will be do one sided, it's gonna be impossible for WH to go through.
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The key is Arsenal and West Ham not losing the home legs. Losing the tie is fine, but losing both legs will put even more emphasis on the Villa/Liverpool/City results.
I can’t see Bayern beating Madrid or City in the semi and I can’t see Dortmund beating Barca.
I think there is a chance that Leverkusen could go out this round or get beat by Roma or AC Milan in the semi as they are desperate for the title - I think they will continue to rest players.
Villa beat Lille they will easily make the final and should win it.
It’s going to be close but I think it will get done. Whether we can hold on to 5th I don’t know - United are a very odd side, you watch them one week and think ETH has finally got it to click, then they go and draw with relegation threatened Brentford and let’s face it they were lucky to get a point. Wouldn’t surprise me if they wiped the floor with Chelsea on Thursday though, or if they lost to someone really schitt at home in the run in
posted on 3/4/24
comment by fridgeboy (U1053)
posted 3 minutes ago
The reason why the Arsenal Munich game is important is because it's ENG v GER. It's a direct chance to put a nail the coffin for the co-efficient. Relying on other clubs doing well is crazy when you have a direct line to a full on headshot here. I'd say the same for West Ham v Leverkusen but I think that one will be do one sided, it's gonna be impossible for WH to go through.
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The permutations are endless, for example if Leverkusen and Bayern get through but Dortmund go out then we could still have more teams than Germany left in the next round (3 to 2).
I think Liverpool and Villa are going to win their competitions which I assume brings extra points, so I don't think it hinges on the Arsenal and West Ham games although they are of course important.
Nobodies talking about Italy who lost all their CL teams in the last 16. Are there extra points for the caliber of competition or is it all level in the 3 tournaments now?
posted on 3/4/24
comment by fridgeboy (U1053)
posted 1 minute ago
comment by Irishred (U2539)
posted 1 hour, 56 minutes ago
The Europa you would have a chance of winning/going far in. I hope we win it this season.
Regarding the CL not being bad but I’d see ye struggling to get out of the group stage especially if drawn in one of the harder groups.
I know CL is the be all and end all but what’s the point if purely making up the numbers? As said not wumming just making an observation.
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Completely agree with this. You're right, we've not got a hope in hell of winning it but we're rebuilding right now. In terms of revenue and being able to attract certain players it's vital. I'd rather be in it, go hard in the summer in terms of recruitment and then finish third in the group and drop to the Europa League, which we can win, than fail to qualify for the CL completely. The bottom line is that the players want it. They'll see it as a vindication of Ange's methods so they'll follow him all the more.
I know we can't win it but qualifying for it is absolutely paramount for a whole host of reasons.
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That not how it works now - CL teams can no longer drop into the Europa.
The league stage of the CL is 2 groups of 18 sides with the top 4 from each qualifying and then places 5th to 12th in each going into a playoff to join the top 4 sides in the round of 16
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