Could go either way. I don’t think we’re as crap as our form since the start of November suggests. I do think the squad is starting to creak from having 2 seasons of playing way more games than it’s capable of, at least at the consistently high level that we’ve needed to this season.
8th
I suppose on the positive side, we were running on empty at the end of last season whereas we should have more depth this time. Just need to get more players back to form.But we don’t have more depth? We look knackered now - and this time last season we were flying
I still think we will fall short but Europa League would still be a good season. The conference league looks so weak it it could be a hinderance.
Not a chance. We need to finish 5th, 6th or 9th this season. We don't need conference league next season.
The Prem this season seems like a Pass the Parcel.
Everybody keeps winning and losing, going up a few places and then down again (or vice versa) and when the music pauses everybody has swapped places.
It's really difficult to say who will end up where when the music finally stops on May 25th next year.
Just hope we're in one of the winning positions.
As long as we are, then all will be forgiven?
6th might be enough I think... if Man City, Man U or Tottenham finish exactly 5th and win a European trophy, and England gets the bonus place.
Spurs and united winning today is not helping. Im pretty sure both will finish above us the way we are playing.
Spurs and united winning today is not helping. Im pretty sure both will finish above us the way we are playing.
As sure as you were about Spurs finishing above us last season?
Seeing as we're winning it this season, yes, we will do.If we get to say the QF's and are say upper mid table (8/9th) in the Prem, then there will probably be an emphasis shift towards the ECL . Going to be very interesting how this pans out .
Spurs and united winning today is not helping. Im pretty sure both will finish above us the way we are playing.
As sure as you were about Spurs finishing above us last season?
We finished above them by 2 points. Not exactly very convincing was it ? So i wasnt far off and last season we were playing alot better than this year. Sueely you can accept that?
Non chance. Concede 2 goals nearly every game it feels.If Mings / Konsa is reinstated there is a chance
Non chance. Concede 2 goals nearly every game it feels.
Spurs and united winning today is not helping. Im pretty sure both will finish above us the way we are playing.
As sure as you were about Spurs finishing above us last season?
We finished above them by 2 points. Not exactly very convincing was it ? So i wasnt far off and last season we were playing alot better than this year. Sueely you can accept that?
Spurs and united winning today is not helping. Im pretty sure both will finish above us the way we are playing.
As sure as you were about Spurs finishing above us last season?
We finished above them by 2 points. Not exactly very convincing was it ? So i wasnt far off and last season we were playing alot better than this year. Sueely you can accept that?
Spurs and united winning today is not helping. Im pretty sure both will finish above us the way we are playing.
As sure as you were about Spurs finishing above us last season?
We finished above them by 2 points. Not exactly very convincing was it ? So i wasnt far off and last season we were playing alot better than this year. Sueely you can accept that?
I can accept you were wrong, absolutely.
2 points a game for the rest of the season will put us on 69 points.
4th place over the last 5 seasons:
2023-24 68 Villa
2022-23 71 Toon
2021-22 71 Spurs
2020-21 67 Chelsea
2019-20 66 Chelsea
5th place over the same period:
2023-24 66 Spurs
2022-23 67 Liverpool
2021-22 69 Arsenal
2020-21 66 Leicester
2019-20 62 Leicester
The Holy Grail, last 8 in the ECL and 5th in the Prem will do for me.
That should get us into the ECL again if our coefficients improves.
Putting tribal rivalry and envy aside, we need 'The Mighty Reds YNWA', Arse and Citeh to do well at the expense of clubs from Germany, Spain and Italy.
2 points a game for the rest of the season will put us on 69 points.
4th place over the last 5 seasons:
2023-24 68 Villa
2022-23 71 Toon
2021-22 71 Spurs
2020-21 67 Chelsea
2019-20 66 Chelsea
5th place over the same period:
2023-24 66 Spurs
2022-23 67 Liverpool
2021-22 69 Arsenal
2020-21 66 Leicester
2019-20 62 Leicester
The Holy Grail, last 8 in the ECL and 5th in the Prem will do for me.
That should get us into the ECL again if our coefficients improves.
Putting tribal rivalry and envy aside, we need 'The Mighty Reds YNWA', Arse and Citeh to do well at the expense of clubs from Germany, Spain and Italy.
That's a really shit Holy Grail. It'd be almost just, like, an old cup.
snip
The Holy Grail, last 8 in the ECL and 5th in the Prem will do for me.
That should get us into the ECL again if our coefficients improves.
snip
That's a really shit Holy Grail. It'd be almost just, like, an old cup.
66 years and counting. The only one I haven't seen us win.
YET!
Spurs and united winning today is not helping. Im pretty sure both will finish above us the way we are playing.
As sure as you were about Spurs finishing above us last season?
We finished above them by 2 points. Not exactly very convincing was it ? So i wasnt far off and last season we were playing alot better than this year. Sueely you can accept that?
You predict doom and gloom at every turn and whoever's finishing above us changes depending on who's scored most recently so your predictions mean zip.
Spurs and united winning today is not helping. Im pretty sure both will finish above us the way we are playing.
As sure as you were about Spurs finishing above us last season?
We finished above them by 2 points. Not exactly very convincing was it ? So i wasnt far off and last season we were playing alot better than this year. Sueely you can accept that?
I can accept you were wrong, absolutely.
As usual avoid the question not suprising a man scared to answer a simple question
Spurs and united winning today is not helping. Im pretty sure both will finish above us the way we are playing.
As sure as you were about Spurs finishing above us last season?
We finished above them by 2 points. Not exactly very convincing was it ? So i wasnt far off and last season we were playing alot better than this year. Sueely you can accept that?
I can accept you were wrong, absolutely.
As usual avoid the question not suprising a man scared to answer a simple question
I’m terrified, but I’ll answer your nonsensical questions now.
We convincingly finished above them by doing the only thing you need to finish above them, getting more points.
You were far off. You said they would finish above us, we finished above them. You couldn’t have been further off in that regard.
We were playing better last season. So were they. So what?
snip
The Holy Grail, last 8 in the ECL and 5th in the Prem will do for me.
That should get us into the ECL again if our coefficients improves.
snip
That's a really shit Holy Grail. It'd be almost just, like, an old cup.
66 years and counting. The only one I haven't seen us win.
YET!
I genuinely misread you and thought you meant that last eight in the CL and fifth in the league was the 'Holy Grail'! Apologies.
I still think top 8 as I have all season. It MAY be enough for Conference League but personally I'd rather miss out on that and rebuild in the summer.
It's such a shame that we are going to throw the FA Cup as that would have been our one chance at a successful season. Ah well.
8th place finish and a big summer clear out.
Champions League? Not a chance. Not a fucking hope hope in hell.
Yeah, but we all enjoy being told a team currently in 6th has 'no chance' of finishing 5th several times, don't we?
Yeah, but we all enjoy being told a team currently in 6th has 'no chance' of finishing 5th several times, don't we?
I don't know, I don't like to get into arguments on here (which is why I haven't pointed out in off-topic that Lennon was way better than McCartney) but once you've read something 20 times it kind of feels like 'yeah, you already have enough to quote come May when, if we do finish 8th, you were shown to be correct. That's enough.'
A bit scary looking at the goal difference between us and Spurs already - they're better off by 18! Can't see us clawing that back, even with over half the games to play so we'll need to finish a point ahead of them at worst.
Yeah, but we all enjoy being told a team currently in 6th has 'no chance' of finishing 5th several times, don't we?
I don't know, I don't like to get into arguments on here (which is why I haven't pointed out in off-topic that Lennon was way better than McCartney) but once you've read something 20 times it kind of feels like 'yeah, you already have enough to quote come May when, if we do finish 8th, you were shown to be correct. That's enough.'
All I know is that whenever I have heard McCartney sing live over the last 20 years, I really, really want him to stop. I mean he died in a crash anyway, but this one, just retire please mate.
Is everyone who convinced themselves after Forest that we're definitely finishing somewhere between 7th and 10th still sure that top five is impossible?
Is everyone who convinced themselves after Forest that we're definitely finishing somewhere between 7th and 10th still sure that top five is impossible?After yesterday? No. We were that good. Do I think we will definitely achieve it? No.
Is everyone who convinced themselves after Forest that we're definitely finishing somewhere between 7th and 10th still sure that top five is impossible?
Is everyone who convinced themselves after Forest that we're definitely finishing somewhere between 7th and 10th still sure that top five is impossible?After yesterday? No. We were that good. Do I think we will definitely achieve it? No.
But that was the first time I have seen us play like the Winter of 2023 vintage.
One thought I had as the game continued, was who can we bring on without weakening the team?
Is everyone who convinced themselves after Forest that we're definitely finishing somewhere between 7th and 10th still sure that top five is impossible?After yesterday? No. We were that good. Do I think we will definitely achieve it? No.
But that was the first time I have seen us play like the Winter of 2023 vintage.
One thought I had as the game continued, was who can we bring on without weakening the team?
Watkins, Bailey, Mings, Ramsey, Maatsen.
And in the right circumstances Barkley, Carlos and Buendia.
Hopefully with the midfield balance now looking how we’d all like it we’ll see an up turn in performances.
Be fantastic if we can do last season in reverse, and go on a great run second half of the season. Should that happen 4th is not just possible but probable.
Watkins not as good as Duran, Ramsey not for 2 seasons now, Carlos is at best unconvincing, last seasons Bailey yes this seasons no. Buendia nope. Mings to see out a game yes , Barkley no where near that Midfield.Is everyone who convinced themselves after Forest that we're definitely finishing somewhere between 7th and 10th still sure that top five is impossible?After yesterday? No. We were that good. Do I think we will definitely achieve it? No.
But that was the first time I have seen us play like the Winter of 2023 vintage.
One thought I had as the game continued, was who can we bring on without weakening the team?
Watkins, Bailey, Mings, Ramsey, Maatsen.
And in the right circumstances Barkley, Carlos and Buendia.
If we could consistently reach the heights of yesterday performance, I'd back us to have a good go at winning the bloody thing.
Watkins not as good as Duran, Ramsey not for 2 seasons now, Carlos is at best unconvincing, last seasons Bailey yes this seasons no. Buendia nope. Mings to see out a game yes , Barkley no where near that Midfield.Is everyone who convinced themselves after Forest that we're definitely finishing somewhere between 7th and 10th still sure that top five is impossible?After yesterday? No. We were that good. Do I think we will definitely achieve it? No.
But that was the first time I have seen us play like the Winter of 2023 vintage.
One thought I had as the game continued, was who can we bring on without weakening the team?
Watkins, Bailey, Mings, Ramsey, Maatsen.
And in the right circumstances Barkley, Carlos and Buendia.
Maatsen can do a job but there is a reason why he isn’t starting.
So my point is that it’s difficult to see how we don’t weaken the team from the bench.
Watkins not as good as Duran, Ramsey not for 2 seasons now, Carlos is at best unconvincing, last seasons Bailey yes this seasons no. Buendia nope. Mings to see out a game yes , Barkley no where near that Midfield.Is everyone who convinced themselves after Forest that we're definitely finishing somewhere between 7th and 10th still sure that top five is impossible?After yesterday? No. We were that good. Do I think we will definitely achieve it? No.
But that was the first time I have seen us play like the Winter of 2023 vintage.
One thought I had as the game continued, was who can we bring on without weakening the team?
Watkins, Bailey, Mings, Ramsey, Maatsen.
And in the right circumstances Barkley, Carlos and Buendia.
Maatsen can do a job but there is a reason why he isn’t starting.
So my point is that it’s difficult to see how we don’t weaken the team from the bench.
Now name any team in the world that wouldn’t be weakened by playing their less good players.
You don’t think bringing Nunez on for Diaz weakens them? Or playing Gomez instead of Konaté?
Or Chiesa for Salah
You’d say he does what? Weakens them? Yeah, me too. Not massively, because he’s really good, but he obviously does, otherwise he’d start the games instead. Presumably.
The question wasn’t whether our subs can win games, it was whether they’re weaker than our starting XI. Of course. But that’s true at every club.
You’d say he does what? Weakens them? Yeah, me too. Not massively, because he’s really good, but he obviously does, otherwise he’d start the games instead. Presumably.
The question wasn’t whether our subs can win games, it was whether they’re weaker than our starting XI. Of course. But that’s true at every club.
Would you say mings coming in for pau weakens us?
Would you say duran for ollie weakens us? Sometimes its not about the player being better - its about what that specific player adds against the opposition. So for example mings would be better against teams that pose a more aerial threat than pau for example. But for more possesion based and playing from the back pau is far superior. Just one example.
Dont think we will agree on this one something tells me 🙂
You’d say he does what? Weakens them? Yeah, me too. Not massively, because he’s really good, but he obviously does, otherwise he’d start the games instead. Presumably.
The question wasn’t whether our subs can win games, it was whether they’re weaker than our starting XI. Of course. But that’s true at every club.
That was sort of my point, that team and specifically the midfield combination of SJM Rogers URI Kamara Onana is as good as it gets and if we could play that midfield until the end of the season we would have a very good chance of CL qualification.Watkins not as good as Duran, Ramsey not for 2 seasons now, Carlos is at best unconvincing, last seasons Bailey yes this seasons no. Buendia nope. Mings to see out a game yes , Barkley no where near that Midfield.Is everyone who convinced themselves after Forest that we're definitely finishing somewhere between 7th and 10th still sure that top five is impossible?After yesterday? No. We were that good. Do I think we will definitely achieve it? No.
But that was the first time I have seen us play like the Winter of 2023 vintage.
One thought I had as the game continued, was who can we bring on without weakening the team?
Watkins, Bailey, Mings, Ramsey, Maatsen.
And in the right circumstances Barkley, Carlos and Buendia.
Maatsen can do a job but there is a reason why he isn’t starting.
So my point is that it’s difficult to see how we don’t weaken the team from the bench.
Now name any team in the world that wouldn’t be weakened by playing their less good players.
Ramsey and Barkley aren't too shabby, though.Ramsey back to his best would be a great option when or if that ever happens, Barkley hasn’t shown that he is up to it yet.
I think Barkley has been ok and weighed in with a couple of goals.
That was sort of my point, that team and specifically the midfield combination of SJM Rogers URI Kamara Onana is as good as it gets and if we could play that midfield until the end of the season we would have a very good chance of CL qualification.Watkins not as good as Duran, Ramsey not for 2 seasons now, Carlos is at best unconvincing, last seasons Bailey yes this seasons no. Buendia nope. Mings to see out a game yes , Barkley no where near that Midfield.Is everyone who convinced themselves after Forest that we're definitely finishing somewhere between 7th and 10th still sure that top five is impossible?After yesterday? No. We were that good. Do I think we will definitely achieve it? No.
But that was the first time I have seen us play like the Winter of 2023 vintage.
One thought I had as the game continued, was who can we bring on without weakening the team?
Watkins, Bailey, Mings, Ramsey, Maatsen.
And in the right circumstances Barkley, Carlos and Buendia.
Maatsen can do a job but there is a reason why he isn’t starting.
So my point is that it’s difficult to see how we don’t weaken the team from the bench.
Now name any team in the world that wouldn’t be weakened by playing their less good players.
The problem is that we won’t be able to because of fatigue and injury and I do not see any of the potential replacements not weakening us quite a bit.
Saw some comments from Chelsea fans saying that Maresca should drop/substitute Palmer when he's ineffective like at Everton at the weekend.
Saw some comments from Chelsea fans saying that Maresca should drop/substitute Palmer when he's ineffective like at Everton at the weekend.
Saw some comments from Chelsea fans saying that Maresca should drop/substitute Palmer when he's ineffective like at Everton at the weekend.I guess he could be overplayed, but without him they are quite ordinary.
Saw some comments from Chelsea fans saying that Maresca should drop/substitute Palmer when he's ineffective like at Everton at the weekend.I guess he could be overplayed, but without him they are quite ordinary.
Saw some comments from Chelsea fans saying that Maresca should drop/substitute Palmer when he's ineffective like at Everton at the weekend.
Crazy, I genuinely think if he had an injury earlier this season for a couple of months they might well have 8-10 points less. That’s not to say there aren’t other good players there, but whenever I see them play he is the difference maker.
More than capable of winning 4 of our next 5 so 12 points would put us back in the mix.
Brighton, Leicester, West Ham home before end of January.
Everton, Arsenal away.
Yeah, Barkley is a solid back up signing. The problem would be if he was signed as a first choice (the kind of signing the old Villa would've made).
We need a pacey winger in january absolute minimum , maybe a couple of loans if money's too tight to mention .
We need a pacey winger in january absolute minimum , maybe a couple of loans if money's too tight to mention .
Yep we certainly do. Bailey and philiogene have been mediocre most of this season. Dont think eithee has scored a league goal or a assist. Thats simply not good enough
We're firmly in the hunt and there'll be some ups and downs over the next few months. I'm not that worried about yesterday, I'll be a bit more concerned if we fail to win either of the next two.
We need a pacey winger in january absolute minimum , maybe a couple of loans if money's too tight to mention .
We need a pacey winger in january absolute minimum , maybe a couple of loans if money's too tight to mention .
Yep we certainly do. Bailey and philiogene have been mediocre most of this season. Dont think eithee has scored a league goal or a assist. Thats simply not good enough
I agree they've not been good enough but Bailey has two assists in the Premier League this season.
Yeah MH is massive Utd , mates with Fergie and Eamonn Holmes .We need a pacey winger in january absolute minimum , maybe a couple of loans if money's too tight to mention .
Mick Hucknall gallivanting up the wing with his ginger locks flowing? Nah, he's Yanited isn't he? Let him tog-out for them, can't be any worse than Anthony.
We are going to need around 40 points from 20 games. Two points a game is going to be a very big ask.
We are going to need around 40 points from 20 games. Two points a game is going to be a very big ask.Unless there is fundamental change to the way we are playing I don’t see it. This does not look like a team that can keep opposing teams from scoring and we are not prolific at the other end either.
We are going to need around 40 points from 20 games. Two points a game is going to be a very big ask.Unless there is fundamental change to the way we are playing I don’t see it. This does not look like a team that can keep opposing teams from scoring and we are not prolific at the other end either.
Another way of looking at it, if there are ten teams competing for one or two places, at least one or two of them are bound to go on a lengthy winning run. I wouldn't expect the required points total to be much lower for finishing fifth than previous seasons.
Lock the thread =[
Someone trying to stitch us up?Lock the thread =[
Why?
Lock the thread =[
Why?
Lock the thread =[
Why?
Because he wets his pants at the first sign of adversity?
Lock the thread =[
Why?
Because he wets his pants at the first sign of adversity?
You crying again
Someone get him a tissue
Lock the thread =[
Why?
Because he wets his pants at the first sign of adversity?
You crying again
Someone get him a tissue
Ha. You’re the one that wants to close the thread, you wally.
You heard of tongue and cheek
It's a frustrating season. We are so wasteful. Probably threw away 6-7 points this season, off the top of my head.Off the top of my head I can think of Forest, tonight and Ipswich. And that’s not including the games like Arsenal where we seemed to deliberately avoid scoring
It's a frustrating season. We are so wasteful. Probably threw away 6-7 points this season, off the top of my head.Off the top of my head I can think of Forest, tonight and Ipswich. And that’s not including the games like Arsenal where we seemed to deliberately avoid scoring
It's a frustrating season. We are so wasteful. Probably threw away 6-7 points this season, off the top of my head.Off the top of my head I can think of Forest, tonight and Ipswich. And that’s not including the games like Arsenal where we seemed to deliberately avoid scoring
70 points should be enough for the CL and that's assuming 5th doesn't qualify for it.
To finish with 70 we need to be two or three wins better in the second half of the season. Easily doable.
Cant wait to see back end of 2024. Barring champions league games the league form for 2024 has generally been shit.
Bring on 2025!
Cant wait to see back end of 2024. Barring champions league games the league form for 2024 has generally been shit.
Bring on 2025!
I thought we were the 6th best side in 2024 points wise?
Contextually, over a season, wouldn't that equal our best PL finishes in decades, last season aside?
Ever since Footy disappeared we’ve been rubbish.
Cant wait to see back end of 2024. Barring champions league games the league form for 2024 has generally been shit.
Bring on 2025!
I thought we were the 6th best side in 2024 points wise?
Contextually, over a season, wouldn't that equal our best PL finishes in decades, last season aside?
Another crack at the Conference League shouldn't be sniffed at.
Another crack at the Conference League shouldn't be sniffed at.
It will be sniffed at by our best players who now want to play Champions League football every season. I'd settle for the Europa League and the FA Cup this year but the Europa Conference feels redundant now. Chelsea beat everyone in sight even with their second team.
The big problem with not qualifying which is very likely, is that it will make it very difficult to retain our best players. Then try qualifying without Kamara Rogers Duran Martinez.
https://x.com/premierleague/status/1874123597175804161?t=sdkqcRFlWTqeE7hQJ7TCxA&s=19
2024 table if it hasn't already been posted.
I think a lot depends on whether we can sign 2 or 3 players in the next couple of weeks. If we can’t, then I think 6th or 7th might be as good as we can do. The team needs another high quality right sided defender, cover for mings and another right winger.Which is easier said than done.
Indeed. They’ve known about the right side for months though, so hopefully there is a plan for that. Cover for Mings could be really tough unless they’ve made up their mind he’s surplus.Hope you are right about a RB. But they have had years to sort it out.
Indeed. They’ve known about the right side for months though, so hopefully there is a plan for that. Cover for Mings could be really tough unless they’ve made up their mind he’s surplus.
Indeed. They’ve known about the right side for months though, so hopefully there is a plan for that. Cover for Mings could be really tough unless they’ve made up their mind he’s surplus.
Maybe a loan as Torres should be back in a couple of months.
Four points behind chelsea in 4th now.
We really need to go for it if we can get some quality in as CL is there for the taking
Four points behind chelsea in 4th now.
We really need to go for it if we can get some quality in as CL is there for the taking
Careful. You're borderline cheerful there.
Back to back qualification for the Champions League would be incredible, and cement our place at the top table. But it looks increasingly difficult this season given Newcastle's lack of Europe is giving their expensively assembled squad the chance to really shine, and Chelsea (despite their current wobble) have looked much improved this season.
We really do need a couple of reinforcements in Janury, not just for the sake of numbers, but players who can contribute to the first team.
Back to back qualification for the Champions League would be incredible, and cement our place at the top table. But it looks increasingly difficult this season given Newcastle's lack of Europe is giving their expensively assembled squad the chance to really shine, and Chelsea (despite their current wobble) have looked much improved this season.
We really do need a couple of reinforcements in Janury, not just for the sake of numbers, but players who can contribute to the first team.
Looking at the Saudi's remaining games, they have a pretty easy set of fixtures where if they were to maintain their current form there's only a couple of games where you wouldn't fancy them. Forest have plenty of tough games and I expect them to drop out the top 5. I think it's between us and them for 6th.
Back to back qualification for the Champions League would be incredible, and cement our place at the top table. But it looks increasingly difficult this season given Newcastle's lack of Europe is giving their expensively assembled squad the chance to really shine, and Chelsea (despite their current wobble) have looked much improved this season.
We really do need a couple of reinforcements in Janury, not just for the sake of numbers, but players who can contribute to the first team.
Looking at the Saudi's remaining games, they have a pretty easy set of fixtures where if they were to maintain their current form there's only a couple of games where you wouldn't fancy them. Forest have plenty of tough games and I expect them to drop out the top 5. I think it's between us and them for 6th.
Hasn't everyone got the same fixtures left minus this weeks round of games ?
Back to back qualification for the Champions League would be incredible, and cement our place at the top table. But it looks increasingly difficult this season given Newcastle's lack of Europe is giving their expensively assembled squad the chance to really shine, and Chelsea (despite their current wobble) have looked much improved this season.
We really do need a couple of reinforcements in Janury, not just for the sake of numbers, but players who can contribute to the first team.
Looking at the Saudi's remaining games, they have a pretty easy set of fixtures where if they were to maintain their current form there's only a couple of games where you wouldn't fancy them. Forest have plenty of tough games and I expect them to drop out the top 5. I think it's between us and them for 6th.
Hasn't everyone got the same fixtures left minus this weeks round of games ?
They've done most of the tough away games and you always fancy them at Sid James Park. The aways are almost all winnable.
I fucking hate Newcastle. Ever since the mid 90s the media is so far up their arse it’s almost Spurs like in its obsequiousness. It’s as if no one else has passionate fans or sings songs or waves flags or has an atmosphere. Also that utter utter walking excuse for a footballer Joelinton plays for them and he is the worst, literally the worst person to ever play the game and I’ve seen Ben Thatcher. They can stick there Geordienation, horse punching, not won a trophy since Noah was a lad, blowing the league in 96 attitude right up their arse the fucking ******.Almost Shakespearean!
Hahaha but look a fat man has his top off in the cold, funny ay they?
Random horse puncher.Hahaha but look a fat man has his top off in the cold, funny ay they?
I have no idea who you might be referring to there.
I fucking hate Newcastle. Ever since the mid 90s the media is so far up their arse it’s almost Spurs like in its obsequiousness. It’s as if no one else has passionate fans or sings songs or waves flags or has an atmosphere. Also that utter utter walking excuse for a footballer Joelinton plays for them and he is the worst, literally the worst person to ever play the game and I’ve seen Ben Thatcher. They can stick there Geordienation, horse punching, not won a trophy since Noah was a lad, blowing the league in 96 attitude right up their arse the fucking ******.
I imagine it's been discussed earlier in the thread, and I'm in danger of contributing to another 'why didn't Barry take the penalty?', but I'm afraid I'm incredibly lazy, so I'll ask anyway..
Assuming England gets five places in next season's Champions League, and teams in the top 5 win the Carabao Cup and the FA Cup, does that mean European qualification goes all the way down to 8th?
I imagine it's been discussed earlier in the thread, and I'm in danger of contributing to another 'why didn't Barry take the penalty?', but I'm afraid I'm incredibly lazy, so I'll ask anyway..Yes it would. But as we’re going to win one of the two cups we’re still in we don’t need to worry about that.
Assuming England gets five places in next season's Champions League, and teams in the top 5 win the Carabao Cup and the FA Cup, does that mean European qualification goes all the way down to 8th?
We will be there or thereabout. I can see us being fifth. Lpool, Arse and then City probl get their act together enough. Newc with Isak and being strong at home can have a good run for fourth bare injuries to key players. The young team of Chelsea might start to fall behind. Would be a supprise if Forest and Wood would keep it up all season. Spurs and Manu in trouble and big trouble already.
We still show promise of yesteryears hight but still fluffy goals against that cost us. worrying with injury to Pau as he is one key to our play and also now McGinn to a lesser degree.
We will be there or thereabout. I can see us being fifth. Lpool, Arse and then City probl get their act together enough. Newc with Isak and being strong at home can have a good run for fourth bare injuries to key players. The young team of Chelsea might start to fall behind. Would be a supprise if Forest and Wood would keep it up all season. Spurs and Manu in trouble and big trouble already.
We still show promise of yesteryears hight but still fluffy goals against that cost us. worrying with injury to Pau as he is one key to our play and also now McGinn to a lesser degree.
I think it would take a almighty collapse from forest to finish outside the top 5 now
Hardly. A couple of defeats on the bounce would see them back in the mix, and I would say that that is more than less likely to happen, as well as they have done so far, owing to the lack of depth in their squad as well as a relative lack of genuine quality.We will be there or thereabout. I can see us being fifth. Lpool, Arse and then City probl get their act together enough. Newc with Isak and being strong at home can have a good run for fourth bare injuries to key players. The young team of Chelsea might start to fall behind. Would be a supprise if Forest and Wood would keep it up all season. Spurs and Manu in trouble and big trouble already.
We still show promise of yesteryears hight but still fluffy goals against that cost us. worrying with injury to Pau as he is one key to our play and also now McGinn to a lesser degree.
I think it would take a almighty collapse from forest to finish outside the top 5 now
We will be there or thereabout. I can see us being fifth. Lpool, Arse and then City probl get their act together enough. Newc with Isak and being strong at home can have a good run for fourth bare injuries to key players. The young team of Chelsea might start to fall behind. Would be a supprise if Forest and Wood would keep it up all season. Spurs and Manu in trouble and big trouble already.
We still show promise of yesteryears hight but still fluffy goals against that cost us. worrying with injury to Pau as he is one key to our play and also now McGinn to a lesser degree.
I think it would take a almighty collapse from forest to finish outside the top 5 now
We will be there or thereabout. I can see us being fifth. Lpool, Arse and then City probl get their act together enough. Newc with Isak and being strong at home can have a good run for fourth bare injuries to key players. The young team of Chelsea might start to fall behind. Would be a supprise if Forest and Wood would keep it up all season. Spurs and Manu in trouble and big trouble already.
We still show promise of yesteryears hight but still fluffy goals against that cost us. worrying with injury to Pau as he is one key to our play and also now McGinn to a lesser degree.
I think it would take a almighty collapse from forest to finish outside the top 5 now
Not in the slightest. It would take them getting 3 fewer points than Man City, 2 fewer points than Newcastle and 1 less point than Chelsea, between now and the end of the season.
If do that and win 4 fewer points than Bournemouth and 5 (maybe 6 - because of goal difference) fewer points than us, they will finish 8th.
So whilst all of that is far from guaranteed, it wouldn’t take an almighty collapse.
If we can have a strong second half of the season then we will give ourselves a chance.
We will be there or thereabout. I can see us being fifth. Lpool, Arse and then City probl get their act together enough. Newc with Isak and being strong at home can have a good run for fourth bare injuries to key players. The young team of Chelsea might start to fall behind. Would be a supprise if Forest and Wood would keep it up all season. Spurs and Manu in trouble and big trouble already.
We still show promise of yesteryears hight but still fluffy goals against that cost us. worrying with injury to Pau as he is one key to our play and also now McGinn to a lesser degree.
I think it would take a almighty collapse from forest to finish outside the top 5 now
Not in the slightest. It would take them getting 3 fewer points than Man City, 2 fewer points than Newcastle and 1 less point than Chelsea, between now and the end of the season.
If do that and win 4 fewer points than Bournemouth and 5 (maybe 6 - because of goal difference) fewer points than us, they will finish 8th.
So whilst all of that is far from guaranteed, it wouldn’t take an almighty collapse.
Did you think we would collapse at this stage last season? Remember five teams get CL this year.
Thats also on the assumption they don't bring any players in this month too
We will be there or thereabout. I can see us being fifth. Lpool, Arse and then City probl get their act together enough. Newc with Isak and being strong at home can have a good run for fourth bare injuries to key players. The young team of Chelsea might start to fall behind. Would be a supprise if Forest and Wood would keep it up all season. Spurs and Manu in trouble and big trouble already.
We still show promise of yesteryears hight but still fluffy goals against that cost us. worrying with injury to Pau as he is one key to our play and also now McGinn to a lesser degree.
I think it would take a almighty collapse from forest to finish outside the top 5 now
Not in the slightest. It would take them getting 3 fewer points than Man City, 2 fewer points than Newcastle and 1 less point than Chelsea, between now and the end of the season.
If do that and win 4 fewer points than Bournemouth and 5 (maybe 6 - because of goal difference) fewer points than us, they will finish 8th.
So whilst all of that is far from guaranteed, it wouldn’t take an almighty collapse.
Did you think we would collapse at this stage last season? Remember five teams get CL this year.
Thats also on the assumption they don't bring any players in this month too
That doesn’t seem to be a response to what I said. In any way.
Either way, it also backs up your position more than his.
Top three form in the first half of last season turning into top eight form in the second half had a huge number of people on here certain that we had no chance.
For Forest to finish outside the top five it will require nothing more than for them to have a slightly worse second half of the season and any three of five or six others to have a slightly better second half.
I have no idea what this even means.
I think a lot depends on how much the next few days sap 3/4 League Cup SFs. Arsenal started to mount up injuries, Spurs are all over the place but can still hammer teams and Newcastle front 6 are on fire so we need a sniper to take out one or two.
I'd say top3 will be same as last year meaning we have to finish ahead of 2 of Forest (doing a Leicester), Chelsea and Toon.
Not easy
I think our level needs to go up a fair bit if we’re going to. The points gap is fairly small, but it feels more like we’re clinging to coat tails rather than on a surge.
I think our level needs to go up a fair bit if we’re going to. The points gap is fairly small, but it feels more like we’re clinging to coat tails rather than on a surge.
We need a 'run' of wins, we've not really had it all season. We also need to stop being absolute pussies on the road.
Does anybody know assuming the PL gets a 5th CL place, what would have if a English team were to win the Europa League thus automatically qualifying for the CL, will the 5th place team lose their CL place?
Does anybody know assuming the PL gets a 5th CL place, what would have if a English team were to win the Europa League thus automatically qualifying for the CL, will the 5th place team lose their CL place?
I believe we’d have 6 teams in it, if the winner wasn’t already in the top 5.
Does anybody know assuming the PL gets a 5th CL place, what would have if a English team were to win the Europa League thus automatically qualifying for the CL, will the 5th place team lose their CL place?
I believe we’d have 6 teams in it, if the winner wasn’t already in the top 5.
Correct. And I think that if we won the Champions League, finished sixth and Spurs won the Europa League and finished lower than us then there would be seven teams in it.
We need to do what both Forest and Newcastle have done and win five on the bounce to get back in the pack. Doesn't feel likely right now, but not impossible.
Bournemouth are a good side, but we need to be taking them if we have serious aspirations. Man City could resume their collapse/get a points deduction. Need one, probably two, of Forest, Newcastle and Chelsea to have an extended wobble.
First time this season I'm thinking it won't happen this year tbh, even with five. Unless we win the thing obvs.
It would be lovely if we could get a couple of comfortable wins but we’re still in the mix for the champions league despite not being at our best. It will involve overhauling two of Chelsea, Forest, Newcastle and Man City though which seems a tough ask.
I don’t think we’d be far away if we won the home games in the six-pointers versus Forest, Chelsea and Newcastle.
We'll be in the CL next season as defending champions.my thoughts as well. Just got a feeling😁
I think we’ll be good for Europe, but top 5 is looking very tough. Call me Mr Pessimistic but we’re probably going to be 9 points behind Forest, 6 behind Newcastle and 5 behind Chelsea after the weekend.Agree, we have to go on a long run of winning games, and I just don’t see it. Here is our next 6.
Being 3 points behind Newcastle, who are in the title race, maybe we can dream again https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/articles/cvg8pv9gqnyo
No. Don't deserve to either. We've looked mid table this season. Poor summer recruitment and no rush in January to fill any gaps.Yep, the recruitment looks to be worse by the week. Whether forces or not.
Aim for the Europa, no shame in that. We're doing better than Newcastle did when they were thrown into the CL. I'd like to be pulling up a few more trees but you also have to be fair and realistic.
No. Don't deserve to either. We've looked mid table this season. Poor summer recruitment and no rush in January to fill any gaps.We have collected 8 points from last 4 League games just keep that up.
No. Don't deserve to either. We've looked mid table this season. Poor summer recruitment and no rush in January to fill any gaps.We have collected 8 points from last 4 League games if we keep that ratio for the rest of the season we will have 71 points more than good enough for 4th and easily 5th.
Yes you are right we are not playing Arsenal every week.No. Don't deserve to either. We've looked mid table this season. Poor summer recruitment and no rush in January to fill any gaps.We have collected 8 points from last 4 League games if we keep that ratio for the rest of the season we will have 67 points more than good enough for 5th.
We aren't playing Leicester, Everton, West Ham and Arsenal every 4 weeks...
We’ve yet to go on a run this season, so there’s still a bit of life in us - just - but think the Celtic game is key.
We desperately need some respite from the Weds-weekend-Weds treadmill, and that means Chump’s League. So those two skipped games that a win over Celtic should bring could prove very important.
Aim for the Europa, no shame in that. We're doing better than Newcastle did when they were thrown into the CL. I'd like to be pulling up a few more trees but you also have to be fair and realistic.
Fail to make CL and you've got Kamara, Watkins, Martínez' etc. agents (probably Rogers' too, the cheeky upstart) touting their clients to teams in Big Cup next season. We don't want another summer of unrest.
I still haven't recovered from Joachim, Ehiougu and Southgate all wanting out in June 2000.
I'm trying to not get too carried away, but I think the last part of this season could be very special indeed. We have added new dimensions to the first team and have serious strength in depth in attacking positions. If we get the centre halves back soon, I think it could be a season for the ages.
I'm trying to not get too carried away, but I think the last part of this season could be very special indeed. We have added new dimensions to the first team and have serious strength in depth in attacking positions. If we get the centre halves back soon, I think it could be a season for the ages.
I think that getting through in the top eight has now lifted a lot of the pressure* - it felt like through December / January there was that weight hanging over us and it was playing on their minds.
Even if we do go out in the next round (and there's no reason to think that we will) we've already achieved more in the Champions League this season than most people would have expected us to.
So while not everyone will be as awful as Spurs are, I'd hope to see a return to us playing a bit lighter like we were in the days when the Champions League was a fun thing that was going well, rather than the thing that we were on the verge of chucking away which I think has been an underlying "thing" in our performances since Brugge.
(*usual collapse in the game straight after notwithstanding)
Dunno, the way Real Madrid can suddenly be so dynamic in attack like at Citeh last night...think they'll have too much for us in the final.
Havertz out for the season, so Arsenal dropping down a bit would be nice.
Saka, Jesus, Havertz and Martinelli all out for most of the run-in isn't ideal for them.
Havertz out for the season, so Arsenal dropping down a bit would be nice.
Saka, Jesus, Havertz and Martinelli all out for most of the run-in isn't ideal for them.
Shame. I'm sure Arteta will take it gracefully on the chin.
Won't Havertz being missing mean they might have someone who can finish playing up front?
Won't Havertz being missing mean they might have someone who can finish playing up front?
He's scored three more this season than our highest goal scorer.
Won't Havertz being missing mean they might have someone who can finish playing up front?
He's scored three more this season than our highest goal scorer.
Yep. He gets an awful lot of the same sort of criticism Ollie gets. "Not a natural finisher" - "misses too many chances". Then you look at his numbers when he's played up front, and he does more than okay.
Ollie is better, by some margin, but I do think the criticism he gets is sometimes unwarranted. It will definitely weaken them. Unless they happen to have another Nwaneri or Lewis-Skelly who plays up front up their sleeve.
Won't Havertz being missing mean they might have someone who can finish playing up front?
He's scored three more this season than our highest goal scorer.
Yep. He gets an awful lot of the same sort of criticism Ollie gets. "Not a natural finisher" - "misses too many chances". Then you look at his numbers when he's played up front, and he does more than okay.
Ollie is better, by some margin, but I do think the criticism he gets is sometimes unwarranted. It will definitely weaken them. Unless they happen to have another Nwaneri or Lewis-Skelly who plays up front up their sleeve.
Won't Havertz being missing mean they might have someone who can finish playing up front?
He's scored three more this season than our highest goal scorer.
Won't Havertz being missing mean they might have someone who can finish playing up front?
He's scored three more this season than our highest goal scorer.
Yep. He gets an awful lot of the same sort of criticism Ollie gets. "Not a natural finisher" - "misses too many chances". Then you look at his numbers when he's played up front, and he does more than okay.
Ollie is better, by some margin, but I do think the criticism he gets is sometimes unwarranted. It will definitely weaken them. Unless they happen to have another Nwaneri or Lewis-Skelly who plays up front up their sleeve.
Maybe they'll be allowed to sign Arshavin. It's only a couple of weeks sine the window slammed shut after all.
Won't Havertz being missing mean they might have someone who can finish playing up front?
He's scored three more this season than our highest goal scorer.
He has also played 500 more minutes then Ollie this season across all competitions, and 200 more in the league then him. 7% less shot accuracy as well in the league. And even as an attacking midfielder, he has less assists then Ollie as well.
We need 3 /4 from Citeh Bournemouth Newcastle Forest Chelsea to blow up and us to start not conceding 2 goals a game.
Unlikely.
Forest have been reasonably lucky with injuries. If that changes?
Not unless we win it.
Not unless we win it.
Still think this. Via the league it's gone.
We're still in touching distance. It's been stop-start all season in the league but what gives me a glimmer of hope is the ability of Rashford and Asensio. If they start games and can have similar impact to their sub cameos so far, I think that'll win us games.
The lack of speed, directness and intensity has been out biggest issue and that's a tactical choice by the manager.We're still in touching distance. It's been stop-start all season in the league but what gives me a glimmer of hope is the ability of Rashford and Asensio. If they start games and can have similar impact to their sub cameos so far, I think that'll win us games.
You'd hope so, but they're going to struggle if Emery starts them with strict instructions not to break into anything more than a light jog until the 65th minute.
We’re more likely to beat Chelsea and Liverpool.
We’re more likely to beat Chelsea and Liverpool.
The shape of the game will be entirely different. We struggle with teams who park the bus.We’re more likely to beat Chelsea and Liverpool.
Based on ? If we cant beat ten man ipswich how on earth will we beat liverpool !
The shape of the game will be entirely different. We struggle with teams who park the bus.We’re more likely to beat Chelsea and Liverpool.
Based on ? If we cant beat ten man ipswich how on earth will we beat liverpool !
We’re more likely to beat Chelsea and Liverpool.
Based on ? If we cant beat ten man ipswich how on earth will we beat liverpool !
The shape of the game will be entirely different. We struggle with teams who park the bus.We’re more likely to beat Chelsea and Liverpool.
Based on ? If we cant beat ten man ipswich how on earth will we beat liverpool !
I remember last season luton tried it and we tore them apart. Even if they park the bus we have enough quality esp with ten men to win this game.
We won't make the top five and we may miss out on Europe altogether at this rate.
Bear in mind we have played 5 of the bottom 7 twice already. Given the opposition, just two points from the last three games has been really costly.
We've been spoilt by the CL games this year (apart from the £97 admission prices, obvs) but it will be so gutting not to be in it next season.
I'd rather not be in the Conference, we tried it and it wasn't for us. It's for Blose teams. The Europa League isn't too bad but it's still beneath us too.
We need to keep dining at that top table so pass the vol-au-vents and let's just win Big Cup if that's what we gotta do to be in it again.
We've been mediocre in the league for two thirds of the season now. 21 points in the last 17 equates to nearly 47 points over a season, which is Gerrardesque in truth. Bit mad we've stayed in touch as long as we have but that's slipping away now. As others have mentioned, this is our "easy" portion of the calendar and we've fucked it. So very glass half empty today.
Starting to feel like winning the European Cup is our best chance of playing in it next season now!
In honesty, I think it’s not totally beyond us, but I’m not expecting it now. UEFA Cup seems about the highest level we’ve got a realistic chance of qualifying for, Conference League more likely again.
Would really rather we be playing in Europe next season though in whatever competition we can. It’d be a huge step backwards if we weren’t to have European football at all.
Every time Chelsea, Newcastle and Forest sneeze instead of throwing pepper in their direction we hand them a tissue. We have blown our chances well and good now.
I'm not sure about how arsed I am about playing in the Conference League again to be honest. I know that's heresy for a lot of people, but do the benefits of playing in that competition outweigh the distraction from trying to qualify for the CL again? Not sure. Europa League, yes to that though.I can't believe you and some others have this opinion about Conf League. Two things to remember:
I'm not sure about how arsed I am about playing in the Conference League again to be honest. I know that's heresy for a lot of people, but do the benefits of playing in that competition outweigh the distraction from trying to qualify for the CL again? Not sure. Europa League, yes to that though.I can't believe you and some others have this opinion about Conf League. Two things to remember:
1. We qualified for Champ League whilst playing in the Conf.
2. We MUST get used to the drum beat of playing mid week European football so it's necessary that we are involved in any of the 3 competitions. The involvement builds and hardens our squad.
Anyway this "distraction" thing is crap. I am not where it has worked well with successful clubs?
The negative is that we stop rolling for a bit by either losing better players or not being able to add top quality.
I'm not sure about how arsed I am about playing in the Conference League again to be honest. I know that's heresy for a lot of people, but do the benefits of playing in that competition outweigh the distraction from trying to qualify for the CL again? Not sure. Europa League, yes to that though.I can't believe you and some others have this opinion about Conf League. Two things to remember:
1. We qualified for Champ League whilst playing in the Conf.
2. We MUST get used to the drum beat of playing mid week European football so it's necessary that we are involved in any of the 3 competitions. The involvement builds and hardens our squad.
Anyway this "distraction" thing is crap. I am not where it has worked well with successful clubs?
The negative is that we stop rolling for a bit by either losing better players or not being able to add top quality.
Think we will end on 57 points and wherever that gets us.I think thats probably about right.
Agree, which represents our points per game ratio this season.Think we will end on 57 points and wherever that gets us.I think thats probably about right.
With 13 games left to play and 39 points to fight for, here are the average points totals from the last 10 Premier League seasons for positions 5th-8th and what #AVFC require to meet them...
5th - 68pts [30pts]
6th - 63pts [25pts]
7th - 59pts [21pts]
8th - 55pts [17pts]
With 13 games left to play and 39 points to fight for, here are the average points totals from the last 10 Premier League seasons for positions 5th-8th and what #AVFC require to meet them...
5th - 68pts [30pts]
6th - 63pts [25pts]
7th - 59pts [21pts]
8th - 55pts [17pts]
Interesting stuff, but I wonder if 5th (and 6th) totals might end up being a bit lower this season. There's currently not much between 4th and 10th spots with many of those teams taking points off each other.
Not unless we win it.
Still think this. Via the league it's gone.
No, but we'll win the FA Cup and get in the Europa League. This is our year, 100%
No, but we'll win the FA Cup and get in the Europa League. This is our year, 100%
Id be delighted with that
Nasty lot of remaining league fixtures, Southampton aside.We've already played Liverpool twice
22: Chelsea (h)
25: Crystal Palace (a)
March
8: Brentford (a)
15: Liverpool (h)
April
1: Brighton (a)
5: Nottingham Forest (h)
12: Southampton (a)
19: Newcastle (h)
26: Man City (a)
May
3: Fulham (h)
10: Bournemouth (a)
18: Tottenham (h)
25: Man Utd (a)
Nasty lot of remaining league fixtures, Southampton aside.
22: Chelsea (h)
25: Crystal Palace (a)
March
8: Brentford (a)
15: Liverpool (h)
April
1: Brighton (a)
5: Nottingham Forest (h)
12: Southampton (a)
19: Newcastle (h)
26: Man City (a)
May
3: Fulham (h)
10: Bournemouth (a)
18: Tottenham (h)
25: Man Utd (a)
Ah, Sky that is, copy and pasted.Nasty lot of remaining league fixtures, Southampton aside.We've already played Liverpool twice
22: Chelsea (h)
25: Crystal Palace (a)
March
8: Brentford (a)
15: Liverpool (h)
April
1: Brighton (a)
5: Nottingham Forest (h)
12: Southampton (a)
19: Newcastle (h)
26: Man City (a)
May
3: Fulham (h)
10: Bournemouth (a)
18: Tottenham (h)
25: Man Utd (a)
Saints aside , the away games all look tricky given our away form.
Saints aside , the away games all look tricky given our away form.
He who dares wins, Coopers.
we'll click soon, like, properly click. We'll get into Europe.
we';; click soon, like, properly click. We'll get into Europe.
Follow up with a win at palace please and the dream is back on .
Got to beat Bournemouth, Forest, Newcastle and Brighton
If we knew how to defend im 99.9% certain we would have qualified easy. Thats our achilles heel
Got to beat Bournemouth, Forest, Newcastle and Brighton
I'd be happy with 8 points from that lot and think it would be enough.
It's not if we'll qualify, it's how many games will be left in the season when we do. 8)
On a more serious note, we're 25/1 to finish top 4 and 3/1 to finish top 6. By contrast, Chelsea are evens to finish top 4 and 1/9 on to finish top 6. I know where I'd put my money.
We've somehow managed to relocate the right track, but are still in the foothills of this particular journey.
I'd like
Liverpool win
Spurs win
Arsenal Win
Bourn/Brighton draw
we need to improve the GD. dish out a couple of 4-0 drubbings
Highly unlikely, but you never know.
As of yesterday, Opta computer gave us 2.1% of finishing Top 4 and 7.6% finishing top 5.
So not much chance.
Time to kick on.
Maybe 7 subject to other results and beating those around us , but a huge task.As of yesterday, Opta computer gave us 2.1% of finishing Top 4 and 7.6% finishing top 5.
So not much chance.
Time to kick on.
Yeah, I think we need to win 8 games.
Forest have beaten Brighton 7-0, lost 5-0 to Bournemouth and had the double done on them by Newcastle and Fulham.
Manchester City won comfortably against Forest and Newcastle but lost to Bournemouth, Aston Villa and Brighton.
Newcastle hammered Villa but conceded four in defeat to Manchester City, Bournemouth and Brentford.
Bournemouth put five past Forest and four past Newcastle but lost to Chelsea.
Chelsea have beaten and lost to both Aston Villa and Brighton.
Aston Villa won deservedly against Manchester City and Chelsea but lost equally convincingly to Chelsea and Newcastle.
Brighton have suffered heavy defeats to Forest, Chelsea and Fulham but won at St James’ Park and Dean Court.
Fulham have done the double over both Forest and Newcastle but were poor in defeat to Villa.
Brentford have beaten both Newcastle and Bournemouth but lost or drawn with everyone else.
These are stupid teams playing for a stupidly lucrative prize and it is showing.
And while “the first trophy is to finish in the top four,” it is wonderful that eight of those nine teams still have an actual trophy to play for and thus competitions to juggle: Forest, Manchester City, Bournemouth, Aston Villa, Brighton and Fulham have a rare genuine chance to win the FA Cup, Newcastle have eyes on both that and the Carabao Cup final in their bid for the most plastic of all Trebles, and Chelsea are busy googling their Europa Conference opponents.
All eyes on Brentford, basically.
You know it's a weird season when looking at remaing fixtures and instead of thinking the games at Man C and Man U are the toughest you think it's the ones at Bourenmouth and Brentford.
Only realised today that only 4 of our remaining League games are at home.Is that a glitch in the scheduling isn't it generally H A H A etc
Bournemouth will start to choke , I watched them v wolves Saturday and they were gash.
They didn't look any better with 11 men .Bournemouth will start to choke , I watched them v wolves Saturday and they were gash.
They were playing with only 10 men for an hour.
They’re like a lot of teams, us included, that have good results but have so far been unable to sustain over a longer period.
Or our goal difference
We’re in with a shout with 10 or so games to go which is more than the Geordie Twats managed last year. Get people back fit and we’re as likely as any of the other teams mentioned.
Newcastle still have to go to Liverpool and Arsenal, whereas we have already played them twice.
Newcastle still have to go to Liverpool and Arsenal, whereas we have already played them twice.
I would love it if they lose there. Love it. 8)
If Citeh get a suitable points deduction, then they're out of the picture.Yes, what odds you offering?
And with a decent results in the next round of fixtures, the Prem should get a 5th Champs League place next season based on coefficients.
So assuming Liverpool take the title, that leaves
Arsenal, Forest, Toon, Bournemouth, Chelsea, Villa and Brighton fighting over 4 spots.
Do you want to bet against us?
The next 3 away games against Palace, Brentford & Brighton are critical, with a minimum of 6 points needed. I'd love to be wrong, but I just don't see any evidence that we will.
If we are still within 2-3 points of the top 5 after those games, I think we'll do it.
I think 4 points would be expected. 5 points a positive return, 6 would be good, yet disappointing to have lost one, 7 we'd be happy and 9 would be absolutely smashing. Anything less would be very disappointing, though going undefeated with 3 draws wouldn't be all bad.
I think 4 points would be expected. 5 points a positive return, 6 would be good, yet disappointing to have lost one, 7 we'd be happy and 9 would be absolutely smashing. Anything less would be very disappointing, though going undefeated with 3 draws wouldn't be all bad.
I'd say that the Brentford / Brighton games are more important than the Palace one, as both are still in the conversation of finishing above us, so them not getting points is more important than Palace not getting points.
I think unless we get 5/6 points from those three we're really going to need to be getting 4-6 points from Forest and Newcastle.
I think 4 points would be expected. 5 points a positive return, 6 would be good, yet disappointing to have lost one, 7 we'd be happy and 9 would be absolutely smashing. Anything less would be very disappointing, though going undefeated with 3 draws wouldn't be all bad.
I'd say that the Brentford / Brighton games are more important than the Palace one, as both are still in the conversation of finishing above us, so them not getting points is more important than Palace not getting points.
I think unless we get 5/6 points from those three we're really going to need to be getting 4-6 points from Forest and Newcastle.
I'd say we need those four-six points (Forest & Newcastle) regardless.
I think 4 points would be expected. 5 points a positive return, 6 would be good, yet disappointing to have lost one, 7 we'd be happy and 9 would be absolutely smashing. Anything less would be very disappointing, though going undefeated with 3 draws wouldn't be all bad.
When Gerard Manley Hopkins wrote "Nothing is so beautiful as Spring!", I'm pretty sure he was referring to the prospect of an away win at Crystal Palace which starts a 10 game winning run to properly start a season that, up to now, hasn't properly got going.
I think 4 points would be expected. 5 points a positive return, 6 would be good, yet disappointing to have lost one, 7 we'd be happy and 9 would be absolutely smashing. Anything less would be very disappointing, though going undefeated with 3 draws wouldn't be all bad.
This is the point of the season where my brain starts to implode with all the different possibilities. There's an argument that 5 points could be better than 6, if the 6 meant losing to Brighton. Or losing tonight, a draw against Brentford and beating Brighton might even be better than winning the first two, depending on other results.
Let's just win tonight. We need to go on a run, and matches like this are the ones that can define a season. Away on Tuesday night, to a mid-table team. Decent, but not unbeatable. We've amassed quite a few points in a small space of time, on the back of an excellent result on Saturday. We need to back it up, and consolidate our position. We looked out of the race after Ipswich, now all of a sudden teams will see us right amongst the battle.
The sun is out. I can see snowdrops from my window. The long, tough winter is passing and it's time to start something. When Gerard Manley Hopkins wrote "Nothing is so beautiful as Spring!", I'm pretty sure he was referring to the prospect of an away win at Crystal Palace which starts a 10 game winning run to properly start a season that, up to now, hasn't properly got going.
This is the point of the season where my brain starts to implode with all the different possibilities. There's an argument that 5 points could be better than 6, if the 6 meant losing to Brighton. Or losing tonight, a draw against Brentford and beating Brighton might even be better than winning the first two, depending on other results.
When Gerard Manley Hopkins wrote "Nothing is so beautiful as Spring!", I'm pretty sure he was referring to the prospect of an away win at Crystal Palace which starts a 10 game winning run to properly start a season that, up to now, hasn't properly got going.
Any relation to Robert?
Newcastle seem to have decent fixtures remaining. Although they are still in both domestic Cups, so hopefully take their eye off the ball a bit.
Newcastle seem to have decent fixtures remaining. Although they are still in both domestic Cups, so hopefully take their eye off the ball a bit.
A bit? I'm hoping Liverpool beat them so convincingly in the League Cup Final they head into a tail spin as heads drop and are lucky to avoid relegation.
Newcastle seem to have decent fixtures remaining. Although they are still in both domestic Cups, so hopefully take their eye off the ball a bit.
A bit? I'm hoping Liverpool beat them so convincingly in the League Cup Final they head into a tail spin as heads drop and are lucky to avoid relegation.
I'm still convinced we're going to meet Newcastle in the Cup Final and it'll be a "Battle of the 60+ year hoodoos".
Newcastle seem to have decent fixtures remaining. Although they are still in both domestic Cups, so hopefully take their eye off the ball a bit.
A bit? I'm hoping Liverpool beat them so convincingly in the League Cup Final they head into a tail spin as heads drop and are lucky to avoid relegation.
I'm still convinced we're going to meet Newcastle in the Cup Final and it'll be a "Battle of the 60+ year hoodoos".
Ha! I thought exactly that last season. It would be fun but I'd prefer the thin skinned, passive-aggressive horse punchers get knocked out it the next round (see post above). My prediction for this season is a repeat of the 1957 Cup Final.
When Gerard Manley Hopkins wrote "Nothing is so beautiful as Spring!", I'm pretty sure he was referring to the prospect of an away win at Crystal Palace which starts a 10 game winning run to properly start a season that, up to now, hasn't properly got going.
Any relation to Robert?
Oh Manley, you came and you gave without taking!
Newcastle seem to have decent fixtures remaining. Although they are still in both domestic Cups, so hopefully take their eye off the ball a bit.
A bit? I'm hoping Liverpool beat them so convincingly in the League Cup Final they head into a tail spin as heads drop and are lucky to avoid relegation.
I'm still convinced we're going to meet Newcastle in the Cup Final and it'll be a "Battle of the 60+ year hoodoos".
Don’t deserve to, and won’t.
No we wont - which is a shame because it seems very doable this season - but we just cant string together 2 good performances.
This thread is a real rollercoaster
Sorry but the league form has been shocking this season.
I laughed at and copied these posts into my notes last season…
“I feel like the Villa that starts the 2024/25 season will be unrecognisable in the way that a recently relegated team is because it's had to flog all of its stars, the difference being it'll be because we probably won't be able to offer Champions League football.”
“We have totally fucked it now.
We are ten matches from the end of the season and will be playing 30% of those matches without our captain, who plays in a part of the field where we are already decimated.
Not only that, we are playing badly and have been for ages now, just putting in the odd good 45 minutes here and there. Even when we manage a good half we then keep on having an absolute stinker of a second.
We are absolutely fuxked with injuries and have a difficult run in. The next three matches are all tricky, and I can honestly see us losing them all.
I think we will finish sixth, which will be fucking devastating after the expectation of the first two thirds of the season.
Genuinely woke up this morning feeling exactly like I did after that Stoke match, that is how bad this is. Gifting three points to our closest rivals on our own ground and throwing in an eight GD swing.
Fucking hell, I hate football.”
“Yesterday was pretty fucking terrible, and it's gut wrenching to look at the table and see where Spurs are after tonight.
Yeah yeah yeah lots of football to come, but turn the tables around and if we were ahead of them with a game in hand, we'd be cock-a-hoop.
We've absolutely blown it. We're playing poorly, too, at a time when Spurs are starting to fire more consistently.
Gutting.”
There were dozens but I kept these three because they were hysterical and eloquent. I only laughed though because of Tottenham’s fixtures, which I don’t think these posters took any notice of - Newcastle, Arsenal, Liverpool & Man City. We need a lot of teams to fuck up this time, but on the plus side a few of them are struggling.
The one pessimistic thing I was absolutely sure of recently was us not making the top 8 in the CL after losing to Monaco. We needed so many results to go our way over the last two rounds of games it seemed impossible, but it happened.
We’re two points off CL at the moment, so it’s not done yet. If Emi’s out though, it is.
I laughed at and copied these posts into my notes last season…
“I feel like the Villa that starts the 2024/25 season will be unrecognisable in the way that a recently relegated team is because it's had to flog all of its stars, the difference being it'll be because we probably won't be able to offer Champions League football.”
“We have totally fucked it now.
We are ten matches from the end of the season and will be playing 30% of those matches without our captain, who plays in a part of the field where we are already decimated.
Not only that, we are playing badly and have been for ages now, just putting in the odd good 45 minutes here and there. Even when we manage a good half we then keep on having an absolute stinker of a second.
We are absolutely fuxked with injuries and have a difficult run in. The next three matches are all tricky, and I can honestly see us losing them all.
I think we will finish sixth, which will be fucking devastating after the expectation of the first two thirds of the season.
Genuinely woke up this morning feeling exactly like I did after that Stoke match, that is how bad this is. Gifting three points to our closest rivals on our own ground and throwing in an eight GD swing.
Fucking hell, I hate football.”
“Yesterday was pretty fucking terrible, and it's gut wrenching to look at the table and see where Spurs are after tonight.
Yeah yeah yeah lots of football to come, but turn the tables around and if we were ahead of them with a game in hand, we'd be cock-a-hoop.
We've absolutely blown it. We're playing poorly, too, at a time when Spurs are starting to fire more consistently.
Gutting.”
There were dozens but I kept these three because they were hysterical and eloquent. I only laughed though because of Tottenham’s fixtures, which I don’t think these posters took any notice of - Newcastle, Arsenal, Liverpool & Man City. We need a lot of teams to fuck up this time, but on the plus side a few of them are struggling.
The one pessimistic thing I was absolutely sure of recently was us not making the top 8 in the CL after losing to Monaco. We needed so many results to go our way over the last two rounds of games it seemed impossible, but it happened.
We’re two points off CL at the moment, so it’s not done yet. If Emi’s out though, it is.
With 6 of our 10 games left being away, then there is no way we will get CL. I would 100% take Europa League or even Conference League as we may have a shot of winning these.
Not being in Europe next season would really hurt us, yes we'd have the advantage of less games but commercially it would mean a huge drop in revenue and we'd be resigned to losing some/all of Emi, Ollie, Bouba and it's unlikely we'd keep any of Asensio, Rashford or Disasi. You'd imagine we'd also offload Mings, Digne, Bailey, Cash to reduce the wagebill. It would be a huge rebuild job.
Not being in Europe next season would really hurt us, yes we'd have the advantage of less games but commercially it would mean a huge drop in revenue and we'd be resigned to losing some/all of Emi, Ollie, Bouba and it's unlikely we'd keep any of Asensio, Rashford or Disasi. You'd imagine we'd also offload Mings, Digne, Bailey, Cash to reduce the wagebill. It would be a huge rebuild job.
Of course there's still a chance. Not that I think we'll do it now, we're 17th based on form over the past 6 games.
Europa or Conference will be where we end up I think now, because I do think we'll improve.
Not being in Europe next season would really hurt us, yes we'd have the advantage of less games but commercially it would mean a huge drop in revenue and we'd be resigned to losing some/all of Emi, Ollie, Bouba and it's unlikely we'd keep any of Asensio, Rashford or Disasi. You'd imagine we'd also offload Mings, Digne, Bailey, Cash to reduce the wagebill. It would be a huge rebuild job.
Even if we ended up out of Europe altogether, I don't think we're going to reduce down to a squad of a dozen players.
After the game last night I thought we were done. But, lots of us thought that after that horrid game v Spurs last season and it didn't turn out that way. We're still in the hunt and will need to beat all of the teams above us in the league when we play them - that's not beyond us. The absolute key to it is Kamara. If he's out much longer we'll finish anywhere between 9th and 6th. Does anybody know what's wrong with him?
After the game last night I thought we were done. But, lots of us thought that after that horrid game v Spurs last season and it didn't turn out that way. We're still in the hunt and will need to beat all of the teams above us in the league when we play them - that's not beyond us. The absolute key to it is Kamara. If he's out much longer we'll finish anywhere between 9th and 6th. Does anybody know what's wrong with him?
Torres is the other important factor. His ability on the ball when we're playing out is key.
So just for context how bad we are doing in the league. If brentford win both their games in hand they go above us and we we will be 11th.
Thats pretty poor tbh
So just for context how bad we are doing in the league. If brentford win both their games in hand they go above us and we we will be 11th.
Thats pretty poor tbh
Thanks for that bit of good cheer! The PL from 10th up to 4th is completely unpredictable. Any of the teams in that pack could finish 10th.
So just for context how bad we are doing in the league. If brentford win both their games in hand they go above us and we we will be 11th.
Thats pretty poor tbh
Thanks for that bit of good cheer! The PL from 10th up to 4th is completely unpredictable. Any of the teams in that pack could finish 10th.
So just for context how bad we are doing in the league. If brentford win both their games in hand they go above us and we we will be 11th.
Thats pretty poor tbh
We have now conceded 2 or more goals in 50% of our league games and have the worst conceded column outside of the bottom 5. No way on earth we can get any europe with those stats let alone Champ league in my brutal opinion
We did beat Everton away.
This is the thing I don’t get, he is an elite coach. You would think he would have noticed this and done something about it.We have now conceded 2 or more goals in 50% of our league games and have the worst conceded column outside of the bottom 5. No way on earth we can get any europe with those stats let alone Champ league in my brutal opinion
26 times we've conceded at least 2 in our last 50 league games. It's not just this season, it's a long term problem not addressed by the manager or coaching staff. Loaning more forwards isn't going to help.
We did beat Everton away.
Must admit i didn forget that one luke thanks for reminder
Im glad we played them when we did as they would beat us now based on the wolves and palace away games
We did beat Everton away.
Must admit i didn forget that one luke thanks for reminder
Im glad we played them when we did as they would beat us now based on the wolves and palace away games
I knew there was a reason Luke referenced that particular game.
We did beat Everton away.
But no more 5 at the back nonsense though please!
Remember the season when Emery took over and we went away to Brighton? We nicked a goal and then killed the game with a back six, and never looked like conceding. I wish we could go back to that for away games.
Only way I can see us qualifying is if we win it.
I get the distinct impression we gave up on top 4 (or 5) a while ago and we are going all out for a FA Cup and/ or Champions League win, something seems very different in those games so far.
Remember the season when Emery took over and we went away to Brighton? We nicked a goal and then killed the game with a back six, and never looked like conceding. I wish we could go back to that for away games.
That would require us to score first.
Remember the season when Emery took over and we went away to Brighton? We nicked a goal and then killed the game with a back six, and never looked like conceding. I wish we could go back to that for away games.
That would require us to score first.
Remember the season when Emery took over and we went away to Brighton? We nicked a goal and then killed the game with a back six, and never looked like conceding. I wish we could go back to that for away games.
That would require us to score first.
We didn’t score first in that game.
We've won 1 of the last 4 at home, 1 of the last 9 away and 1 of the last 7 games. We're not filling me with confidence.
Emery is not throwing the league for the cups. He forever bangs on about how the league comes first.He probably sees any European qualification as a priority.
If we finished in champions league this season it would be a bigger achievement than last season tbh.
I dont even think we will finish in a conference spot tbh as we are so defensively shite and cant get any decent run of form in the league.
If we finished in champions league this season it would be a bigger achievement than last season tbh.
I dont even think we will finish in a conference spot tbh as we are so defensively shite and cant get any decent run of form in the league.
Why don't you just give in then? Genuinely you seem completely convinced that we're utterly doomed and that everything is done, What's the point? I worry you'll make yourself ill.
Why say the same thing once or twice when you can say it over and over again?
I think the biggest problem is we would need to go on a winning run to make it and there is absolutely nothing to suggest that’s remotely possible.It would require a radical change in style and tactics ( not 3 at the fkin back) and I just don’t see that happening.
Did we switch back to that? Asking as he removed Garcia for Bailey but Konsa / Disasi / Bogarde didn't seem to be moved that far right, and in two of the goals, Bailey is playing RB.
Still no. Beat Brighton and Forest and we'll talk.
A tall order but maybe we can go Man U last game needing a win to take the last champs league spot at the expense of Man City.
We have to play Brighton, Forest, Citeh, Newcastle and Bournemouth, so yes it’s still doable, but Will be a tall order to best all of them. Of greater concern is that our last two games are against our bogey teams
After Forest beat Citeh, it would have been highly unlikely to catch them unless we won last night. They'll still probably get one of the three spots but if we beat them at VP, they can potentially be roped-in.
Would it? I think Forest's run-in is tough enough.
I think we have left it abit too late tbh. It is in our hands though as we have to play alot of the teams around ua. We can beat all of them who knows. I cant see us getting past liverpool in champions league tbh. So once those games are out the way we will be fully focused on league should we go out. And fa cup if we beat Preston
Neither have we.I think we have left it abit too late tbh. It is in our hands though as we have to play alot of the teams around ua. We can beat all of them who knows. I cant see us getting past liverpool in champions league tbh. So once those games are out the way we will be fully focused on league should we go out. And fa cup if we beat Preston
Liverpool haven't got through their Champions League game yet.
Ah Citeh have difficult games too and they've lost half of their last 20 or something. They're a soft touch away from home like us.
April is shaping up to be a tough month if we do make it through to the QFs of the Champions League and beat Preston in the FA Cup. Will look like:
Sun 30th March - Preston (A)
Wed 2nd April - Brighton (A)
Sat 5th April - Forest (H)
Tue 8th or Wed 9th April - Liverpool / PSG?
Sat 12th April - Southampton (A)
Tue 15th or Wed 16th April - Liverpool / PSG?
Sat 19th April - Newcastle (H)
Mon 28th April - Manchester City (A) (could be Semi-Final weekend)
So that's 8 fixtures in just under a month. They could possibly be FA Cup quarter and semi finals, two legs of a Champions League quarter final and 3 or possibly even four league games (if us and Manchester City don't make the FA Cup semi-finals) against teans who we are competing for Champions League spots with.
April is shaping up to be a tough month if we do make it through to the QFs of the Champions League and beat Preston in the FA Cup. Will look like:
Sun 30th March - Preston (A)
Wed 2nd April - Brighton (A)
Sat 5th April - Forest (H)
Tue 8th or Wed 9th April - Liverpool / PSG?
Sat 12th April - Southampton (A)
Tue 15th or Wed 16th April - Liverpool / PSG?
Sat 19th April - Newcastle (H)
Mon 28th April - Manchester City (A) (could be Semi-Final weekend)
So that's 8 fixtures in just under a month. They could possibly be FA Cup quarter and semi finals, two legs of a Champions League quarter final and 3 or possibly even four league games (if us and Manchester City don't make the FA Cup semi-finals) against teans who we are competing for Champions League spots with.
I think we have left it abit too late tbh. It is in our hands though as we have to play alot of the teams around ua. We can beat all of them who knows. I cant see us getting past liverpool in champions league tbh. So once those games are out the way we will be fully focused on league should we go out. And fa cup if we beat Preston
I dont think we've left it late at all and Liverpool haven't got through their Champions League game yet.
If we do get through and end up playing Liverpool, I think we're capable of beating them over two legs. We could have beaten them a couple of weeks ago.
Wasn't that long ago Spurs were out before a ball had been kicked against Man City.
Anything can happen and we're absolutely capable of putting out Liverpool if we're on it.
If we do get through and end up playing Liverpool, I think we're capable of beating them over two legs. We could have beaten them a couple of weeks ago.
We could beat them over two legs yeah, but they are a better side and two legs typically favours better sides. If we were to have a chance it’d be that the second leg would be at Villa Park.
If we do get through and end up playing Liverpool, I think we're capable of beating them over two legs. We could have beaten them a couple of weeks ago.
April is shaping up to be a tough month if we do make it through to the QFs of the Champions League and beat Preston in the FA Cup. Will look like:
Sun 30th March - Preston (A)
Wed 2nd April - Brighton (A)
Sat 5th April - Forest (H)
Tue 8th or Wed 9th April - Liverpool / PSG?
Sat 12th April - Southampton (A)
Tue 15th or Wed 16th April - Liverpool / PSG?
Sat 19th April - Newcastle (H)
Mon 28th April - Manchester City (A) (could be Semi-Final weekend)
So that's 8 fixtures in just under a month. They could possibly be FA Cup quarter and semi finals, two legs of a Champions League quarter final and 3 or possibly even four league games (if us and Manchester City don't make the FA Cup semi-finals) against teans who we are competing for Champions League spots with.
That's what we signed up for.
I have a feeling we'll be in the Europa next season, either thru league position or winning the FA Cup
I dunno...top players including ones we currently have, want CL. So we'll have a job on our hands in the summer with recruitment and retention if we're not in Big Cup.
I have a feeling we'll be in the Europa next season, either thru league position or winning the FA CupGiven our inconsistent form this season that would be a very acceptable outcome
Looking at the sides left in the Europa, I'd fancy us to win it this season if we were in it.
Think i would rather be in conference than europa as the games will be less demanding and we can also focus on the league. Europa blt so much
Looking at the level of teams in the conference compared to last season its alot poorer standard
The Conference is hard to take seriously as a competition. Some nice memories of it but I'd rather not be in it next season, it feels like it should be for non-powerful clubs ie no one from England.
April is shaping up to be a tough month if we do make it through to the QFs of the Champions League and beat Preston in the FA Cup. Will look like:Having seen this I think it is even more unlikely we will qualify. But I have been envious in the past of clubs with that sort of fixture pile up at the business end of the season.
Sun 30th March - Preston (A)
Wed 2nd April - Brighton (A)
Sat 5th April - Forest (H)
Tue 8th or Wed 9th April - Liverpool / PSG?
Sat 12th April - Southampton (A)
Tue 15th or Wed 16th April - Liverpool / PSG?
Sat 19th April - Newcastle (H)
Mon 28th April - Manchester City (A) (could be Semi-Final weekend)
So that's 8 fixtures in just under a month. They could possibly be FA Cup quarter and semi finals, two legs of a Champions League quarter final and 3 or possibly even four league games (if us and Manchester City don't make the FA Cup semi-finals) against teans who we are competing for Champions League spots with.
The Conference is hard to take seriously as a competition. Some nice memories of it but I'd rather not be in it next season, it feels like it should be for non-powerful clubs ie no one from England.That's what it was designed for in essence , smaller nations clubs etc. A European Papa Johns . Rather not be in it and focus on the league and domestic cups.
April is shaping up to be a tough month if we do make it through to the QFs of the Champions League and beat Preston in the FA Cup. Will look like:Having seen this I think it is even more unlikely we will qualify. But I have been envious in the past of clubs with that sort of fixture pile up at the business end of the season.
Sun 30th March - Preston (A)
Wed 2nd April - Brighton (A)
Sat 5th April - Forest (H)
Tue 8th or Wed 9th April - Liverpool / PSG?
Sat 12th April - Southampton (A)
Tue 15th or Wed 16th April - Liverpool / PSG?
Sat 19th April - Newcastle (H)
Mon 28th April - Manchester City (A) (could be Semi-Final weekend)
So that's 8 fixtures in just under a month. They could possibly be FA Cup quarter and semi finals, two legs of a Champions League quarter final and 3 or possibly even four league games (if us and Manchester City don't make the FA Cup semi-finals) against teans who we are competing for Champions League spots with.
Expect an exiting ride with a few dissapointments, not too many hopefully.
April is shaping up to be a tough month if we do make it through to the QFs of the Champions League and beat Preston in the FA Cup. Will look like:
Sun 30th March - Preston (A)
Wed 2nd April - Brighton (A)
Sat 5th April - Forest (H)
Tue 8th or Wed 9th April - Liverpool / PSG?
Sat 12th April - Southampton (A)
Tue 15th or Wed 16th April - Liverpool / PSG?
Sat 19th April - Newcastle (H)
Mon 28th April - Manchester City (A) (could be Semi-Final weekend)
So that's 8 fixtures in just under a month. They could possibly be FA Cup quarter and semi finals, two legs of a Champions League quarter final and 3 or possibly even four league games (if us and Manchester City don't make the FA Cup semi-finals) against teans who we are competing for Champions League spots with.
I'm hoping Unai's tactics of us playing within ourselves, at a low tempo, is all part of his master plan to come charging round (the metaphorical) last bend and over the final flight of fences and win a trophy, and qualify for the CL next season...
Think i would rather be in conference than europa as the games will be less demanding and we can also focus on the league. Europa blt so much
Looking at the level of teams in the conference compared to last season its alot poorer standard
Huh? You’d rather play in the 3rd tier competition rather than the one spurs and Man Utd are STILL in?
Just dreamt we won the final 3-1 with late goals from Rogers and Asensio.
No idea who we were playing and who got the first, but pretty confident we’ll be in the champions league next season now.
I love Morley but imo he was a good player that had a couple of great years. He's also talking nonsense as Bren says, our team may have been fitter than most were in that era but that's a long way from being as fit as current players.
I know we all know this, and we all agree, and there's zero need for me to say this, but what a fucking player Tony Morley was.When they talk about pace.
April's going to be a brutal month for the players now, 7 games, all big games against tough opposition.
April's going to be a brutal month for the players now, 7 games, all big games against tough opposition.
We have a big squad to deal with this now. They shoulf be embracing this
4th and 5th place still in with a chance given fixtures.
If exclude top 2 then our competitors are 3rd to 10th
Forest Chelsea, Man City, Newcastle, Brighton are currently above us and Bournemouth and Fulham just behind with a game in hand.
Villa have to play all these teams apart from Chelsea. And a chance to gain 3pts each time
And I do think the next matches away to brighton has to be won for a start.
This weekend:
Man City v Brighton
Fulham v Spurs
Bournemouth v Brentford
Arsenal v Chelsea
Ideally this weekend..I suggested Spurs aswell to keep Fulham no gains.
Ipswich v Forest ....Ipswich win
Man C v Brighton...Draw
Bournemouth v Brentford...Brentford win
Arsenal v Chelsea....Arsenal win
No. It guarantees Newcastle a Conference League place if they fail to qualify for the Champions League or Europa League by league position. If Liverpool win, or Newcastle win and qualify for Europe via league position, Conference League place will be passed to a team based on league position, like it was when we qualified for it.Thanks!
Newcastle win is potentially bad news for us.
Needs must then: YNWA, Come on you Reds, etc etc etc
(row of vomit emojis)
4th and 5th place still in with a chance given fixtures.2-2 Man City V Brighton
If exclude top 2 then our competitors are 3rd to 10th
Forest Chelsea, Man City, Newcastle, Brighton are currently above us and Bournemouth and Fulham just behind with a game in hand.
Villa have to play all these teams apart from Chelsea. And a chance to gain 3pts each time
2-2 115C and Albion is a great result.Quite right!!
5th place this season is not "great" news if we aren't getting this year. Part of the reason England romped it this season is that our points were divided by 7, not 8 (Plus 3 of the top 8 were English). Whilst you can't rule out Nottingham or Newcastle getting some decent points next season, but I suspect next season it won't be five. Hopefully we can take advantage that some of those clubs in CL struggle in the league and we finish top three. Of course if we qualify as holders, then all is fine.
Read your first sentence three times and still don't understand it.
Do you mean if 5th is not a CL place? I think it was confirmed today it will be.
Ideally this weekend..
Ipswich v Forest ....Ipswich win
Man C v Brighton...Draw
Bournemouth v Brentford...Brentford win
Arsenal v Chelsea....Arsenal win
We need to forget forest now they too far ahead we need to be targeting 4th and 5th.I am not sure, they have a very tricky run in and have been incredibly lucky with injuries.
Forest i think will have done incredibly well to get CL but they are not going to be able to cope with that and league thats for sure
Read your first sentence three times and still don't understand it.
Do you mean if 5th is not a CL place? I think it was confirmed today it will be.
I meant that teams who normally have extra teams in the competition don't normally qualify for the extra place the following season. So IF 5th place gives CL spots AND we don't get in it this year, it might mean we don't get 5 spots in the CL the following season. Of course if the English teams going in there do well, or if we are not competing we might do better in the league next season so it could be a moot point.
We need to forget forest now they too far ahead we need to be targeting 4th and 5th.
Forest i think will have done incredibly well to get CL but they are not going to be able to cope with that and league thats for sure
Twice in the last 8 seasons England didn't finish in the top 2. Both of those were the 2 seasons there were 8 teams in Europe.
.i think the opposite. They have a lot of midtable sides to play that dint really have much to play for. I think our run in is tougher than theirsWe need to forget forest now they too far ahead we need to be targeting 4th and 5th.I am not sure, they have a very tricky run in and have been incredibly lucky with injuries.
Forest i think will have done incredibly well to get CL but they are not going to be able to cope with that and league thats for sure
2015/16.
Forest don’t have that tricky a run in only play Villa and Chelsea of top 10 teams..i think the opposite. They have a lot of midtable sides to play that dint really have much to play for. I think our run in is tougher than theirsWe need to forget forest now they too far ahead we need to be targeting 4th and 5th.I am not sure, they have a very tricky run in and have been incredibly lucky with injuries.
Forest i think will have done incredibly well to get CL but they are not going to be able to cope with that and league thats for sure
I genuinely think our best chance of qualifying is by winning it.Well consider this:
I dunno, it's just instinct. We don't feel consistent enough away from home to finish above at least half a dozen other contenders. On our day, we're good enough to beat anyone at home. Not saying we will, but a couple of Villa Park second legs, potentially. You never know.
I agree. I'm going for an FA Cup win though and Europa League football next season.
Id take fa cup win and europa tbh. If we miss out on CL so be it if we win fa cup.
I do think we would be in a good place to challenge for a CL spot again next season if we miss out this season
Id take fa cup win and europa tbh. If we miss out on CL so be it if we win fa cup.
I do think we would be in a good place to challenge for a CL spot again next season if we miss out this season
I don't understand that thinking. The Europa league has as many matches as the Champions league. Making the Europa has exactly the same demands on the squad as the CL?
Id take fa cup win and europa tbh. If we miss out on CL so be it if we win fa cup.
I do think we would be in a good place to challenge for a CL spot again next season if we miss out this season
I don't understand that thinking. The Europa league has as many matches as the Champions league. Making the Europa has exactly the same demands on the squad as the CL?
Id take fa cup win and europa tbh. If we miss out on CL so be it if we win fa cup.
I do think we would be in a good place to challenge for a CL spot again next season if we miss out this season
I don't understand that thinking. The Europa league has as many matches as the Champions league. Making the Europa has exactly the same demands on the squad as the CL?
Look at the level of sides AZ are in Qfs compared to the sides in CL. Thats not to mention its the new format so you will play alot of poor sides even in europa. In conference league it was the older format so i think we can rotate more than we did. Thats my reasoning for it.
Id take fa cup win and europa tbh. If we miss out on CL so be it if we win fa cup.
I do think we would be in a good place to challenge for a CL spot again next season if we miss out this season
I don't understand that thinking. The Europa league has as many matches as the Champions league. Making the Europa has exactly the same demands on the squad as the CL?
Look at the level of sides AZ are in Qfs compared to the sides in CL. Thats not to mention its the new format so you will play alot of poor sides even in europa. In conference league it was the older format so i think we can rotate more than we did. Thats my reasoning for it.
Id take fa cup win and europa tbh. If we miss out on CL so be it if we win fa cup.
I do think we would be in a good place to challenge for a CL spot again next season if we miss out this season
I don't understand that thinking. The Europa league has as many matches as the Champions league. Making the Europa has exactly the same demands on the squad as the CL?
Look at the level of sides AZ are in Qfs compared to the sides in CL. Thats not to mention its the new format so you will play alot of poor sides even in europa. In conference league it was the older format so i think we can rotate more than we did. Thats my reasoning for it.
I wouldn't be playing up the upside of Europa League vs Champions League. If there's any chance of playing in the CL for a second reason, we've got to jump at it. Yes, the fixture load is difficult when you're combining tough European games and PL games; and our form has suffered this season from it. But it's a learning curve and we've got to get our squad to a point where we it's strong enough to cope with it.
If we are not in the CL than I don’t think we will be seeking to attract many players anyway. The squad is pretty massive so more likely be one in, one out, with an eye on keeping costs at a minimum.
We need to forget forest now they too far ahead we need to be targeting 4th and 5th.I am not sure, they have a very tricky run in and have been incredibly lucky with injuries.
Forest i think will have done incredibly well to get CL but they are not going to be able to cope with that and league thats for sure
The draw with Wolves at the City Ground in August might have seemed remarkable only in its unremarkability but it remains the single solitary occasion on which Nottingham Forest dropped but a mere point against a team currently lower than 10th this season.
That record alone has buttressed this ludicrous push for Champions League qualification. Forest are third in a Premier League table versus the bottom half and the two sides above them – Arsenal and Liverpool – have played more games against such sides.
If Forest were weirdly restricted only to counting their points accrued against the bottom half, they would still be 13th and level with Manchester United, ahead of Spurs.
That is patently ludicrous, but also sensational news for a side whose remaining games are against the teams in 4th, 9th, 11th, 12th, 13th, 14th, 15th, 16th and 19th, and who watched none of the four teams immediately below them win in the league this weekend.
Players and coaches won’t allow complacency to creep in and fans will refuse to acknowledge the elephant staring at them in every room they occupy, but Forest are pretty much already across the line if they just keep on keeping on.
Interesting, good luck to them if they do make it. But I think a couple of injuries could still derail them.We need to forget forest now they too far ahead we need to be targeting 4th and 5th.I am not sure, they have a very tricky run in and have been incredibly lucky with injuries.
Forest i think will have done incredibly well to get CL but they are not going to be able to cope with that and league thats for sureQuoteThe draw with Wolves at the City Ground in August might have seemed remarkable only in its unremarkability but it remains the single solitary occasion on which Nottingham Forest dropped but a mere point against a team currently lower than 10th this season.
That record alone has buttressed this ludicrous push for Champions League qualification. Forest are third in a Premier League table versus the bottom half and the two sides above them – Arsenal and Liverpool – have played more games against such sides.
If Forest were weirdly restricted only to counting their points accrued against the bottom half, they would still be 13th and level with Manchester United, ahead of Spurs.
That is patently ludicrous, but also sensational news for a side whose remaining games are against the teams in 4th, 9th, 11th, 12th, 13th, 14th, 15th, 16th and 19th, and who watched none of the four teams immediately below them win in the league this weekend.
Players and coaches won’t allow complacency to creep in and fans will refuse to acknowledge the elephant staring at them in every room they occupy, but Forest are pretty much already across the line if they just keep on keeping on.
I wouldn't be playing up the upside of Europa League vs Champions League. If there's any chance of playing in the CL for a second reason, we've got to jump at it. Yes, the fixture load is difficult when you're combining tough European games and PL games; and our form has suffered this season from it. But it's a learning curve and we've got to get our squad to a point where we it's strong enough to cope with it.
Is the correct answer.
We're 4 points off 4th place. We have a break to reset and focus and I expect us to go on a late charge...Although with our negative goal difference it’s effectively five points. If we can keep a close to full strength squad fit for the rest of the season and beat the teams around us we can certainly do it. It’s just that we’ve not shown any evidence thus far of the consistency we’ll need to achieve that.
We're 4 points off 4th place. We have a break to reset and focus and I expect us to go on a late charge...Although with our negative goal difference it’s effectively five points.
We're 4 points off 4th place. We have a break to reset and focus and I expect us to go on a late charge...Although with our negative goal difference it’s effectively five points.
No. It isn't.
We're 4 points off 4th place. We have a break to reset and focus and I expect us to go on a late charge...Although with our negative goal difference it’s effectively five points.
No. It isn't.
More or less 5 points, with hoe bad our goal difference is.
And when we finish a point ahead of them they'll actually be drawing with us won't they?
And when we finish a point ahead of them they'll actually be drawing with us won't they?
Absolutely certain that people who believe goal difference is worth a point also think there's a team in Spain called "Athletico Madrid".A bit of a tangent I know, but this reminds me when I got corrected many years ago talking with Italians in reference to the Milan clubs.
also think there's a team in Spain called "Athletico Madrid".
Cos Rotterdam is anywhere... which reminds me, Nick Banks, nephew of Gordon, drummer in Pulp - was once asked by an excitable Dutch journalist -
"So were you really born in Rotterdam? That's amazing!".
"No luv - it were Rotherham".
Cos Rotterdam is anywhere... which reminds me, Nick Banks, nephew of Gordon, drummer in Pulp - was once asked by an excitable Dutch journalist -
"So were you really born in Rotterdam? That's amazing!".
"No luv - it were Rotherham".
Well I didn't know that.
Cos Rotterdam is anywhere... which reminds me, Nick Banks, nephew of Gordon, drummer in Pulp - was once asked by an excitable Dutch journalist -
"So were you really born in Rotterdam? That's amazing!".
"No luv - it were Rotherham".
Well I didn't know that.
Cos Rotterdam is anywhere... which reminds me, Nick Banks, nephew of Gordon, drummer in Pulp - was once asked by an excitable Dutch journalist -
"So were you really born in Rotterdam? That's amazing!".
"No luv - it were Rotherham".
Well I didn't know that.
Me neither. Quite a good fact, I reckon. I am going to wow the attendees next time I'm invited to a dinner party.
Clinched Champions League for 2025-26
Liverpool (champions), Arsenal (second place), Manchester City (third), Nottingham Forest (fourth), Newcastle United (fifth; also won the Carabao Cup)
Clinched Europa League for 2025-26
Aston Villa (sixth, also won the FA Cup), Chelsea (after winning the Europa Conference), Brighton (clinched extra spot through league position)
Clinched Europa Conference League for 2025-26
Bournemouth (clinched spot through league position, earned place from Newcastle United, who qualified for Champions League via fifth-place finish)
Relegated to English Championship for 2025-26:
Ipswich Town, Leicester City, Southampton
Predictions from some bloke I've never heard of on ESPN
Following 22-23 (Conference qualification) and 23-24 (Chumps’ qualification, Europa semi), we are entering the business end of the season with more irons in the fire (Chumps’ qualification, FA Cup, Chumps’ quarters) than ever.Noticed Jonathan Wilson in the Graun asking a similar question (https://www.theguardian.com/football/2025/mar/12/aston-villa-earn-shot-at-greatness-after-setting-up-historic-psg-showdown).
Squad health is improving, and we’ve added some genuine star quality.
So although the league form has been poor, we do get to find out this year whether we are able to “grow” into champions.
I think momentum is everything at this point.Following 22-23 (Conference qualification) and 23-24 (Chumps’ qualification, Europa semi), we are entering the business end of the season with more irons in the fire (Chumps’ qualification, FA Cup, Chumps’ quarters) than ever.Noticed Jonathan Wilson in the Graun asking a similar question (https://www.theguardian.com/football/2025/mar/12/aston-villa-earn-shot-at-greatness-after-setting-up-historic-psg-showdown).
Squad health is improving, and we’ve added some genuine star quality.
So although the league form has been poor, we do get to find out this year whether we are able to “grow” into champions.
So, while not directly linked to today's PNE game, this is where our shot at greatness starts. Are we up for it?
Predictions from some bloke I've never heard of on ESPN
I'd settle for this
https://www.espn.co.uk/football/story/_/id/44290844/premier-league-projections-predictions-title-top-four-relegation-luis-miguel-echegarayQuoteClinched Champions League for 2025-26
Liverpool (champions), Arsenal (second place), Manchester City (third), Nottingham Forest (fourth), Newcastle United (fifth; also won the Carabao Cup)
Clinched Europa League for 2025-26
Aston Villa (sixth, also won the FA Cup), Chelsea (after winning the Europa Conference), Brighton (clinched extra spot through league position)
Clinched Europa Conference League for 2025-26
Bournemouth (clinched spot through league position, earned place from Newcastle United, who qualified for Champions League via fifth-place finish)
Relegated to English Championship for 2025-26:
Ipswich Town, Leicester City, Southampton
I don’t think can make 3rd. Forest are 9pts ahead and are currently winning 1-0 at home to man utd they only have to play us away and chelsea home as any team in top half.
The last game of season is Chelsea maybe they aren’t going to get dragged into it for the champions league battle and have qualified by then.
I would write them off as a rival now if they win tonight and 3rd place. though i suppose if we win against them then do get closer to them …
How are we fixed now? Bournemouth seem to be dropping off but Forest bar a collapse really should be certs.I don’t think can rule out any teams in top 10 just yet.
2 from Chelsea, Newcastle, Man City and ourselves. Could do with Spurs getting a result tomorrow.
How are we fixed now? Bournemouth seem to be dropping off but Forest bar a collapse really should be certs.
2 from Chelsea, Newcastle, Man City and ourselves. Could do with Spurs getting a result tomorrow.
Whatever happened to the Man City points deduction that was supposed to be concluded in March ? ( Or so I thought )
Newcastle have a really tough run in. I think we finish ahead of them.
18 points would mean 2 of these for us to only finish 6th. Chelsea need 14 from 8, Man City 15 from 8, Newcastle 16 from 9. That's assuming there's no sizeable goal swings.
We're essentially four points away. Newcastle win their game in hand and it's basically five. Presuming City don't get points deducted, which would obviously change everything, I'd say we need to beat both Newcastle and City, plus win six from eight. That might be enough. It's a big ask, but doable.
I think it’s a pretty massive ask and probably relies on us winning pretty much all our games, specifically those against the teams we’re competing with.
With a full squad and a fit Kamara, we can beat anybody (and I mean anybody) in the world. I think we could win all of our remaining games.
We're essentially four points away. Newcastle win their game in hand and it's basically five. Presuming City don't get points deducted, which would obviously change everything, I'd say we need to beat both Newcastle and City, plus win six from eight. That might be enough. It's a big ask, but doable.
Yeah, that feels about right. I think that ultimately the Newcastle parallels that were there at the start are going to follow us to the end of the season. They were similarly inconsistent, couldn't put a run together then pulled out a decent run in the last ten games to pull themselves much higher but just not close enough.
A Man City points deduction could easily be the difference one way or the other. Without it they've probably still got enough to stay ahead of us, so it relies on both of Newcastle and Chelsea to fall away. The latter feels pretty plausible, but harder to see both happening.
Forest feel too far ahead, but winning tomorrow would definitely start to put the willies up them a bit and hopefully start the "we've blown it" posts like we had on here at a similar point last season.
i did watch Barcelona the other night and i know teams have off days but i really wasn't that impressed by them.
I think we’ll need five wins out of our remaining games, with two of those wins crucially being against Man City and Newcastle. A massive ask but if we can retain a fully fit squad I wouldn’t write us off
We've won 6 on the bounce in all competitions, and the last three by 3 goals to nil.
If anyone is coming into form at the right time, it's us. Add in the return of Pau, Onana, and Barkley, and we also have room to rotate properly and not force players into doing 95+ minutes three times a week as the games start coming thick and fast.
It can obviously change quickly, but right now, if I were an impartial observer, I'd be looking at us as the dark horses timing their run just about right...
Beat Forest, and to quote Emi from last season, "I'm a believer mate!"
We've won 6 on the bounce in all competitions, and the last three by 3 goals to nil.
If anyone is coming into form at the right time, it's us. Add in the return of Pau, Onana, and Barkley, and we also have room to rotate properly and not force players into doing 95+ minutes three times a week as the games start coming thick and fast.
It can obviously change quickly, but right now, if I were an impartial observer, I'd be looking at us as the dark horses timing their run just about right...
Beat Forest, and to quote Emi from last season, "I'm a believer mate!"
We've won 6 on the bounce in all competitions, and the last three by 3 goals to nil.
If anyone is coming into form at the right time, it's us. Add in the return of Pau, Onana, and Barkley, and we also have room to rotate properly and not force players into doing 95+ minutes three times a week as the games start coming thick and fast.
It can obviously change quickly, but right now, if I were an impartial observer, I'd be looking at us as the dark horses timing their run just about right...
Beat Forest, and to quote Emi from last season, "I'm a believer mate!"
Two seasons ago we had an unlikely target and acheived it, last season ditto. I'm feeling confident we'll do it again.
Will be close.
Just flashed up on Sky that Opta give us 21.6% chance, which feels about right.
That'll go right up with a couple of favourable results tomorrow/Monday.
Southampton next week. Win that and we might be touching 40% with a couple of favourable results elsewhere.
Second in the league since 4th Feb. Everything's coming up Millhouse.
Before last 2 games I thought we'd need 20 from 27. I think we need 14 from 21 now. Maybe 15.
Depends on whether Forest fold or not. Cit-eh have easiest fixtures. Toon I expect to finish above us too.
We need big favours tomorrow from the West London Bees and the Satanic herd.
It does feel like something has to go wrong at some point, and though our winning run is now 7 in all competitions, it WILL come to an end sooner or later. If it's going to end, I'd like it to end with a draw in Paris, and then back to winning ways against Southampton in the league - but we'll see!
I reckon that's about right, given how many of the teams involved have to play each other I think 64 points might be enough and 66 is pretty much guaranteed top5.
Second in the league since 4th Feb. Everything's coming up Millhouse.
The difference this year compared to last year is pretty profound. Last year we felt like we were limping to the finishing line. Often playing the same line-up week in week out (because we had to).
This year we can make EIGHT changes, and still put out a really strong team and beat the team that's currently 3rd in the league.
No one, and I really mean no one, will want to play us right now.
It does feel like something has to go wrong at some point, and though our winning run is now 7 in all competitions, it WILL come to an end sooner or later. If it's going to end, I'd like it to end with a draw in Paris, and then back to winning ways against Southampton in the league - but we'll see!
I reckon that's about right, given how many of the teams involved have to play each other I think 64 points might be enough and 66 is pretty much guaranteed top5.
The Forest forum I was reading the other day had a Champions League qualification thread (obviously) and there were a few posts about some boffins running thousands of simulations for the end of the season, like we were talking about on here for top eight in the Champions League.
64 points was their figure that was apparently good enough for fifth 99% of the time.
Southampton next week. Win that and we might be touching 40% with a couple of favourable results elsewhere.
Think we all know what the Villa way is though.
Southampton next week. Win that and we might be touching 40% with a couple of favourable results elsewhere.
Think we all know what the Villa way is though.
Was. Was the Villa way.
Southampton next week. Win that and we might be touching 40% with a couple of favourable results elsewhere.
Think we all know what the Villa way is though.
Was. Was the Villa way.
Agree.
Heavy rotation might save us. No way he's going full strength at Southampton, sandwiched between two PSG games, after we've done Forest following eight changes.
Chelsea result was kind, Plop wasn't but we should be looking up and not down the table anyway.
Palace form is pretty good. We need to be wary of them in the semi.
Palace form is pretty good. We need to be wary of them in the semi.
The latest rankings, but tbh I'm not convinced by some of the percentages.
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Gn67HTOXwAA_gjE?format=jpg&name=medium)
The latest rankings, but tbh I'm not convinced by some of the percentages.
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Gn67HTOXwAA_gjE?format=jpg&name=medium)
The latest rankings, but tbh I'm not convinced by some of the percentages.
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Gn67HTOXwAA_gjE?format=jpg&name=medium)
So long as we qualify and neither Man U nor Tottenham do, I'll be happy enough.
a 25% gap between us and Chelsea is funny enough but a 66% gap to Man City, a point ahead of us is laughable. The Newcastle one is the only realistic one given their games in hand.
The latest rankings, but tbh I'm not convinced by some of the percentages.
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Gn67HTOXwAA_gjE?format=jpg&name=medium)
a 25% gap between us and Chelsea is funny enough but a 66% gap to Man City, a point ahead of us is laughable. The Newcastle one is the only realistic one giventheir games in hand.
On December 8, Chelsea beat Spurs 4-3 at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
In eight Premier League away games combined since that nonsense they’ve cobbled together exactly the same number of points and scored fewer goals.
I’ve read today that is any of the English teams win in Europe this week, 5th place is guaranteed a Champions League Spot.
I think Italy need to win all three trophies, with their teams winning every leg on the way. If any English side gets at least a draw, this week, that’ll be enough to guarantee a 5th spot in the CL. In other words, it’s nailed on for five places.
I’ve read today that is any of the English teams win in Europe this week, 5th place is guaranteed a Champions League Spot.
I think if any of Inter, Lazio or Fiorentina fail to win that's also enough.
It could easily come down to goals difference this year. Which isn't great for us!
It could easily come down to goals difference this year. Which isn't great for us!
It's always possible but rarely ever happens.
(https://i.ibb.co/GfYL9YwT/IMG-3549.jpg) (https://ibb.co/GfYL9YwT)
Newcastle have a tougher run in than us “ on paper “. Chelsea do as well.
I think we get 5th.
Yes , “ on paper “ tends to go out of the window towards the end of the season.
Relegated teams start to play with freedom ( hopefully not this weekend ) and the last day always throws up crazy results.
Possibly an obvious summary, but if we can get 7-9 points from our next three fixtures then we're right in the mix. Anything else and we'll probably be looking at trying to make sure we finish 7th.
Possibly an obvious summary, but if we can get 7-9 points from our next three fixtures then we're right in the mix.
Possibly an obvious summary, but if we can get 7-9 points from our next three fixtures then we're right in the mix.
7 points from the next 3, 10 points from the last 4. 68 points should be enough to get 5th place at least.
Possibly an obvious summary, but if we can get 7-9 points from our next three fixtures then we're right in the mix.
7 points from the next 3, 10 points from the last 4. 68 points should be enough to get 5th place at least.
Newcastle have a tougher run in than us “ on paper “. Chelsea do as well.
I think we get 5th.
Possibly an obvious summary, but if we can get 7-9 points from our next three fixtures then we're right in the mix. Anything else and we'll probably be looking at trying to make sure we finish 7th.
We are already in the mix.
Sorry, those are the official numbers.
Wins against Southampton, Fulham and Tottenham, draws against Newcastle and Bournemouth and two defeats in Manchester, as usual, doesn't seem unreasonable.
Just the European Cup, I'm afraid. I'm more confident of beating PSG than Crystal sodding Palace.CD, funny, I messaged my cousin in Brum those exact words after the draw.
Maybe the premier league gets its house in order, and sorts the point deduction for Man City before the end of the season.
"Would you want to get a CL spot on the back of another team getting a point deduction though?"
Too bloody right I would
Maybe the premier league gets its house in order, and sorts the point deduction for Man City before the end of the season.
"Would you want to get a CL spot on the back of another team getting a point deduction though?"
Too bloody right I would
Newcastle at home and Man City away will be tough coming so soon after the PSG home game. I can imagine that PSG game taking a lot out of us emotionally and physically. At least Newcastle have a game as well, as I thought they would have a clear week to prepare for it.
Wins against Southampton, Fulham and Tottenham, draws against Newcastle and Bournemouth and two defeats in Manchester, as usual, doesn't seem unreasonable.Personally I don’t think that will be enough to get a top five finish, unless Man City are docked points.
Wins against Southampton, Fulham and Tottenham, draws against Newcastle and Bournemouth and two defeats in Manchester, as usual, doesn't seem unreasonable.Personally I don’t think that will be enough to get a top five finish, unless Man City are docked points.
Although I suppose it does promote us from Conference League to Europa League if we don't win a trophy.
So, yay.
Next two games are just fucking massive.
We've got McGinn, I just don't think our rivals understand. So, yes.He is Unai Emery’s man, of course
Forest getting dragged back into it is big.
One big win by us, or a big loss by either Forest or Newcastle may bring goal difference back into the equation. We are presently +3, Forest and Newcastle +13.
1 Aston Villa Aston Villa 6 4 1 1 12:7 5 13 L W D W W W
2 Manchester City Man City English Champion 23/24 6 3 2 1 10:5 5 11 W L D W D W
3 Chelsea FC Chelsea 5 3 1 1 6:1 5 10 W W L W D
4 Liverpool FC Liverpool 5 3 1 1 10:6 4 10 W W D W L
5 Crystal Palace Crystal Palace 5 3 1 1 10:8 2 10 W W D W L
6 Nottingham Forest Nottm Forest 6 3 1 2 7:5 2 10 D W W W L L
7 Wolverhampton Wanderers Wolves 5 3 1 1 7:5 2 10 L D W W W
8 Arsenal FC Arsenal 6 2 4 0 6:4 2 10 D D W W D D
9 Newcastle United Newcastle 4 3 0 1 6:3 3 9 L W W W
Other than United and SpursOne big win by us, or a big loss by either Forest or Newcastle may bring goal difference back into the equation. We are presently +3, Forest and Newcastle +13.
None of our remaining games are against bottom feeders though. Mind you, we owe Newcastle a 5-1 smacking or similar.
Premier League form table:Quote1 Aston Villa Aston Villa 6 4 1 1 12:7 5 13 L W D W W W
2 Manchester City Man City English Champion 23/24 6 3 2 1 10:5 5 11 W L D W D W
3 Chelsea FC Chelsea 5 3 1 1 6:1 5 10 W W L W D
4 Liverpool FC Liverpool 5 3 1 1 10:6 4 10 W W D W L
5 Crystal Palace Crystal Palace 5 3 1 1 10:8 2 10 W W D W L
6 Nottingham Forest Nottm Forest 6 3 1 2 7:5 2 10 D W W W L L
7 Wolverhampton Wanderers Wolves 5 3 1 1 7:5 2 10 L D W W W
8 Arsenal FC Arsenal 6 2 4 0 6:4 2 10 D D W W D D
9 Newcastle United Newcastle 4 3 0 1 6:3 3 9 L W W W
Bit annoying that it's those two in second and third, otherwise it feels like it would actually be a bit of a stroll.
We've got McGinn, I just don't think our rivals understand. So, yes.He is Unai Emery’s man, of course
I don't think we'll do it tbh, but we can probably afford to lose one of Man City and Newcastle should we win one.I think a total haul of 64 or 65 points is the most likely outcome for us - 3 wins and 1 or 2 draws. And even that will be with a titanic effort.
I think Forest losing is a big thing for us - I fancied us to finish ahead of Chelsea but not Man City/Newcastle, Forest suddenly look like they could be caught which even after beating them felt unrealistic as they played quite well. They've some decent games too.
If we can beat Newcastle then we're probably 4 wins from doing it. But we have to beat Newcastle, which is arguably a bigger game than PSG now in some ways...
No, i don't get it either. A few weeks ago some people were saying we had left it too late when we clearly hadn't.
Definition of unlikely is less than half. Mathematically it's unlikely as we are in fifth and the two teams below us have one point less, but one and two games in hand and PPG ratios of 1.71 and 1.77 respectively.
A few weeks ago it was very unlikely, so it's getting there. Keep winning and we'll be fine. Don't and we won't.
The time most people thought we wouldn't was when we were conceding for fun, had won 1 in 7 drawing at home to 10 man Ipswich and being twatted by Palace and Wolves, and had played more games than anyone else. It wasn't overly negative thinking at that time.
Time will tell us, what else will more games tell us. We were 17th in last 6 games current form after the Palace game. We weren't out of it but it was hardly some crazy negative thinking that we wouldn't do it at that time.
So not crazy negative then. We got there in the end.
We've got a hellish run in, but you've got to play all the teams twice so it shows how poor we have been at times this year. Others seem to be struggling. Our next 3 games will go a long way to deciding the issue. PSG being, obviously, the biggest test, FC Saudi and Saudi FC...if we can take 4 points we'll have done very well. oh, and, Come you Tractor Boys!!
So not crazy negative then. We got there in the end.
I don’t think we were ever not there. I can’t remember anyone saying crazy negative.
So not crazy negative then. We got there in the end.
I don’t think we were ever not there. I can’t remember anyone saying crazy negative.
You keep replying to my posts about how it wasn't particularly negative to think we wouldn't do it after Palace. And as you weren't agreeing I made the assumption you were diagreeing.
We were well on course to qualify before PWS jinxed us.
So replying to every post i've made. We got there in the end as well.
This is the 7th post i've made on this thread today, you replied to the previous 6. So yes, so far you've replied to every one.
Well most people have the intelligence to know what I meant, some are sad enough to try score a point on the internet though.
I think we've know you're sad for quite a while. Don't forget to add this to your spreadsheet for extra points.
Next two games are crucial. Don't lose any and we are in.
Think we'll finish 5th behind Newcastle and Man City. Chelsea 6th, Forest 7th.That's my feeling.
It’s 3 from Citeh Chelsea Forest Newcastle and us.
I think Newcastle have the easiest run in.
We need someone to put the run in of Forest Citeh Newcastle Chelsea.It’s 3 from Citeh Chelsea Forest Newcastle and us.
I think Newcastle have the easiest run in.
Palace, Brighton, Chelsea, Arsenal and Everton. Could make a case for defeats in any of them.
I thought Palace were king-makers but it looks more like Everton are.Forest looked uncatchable a fortnight ago. Not anymore!
Expect Man City and Newcastle to get enough points.
Chelsea's fixtures look tough and they've not been in great form second half of the season.
We need Forest to continue to struggle, overcome the gap and out-point them.
Forest - Spurs A, Brentford H, Crystal Palace A, Leicester H, West Ham A, Chelsea H
Man City - Everton A, Villa H, Wolves H, Southampton A, Bournemouth H, Fulham A
Newcastle - Palace H, Villa A, Ipswich H, Brighton A, Chelsea H, Arsenal A, Everton H
Chelsea - Fulham A, Everton H, Liverpool H, Newcastle A, Man Utd H, Forest A
I think they'll look at Brentford, Leicester and Chelsea as final home games and think that will be enough to get them over the line but they are playing Brentford a few days after the cup SF so I think Brentford with the pace they have on the break could do a similar job to Everton at the weekend.
If I were into gambling I’d be back Newcastle and the Villa.
Forest - Spurs A, Brentford H, Crystal Palace A, Leicester H, West Ham A, Chelsea H
Man City - Everton A, Villa H, Wolves H, Southampton A, Bournemouth H, Fulham A
Newcastle - Palace H, Villa A, Ipswich H, Brighton A, Chelsea H, Arsenal A, Everton H
Chelsea - Fulham A, Everton H, Liverpool H, Newcastle A, Man Utd H, Forest A
The games in bold are where I think they could drop points.
Yeah, that seems crazy odds for Newcastle. Can't wait til we smash them.
If I were into gambling I’d be back Newcastle and the Villa.
Newcastle are 1/8 on to finish top 5, I'm not that sure about them. I'd say Villa offer better value at 16/5 to make the CL.
If anybody is feeling a sense of pity over Forest wobbling, I encourage you watch them play ‘football’. That should address any such sentiment.
If I were into gambling I’d be back Newcastle and the Villa.
Yeah, that seems crazy odds for Newcastle. Can't wait til we smash them.
Bet against them then.
Or, put another way, do you want to bet againstusthem?
One thing I will say is that Man Utd were absolutely dreadful yesterday. I think most teams in et league would've scored a few against them, so the Jaudies scoring 4 is not overly impressive.
It's a massive game next Saturday, for both clubs.
One thing I will say is that Man Utd were absolutely dreadful yesterday. I think most teams in et league would've scored a few against them, so the Jaudies scoring 4 is not overly impressive.
It's a massive game next Saturday, for both clubs.
One thing I will say is that Man Utd were absolutely dreadful yesterday. I think most teams in et league would've scored a few against them, so the Jaudies scoring 4 is not overly impressive.
It's a massive game next Saturday, for both clubs.
They were partly dreadful because Newcastle gave them no outlets. We sometimes don't press enough in the final third.
Yeah, that seems crazy odds for Newcastle. Can't wait til we smash them.
Bet against them then.
Or, put another way, do you want to bet againstusthem?
Yeah based on form and their position I think they’re nailed on.
Depends what you mean by game changing. But from a monetary and profile point of view getting Champions League again will create opportunities for us.It would be huge.
I'm sure that this has been already asked and answered, but might it be possible for us to win a place in the Europa League by virtue of finishing 7th in the League?
2. Arsenal 77
3. Man City 71
4. Chelsea 70
5. Newcastle 69
6. Forest 66
7. Villa 62
8. Brighton 61
9. Fulham 56
10. Bournemouth 54
11. Palace 53
Champions League if we win Champions League. Europa League if we don't, unless Palace win FA Cup in which case it's Conference League. IMO.
(Yes, another busy morning at work).
Howe is still in hospital for the Villa game so that wanker Tindall will be leading them for it. A nice little advantage for us and a good chance to give that sunbed loving manequin faced twat a good going over by the crowd.
Not being funny, but is there something that Tindall has done to the Villa, or has said, that makes some of us dislike him so?
Not being funny, but is there something that Tindall has done to the Villa, or has said, that makes some of us dislike him so?
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-14383853/Official-report-reveals-details-20-man-brawl-including-Aston-Villas-moans-Newcastle-assistant-Jason-Tindall-wearing-Wham-hoodie.html
We really need to stand up to the likes of Joelinton, Burn and Bruno who really like to bully teams.
It is imperative we make top 5. We have to be on that stage.
It is imperative we make top 5. We have to be on that stage.
Not really, given that, at the time it was announced, we didn't know how many free midweeks we would have. They couldn't have scheduled it to a Champions League midweek, just in case.
Not if we make the FA Cup Final, no. It's probably best to play it as soon as possible just in case of bad weather, freak incident, royal death or whatever and potentially cause a massive backlog later on.
I was being slightly tongue in cheek but I think we will see a quite different lineup for that match compared to Newcastle and semi final
Not if we make the FA Cup Final, no. It's probably best to play it as soon as possible just in case of bad weather, freak incident, royal death or whatever and potentially cause a massive backlog later on.
Not if we make the FA Cup Final, no. It's probably best to play it as soon as possible just in case of bad weather, freak incident, royal death or whatever and potentially cause a massive backlog later on.
Thankfully HRH didn't have a heart-attack last night.
Not if we make the FA Cup Final, no. It's probably best to play it as soon as possible just in case of bad weather, freak incident, royal death or whatever and potentially cause a massive backlog later on.
Thankfully HRH didn't have a heart-attack last night.
That daft Wolves twat off Twitter?
Fairly clear now we need to be above Forest and Chelsea for top 5.
We don't need to finish above Newcastle, we need to finish in the top five.
We don't need to finish above Newcastle, we need to finish in the top five.
The problem is that if we don't, we'll need to finish above Forest or Citeh. If Spurs don't do us a favour next Monday, then Forest's run-in looks pretty decent with some winnable games. That would just leave Citeh then.
Forest are in freefall and I think they will shit themselves.My original point was they are the two clubs struggling for form. Newcastle are like us flying and City still have a lot of quality. We just need to keep going and hope it’s enough.
Chelsea are just not that good and toxicity is creeping in again for them.
It is for these reasons I believe we will now actually finish top 5. Which would be an even better achievement than last season by quite a way, imo.
With the Premier League securing a fifth Champions League spot for 2025/26 it means Forest (57 points), Newcastle (56), Manchester City (55), Chelsea (54) and Villa (54) will fight to join Liverpool and Arsenal in next season’s competition, with the two who miss out likely having to settle for Europa or Conference League fare.
But who should be expecting to win the race? Which side has form in their favour, or a kinder run-in? Who has already automatically added three points to their final total because they have still got to face Southampton? Let’s drill into the numbers to make a definitive prediction, even if we sadly cannot afford a supercomputer.
The remaining fixtures
Nottingham Forest – Spurs a (21st), Brentford h (May 1st), Palace a (5th), Leicester h (11th), West Ham a (18th), Chelsea h (25th)
Newcastle – Crystal Palace h (16th), Aston Villa a (19th), Ipswich h (26th), Brighton a (May 4th), Chelsea h (10th), Arsenal a (18th), Everton h (25th)
Manchester City – Everton a (19th), Aston Villa h (22nd), Wolves h (May 2nd), Southampton a (10th), Bournemouth h (18th), Fulham a (25th)
Chelsea – Fulham a (20th), Everton h (26th), Liverpool h (May 4th), Newcastle a (10th), Manchester United h (18th), Nottingham Forest a (25th)
Aston Villa – Newcastle h (19th), Manchester City a (22nd), Fulham h (3rd), Bournemouth a (10th), Spurs h (18th), Man Utd a (25th)
Other possible fixtures
Nottingham Forest and Manchester City face each other in an FA Cup semi-final on April 27. The winner will contest the FA Cup final on May 17.
Aston Villa play Crystal Palace in an FA Cup semi-final on April 26.
Chelsea play Legia Warszawa on April 17, with possible Europa Conference League semi-final games on May 1 and 8 and the final on May 28.
Which Champions League contender has the kindest run-in?
Based on the average current position of every team’s remaining opponents, some will be far happier with their schedule than others:
1) Nottingham Forest – 13.33
2) Manchester City – 12.17
3) Newcastle – 9.71
4) Aston Villa – 9.17
5) Chelsea – 7.33
It is not difficult to see why many Chelsea supporters felt their hopes realistically ended with the draws against Brentford and Ipswich, even if Enzo Maresca knows the fanbase should be blamed for both.
The Blues face three of the top four, as well as a trip to Fulham and games against Manchester United and Everton.
Chelsea are the only top-half team left on the Forest calendar, while Newcastle and Aston Villa have fairly tough assignments remaining, including a couple of games each against fellow Champions League qualification contenders.
Which Champions League contender has done best against their remaining opponents?
Far more instructive might be to consider how the Champions League contenders did in the corresponding fixtures against their remaining opponents. This is a table based on those results so far this season:
1) Nottingham Forest v Spurs, Brentford, Crystal Palace, Leicester, West Ham and Chelsea – P6 W5 D1 L0 F11 A2 Pts 16 PPG 2.66
2) Manchester City v Everton, Aston Villa, Wolves, Southampton, Bournemouth and Fulham – P6 W3 D1 L2 F9 A8 Pts 10 PPG 1.66
3) Newcastle v Crystal Palace, Aston Villa, Ipswich, Brighton, Chelsea, Arsenal and Everton – P7 W3 D2 L2 F10 A4 Pts 11 PPG 1.57
4) Aston Villa v Newcastle, Manchester City, Fulham, Bournemouth, Spurs and Man Utd – P6 W2 D2 L2 F7 A10 Pts 8 PPG 1.33
5) Chelsea v Fulham, Everton, Liverpool, Newcastle, Manchester United and Nottingham Forest – P6 W1 D3 L2 F6 A7 Pts 6 PPG 1
Forest’s record in those games would see them through comfortably; the only points they have dropped this campaign against their final opponents were in a draw with Chelsea in October.
The Blues’ hopes are again crushed by another metric, with their only win against the six teams they have left to play coming at home to a very different Newcastle side in October.
The Magpies, Manchester City and Villa all have relatively similar numbers.
Which Champions League contender is in the best form?
But neither Newcastle nor Villa will approach those run-ins with trepidation as their form is among the best in the entire Premier League, never mind this particular race.
Forest might be fearing the worst after suffering back-to-back defeats but neither Manchester City nor Chelsea have shown the level of consistency needed to actually punish any slips.
Which Champions League contender could maximise six-pointers?
There are four games left between the five Champions League contenders: Aston Villa v Newcastle on April 19; Manchester City v Aston Villa on April 22; Newcastle v Chelsea on May 19; and Nottingham Forest v Chelsea on May 25.
A mini table of Premier League results between those sides suggests two teams might be less equipped to make the most of those meetings than the other three:
1) Manchester City – P7 W4 D1 L2 F14 A5 Pts 13 PPG 1.86
2) Newcastle – P6 W3 D1 L2 F12 A11 Pts 10 PPG 1.67
3) Aston Villa – P6 W3 D0 L3 F7 A11 Pts 9 PPG 1.5
4) Chelsea – P6 W2 D1 L3 F8 A9 Pts 7 PPG 1.17
5) Nottingham Forest – P7 W2 D1 L4 F9 A14 Pts 7 PPG 1
Chelsea really might be out of it.
Which Champions League contenders still have to face any of the bottom three?
There are no easy games in the Premier League but also Ipswich, Leicester and Southampton are quite considerably worse than everyone else so any fixture list which still contains them can only be considered an advantage.
In games against Nottingham Forest, Newcastle, Manchester City, Chelsea and Aston Villa, the bottom three have a combined record of P27 W1 D3 L23 F18 A67. Ipswich account for all those non-defeats, drawing twice with Villa while holding and beating Chelsea.
So Newcastle will not make the mistake of believing three points to be guaranteed against the Tractor Boys, but they will be overwhelming favourites at St James’ Park on April 26.
The same can be said for Manchester City at relegated Southampton on May 10 and Nottingham Forest against Leicester a day later.
Who will qualify for the Champions League?
The outlook is not great for Chelsea. Already with ground to make up on the rest bar Aston Villa, the Blues have the toughest run-in, did worst in the corresponding fixtures against their remaining opponents, are the second-worst contender on form and do not face any of the bottom three – although their struggles against Ipswich indicate that might not have mattered anyway.
They will also likely have the most games to contend with in other competitions due to their progress in the Conference League.
Manchester City should finish in the top five. Their game against Southampton is a distinct advantage and their remaining fixtures are relatively kind.
It is difficult to look past Newcastle’s form, game in hand and current position, one point behind Forest with a better goal difference and a game against Ipswich to come.
Which leaves a straight shootout between former European champions Forest and Villa. The latter are also in excellent domestic form but the former have the best schedule on paper by far, a match with Leicester to come, and that points lead over everyone else.
It could well come down to Villa’s inferior goal difference of +3, which is at least ten goals worse than any other contender. Perhaps Forest v Chelsea on the final day will be something of a decider and Callum Hudson-Odoi can unleash the most muted celebration ever seen after his 90th-minute winner.
Nottingham Forest, Newcastle and Manchester City are your Champions League qualification race winners.
I think that analysis is just a guess.
I think that analysis is just a guess.
It's not a guess but it does ignore current form, which is where Forest in particular fall down.
I think that analysis is just a guess.
It's not a guess but it does ignore current form, which is where Forest in particular fall down.
Another problem with using previous results is that it ignores squeaky bum time pressure. I back us and Newcastle
Do we have to hope Spurs and Man U get to the final of the Europa, so they’re both distracted when we play them?
I think it’s too much though - I’m hoping for 6th and an FA cup winI’d be delighted with that personally. Unfortunately, finishing 5th and not winning the FA Cup would be far more financially rewarding to the club.
Another problem with using previous results is that it ignores squeaky bum time pressure. I back us and Newcastle
I think it’s too much though - I’m hoping for 6th and an FA cup win
Hell yes. 3rd is on, never mind 5th.
Come on Fulham, Ipswich and Spurs!!!Fulham got a possibility of a European spot?
Very lazy analysis.
I would put us at 60%. And I'm a natural Villa pessimist.
The Football Rankings lads now give us a 39% chance.
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Go61XGgWkAAVCZK?format=png&name=900x900)
Yeah, Spurs pulling their one-in-ten great performance out on Monday after we've drawn level on points with Forest two days earlier would be just the ticket.
Reckon they'd assume they'd blown it in those circumstances.
Wonder what the remaining fixtures average league placing thing looks like now? Once we've played City ours will be through the floor.
Incredible how it's almost the reverse of last season. We've looked laboured and bitty for much of this season but are now absolute powerhouses capable of destroying anything in our path.All about momentum. We started last season strong after a blinding finish the season before, and then ran out of players (and steam).
We could finish 2nd the way we’re going.
Incredible how it's almost the reverse of last season. We've looked laboured and bitty for much of this season but are now absolute powerhouses capable of destroying anything in our path.
We could finish 2nd the way we’re going.
I thought that earlier although it's a shame Arsenal have Ipswich today.
We could finish 2nd the way we’re going.
I thought that earlier although it's a shame Arsenal have Ipswich today.
Fifth (and the FA Cup) will do just fine.
If we beat Palace in the cup semi-final do we know which midweek our game at home to Spurs will be?
If we beat Palace in the cup semi-final do we know which midweek our game at home to Spurs will be?
We need to keep doing what we are doing and we will get CL. Nobody has our form across Europe.
Incredible how it's almost the reverse of last season. We've looked laboured and bitty for much of this season but are now absolute powerhouses capable of destroying anything in our path.
We need to keep doing what we are doing and we will get CL. Nobody has our form across Europe.
Apart from Barca who jammed a 98th minute penalty winner yesterday against the gods from Vigo.
We need to keep doing what we are doing and we will get CL. Nobody has our form across Europe.
Apart from Barca who jammed a 98th minute penalty winner yesterday against the gods from Vigo.
FC Noah in Armenia have won their last thirteen.
So far none of the results have gone for us this weekend, let’s hope that Spurs can add to the Forest tremble.Well Newcastle lost. Joking aside I always assume that the teams at the top are very likely to win so I don’t let it stress me. It’s good that some of teams in the mix play each other.
So far none of the results have gone for us this weekend, let’s hope that Spurs can add to the Forest tremble.It’s good that some of teams in the mix play each other.
Also worth noting that we were 10th and now we are very unlikely to finish below 7th.
(https://i.ibb.co/23XVzHSH/RDT-20250421-0900081299980038856682372.png) (https://ibb.co/23XVzHSH)
This was the table after the Palace match
If we don't do it, it wont be because we left it too late. We just need to keep the good run goingNo point in arguing semantics.
Man City, Fulham, Tottenham, Man Utd and Bournemouth. Take 10 points from them and end up on 67 and I think that will just about be enough.3 wins, a draw and a no-points from those fixtures is doable given our form.
Bournemouth scoring in the 97th minute to make it 1-1 and drawing 1-1 with Ipswich at Villa Park is coming back to bite us. Those 4 points dropped are proving painful!Forest away...
bumpedSo far none of the results have gone for us this weekend, let’s hope that Spurs can add to the Forest tremble.It’s good that some of teams in the mix play each other.
Nottingham Forest –Brentford h (May 1st), Palace a (5th), Leicester h (11th), West Ham a (18th), Chelsea h (25th)
Newcastle Ipswich h (26th), Brighton a (May 4th), Chelsea h (10th), Arsenal a (18th), Everton h (25th)
Manchester City – Aston Villa h (22nd), Wolves h (May 2nd), Southampton a (10th), Bournemouth h (18th), Fulham a (25th)
Chelsea – Everton h (26th), Liverpool h (May 4th), Newcastle a (10th), Manchester United h (18th), Nottingham Forest a (25th)
Aston Villa – Manchester City a (22nd), Fulham h (3rd), Bournemouth a (10th), Spurs h (18th), Man Utd a (25th)
Not that many,
Forest Chelsea
Newcastle Chelsea
Citeh Villa
Bumping as another game gone.
Teams above us will drop points.
Bournemouth scoring in the 97th minute to make it 1-1 and drawing 1-1 with Ipswich at Villa Park is coming back to bite us. Those 4 points dropped are proving painful!Forest away...
Such a shame our application in 2 or 3 games this season wasn't at the usual level.
First season in a while where I find myself looking back at certain games and wondering.
It would be nice if Man City's case decision was announced so we knew if they was getting any punishment
Think whatever happens it won't have any impact on this season, given they'll appeal regardless of the punishment.
It's an easy get out for the PL if they do it this season though. A record point deduction, enough of a point deduction so they aren't relegated, but miss out on European football and a transfer ban for 3 seasons - reduced to 1 on appeal.
Easier to start the season with a points deduction I’d imagine. Less fall out. Which, if they get 5th at our expense, will be a kick in the nuts.
Easier to start the season with a points deduction I’d imagine. Less fall out. Which, if they get 5th at our expense, will be a kick in the nuts.
But isn't the point of the "plan" as above to see them take the hit when they're not going to win the title anyway (so less fall out), rather than giving them a hypothetical second fallow season in a row?
Easier to start the season with a points deduction I’d imagine. Less fall out. Which, if they get 5th at our expense, will be a kick in the nuts.
But isn't the point of the "plan" as above to see them take the hit when they're not going to win the title anyway (so less fall out), rather than giving them a hypothetical second fallow season in a row?
I honestly thought their mid season collapse was in part fuelled by them knowing in the background that they were getting done, and it had took the wind out of them.
But we don't necessarily need to finish ahead of Newcastle.
But we don't necessarily need to finish ahead of Newcastle.
Obviously but looking at the remaining fixtures I see Chelsea and Newcastle as the most likely we can finish above. Man City after tonight have an easy run in, as do Forest. Chelsea should be out of it come the last game of the season.
Easier to start the season with a points deduction I’d imagine. Less fall out. Which, if they get 5th at our expense, will be a kick in the nuts.
But isn't the point of the "plan" as above to see them take the hit when they're not going to win the title anyway (so less fall out), rather than giving them a hypothetical second fallow season in a row?
Is the Chelsea-Forest game the only remaining head-to-head between all five competitors ?
But we don't necessarily need to finish ahead of Newcastle.
Obviously but looking at the remaining fixtures I see Chelsea and Newcastle as the most likely we can finish above. Man City after tonight have an easy run in, as do Forest. Chelsea should be out of it come the last game of the season.
I still think that if we do it (and on balance of probabilities we'll likely fall just short) then it'll be as a result of Forest bottling it rather than Newcastle bottling it.
But we don't necessarily need to finish ahead of Newcastle.
Obviously but looking at the remaining fixtures I see Chelsea and Newcastle as the most likely we can finish above. Man City after tonight have an easy run in, as do Forest. Chelsea should be out of it come the last game of the season.
I still think that if we do it (and on balance of probabilities we'll likely fall just short) then it'll be as a result of Forest bottling it rather than Newcastle bottling it.
Same here. Newcastle are unpredictable though, and you just don't know if our result might make them stumble. For me, 12 from the last 5 sees us scrape 5th. 11 might be enough on 68 too. Forest are awful to watch and only still in the race due to 3-4 sides simply not finishing their chances. Their keeper is single handedly getting them there at the moment.
I think if we win tonight I can't see us being stopped by anybody.I think man city will come out the traps from the start tonight, Peps doing the old ‘do
Never trust Arsenal.
Pretty sure it’s been leaked - in reality briefed - by the Premier League that the judgment won’t come until after the season has ended.
I'll still say yes, but if we don't he needs the FA Cup win, which unfortunately will probably be against Citeh.We will get europa league via the cup or final league position, no question.
Big ask now. Need to win all 4 games I suspect. Tonight was very disappointing and uncharacteristically weird from Unai.Desasi for Cash was odd, but Rogers is Unai’s understandable blindspot. He was dreadful from
Rogers was dreadful and looked knackered, and he was actively unhelpful once booked. Leaving him on and having Disasi are right back was a massive error and cost us the game. It’s very tough from here, I think we need to win 4 out of 4.The problem I have, it’s not like he does not have options.
The remaining games are all winnable.
The remaining games are all winnable.
For other clubs, yes. We aren't beating Man U.
He does make up to 5 subs a game so it's not as if he never makes any. Tonight he made the wrong ones.
TNT on Thursday nights.
He does make up to 5 subs a game so it's not as if he never makes any. Tonight he made the wrong ones.
I think he left Malen off for so long because he felt he wouldn't track back enough. However McGinn for Rogers instead of Ramsey was the initial call.
One area for obvious improvement for next season is the number of goals we concede post 90 minutes. Across the season it has happened to often to be a coincidence.8.
Do you want to bet against us?Absolutely this. Man up everybody, we go again on Saturday
We had just suffered a home defeat against our title rivals when Ron Saunders said those words. We need to show belief and get behind the team. It ain’t over yet and there will be a few more twists and turns to come.
God I hate the phrase, “man up”. It’s quite possible to be supportive of the club and also acknowledge we’ve made it difficult for ourselves.Which is exactly what we did in 1981
In 3 of the last 5 seasons (19/20, 22/23, 23/24), we've needed results to go our way, as well as doing our bit. We've had the rub of the green - I just wonder if our luck will hold up this season.
In 3 of the last 5 seasons (19/20, 22/23, 23/24), we've needed results to go our way, as well as doing our bit. We've had the rub of the green - I just wonder if our luck will hold up this season.
In 3 of the last 5 seasons (19/20, 22/23, 23/24), we've needed results to go our way, as well as doing our bit. We've had the rub of the green - I just wonder if our luck will hold up this season.
You always finish where you deserve, luck has nothing to do with it
The amount of times since '81 that we've succeeded in a "do you want to bet against us" scenario are far outweighed by the times we did indeed 'fail'. Otherwise we'd have been a shitload more successful.
I suspect that if we do miss out, it will be the two late goals at Forest that does for us rather than the one last night.
I suspect that if we do miss out, it will be the two late goals at Forest that does for us rather than the one last night.
And 2 points from 6 against Ipswich.
I suspect that if we do miss out, it will be the two late goals at Forest that does for us rather than the one last night.
And 2 points from 6 against Ipswich.
It’s the Ipswich games that I keep looking back to. You knew before a ball was kicked that they’d be struggling all season so to not beat them in either game is poor.
Wonder how many points that’s cost us?
I am frustrated we played with an inferiority complex last night. But, with a bit of distance, our task is simple now - I think we need to win the remaining games, which is tough, but possible. If we do that we get to 69 points and if 3 of the other sides match or better that then they deserve their place.Agree
I'd throw in the Bournemouth game. We were flying before that, had lost once all season, were three for three in the Champions League and we did enough to beat Bournemouth three or four times over.
Then a silly free-kick given away, a 93rd minute equaliser and we didn't win a game for another two months.
If we finish on 69 points and finish 6th or 7th, we've been unlucky as that's often enough for 4th place, let alone 5th.
I'd throw in the Bournemouth game. We were flying before that, had lost once all season, were three for three in the Champions League and we did enough to beat Bournemouth three or four times over.
Then a silly free-kick given away, a 93rd minute equaliser and we didn't win a game for another two months.
What was our next win, Brentford at home?
I'd throw in the Bournemouth game. We were flying before that, had lost once all season, were three for three in the Champions League and we did enough to beat Bournemouth three or four times over.
Then a silly free-kick given away, a 93rd minute equaliser and we didn't win a game for another two months.
What was our next win, Brentford at home?
November was a killer - collapsing at Spurs, conceding two goals at Anfield from our own corners. Letting Sarr burn us on the break twice for Palace at VP and just being plain awful at Stamford Bridge.
7th looks secure and that will be Europa as long as Palace don't win the cup. That is our motivation for Saturday. If we do get to the cup final we'll lose to Man City but we won't have to play them in the Europa League.
7th looks secure and that will be Europa as long as Palace don't win the cup. That is our motivation for Saturday. If we do get to the cup final we'll lose to Man City but we won't have to play them in the Europa League.
I've seen a few people say this, have you got a source for it? It would be good to know that beating Palace would effectively guarantee us Europa League next season. My big fear is being in the Conference league again. I want Champions League, but Europa wouldn't be a total disaster - and it's another realistic chance of a trophy, even if financially it's not as good.
If the FA Cup winners finish in the top five of the Premier League, their UEL league-phase place will go to the next-highest ranked team not qualified for UEFA competitions in the Premier League.
7th looks secure and that will be Europa as long as Palace don't win the cup. That is our motivation for Saturday. If we do get to the cup final we'll lose to Man City but we won't have to play them in the Europa League.
I've seen a few people say this, have you got a source for it? It would be good to know that beating Palace would effectively guarantee us Europa League next season. My big fear is being in the Conference league again. I want Champions League, but Europa wouldn't be a total disaster - and it's another realistic chance of a trophy, even if financially it's not as good.
https://www.premierleague.com/news/373663QuoteIf the FA Cup winners finish in the top five of the Premier League, their UEL league-phase place will go to the next-highest ranked team not qualified for UEFA competitions in the Premier League.
So if we beat Palace, we either qualify as FA Cup winners, or because Man City / Forest have beaten us in the final so sixth / seventh are both Europea League.
If Palace get to the final and lose, they don't get the spot - they used to, but UEFA said they didn't want runners up spoiling their competitions, so that was scrapped in 2016.
7th looks secure and that will be Europa as long as Palace don't win the cup. That is our motivation for Saturday. If we do get to the cup final we'll lose to Man City but we won't have to play them in the Europa League.
I've seen a few people say this, have you got a source for it? It would be good to know that beating Palace would effectively guarantee us Europa League next season. My big fear is being in the Conference league again. I want Champions League, but Europa wouldn't be a total disaster - and it's another realistic chance of a trophy, even if financially it's not as good.
It's a competition we should definitely be targeting to win which isn't the case with the CL. But our squad will be weaker if we're not in the CL and our revenue less. As it's 2025, those things are more important than a trophy.
It's a competition we should definitely be targeting to win which isn't the case with the CL. But our squad will be weaker if we're not in the CL and our revenue less. As it's 2025, those things are more important than a trophy.
I imagine that everyone would prefer to finish fifth or higher rather than sixth or lower, but if the reality turns out to be Europa League then it shouldn't be seen as a disaster.
It's a competition we should definitely be targeting to win which isn't the case with the CL. But our squad will be weaker if we're not in the CL and our revenue less. As it's 2025, those things are more important than a trophy.
I imagine that everyone would prefer to finish fifth or higher rather than sixth or lower, but if the reality turns out to be Europa League then it shouldn't be seen as a disaster.
And if it is a disaster, then something has gone wrong somewhere because we shouldn't *now* be in a position where we're relying on Champions League qualification for our sustainability.
We're definitely not a club that finishes 4th/5th or higher from now for evermore. If we qualfiy this season we might miss out next season, or the season after that. So we need to put ourselves in a situation where Champions League qualification and what it brings is a bonus, not a necessity.
7th looks secure and that will be Europa as long as Palace don't win the cup. That is our motivation for Saturday. If we do get to the cup final we'll lose to Man City but we won't have to play them in the Europa League.
I've seen a few people say this, have you got a source for it? It would be good to know that beating Palace would effectively guarantee us Europa League next season. My big fear is being in the Conference league again. I want Champions League, but Europa wouldn't be a total disaster - and it's another realistic chance of a trophy, even if financially it's not as good.
https://www.premierleague.com/news/373663QuoteIf the FA Cup winners finish in the top five of the Premier League, their UEL league-phase place will go to the next-highest ranked team not qualified for UEFA competitions in the Premier League.
So if we beat Palace, we either qualify as FA Cup winners, or because Man City / Forest have beaten us in the final so sixth / seventh are both Europea League.
If Palace get to the final and lose, they don't get the spot - they used to, but UEFA said they didn't want runners up spoiling their competitions, so that was scrapped in 2016.
It's a competition we should definitely be targeting to win which isn't the case with the CL. But our squad will be weaker if we're not in the CL and our revenue less. As it's 2025, those things are more important than a trophy.
I imagine that everyone would prefer to finish fifth or higher rather than sixth or lower, but if the reality turns out to be Europa League then it shouldn't be seen as a disaster.
And if it is a disaster, then something has gone wrong somewhere because we shouldn't *now* be in a position where we're relying on Champions League qualification for our sustainability.
We're definitely not a club that finishes 4th/5th or higher from now for evermore. If we qualfiy this season we might miss out next season, or the season after that. So we need to put ourselves in a situation where Champions League qualification and what it brings is a bonus, not a necessity.
FA Cup or Champions League qualification - which means more?
https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/articles/cddenz1yd52o
FA Cup or Champions League qualification - which means more?
https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/articles/cddenz1yd52o
Cup for me. I know the hard-headed would likely be of a different, especially higher up in the club. But from my point of view football's not about the hard head but the big soft heart of the thing - I've seen us play in the Champions League, I loved it, I'd love to see it more often, but even my dad has never seen us win that damn pot. In any case, we want CL to keep us competitive in order to win trophies, so...let's win one of the feckers?
7th looks secure and that will be Europa as long as Palace don't win the cup. That is our motivation for Saturday. If we do get to the cup final we'll lose to Man City but we won't have to play them in the Europa League.
I've seen a few people say this, have you got a source for it? It would be good to know that beating Palace would effectively guarantee us Europa League next season. My big fear is being in the Conference league again. I want Champions League, but Europa wouldn't be a total disaster - and it's another realistic chance of a trophy, even if financially it's not as good.
https://www.premierleague.com/news/373663QuoteIf the FA Cup winners finish in the top five of the Premier League, their UEL league-phase place will go to the next-highest ranked team not qualified for UEFA competitions in the Premier League.
So if we beat Palace, we either qualify as FA Cup winners, or because Man City / Forest have beaten us in the final so sixth / seventh are both Europea League.
If Palace get to the final and lose, they don't get the spot - they used to, but UEFA said they didn't want runners up spoiling their competitions, so that was scrapped in 2016.
No. Sadly. From being confident just a week ago to literally being broken by the past two games.
If CL means the Conference League, quite likely.Yes, if Palace win the cup, then 7th place will be Conference.
I'm in the minority here for thinking how vital it was we qualify for the CL, way more so than getting to the final of the FA Cup, another campaign in the CL would reinforce the clubs prestige across the world, bring in sheds loads of money, attract the right players to improve the squad further, just overall prestige for the club in general, very important games today , we needed Everton to at least drag Chelsea into a draw, and hope against hope that Ipswich fighting for survival could do the same at Newcastle, we got neither, we can't drop one point from here on in, plus we need Chelsea, Forest and maybe Newcastle to start losing, at least on of them, forget Man City.
We absolutely have to attack the remaining games - there is zero point setting up like we did today. The bit that worries me is it made no sense today but we still did it.
After so long of being utterly shit we shouldn't suddenly be up ourselves so much that we think the Europa or Conference are beneath us.
I wouldn’t want to be in the Conference League, I very much want Citeh to win the cup now.
Champions League: top fiveThanks yuo - so English teams results that are still in Europe doesnt effect this.
Europa League: sixth or seventh if Palace don't win the FA Cup
Conference League: seventh or eighth if Palace don't win the FA Cup
You know Palace will lose Forest now too to add insult to injury.
Me too, but if we did somehow bag enough points to qualify for the Champions League again it would have to seen as a season of progress again.Yes, another demonstration of how to spectacularly shoot your self in the foot when it matters.
I've just no faith that we will after watching that.
That's because you're ruled by emotion by your own admission.
It comes next Saturday. We may as well ignore other results until the Man United game. Go into it on 66 points and see what happens. If it's the Europa League, oh well. I've never had more fun these past 2 years following us in Europe again.
I’ll never forget Kent Nielsen’s screamer and jumping up and down like a looney in the old Trinity Road.
The game is all about moments.
Will whoever is around in 60 years time really remember Jhon Duran as the player who scored the goal to finish 4th?
How much did you win?!
This boat has sailed. We're playing Bodo Blimps on a Thursday night in -15 degree temperatures.
We're not beating Bournemouth nor Man U away.Why not, because of yesterday? What about the week before smashing newcastle, or a couple of weeks earlier giving Brighton a pasting, beating Brentford away etc etc.
No because we've been mostly shit when playing away from Villa Park. There are, of course exceptions but in the main we've been slow, passive & created our own downfall more often than not. Yesterday was another example. Obviously I'd be delighted if we won, I just don't think we will.Hard to argue with our seasons away form, but last three away games in the league, beat Brentford 1-0, beat Brighton 3-0, beat Southampton 3-0, if you include cup games in that, beat Preston 3-0, beat Brugges 3-1, lost to PSG 1-3.
I've just done one of those predictor things. We have to win all four games to have any chance, anything less won't do, so I put that in for us and tried to be a scientific as I could for the others, and I had us finishing 4th. All we can do it pick wor selves up, dust wor selves down, roll up wor sleeves and try and win them all.
Forest are catchable. The rest aren't. Sixth at best.
Nope. 70 points to our 64.67?
No. Not according to the official figures.
No. Not according to the official figures.
Your ones that said we'd only get a point from Newcastle?
Forest are in exactly the same boat as us.
They are desperate for their brilliant season to not end in failure, by not qualifying for the CL.
I am sure they will be absolutely shit or bust in their remaining games.
We'll completely shit the bed v ManU anyway whatever happens between now and then.
I stick with my previous position, if we win all 4 and don’t finish top 5 then fair play to whoever does.
would that mean 5th doesn’t get CL?I stick with my previous position, if we win all 4 and don’t finish top 5 then fair play to whoever does.
I think if that happened and Man Utd/Spurs win the Europa League it will finish me off.
I’m still hoping Bilbao hammer them both.
I’m still hoping Bilbao hammer them both.
You want spurs in the final?
I’m still hoping Bilbao hammer them both.
You want spurs in the final?
Not want, but suspect it’s reasonably likely. As long as they lose I don’t really care.
Is it possible that finishing 7th could see us into the Conference League?
Is it possible that finishing 7th could see us into the Conference League?
I stick with my previous position, if we win all 4 and don’t finish top 5 then fair play to whoever does.
Is it ungrateful not to want Europe if it means Conference League?
We earned about £10m from the conference league last time. That's better than nothing. It also helps to maintain profile of being involved in Europe. Win it and we get Europa etc too.that was the plan last time which drained us on other fronts . 1615 KO's in Moldova etc can FRO .
I want Champions League, but wouldn’t mind Europa.
I'd have fancied us to win it this year with the shite in it.
Pretty certain we could be in a final against an under 11s side and still not win any silverware.I'd have fancied us to win it this year with the shite in it.
It certainly helps that CL teams no longer drop down into it.
I want Champions League, but wouldn’t mind Europa.
We've a stronger squad now than we had a year ago, and it will hopefully be stronger still next. We will win something.
We've a stronger squad now than we had a year ago, and it will hopefully be stronger still next. We will win something.
We've a stronger squad now than we had a year ago, and it will hopefully be stronger still next. We will win something.
I wish I had your optimism. It's not like we all get a turn.
We've a stronger squad now than we had a year ago, and it will hopefully be stronger still next. We will win something.
I wish I had your optimism. It's not like we all get a turn.
Clubs with great managers, players, infrastructure and teams do.
Have we really gone from being desperate for any kind of European football two years ago to now turning our noses up at anything that isn’t the champions league?
Personally I’d rather win a trophy before I’d start dismissing any competitions.
Have we really gone from being desperate for any kind of European football two years ago to now turning our noses up at anything that isn’t the champions league?
Personally I’d rather win a trophy before I’d start dismissing any competitions.
Yup, this all over.
It's not impossible that the last couple of seasons are the high watermark for this team. We wouldn't be the first team to look really good for a couple of years, everyone is talking about us pushing higher and then something happens that squeezes us out of the picture. All it takes is for a couple of teams to improve a bit and for us to get a bit worse and we're talking about 7th-12th.
Considering any sort of European competition as beneath us is just entitled bullshit. It's Veruca Salt crying because her daddy wouldn't buy her a bigger pony.
Europa would be okay, Conference wouldn’t. Qtr finalists of the CL to Conference, it’s very like European relegation to me. I might attend the latter stages if we got that far.
Couldn’t agree more. People need to remember how bad things have been over the last 10 years or more.
Have we really gone from being desperate for any kind of European football two years ago to now turning our noses up at anything that isn’t the champions league?
Personally I’d rather win a trophy before I’d start dismissing any competitions.
Yup, this all over.
It's not impossible that the last couple of seasons are the high watermark for this team. We wouldn't be the first team to look really good for a couple of years, everyone is talking about us pushing higher and then something happens that squeezes us out of the picture. All it takes is for a couple of teams to improve a bit and for us to get a bit worse and we're talking about 7th-12th.
Considering any sort of European competition as beneath us is just entitled bullshit. It's Veruca Salt crying because her daddy wouldn't buy her a bigger pony.
Have we really gone from being desperate for any kind of European football two years ago to now turning our noses up at anything that isn’t the champions league?
Personally I’d rather win a trophy before I’d start dismissing any competitions.
Yup, this all over.
It's not impossible that the last couple of seasons are the high watermark for this team. We wouldn't be the first team to look really good for a couple of years, everyone is talking about us pushing higher and then something happens that squeezes us out of the picture. All it takes is for a couple of teams to improve a bit and for us to get a bit worse and we're talking about 7th-12th.
Considering any sort of European competition as beneath us is just entitled bullshit. It's Veruca Salt crying because her daddy wouldn't buy her a bigger pony.
Couldn’t agree more. People need to remember how bad things have been over the last 10 years or more.
We've won 1 European trophy. We've reached the quarter finals of the European cup twice since then, the quarter finals of the now Europa League once and the semi finals of the Conference League. The idea that we're too good for Europe is utter bullshit.
It's not a case of us being 'too good' for the Conference, or that some of us have developed a sense of entitlement, it's simply that the Conference is a rubbish competition, and a drain on team resources, Thursday games mean fewer Saturday games, and ending up in it next season would be a decent indication that this season has not been a particularly good one.
It's not a case of us being 'too good' for the Conference, or that some of us have developed a sense of entitlement, it's simply that the Conference is a rubbish competition, and a drain on team resources, Thursday games mean fewer Saturday games, and ending up in it next season would be a decent indication that this season has not been a particularly good one.
I would argue that if you see (having qualified for the rebranded version once in our history) any outcome worse than Champions League qualification from now on as "not a particularly good" season, you're likely to find youself disappointed in the club more often than you're happy with it.
We've won 1 European trophy. We've reached the quarter finals of the European cup twice since then, the quarter finals of the now Europa League once and the semi finals of the Conference League. The idea that we're too good for Europe is utter bullshit.
Rubbish how? Last year it was brilliant following the team, with the bigger squad we have now we'd cope with it and actually have a good chance of winning it. It won't be possible to qualify for it in any event, even if we miss out on CL football.
It's not a case of us being 'too good' for the Conference, or that some of us have developed a sense of entitlement, it's simply that the Conference is a rubbish competition, and a drain on team resources, Thursday games mean fewer Saturday games, and ending up in it next season would be a decent indication that this season has not been a particularly good one.
I would argue that if you see (having qualified for the rebranded version once in our history) any outcome worse than Champions League qualification from now on as "not a particularly good" season, you're likely to find youself disappointed in the club more often than you're happy with it.
We finished 5th in 96-97, one of our best seasons in the modern era, but it still felt a bit shit after the year before.
It's not a case of us being 'too good' for the Conference, or that some of us have developed a sense of entitlement, it's simply that the Conference is a rubbish competition, and a drain on team resources, Thursday games mean fewer Saturday games, and ending up in it next season would be a decent indication that this season has not been a particularly good one.
I would argue that if you see (having qualified for the rebranded version once in our history) any outcome worse than Champions League qualification from now on as "not a particularly good" season, you're likely to find youself disappointed in the club more often than you're happy with it.
We finished 5th in 96-97, one of our best seasons in the modern era, but it still felt a bit shit after the year before.
JJ is a bit dumb (see his recent SkySports vid with Rogers) but I don't think he'll want to play in the European Vauxhall again.
It's not a case of us being 'too good' for the Conference, or that some of us have developed a sense of entitlement, it's simply that the Conference is a rubbish competition, and a drain on team resources, Thursday games mean fewer Saturday games, and ending up in it next season would be a decent indication that this season has not been a particularly good one.
I would argue that if you see (having qualified for the rebranded version once in our history) any outcome worse than Champions League qualification from now on as "not a particularly good" season, you're likely to find youself disappointed in the club more often than you're happy with it.
We finished 5th in 96-97, one of our best seasons in the modern era, but it still felt a bit shit after the year before.
And it took 27 years to finish as high as that again. Saturday was a disaster, but we've had absolutely plenty. Anybody turning their nose up at Europe, thinking this is a poor season has a memory as small as Small Heath's trophy cabinet.
And to those turning their nose up at the Conference League (not that we'll be in it) I quote Konsa; "shut up JJ you twat".
I don't know why anybody would be indignant about fans feeling potential mild disappointment, in the context of what we could've achieved, in the event of a 7th place finish and Conference League?
So are you all saying you wouldn't go to Villa v Dortmund tie? They currently hold the Conf League Sport in Germany. Lyon/Nice in France, Osasuna in Spain, Roma in Italy......Alkmaar or Twente in Netherlands..... Besiktas in Turkey.
I don't know why anybody would be indignant about fans feeling potential mild disappointment, in the context of what we could've achieved, in the event of a 7th place finish and Conference League?
Mild disappointment is perfectly understandable. I'd say that medium or even mature disappointment would also be a reasonable reaction. If we'd finished second in the league and losing finalists in the Champions League, people would still have had justifiable grounds to feel disappointed even if it had been one of the best seasons in the last forty years.
However thinking that a competition that we would have been too shit to even think about for most of this century is now "a waste of space tournament" is exactly the sort of toss you'd expect from Man Utd or Chelsea fans.
As someone else alluded to further up the thread, maybe when we've actually won a trophy of some sort we can start being sniffy about which ones we're too important to bother with.
I don't know why anybody would be indignant about fans feeling potential mild disappointment, in the context of what we could've achieved, in the event of a 7th place finish and Conference League?
Mild disappointment is perfectly understandable. I'd say that medium or even mature disappointment would also be a reasonable reaction. If we'd finished second in the league and losing finalists in the Champions League, people would still have had justifiable grounds to feel disappointed even if it had been one of the best seasons in the last forty years.
However thinking that a competition that we would have been too shit to even think about for most of this century is now "a waste of space tournament" is exactly the sort of toss you'd expect from Man Utd or Chelsea fans.
As someone else alluded to further up the thread, maybe when we've actually won a trophy of some sort we can start being sniffy about which ones we're too important to bother with.
The tournament was designed for smaller nations for their teams to have a go .
UEFA created the competition in order to offer European competition for more clubs and have more representation from associations that might not qualify for the group stages of the Champions League or Europa League.
Basically a tournament for the likes of Scotland, Bosnia and Azerbaijan. Not for Premier League Clubs who are in the Deloitte world top 20 biggest clubs .
Also, whilst it’s not mega important any Euro competition helps with the Clubs coefficient. We only got an extra 10 pts I think for CL QF over the ECL Semi so from my perspective even if the competition isn’t as prestigious keeping that number ticking over is important imv. Not least because there’s extra revenue to be had in UEfAs value pillar from continued European qualification.
UEFA created the competition in order to offer European competition for more clubs and have more representation from associations that might not qualify for the group stages of the Champions League or Europa League.
Basically a tournament for the likes of Scotland, Bosnia and Azerbaijan. Not for Premier League Clubs who are in the Deloitte world top 20 biggest clubs .
The Conference was created for the same reason the European Cup became the CL and the Uefa became the Europa. Money. I doubt anyone thinks that a highly greedy and corrupt organisation created the Conference to benefit minnow countries like Azerbaijan, Ireland and Scotland. The vast majority of seasons it will be won by a club from England, Spain, Germany or Italy, same as the other two competions.
And if we won it that would be around £20m going into our accounts, without selling a player or fleecing fans.
And it would end the trophy drought, guarantee the Europa and for the first time in our history European football for a 4th consecutive season.
We all want CL but we are far from a position to look at either of the other two competitions with disdain.
I get the acceptance for the Europa League and for the reasons why but Champions League for me.
I've always fancied a few days in Qarabag , so if it's conference bring them on .
And more bad news, Qarabag will be in the Champions League qualifying round next season.
And more bad news, Qarabag will be in the Champions League qualifying round next season.aren't they in the Bullring
Trips to Zira or Nakhchivan would still be on the table if we ended up in the Conference League.
And more bad news, Qarabag will be in the Champions League qualifying round next season.
Although they would drop into the Conference League Qualifiers if they get eliminated.
When is a team a made up team?
Still no escape from Rapid bastard Vienna. I wish they meant nothing to me.
When is a team a made up team?Go Ahead Eagles
When is a team a made up team?
Go Ahead Eagles
;DWhen is a team a made up team?
Go Ahead Eagles
That was our team name on Saturday.
When is a team a made up team?
Go Ahead Eagles
That was our team name on Saturday.
When is a team a made up team?
Go Ahead Eagles
That was our team name on Saturday.
We can. Sadly we need to dislodge two of them.The way Forest are going they will dislodge themselves lol. Chelsea have some tough fixtures and European games to play. We are still right in the mix after Forest losing tonight, I can see Forest losing at Palace aswell
Unlikely but imagine this scenario last day of the season.
Forest and Chelsea sit in 4th and 5th 2 points ahead of us in 6th with our inferior goal difference. We win at Man U, but they play out a 0-0 draw taking turns to pass the ball about in their own half.
That result tonight might just about bring us back in play...if we win all four. Permutations are two of the following need to happen combined with four wins:
Newcastle lose two
Man City lose one and draw one
Forest drop points in any form in two
Chelsea drop points in any form in two
Last game of the season is Forest - Chelsea. A draw in that would mean they both need to drop points in one other game. Odds are slim, but not impossible.
We can. Sadly we need to dislodge two of them.The way Forest are going they will dislodge themselves lol. Chelsea have some tough fixtures and European games to play. We are still right in the mix after Forest losing tonight, I can see Forest losing at Palace aswell
We will have to win all 4 to stand a chance. Can I see it at the moment? Not really.
The flipside of that is Chelsea play Man Utd in the match prior to the final. I genuinely think Man Utd will lose all their remaining league games but win the Europa League.
Unlikely but imagine this scenario last day of the season.
Forest and Chelsea sit in 4th and 5th 2 points ahead of us in 6th with our inferior goal difference. We win at Man U, but they play out a 0-0 draw taking turns to pass the ball about in their own half.
They probably won't be able to do that, because Newcastle will already be in the mix, and they won't have the same GD advantage over them.
Doubt it will come down to goal difference. Not too many if any, instances of that ever happening over 4th (or now I suppose 5th).
Unlikely but imagine this scenario last day of the season.
Forest and Chelsea sit in 4th and 5th 2 points ahead of us in 6th with our inferior goal difference. We win at Man U, but they play out a 0-0 draw taking turns to pass the ball about in their own half.
They probably won't be able to do that, because Newcastle will already be in the mix, and they won't have the same GD advantage over them.
An alternative but similar final day scenario is that one of Forest and Chelsea requires a point to seal a Champions League place, and the other requires a point to seal 6th place and a place in the Europa League, at our expense.
We will have to win all 4 to stand a chance. Can I see it at the moment? Not really.
We'll draw one but still sneak in. Can't wait.
We will have to win all 4 to stand a chance. Can I see it at the moment? Not really.
We'll draw one but still sneak in. Can't wait.
I think so too. I doubt we’ll win all four games but can see us getting 10 points which might just be enough.
Unlikely but imagine this scenario last day of the season.
Forest and Chelsea sit in 4th and 5th 2 points ahead of us in 6th with our inferior goal difference. We win at Man U, but they play out a 0-0 draw taking turns to pass the ball about in their own half.
They probably won't be able to do that, because Newcastle will already be in the mix, and they won't have the same GD advantage over them.
An alternative but similar final day scenario is that one of Forest and Chelsea requires a point to seal a Champions League place, and the other requires a point to seal 6th place and a place in the Europa League, at our expense.
Only if a point would secure CL for both are they likely to play out a draw.
Those draws vs Ipswich(x2), West Ham, Bounemouth, ManUre and silly defeat at Wolves are going to come back to haunt us i fear .And likewise, the really good wins at Brentford, Brighton, Saints and smashing Jaudi Arabia at home have catapulted us right into contention.
It reminds me of our first season back in the Premier League. Many of us thought we were going back down but we put 4 results together and had other results go our way to stay up.
Ironically if Man Utd win the Europa and qualify for the CL, with their last 2 games being Chelsea away and us at Old Trafford, they could eliminate us or Chelsea from the CL despite being an absolute rabble all season...
....and probably in stoppage timeIronically if Man Utd win the Europa and qualify for the CL, with their last 2 games being Chelsea away and us at Old Trafford, they could eliminate us or Chelsea from the CL despite being an absolute rabble all season...
You can just see it can't you...
I think we’re quite fortunate to have to play both of the likely Europa League finalists as, given their league positions, the league is not going to be a priority for either of them.
However, this is Villa we’re talking about so, expect Spurs to win one of their few games this season and Manure to revive the spirit of Fergie!!
with Peter Drury on the mic....and probably in stoppage timeIronically if Man Utd win the Europa and qualify for the CL, with their last 2 games being Chelsea away and us at Old Trafford, they could eliminate us or Chelsea from the CL despite being an absolute rabble all season...
You can just see it can't you...
But we're not at all scarred.
They both know a point will do it, they play out a draw as obvious as the Disgrace of Gijon. The FA docks them both 3 points, they both miss out. No CL money sends Chelsea into irreversible decline and relegation. Forest go back to being a lower league side.
Do we have a list of who's likely to qualify for next season's Champions League? I want to see who we'll be playing in it.
Do we have a list of who's likely to qualify for next season's Champions League? I want to see who we'll be playing in it.
The 2025/26 Champions League page on Wikipedia is as good a place as any for confirmed entrants. The rankings bloke on Twitter and Bluesky is good for speculation.
....and probably in stoppage timeIronically if Man Utd win the Europa and qualify for the CL, with their last 2 games being Chelsea away and us at Old Trafford, they could eliminate us or Chelsea from the CL despite being an absolute rabble all season...
You can just see it can't you...
Do we have a list of who's likely to qualify for next season's Champions League? I want to see who we'll be playing in it.
The 2025/26 Champions League page on Wikipedia is as good a place as any for confirmed entrants. The rankings bloke on Twitter and Bluesky is good for speculation.
Yes, I know. My post was more about injecting some positivity in the thread. :)
Yes, I know. My post was more about injecting some positivity in the thread. :)
This is everything I stand against.
It's a straight fight for 5th between Chelsea, Forest and Villa for 5th.
Hate the early kick off, the potential to completely destroy the entire bank holiday weekend.Or set it up brilliantly
Or have a good weekend either way because what Villa do doesn't matter that much.
fire awayOr have a good weekend either way because what Villa do doesn't matter that much.
I’m going to choose to have a shot one regardless. Is that ok?
Or have a good weekend either way because what Villa do doesn't matter that much.
I’m going to choose to have a shot one regardless. Is that ok?
I fancy 115 to get past Arsenal into 2nd place. For us though, looking to pip Forest or Chelsea for 5th is now our only option because 5 points and a worse goal difference is too much to catch up now. Only by winning all 4 will we manage this. It's still exciting and gives us something to play for, there is no room for error though. Arsenal, Man City and Newcastle are sorted. It's a straight fight for 5th between Chelsea, Forest and Villa for 5th.
Just need Brighton to turn up against Newcastle, Liverpool not playing their reserves, and Palace not to be looking forward 2 weeks.
Or have a good weekend either way because what Villa do doesn't matter that much.
I’m going to choose to have a shot one regardless. Is that ok?
A shot of whiskey?
Win all three and I reckon it's CL. Win two and its Europa, which is still not to be sniffed at.
Bournemouth have their second win in 10. We've just won our 6th league game out the last 7. There's some interesting takes spouted on the Internet at times.We have been flat 3 games in a row.
We will need to be at our best to beat Bournemouth, I'd play Onana as Kamara looks absolutely knackered. Whatever chances we get we need to put away, unlike yesterday. I think we'll beat Spurs, but you can guarantee Roland Rat will score for UTD in the last game and we'll need to score 2 or 3 to get a win there.Bournemouth have their second win in 10. We've just won our 6th league game out the last 7. There's some interesting takes spouted on the Internet at times.We have been flat 3 games in a row.
I think it is something to do with selection and tactics, we are going to need to be very good to beat Bournemouth.
The pitch won't be any tighter than usual in fairness .
Yeah I think that's it , the pitches are generally more or less the same size .The pitch won't be any tighter than usual in fairness .
It just looks tinpot and small but I guess that's the camera angle in a small ground.
We can win all our remaining games. Fulham was the most difficult one and we won it. Our run in is favorable enough. What I fear most is running out of games.
I still think if we win the remaining 3 we’ll get there. But that remains a big ask and obviously it doesn’t guarantee anything.
I still think if we win the remaining 3 we’ll get there. But that remains a big ask and obviously it doesn’t guarantee anything.
Uhmm
Not sure you’re really adding anything there…
You say you think we’ll get there if we win our remaining three.
But that’s a big ask.
But even if we do, it doesn’t guarantee anything.
So…
I still think if we win the remaining 3 we’ll get there. But that remains a big ask and obviously it doesn’t guarantee anything.
Uhmm
Not sure you’re really adding anything there…
You say you think we’ll get there if we win our remaining three.
But that’s a big ask.
But even if we do, it doesn’t guarantee anything.
So…
Well it’s pretty obvious isn’t it, I think three wins will do it but that’s not a mathematical certainty.
Sure, heaven forbid people extress an opinion on a football forum.
You’ve genuinely lost me there.
I still think if we win the remaining 3 we’ll get there. But that remains a big ask and obviously it doesn’t guarantee anything.
Uhmm
Not sure you’re really adding anything there…
You say you think we’ll get there if we win our remaining three.
But that’s a big ask.
But even if we do, it doesn’t guarantee anything.
So…
Well it’s pretty obvious isn’t it, I think three wins will do it but that’s not a mathematical certainty.
We can win all our remaining games. Fulham was the most difficult one and we won it. Our run in is favorable enough. What I fear most is running out of games.
I think Bournemouth was the most difficult game, even before yesterday. Win that and I’ll feel relaxed about Spurs, then back to shitting myself about our Man U curse.
If we win all 3, that will be enough to finish 5th. We'd be very unlucky to miss out on 69 points. Seven points might be enough, but with our goal difference I wouldn't be confident.Effectively a cup final and will need a big performance. Team selection and tactics will be key. Bournemouth also have an excellent manager . It's the late KO 530pm which suits us better I believe .
The key game is Bournemouth, they are tough to beat at home, have something to play for & we've seen a lot of poor performances away from home.
A win on Saturday & it's on.
Sure, heaven forbid people express an opinion on a football forum.
No chance of top 5 if Unai employs same tactics and team selections as he did against Man City and Palace.We need to approach Bournemouth like we did v Brighton . Keep it tight and grow into it second half .
If we win all 3, that will be enough to finish 5th. We'd be very unlucky to miss out on 69 points. Seven points might be enough, but with our goal difference I wouldn't be confident.
The key game is Bournemouth, they are tough to beat at home, have something to play for & we've seen a lot of poor performances away from home.
A win on Saturday & it's on.
Sure, heaven forbid people express an opinion on a football forum.
I’ll never understand this forum.
If people disagree just post your own views rather than sneering. Is it really so difficult?
It’s almost cultural in here now to go for the man rather than the ball!
Sure, heaven forbid people express an opinion on a football forum.
I’ll never understand this forum.
If people disagree just post your own views rather than sneering. Is it really so difficult?
It’s almost cultural in here now to go for the man rather than the ball!
Must be a quick learner ?Sure, heaven forbid people express an opinion on a football forum.
I’ll never understand this forum.
If people disagree just post your own views rather than sneering. Is it really so difficult?
It’s almost cultural in here now to go for the man rather than the ball!
After only 19 posts?
Sure, heaven forbid people express an opinion on a football forum.
I’ll never understand this forum.
If people disagree just post your own views rather than sneering. Is it really so difficult?
It’s almost cultural in here now to go for the man rather than the ball!
He says, sneeringly.
No chance of top 5 if Unai employs same tactics and team selections as he did against Man City and Palace.
Ffs season end cannot come quick enough and we can all decamp into the off topic thread for a bit after we qualify for the Champions League.
Sure, heaven forbid people express an opinion on a football forum.
I’ll never understand this forum.
If people disagree just post your own views rather than sneering. Is it really so difficult?
It’s almost cultural in here now to go for the man rather than the ball!
He says, sneeringly.
QED
I think Chelsea winning today has made it VERY difficult for us. I had today's game as a definite Liverpool win since looking at the run-in back in Feb, simply because I didn't think Arsenal would have handed them the league with four games to go.Agree with you Smithy, in my own little predictor I didn’t have Chelsea getting many more points, so that’s got blown already after yesterday. Obviously every game is huge now, but Bournemouth does now have the feel of win or bust in regards to the CL. Win and with at least of one of Chelsea or Newcastle dropping points and we are back in the game. I think your right about Newcastle though, we could almost do with them steamrolling Chelsea, so its us Forest and Chelsea battling for that last place.
I've thought for the last month that our only chance was to get ahead of both Forest and Chelsea (Newcastle had great form, and Man City always find a way). I still think we'll overtake Forest, but Chelsea seems unlikely now. With the goal difference, they're effectively four points ahead now. Strangely, our best bet for 5th is probably Newcastle making themself safe in the top 5 by beating Chelsea pretty comprehensively next Sunday.
Bournemouth is our biggest game, I think. They have the most to play for, and are only one place behind us in the table. Win, and we'd get ourselves to 63 points and level with Newcastle and Chelsea before they play each other. If we win, the loser of that game would be shitting it.
It really couldn't be more different to last season, where our only competition was a Spurs side imploding even more than we were. This year, we're one of five competing for three places, and unfortunately most of the teams are in decent form.
I still think we'll go into the last day with a mathematical chance, which didn't look remotely likely back in Feb when we were languishing in 9th having drawn at home with Ipswich.
Sure, heaven forbid people express an opinion on a football forum.
I’ll never understand this forum.
If people disagree just post your own views rather than sneering. Is it really so difficult?
It’s almost cultural in here now to go for the man rather than the ball!
He says, sneeringly.
QED
OMG lads. He's using Latin! Definitely a brand new non-sneering user. Shit... am I 'playing the man'? What if you get some of the ball with the man? What about a challenge that would have been a foul anywhere outside of the box? I don't know what is culturally acceptable on here nowadays.
That’ll do, if we win all three then Forest have to win all three to finish in front of us now.
Chelsea still have Newcastle and Forest to play. They can’t all win all of those.
If we keep winning, we get CL football. Get that and it’ll be a pretty decent season all things considered.
Newcastle will not win away to Arsenal as Arsenal will go for it after lost to PSG and then being out of CL. Newcastle and Chelsea will draw next weekend for sure and we win our last three (that is not for sure though). Fixed.
Newcastle will not win away to Arsenal as Arsenal will go for it after lost to PSG and then being out of CL. Newcastle and Chelsea will draw next weekend for sure and we win our last three (that is not for sure though). Fixed.
Newcastle will not win away to Arsenal as Arsenal will go for it after lost to PSG and then being out of CL. Newcastle and Chelsea will draw next weekend for sure and we win our last three (that is not for sure though). Fixed.
Arsenal need results to finish second, Chelsea in 5th are only 4 points behind them.
Say we win all 3 and get 69 pointsGood work!
Say Newcastle and Chelsea draw and forest beat Leicester then they are all on 64 with 2 games left
Then if any of the 3 of them don't win both their remaining games then they we finish ahead of them. Forest home to Chelsea last game so 69 points would guarantee 6th at least
That Man City winner was such a fecker. We would be within a single result of all four of the teams ahead of us if we had held on for two more minutes. As it is, we are within a single result of just one of them given the goal difference.
Newcastle will not win away to Arsenal as Arsenal will go for it after lost to PSG and then being out of CL. Newcastle and Chelsea will draw next weekend for sure and we win our last three (that is not for sure though). Fixed.
Arsenal need results to finish second, Chelsea in 5th are only 4 points behind them.
They have their Southampton voucher last game of the season.
If it weren't for that, I reckon there would be a lot more chat about how they were going to fuck the whole thing.
That’ll do, if we win all three then Forest have to win all three to finish in front of us now.
They just need to match our results : win , draw or lose
That’ll do, if we win all three then Forest have to win all three to finish in front of us now.
They just need to match our results : win , draw or lose
Aren't Newcastle usually dreadful in London?Well they weren't in the League Cup semi final at Arsenal a couple of months ago.
Ideally, we need Chelsea and Newcastle to draw at St James’ and Newcastle to not win at Arsenal
If we win our two that puts us ahead of Newcastle and, worst case scenario within 1 point of Forest and Chelsea going in to the final day, where we’d know a win for us would qualify us at one of their expense.
We're a mere afterthought looking at BBC Sport this morning and that's how I like it.
BBC just now -
Don't worry Aston Villa fans, we've not forgotten about you.
Unai Emery's side were described by one reader, earlier this morning, as a potential "wildcard" for Champions League qualification.
Ipswich Town recently won at Bournemouth. We need to go there full of belief and blow them away.
Hoping Leicester kill themselves against Forest, as it's a local Derby.
Hoping Leicester kill themselves against Forest, as it's a local Derby.
I'm pretty confident we will finish above Forest, anyway, should we beat Bournemouth. I just did a score predictor to pass the time and had us, Newcastle and Chelsea all getting 69 points for a nice exciting nightmare.
2) Manchester City – 70 points, +31 goal difference
3) Arsenal – 67 points, +29 goal difference
4) Chelsea – 67 points, +24 goal difference
5) Newcastle – 67 points, +23 goal difference
6) Nottingham Forest – 67 points, +17 goal difference
7) Aston Villa – 66 points, +11 goal difference
I'm pretty confident we will finish above Forest, anyway, should we beat Bournemouth. I just did a score predictor to pass the time and had us, Newcastle and Chelsea all getting 69 points for a nice exciting nightmare.
This not-wholly-serious piece (https://www.football365.com/news/opinion-arsenal-season-implode-arteta-champions-league-spurs-bottle-job) obviously written to wind up Arsenal fans does a nice round-by-round assessment and comes up a table going into the final day of:Quote2) Manchester City – 70 points, +31 goal difference
3) Arsenal – 67 points, +29 goal difference
4) Chelsea – 67 points, +24 goal difference
5) Newcastle – 67 points, +23 goal difference
6) Nottingham Forest – 67 points, +17 goal difference
7) Aston Villa – 66 points, +11 goal difference
Which would be pretty nerve-wracking. Thinking about it though, I'd be more confident of a result at Man Utd if we're not sitting in 3rd - 5th at the start of the match.
I still think we'll get into Europe, just not in the CL!!
Would hope that we do qualify, but can't see it.
We've dropped too many points, draws that should have been wins and losses that should have been draws.
Imagine how many points we'd have got, prior to the Jan transfer window, if we'd got the recruits earlier and didn't have the injuries that we had.
I still think we'll get into Europe, just not in the CL!!
The Spurs game being moved forward could be beneficial in allowing us to get points on the board a put pressure on our rivals.
Should we win of course.
The Spurs game being moved forward could be beneficial in allowing us to get points on the board a put pressure on our rivals.Unless we beat Bournemouth there won't be so much riding on this game .
Should we win of course.
The Spurs game being moved forward could be beneficial in allowing us to get points on the board a put pressure on our rivals.Unless we beat Bournemouth there won't be so much riding on this game .
Should we win of course.
The Spurs game being moved forward could be beneficial in allowing us to get points on the board a put pressure on our rivals.Unless we beat Bournemouth there won't be so much riding on this game .
Should we win of course.
Always rely on Tim to bring the most depressing slant to the discussion.
One cup final at a time . Beat Bournemouth and the Spurs Friday night game becomes massive . UTV .The Spurs game being moved forward could be beneficial in allowing us to get points on the board a put pressure on our rivals.Unless we beat Bournemouth there won't be so much riding on this game .
Should we win of course.
Always rely on Tim to bring the most depressing slant to the discussion.
He just sees things we can't. A revolutionary.
We'll twat Bournemouth 8-0, Spurs 8-0 and sort out the GD.That's what I like positive thinking.
I'd probably put myself down as a VillaTim skeptic, but I find his miseryarsedom more comforting than any "we'll twat everyone" confidence, at the business end of the season. With even brontebilly suddenly dishing out sixes and sevens without a care in the world, VT's posts provide a much needed semblance of calm.
Would hope that we do qualify, but can't see it.
We've dropped too many points, draws that should have been wins and losses that should have been draws.
Imagine how many points we'd have got, prior to the Jan transfer window, if we'd got the recruits earlier and didn't have the injuries that we had.
I still think we'll get into Europe, just not in the CL!!
I'd probably put myself down as a VillaTim skeptic, but I find his miseryarsedom more comforting than any "we'll twat everyone" confidence, at the business end of the season. With even brontebilly suddenly dishing out sixes and sevens without a care in the world, VT's posts provide a much needed semblance of calm.
The Spurs game being moved forward could be beneficial in allowing us to get points on the board a put pressure on our rivals.Unless we beat Bournemouth there won't be so much riding on this game .
Should we win of course.
Always rely on Tim to bring the most depressing slant to the discussion.
He just sees things we can't. A revolutionary.
If it goes to the last day…..we’ve told Man Utd we will take Rashford if we qualify for the CL. Let that sink in.
I've taken on kitchen deliveries to reluctant customers. Let that sink in.
Apologies if this has been covered before.
If we finish 7th we are in the Conference?
If Man City finish in the top5 and win the FA Cup then they will vacate their Europa place which will go the best placed team in the league - us?
Likewise if Chelsea finish in the top 5 and win the Conference then they will vacate their Europa place and that will come to us?
I'd probably put myself down as a VillaTim skeptic, but I find his miseryarsedom more comforting than any "we'll twat everyone" confidence, at the business end of the season. With even brontebilly suddenly dishing out sixes and sevens without a care in the world, VT's posts provide a much needed semblance of calm.
We'll twat everyone.
Apologies if this has been covered before.Chelsea winning the Conference makes no difference to league placings. There would just be one less English club in there.
If we finish 7th we are in the Conference?
If Man City finish in the top5 and win the FA Cup then they will vacate their Europa place which will go the best placed team in the league - us?
Likewise if Chelsea finish in the top 5 and win the Conference then they will vacate their Europa place and that will come to us?
MarvellousApologies if this has been covered before.Chelsea winning the Conference makes no difference to league placings. There would just be one less English club in there.
If we finish 7th we are in the Conference?
If Man City finish in the top5 and win the FA Cup then they will vacate their Europa place which will go the best placed team in the league - us?
Likewise if Chelsea finish in the top 5 and win the Conference then they will vacate their Europa place and that will come to us?
If Villa aren't involved, a Conference League with no English team would be my preference.
Got to find against Bournemouth. We need to play with a swagger and some authority. I think we win that game and it’s really on, if we don’t it’s gone.Agreed
Got to win against Bournemouth. We need to play with a swagger and some authority. I think we win that game and it’s really on, if we don’t it’s gone.
3 wins is what's required. Do that and I think we'll just about get over the line.
It's so difficult now, even a win on Saturday we are unlikely to move up from 7th given Forest fixture and our poor GD.
All we can do is win though and take it to next weekend and rely on us winning again and someone screwing up.
Top 7 guaranteed. Europe here we come. Again.
Top 7 guaranteed. Europe here we come. Again.
If palace win the cup and Chelsea win the conference can 7th miss out still?
Top 7 guaranteed. Europe here we come. Again.
If palace win the cup and Chelsea win the conference can 7th miss out still?
No.
Top 7 guaranteed. Europe here we come. Again.
If palace win the cup and Chelsea win the conference can 7th miss out still?
So to clarify we need 1 point to be guaranteed to be at least in the Europa league next season?No because we are 6th with Forest 2 points below us and 3 games to play. We would have to finish above teams above us to guarantee Europa. We have currently only guaranteed Conference but if next Sunday Citeh win the cup, we have guaranteed Europa. However by that point we should be on 66 points and into the top five.
This is all much more exciting than watching the last game of the season from beneath a blanket, wondering if we’d be relegated…
We’re doing all we can can do.
I’m frustrated and gutted about all the last minute goals we’ve conceded this season. If we hadn’t, this would have been sewn up by now.
But hey, I’ll take Europa over being mid-table. It’s been a tough season and we’ve been very inconsistent. Hopefully we’ve learnt lessons for next season.
It’s almost fantastic that we, as a fanbase, would almost be disappointed if it was Europa over CL!
We could well be 1pt behind Arsenal going into the last game of the season…
Hoping for a draw tomorrow between Newcastle and Chelsea. That way, they'd both need to win both their last two games to finish above us, should we win our last two.
Forget about catching Arsenal, they will get to 70+ points.
I’m looking at the remaining games now, trying to work out who’s doing what and when.
Honestly, I have no idea how this is going to work out or who I want to win out of Chelsea or Newcastle.
Arsenal's remaining fixtures
May 11: Liverpool (a)
May 18: Newcastle (h)
May 25: Southampton (a)
Manchester City's remaining fixtures
May 20: Bournemouth (h)
May 25: Fulham (a)
Nottingham Forest's remaining fixtures
May 11: Leicester (h)
May 18: West Ham (a)
May 25: Chelsea (h)
Newcastle's remaining fixtures
May 11: Chelsea (h)
May 18: Arsenal (a)
May 25: Everton (h)
Chelsea's remaining fixtures
May 11: Newcastle (a)
May 16: Man Utd (h)
May 25: Nottingham Forest (a)
Aston Villa's remaining fixtures
May 18: Spurs (h)
May 25: Man United (a)
We’re lucky that we don’t have to play any of the other Top 7 in the last 2 games, and Man City and Forest *probably* have the easiest run in out of the bunch.
The hardest is a 3 way split between Arsenal, Chelsea and Newcastle.
I’m not sure a draw tomorrow would be the very worst result given those remaining fixtures, but, I think potentially we could see Arsenal being pulled back into the mix a bit more too.
Man City probably have done enough now. But as we saw v Southampton today, who knows.
Maybe this will be a bit clearer come tomorrow evening!!
I think we're gonna do it...for the first time since about September.
I wonder if they'll make a banner for us. Good Luck Villa from the City of London.
We could well be 1pt behind Arsenal going into the last game of the season…
I really hope we aren't.
I’m looking at the remaining games now, trying to work out who’s doing what and when.
Honestly, I have no idea how this is going to work out or who I want to win out of Chelsea or Newcastle.
Arsenal's remaining fixtures
May 11: Liverpool (a)
May 18: Newcastle (h)
May 25: Southampton (a)
Manchester City's remaining fixtures
May 20: Bournemouth (h)
May 25: Fulham (a)
Nottingham Forest's remaining fixtures
May 11: Leicester (h)
May 18: West Ham (a)
May 25: Chelsea (h)
Newcastle's remaining fixtures
May 11: Chelsea (h)
May 18: Arsenal (a)
May 25: Everton (h)
Chelsea's remaining fixtures
May 11: Newcastle (a)
May 16: Man Utd (h)
May 25: Nottingham Forest (a)
Aston Villa's remaining fixtures
May 18: Spurs (h)
May 25: Man United (a)
We’re lucky that we don’t have to play any of the other Top 7 in the last 2 games, and Man City and Forest *probably* have the easiest run in out of the bunch.
The hardest is a 3 way split between Arsenal, Chelsea and Newcastle.
I’m not sure a draw tomorrow would be the very worst result given those remaining fixtures, but, I think potentially we could see Arsenal being pulled back into the mix a bit more too.
Man City probably have done enough now. But as we saw v Southampton today, who knows.
Maybe this will be a bit clearer come tomorrow evening!!
Honestly, I have no idea how this is going to work out or who I want to win out of Chelsea or Newcastle.A draw would be perfect, it’s the same as them both losing at this point.
I think the "best" outcome for us is Manure win the Europa League and they go on the piss for 2 days, meaning the Sunday game v us is a nothing game for them and a potential Champions League celebration for both teams if we win.
Honestly, I have no idea how this is going to work out or who I want to win out of Chelsea or Newcastle.A draw would be perfect, it’s the same as them both losing at this point.
If they draw, they are both 1pt ahead of us (plus a much better goal difference). From the remaining 2 games, we can all either get 6, 4, 3, 2, 1, or 0 points.
Assume for the moment we win both of our games - we get 6pts (finish on 69pts)
If they win both of their games, they get 6pts and finish on 70pts. We finish behind them
If they don’t, they get a maximum of 4pts and so finish on 68pts. We finish ahead of them.
The only reason to want one of them to lose is if we thought we could catch up the goal difference (as that’d mean both teams could still finish on 69pts). But as finishing above them in that instance would involve us winning both of our games by cricket scores …
I wonder if they'll make a banner for us. Good Luck Villa from the City of London.
Are we guaranteed a Europa League place, now?
That’s the impression I got from MotD yesterday.
Are we guaranteed a Europa League place, now?
That’s the impression I got from MotD yesterday.
Guaranteed European football. If we finish seventh and Palace win the cup then it's Conference.
We now can't finish lower than seventh.
Cheers Dave
I think it was the Newcastle Carling Cup win that’s thrown me.
A draw between Chelsea and Newcastle has to be the preferred result assuming we need two wins to have a chance.
A draw between Chelsea and Newcastle has to be the preferred result assuming we need two wins to have a chance.
If they draw, and Newcastle don’t beat Arsenal, and we win our last two, we qualify.
Well we play ManUre 4 days after their European final. If we can't beat them with their players on the beach and with nothing to play for we might as well forfeit every game against them forever.
I think it would be lovely though to complete our Champions League comeback from nowhere and fucking destroy them at the Theatre of Cockneys.
European football guaranteed for the third season running. Win the next 2 and I think CL football will be coming back. Massively important for so many reasons.
We don't want Forest to tank too much (today against Lesta, next week at Wham) do we?
Otherwise, they could just roll over for Chelsea on the final day, as they won't be caught for 7th and can't make top five.
We don't want Forest to tank too much (today against Lesta, next week at Wham) do we?
Otherwise, they could just roll over for Chelsea on the final day, as they won't be caught for 7th and can't make top five.
Sky has us as 30.1% chance of making top 5.
We've gained on 2 sides this weekend, and with slumping Forest still to play.
Need either Chelsea or Forest to drop points next weekend or we’re fucked.
Need either Chelsea or Forest to drop points next weekend or we’re fucked.
Can't see Forest winning at Wham.
Can Yanited and Spurs really be this shit for their last two league games? I can't see them losing all of them.Any normal season when the bottom three weren’t so incredibly shit, would see both spurs and man utd bang in the middle of a relegation battle.
They're crap but there are limits, y'know?
Assuming we win both of our games we need ONE of the following to happen.
Man City lose ONE or draw both of their games - Bournemouth (H), Fulham (A) - possible, but not likely
Newcastle not to win either of their games - Arsenal (A), Everton (H). They'll beat Everton, anything against Arsenal is a bonus.
Chelsea to not win ONE of their games - Man U (H), Forest (A)
I think Man City and Newcastle will do what they need to do; so it's up to Forest or Man U (lol) to stop Chelsea winning.
Did you ever see Doug on the pitch after a game at VP?
Did you ever see Doug on the pitch after a game at VP?
I saw him play there.
Did you ever see Doug on the pitch after a game at VP?
I saw him play there.
After that shambles with the owner at full time, I wouldn't be surprised if Forest don't win again this season
After that shambles with the owner at full time, I wouldn't be surprised if Forest don't win again this season
What did he do?
After that shambles with the owner at full time, I wouldn't be surprised if Forest don't win again this season
What did he do?
After that shambles with the owner at full time, I wouldn't be surprised if Forest don't win again this season
What did he do?
https://x.com/McLarenSte/status/1921585941338063203
It would but I can't see them winning there. They're out of form and Wham will have got a bit of confidence from winning today and it's their last home game so will be up for it. Forest's best chance, as ever, is by winning with counter-attacks.pp
After that shambles with the owner at full time, I wouldn't be surprised if Forest don't win again this season
What did he do?
https://x.com/McLarenSte/status/1921585941338063203
Did you ever see Doug on the pitch after a game at VP?
I saw him play there.
Didn't he also tell the managers what to do in some games ("Don't play that player, we have to pay out more money if he makes so many appearances").
Did you ever see Doug on the pitch after a game at VP?
I saw him play there.
Didn't he also tell the managers what to do in some games ("Don't play that player, we have to pay out more money if he makes so many appearances").
At the opening of the Etihad he asked Martin O'Neill why he'd brought Mellberg on in the closing minutes because then he'd get an appearance bonus.
Did you ever see Doug on the pitch after a game at VP?
I saw him play there.
Didn't he also tell the managers what to do in some games ("Don't play that player, we have to pay out mor
If Doug wanted to have a go at the manager it was done in the back garden of his "little cottage" in Ladywood Road.
Did you ever see Doug on the pitch after a game at VP?
I saw him play there.
Didn't he also tell the managers what to do in some games ("Don't play that player, we have to pay out more money if he makes so many appearances").
At the opening of the Etihad he asked Martin O'Neill why he'd brought Mellberg on in the closing minutes because then he'd get an appearance bonus.
Look after the pennies, and the pounds will look after themselves.
Those were the days, my friends.
[/quoteDid you ever see Doug on the pitch after a game at VP?
I saw him play there.
Didn't he also tell the managers what to do in some games ("Don't play that player, we have to pay out more money if he makes so many appearances").
At the opening of the Etihad he asked Martin O'Neill why he'd brought Mellberg on in the closing minutes because then he'd get an appearance bonus.
Look after the pennies, and the pounds will look after themselves.
Those were the days, my friends.
If Doug wanted to have a go at the manager it was done in the back garden of his "little cottage" in Ladywood Road.
The infamous rose garden.
Potter is a villa fan , he's finally getting a tune out of that rabble . Think they will beat forest .
Potter is a villa fan , he's finally getting a tune out of that rabble . Think they will beat forest .
Yeah weirdly prefer Europa next season for the chance of winning a trophy, which let's face it, is what we should want. We're not going to win the CL realistically, although ideally we would be back there the year after.
They'd still be pushing for Europa league above the conference booby prizePotter is a villa fan , he's finally getting a tune out of that rabble . Think they will beat forest .
We don’t want that, do we? If they lose to west ham and both villa and Chelsea win, then they won’t have anything to play for on the last day v Chelsea.
They'd still be pushing for Europa league above the conference booby prizePotter is a villa fan , he's finally getting a tune out of that rabble . Think they will beat forest .
We don’t want that, do we? If they lose to west ham and both villa and Chelsea win, then they won’t have anything to play for on the last day v Chelsea.
Did you ever see Doug on the pitch after a game at VP?
I saw him play there.
Didn't he also tell the managers what to do in some games ("Don't play that player, we have to pay out more money if he makes so many appearances").
At the opening of the Etihad he asked Martin O'Neill why he'd brought Mellberg on in the closing minutes because then he'd get an appearance bonus.
Oh, it's far too complicated for me .They'd still be pushing for Europa league above the conference booby prizePotter is a villa fan , he's finally getting a tune out of that rabble . Think they will beat forest .
We don’t want that, do we? If they lose to west ham and both villa and Chelsea win, then they won’t have anything to play for on the last day v Chelsea.
Not if Man City win the cup.
Potter is a villa fan , he's finally getting a tune out of that rabble . Think they will beat forest .
They'd still be pushing for Europa league above the conference booby prizePotter is a villa fan , he's finally getting a tune out of that rabble . Think they will beat forest .
We don’t want that, do we? If they lose to west ham and both villa and Chelsea win, then they won’t have anything to play for on the last day v Chelsea.
Did you ever see Doug on the pitch after a game at VP?
I saw him play there.
Didn't he also tell the managers what to do in some games ("Don't play that player, we have to pay out more money if he makes so many appearances").
At the opening of the Etihad he asked Martin O'Neill why he'd brought Mellberg on in the closing minutes because then he'd get an appearance bonus.
I thought Randy was running the show by then. Not that being Hon Pres or whatever title they gave him would have prevented DE from weighing in
Yeah weirdly prefer Europa next season for the chance of winning a trophy, which let's face it, is what we should want. We're not going to win the CL realistically, although ideally we would be back there the year after.
Sorry, the Emirates. Ellis was still in charge but Randy's bid was in the process of being accepted.
As per John Townley, we are CL if we win our last two games and one of the below happens...
▪️Chelsea don't beat both Man Utd and Forest
▪️Newcastle don't beat Arsenal and Everton
▪️Man City lose to either B'mouth or Fulham
▪️Arsenal take only one point from final three
One of those will happen, right?
As per John Townley, we are CL if we win our last two games and one of the below happens...Its crazy as we're playing 16th and 17th both just before there biggest game of the season yet feels like there tricky games. We could contrive to lose at Old Trafford even if we were 6 nil up with 2 mins left.
▪️Chelsea don't beat both Man Utd and Forest
▪️Newcastle don't beat Arsenal and Everton
▪️Man City lose to either B'mouth or Fulham
▪️Arsenal take only one point from final three
One of those will happen, right?
As per John Townley, we are CL if we win our last two games and one of the below happens...
▪️Chelsea don't beat both Man Utd and Forest
▪️Newcastle don't beat Arsenal and Everton
▪️Man City lose to either B'mouth or Fulham
▪️Arsenal take only one point from final three
One of those will happen, right?
As per John Townley, we are CL if we win our last two games and one of the below happens...
▪️Chelsea don't beat both Man Utd and Forest
▪️Newcastle don't beat Arsenal and Everton
▪️Man City lose to either B'mouth or Fulham
▪️Arsenal take only one point from final three
One of those will happen, right?
Still wrong, then. Mellberg started the game (and scored the first ever goal at the stadium).
As per John Townley, we are CL if we win our last two games and one of the below happens...
▪️Chelsea don't beat both Man Utd and Forest
▪️Newcastle don't beat Arsenal and Everton
▪️Man City lose to either B'mouth or Fulham
▪️Arsenal take only one point from final three
One of those will happen, right?
But what if that conserving energy meant we got more points later in the season?
As per John Townley, we are CL if we win our last two games and one of the below happens...
▪️Chelsea don't beat both Man Utd and Forest
▪️Newcastle don't beat Arsenal and Everton
▪️Man City lose to either B'mouth or Fulham
▪️Arsenal take only one point from final three
One of those will happen, right?
If that was the case I'd fancy it a bit more. Sadly, Newcastle only have to beat Arsenal or Everton, not both.
Also, I'm assuming the list is slightly out of date. Arsenal only need one point to finish above us, having drawn at Liverpool earlier.
With us being the opening game of the next set of fixtures, beating Tottenham would heap extra pressure on the other sides.
With us being the opening game of the next set of fixtures, beating Tottenham would heap extra pressure on the other sides.
Chelsea vs Man Utd is on a the same time isn't it?
As per John Townley, we are CL if we win our last two games and one of the below happens...
▪️Chelsea don't beat both Man Utd and Forest
▪️Newcastle don't beat Arsenal and Everton
▪️Man City lose to either B'mouth or Fulham
▪️Arsenal take only one point from final three
One of those will happen, right?
If that was the case I'd fancy it a bit more. Sadly, Newcastle only have to beat Arsenal or Everton, not both.
Also, I'm assuming the list is slightly out of date. Arsenal only need one point to finish above us, having drawn at Liverpool earlier.
Might have been done before the Arse game, but Townley is correct with his wording that if Newcastle don't beat Arse AND Everton then we can finish above them.
But isn't that why he is using the AND between the teams and not OR. Newcastle have to drop points against both.
But isn't that why he is using the AND between the teams and not OR. Newcastle have to drop points against both.
He probably could have used the word "neither" in there to avoid confusion. Anyway, we aren't catching Newcastle.
Newcastle don't beat neither Arsenal and Everton
But isn't that why he is using the AND between the teams and not OR. Newcastle have to drop points against both.
He probably could have used the word "neither" in there to avoid confusion. Anyway, we aren't catching Newcastle.
Wouldn't that be a weird double negative.QuoteNewcastle don't beat neither Arsenal and Everton
So exactly the same as "Newcastle don't beat Arsenal and Everton" but with a different negative. Ok.
So exactly the same as "Newcastle don't beat Arsenal and Everton" but with a different negative. Ok.
Written more clearly so as to avoid the confusion evident in the last two pages. OK.
I don't want Sunday after Sunday of football. I've got an U11 team to manage and 2pm KOs would make it too difficult to make.Agree, it’s a real pain if you try to use the trains on a Sunday.
I don't want Sunday after Sunday of football. I've got an U11 team to manage and 2pm KOs would make it too difficult to make.
I thought Newcastle were rubbish yesterday- particularly second half - and pretty lucky.
I put neither/nor. And others were confused. It was badly written.
I don't want Sunday after Sunday of football. I've got an U11 team to manage and 2pm KOs would make it too difficult to make.
The truly elite managers learn to deal with the vagaries of the fixtures schedule.
Maybe but Drummond has been demanding in his own way for many years now. What more can he do?
I put neither/nor. And others were confused. It was badly written.
I'm still confused tbh. Newcastle need to beat either Arse or Everton to guarantee we can't catch them, barring some bizarre goal difference swing.They don't need to beat both of them. But two draws we would be above them if we win out. That's right isnt it ?
Chelsea just need to drop points against either Man U or Forest , and if we win out we are ahead of them too.
Man City need 4 points to stay above us if we win out.
Forest don't matter so long as we take care of our own business.
IF I've got all that in my head right , then I fancy us. Phew !
As per John Townley, we are CL if we win our last two games and one of the below happens...I'll happily take any European football we can get - not going to start getting sniffy about "only" playing in the Conference League. However, the Europa League place is in our hands now. That's a big thing, I suspect being in that won't overly harm our ability to attract the players we want anyway as we'd most likely be one of the favourites to win it.
▪️Chelsea don't beat both Man Utd and Forest
▪️Newcastle don't beat Arsenal and Everton
▪️Man City lose to either B'mouth or Fulham
▪️Arsenal take only one point from final three
One of those will happen, right?
As per John Townley, we are CL if we win our last two games and one of the below happens...I'll happily take any European football we can get - not going to start getting sniffy about "only" playing in the Conference League. However, the Europa League place is in our hands now. That's a big thing, I suspect being in that won't overly harm our ability to attract the players we want anyway as we'd most likely be one of the favourites to win it.
▪️Chelsea don't beat both Man Utd and Forest
▪️Newcastle don't beat Arsenal and Everton
▪️Man City lose to either B'mouth or Fulham
▪️Arsenal take only one point from final three
One of those will happen, right?
I'd think if we win both of our games, we'll probably be in the Champions League. There's got to be a decent chance of one of Chelsea, Newcastle, Man City, Arsenal, and us slipping up in the last 2 games. We've just got to make sure it's not us.
I still think we will qualify for it. We must be the most in form team in the league now.
Having a good chance of winning the Europa would, indeed, be fun but winning the league would be even more fun and I honestly believe this squad with a couple of additions is capable. Being in the Champions League is the only way that can happen.
I still think we will qualify for it. We must be the most in form team in the league now.
Depends on how long you consider "form" to go back. Over the last five games we're third, behind Man City and Brentford.
What happened at Old Trafford though? Lost to a goal from Ratface.
The parallels with the run to Europa Conference in 2023 are stark. We won 1-0 on the south coast with an Ollie goal then, ground out a 1-0 win against Fulham with a goal from a set piece and beat Spurs at home in mid May. What happened at Old Trafford though? Lost to a goal from Ratface.Rashford assist
I feel dirty for saying it, but we really could do with Man C115y winning the FA Cup now. Not only would that guarantee Europa League but it might just also give us a better opportunity of getting into the CL. If they do win it means Europe will go down to 8th place in the league thus meaning Bournemouth could still qualify, as long as they beat C115y next Wednesday.I agree. Whilst we really need to win the last two games, it would still be better to have secured a Europa League place if Man City win the cup.
Having a good chance of winning the Europa would, indeed, be fun but winning the league would be even more fun and I honestly believe this squad with a couple of additions is capable. Being in the Champions League is the only way that can happen.
cdbearsfan now at risk of assassination. If only there was a poster with the machinery of state to call on. You know it makes sense Wills.
Having a good chance of winning the Europa would, indeed, be fun but winning the league would be even more fun and I honestly believe this squad with a couple of additions is capable. Being in the Champions League is the only way that can happen.
Agree 100%.
With a top striker and a new right-back and maybe a top centre-back, we could definitely win the league.
It's closer than people think.
MC will get punished and fall away and then it's out of us, Arsenal and Liverpool.
'Super' computer predicting us as having a 40.5% chance of top 5 after the weekend fixtures.
Up from 15.2% the week before.
'Super' computer predicting us as having a 40.5% chance of top 5 after the weekend fixtures.
Up from 15.2% the week before.
We had something ridiculous like 0.5% chance at one point.
Having a good chance of winning the Europa would, indeed, be fun but winning the league would be even more fun and I honestly believe this squad with a couple of additions is capable. Being in the Champions League is the only way that can happen.
The other reason I want Manc cheats to win the FA Cup is that it would stop Kryptonite Palace playing us in the Europa League. We all know how that would end up.
If we were to qualify in 5th position, do we, or any other team finishing there, go straight into that league thingy or is there a qualifying round before that?
The other reason I want Manc cheats to win the FA Cup is that it would stop Kryptonite Palace playing us in the Europa League. We all know how that would end up.
Pat Nevin reckons we will miss out on GD .
Bully Wee legend. Hope he's wrong about Villa.
He did , says we are the best team in the group so was very accurate and complimentary . He's a decent pundit .Pat Nevin reckons we will miss out on GD .
He also said we were a really good team and only missing out due to our cup runs also happening. (If he is correct on GD).
Pat Nevin reckons we will miss out on GD .
Pat Nevin reckons we will miss out on GD .
He also likes the Cocteau Twins and Genesis so there's still hope.
I'm worried the Forest nonsense at the weekend has finished them and Chelsea will go there and win, but I've decided I'm not going to get worked up about it and the Europa League is fine.
I'm worried the Forest nonsense at the weekend has finished them and Chelsea will go there and win, but I've decided I'm not going to get worked up about it and the Europa League is fine.
Chelsea also have only won away win in the league since the beginning of December (the same as Southampton, Ipswich and Leicester over that time). So while Man Utd aren't much good, I wouldn't be putting huge amounts of money on a Chelsea win on Friday.
I'm worried the Forest nonsense at the weekend has finished them and Chelsea will go there and win, but I've decided I'm not going to get worked up about it and the Europa League is fine.
Chelsea also have only won away win in the league since the beginning of December (the same as Southampton, Ipswich and Leicester over that time). So while Man Utd aren't much good, I wouldn't be putting huge amounts of money on a Chelsea win on Friday.
I'm worried the Forest nonsense at the weekend has finished them and Chelsea will go there and win, but I've decided I'm not going to get worked up about it and the Europa League is fine.
Chelsea also have only won away win in the league since the beginning of December (the same as Southampton, Ipswich and Leicester over that time). So while Man Utd aren't much good, I wouldn't be putting huge amounts of money on a Chelsea win on Friday.
Chelsea are at home to Man U (away to Forest).
If Forest get beaten at W Ham, will they be out of the Euro places assuming us and Chelsea win ?
I'm worried the Forest nonsense at the weekend has finished them and Chelsea will go there and win, but I've decided I'm not going to get worked up about it and the Europa League is fine.
Chelsea are at home though.
Chelsea have also only won once away in the league since the beginning of December (the same as Southampton, Ipswich and Leicester over that time). So while Man Utd aren't much good, I wouldn't be putting huge amounts of money on a Chelsea win on Friday.
So we need them to win at Wham, to be up for th Chelsea game, assuming we win both?
I agree with LeeB and (seemingly) Pat Nevin. About the Villa. I like the Cocteau Twins but Genesis can fuck off back to before the beginning.
The overall picture is pretty clear now.
We have to get 6 points in the next 2 games and hope that Chelsea don’t.
It’s that simple really.
I agree with LeeB and (seemingly) Pat Nevin. About the Villa. I like the Cocteau Twins but Genesis can fuck off back to before the beginning.
I quite like Peter Gabriel though.
There, I've said it. Feels like a weight has been lifted.
I agree with LeeB and (seemingly) Pat Nevin. About the Villa. I like the Cocteau Twins but Genesis can fuck off back to before the beginning.
I quite like Peter Gabriel though.
There, I've said it. Feels like a weight has been lifted.
Post Gabriel Genesis, post Peter Green Fleetwood Mac and post Eno Roxy Music can all fuck off into a big shit pit of Partidgesque MoR.
At the very least I want top 6 so I don't have to want Man City to win anything.
I know it's not very likely... but say Man City missed out on top five, won the cup, and got a massive points deduction dropping them to just above the relegation places. Would they still qualify for Europa by virtue of winning the cup or would such a penalty automatically disqualify them from European competition?I don’t see how it could, unless UEFA were part of the sanctioning process.
So it is possible a points deduction could effectively be no penalty at all, then. Like when the Football League waited until Small Heath had no chance of going up and then deducted them just enough points to ensure that there was no chance of them going down.
So it is possible a points deduction could effectively be no penalty at all, then. Like when the Football League waited until Small Heath had no chance of going up and then deducted them just enough points to ensure that there was no chance of them going down.
My guess.
ManC will be deducted 35-40 points, putting them 17th. That will be applied in August so applying to 24-25, before next season, but they will have done their transfer business by then just before they get a two window ban.
I agree with LeeB and (seemingly) Pat Nevin. About the Villa. I like the Cocteau Twins but Genesis can fuck off back to before the beginning.
I quite like Peter Gabriel though.
There, I've said it. Feels like a weight has been lifted.
Post Gabriel Genesis, post Peter Green Fleetwood Mac and post Eno Roxy Music can all fuck off into a big shit pit of Partidgesque MoR.
Post-Freddie Queen though, what an excellent idea!
I mean, I hate Queen with or without Freddie Mercury, but what kind of lowlife, money-grubbing shysters do you have to be to think, 'do you know what made us special? The three no-marks that look like they were rejected from joining the paperclip industry because they weren't sexy enough. Let's just replace the singer - what was he bringing to the party anyway?!'
Jesus fucking Christ.
So it is possible a points deduction could effectively be no penalty at all, then. Like when the Football League waited until Small Heath had no chance of going up and then deducted them just enough points to ensure that there was no chance of them going down.
My guess.
ManC will be deducted 35-40 points, putting them 17th. That will be applied in August so applying to 24-25, before next season, but they will have done their transfer business by then just before they get a two window ban.
So no real punishment then? Unless the transfer ban is for two or three seasons.
6 pts | 4 pts | 3 pts | 2 pts | 1 pts | 0 pts | ||
3rd | 33% | 2% | 0% | 0% | 0% | 0% | |
4th | 47% | 22% | 2% | 0% | 0% | 0% | |
5th | 18% | 49% | 27% | 7% | 0% | 0% | |
6th | 1% | 26% | 61% | 63% | 44% | 11% | |
7th | 0% | 0% | 9% | 29% | 56% | 89% |
Cheers!
I've just had a peak at the daunting list of updated topics... :-\
Cheers!
I've just had a peak at the daunting list of updated topics... :-\
Don’t worry, get your computer model to remove any started by Footy-Vill and the picture improves.
Cheers!
I've just had a peak at the daunting list of updated topics... :-\
Uh oh, not the best players that have won one league game since February.
Uh oh, not the best players that have won one league game since February.
Dogtanian, where the heck have you been? This place has both gone to the dogs and gone dogging without you.
So from Dogtanian's analysis...win our last 2 games and there's a 99% chance of Champions League football?
Is there any way we can get us and Forest in and the moneyed clubs (Man City & Chelsea) miss out?
Not via the league though. Top five only (in case Steve was thinking it could advantage us, it can't).
Not via the league though. Top five only (in case Steve was thinking it could advantage us, it can't).
I’m a silly old bugger because I’d forgotten about the Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United cup final. It does seem ridiculous though doesn’t it? Two teams who are 17th and 16th in the league table can end up in the Champions League. What an absolute farce, they should be embarrassed with themselves.
Well, maybe. But what are Tottenham and Man U's budgets compared to those sides?
I don’t know why but I’ve a sneaking suspicion Citeh will lose one of their games.
Guessing our game will be on TV now.
What we really need is Forest to win at West Ham.Hell Yeah - and Arsenal to beat Newcatsle, and Bournemouth to beat Man City. Keep it as close as possible and hope for lady luck
What we really need is Forest to win at West Ham.Hell Yeah - and Arsenal to beat Newcatsle, and Bournemouth to beat Man City. Keep it as close as possible and hope for lady luck
Were at old trafford - we always need luckWhat we really need is Forest to win at West Ham.Hell Yeah - and Arsenal to beat Newcatsle, and Bournemouth to beat Man City. Keep it as close as possible and hope for lady luck
That happens and it is in our hands then. No need for Lady Luck (apart from whether GK Onana has a blinder).
We're in a position where we've got to win the last game whatever happens, so although I have been thinking it would be good for us for Forest to lose tomorrow and be out of it, it might actually be better if they win. It would keep them right in it going into that last game with Chelsea and if they win that, we'd be in with a win.
That last minute goal at Citeh is now looking season definingWe’ve got the best form in the league since February, we’re on an incredible run, that would see us walk the league if it was sustained over a longer period. Theres really no point mulling over the one game we’ve lost in 3 months.
That last minute goal at Citeh is now looking season defining
Am I right in thinking we are almost guaranteed a minimum of 6th now?
As in, if Chelsea do beat Forest then Forest can't catch us. But if Forest beat Chelsea (and they get a win today) we can both get top 5 ahead of Chelsea (provided we at least get a point at Old Trafford)?
Am I right in thinking we are almost guaranteed a minimum of 6th now?
As in, if Chelsea do beat Forest then Forest can't catch us. But if Forest beat Chelsea (and they get a win today) we can both get top 5 ahead of Chelsea (provided we at least get a point at Old Trafford)?
Hadn't thought of this. Point guarantees 6th. Or Forest losing tomorrow. Citeh winning cup guarantees Europa.
Am I right in thinking we are almost guaranteed a minimum of 6th now?We can still finish 7th if we lose on the last day and Forest get a win and a draw in their last 2. Draw on the last day and Forest would need two wins to go ahead of us, but our draw would put us above Chelsea and in 6th, unless we win against United (then we'd be 5th).
As in, if Chelsea do beat Forest then Forest can't catch us. But if Forest beat Chelsea (and they get a win today) we can both get top 5 ahead of Chelsea (provided we at least get a point at Old Trafford)?
That last minute goal at Citeh is now looking season defining
It wasn’t the Man City goal for me.
It was the poor game management at the end of the Bournemouth home game, when we had the thing won and instead of managing the game we just kept booting the ball up the pitch and giving away cheap free kicks and chances till they scored.
The big 'what if' for me is 'what if Liverpool hadn't been on the beach when they played Chelsea.
The big 'what if' for me is 'what if Liverpool hadn't been on the beach when they played Chelsea.
Same here.
We are two points behind at the minute, so we could surpass it if we beat Man U.
I don’t think there’s anything wrong with hitting 69 points and not getting Champions League because other teams have done better, it’s a respectable tally that would have got it in many seasons.
I just really regret a silly goal that we brought on ourselves knowing how valuable those two points would be now.
The big 'what if' for me is 'what if Liverpool hadn't been on the beach when they played Chelsea.
Before last night, we were 8/5 to qualify for the CL (4/1 after the Citeh loss). We're now 5/6 on.
Before last night, we were 8/5 to qualify for the CL (4/1 after the Citeh loss). We're now 5/6 on.
What are the other teams around us? Not into gambling, so have no idea. I assume Forest are considered a long-shot, and all the other teams are considered a better chance than us?
Before last night, we were 8/5 to qualify for the CL (4/1 after the Citeh loss). We're now 5/6 on.
What are the other teams around us? Not into gambling, so have no idea. I assume Forest are considered a long-shot, and all the other teams are considered a better chance than us?
Newcastle 1/18 so 96%
Man City 1/12. 92%
Chelsea 4/9 55%
Us 11/10 47%
Forest 8/1 12%
I’d say that was about right. Which bookies are saying we are odds on ? Paddy power? Always pays to shop around.
Before last night, we were 8/5 to qualify for the CL (4/1 after the Citeh loss). We're now 5/6 on.
What are the other teams around us? Not into gambling, so have no idea. I assume Forest are considered a long-shot, and all the other teams are considered a better chance than us?
Newcastle 1/18 so 96%
Man City 1/12. 92%
Chelsea 4/9 55%
Us 11/10 47%
Forest 8/1 12%
I’d say that was about right. Which bookies are saying we are odds on ? Paddy power? Always pays to shop around.
Yeah, that feels about right. I would imagine Forest's odds will go up a bit, and ours and Chelsea down a bit, if they beat West Ham. We really need them to get a draw, in an ideal world. That would leave them needing to beat Chelsea on the last day to go above us and have Champions League still a possibility.
If they lose to West Ham, I fear they'll be a walkover for Chelsea on the last day, knowing they can't move up or down regardless of the result.
If Chelsea get to play Liverpool AND Forest in the last couple of games, while both of those teams are on the beach, they would be extremely lucky.
Before last night, we were 8/5 to qualify for the CL (4/1 after the Citeh loss). We're now 5/6 on.
What are the other teams around us? Not into gambling, so have no idea. I assume Forest are considered a long-shot, and all the other teams are considered a better chance than us?
europa and conf league are designed to knacker your squad so you can never dare to challenge domestically and join the big boys in the UCL. Chelsea have coped and will probably win the conf due to their massive squad but look at man utd and spurs whereabouts in the table, and west ham when they won it. Villa just about limped over the line last season. The only one worth entering is the champions league I'm sure emery knows it.Im sure he was thinking that when he was winning the Europa League, for the fourth time was it?
Guessing our game will be on TV now.
I expect all four will be. And MOTD will do that league table changes jump around the matches as well on the evening.
I guess we want Arsenal to batter the Jaudies tomorrow, Bournemouth to beat Man City on Tuesday. And Forest to get something at West Ham so they're still fighting on the last day v Chelsea.
I think we’ll draw at Man Utd, given we virtually never win there, but that will end up being enough. May change my mind if Forest win tomorrow.
Yep.
What effect does Palace winning have?
Is it top 5 CL, 6th Europa and 7th Conference?
My brain hurts.I'll just be happy to work it out after Sunday!
My brain hurts.
My brain hurts.
Like a warehouse ?
Yep, incredible achievement. Might not be as high as 52.1% when we kick off on Sunday, but either way.I agree with all the above. I just can’t see Man City dropping points - particularly after losing yesterday. I also hope Man Utd win the europa league as they will be well and truly in there flip flops. Plus can’t have spurs winning. My view all along has been if we win all our games and don’t qualify so be it
Arsenal can't be losing to Newcastle today. Any other result means they have to beat Everton. If they do lose, I think they're both gone. Southampton beating Arsenal seems unlikely, despite them being absolute fucking heroes last week.
Man City losing to Bournemouth is obviously the one, but a draw would be okay, as it opens up a draw against Fulham being enough.
I hope Forest win, so they go after Chelsea all guns blazing. It does rule out a draw being enough on the final day (Chelsea loss and Forest too far away), but I'd rather the odds were increased in our favour above rather than below.
I'd take the Newcastle loss, Man City draw and Forest win right now. We'd start in sixth and it'd be stressful as fuck with one point separating the five of us, but any of the three above drop any points and the win would do it.
Man City will do Bournemouth by at least 4 goals.
Man City will do Bournemouth by at least 4 goals.
No, I don't think they've got that in them, but they'll spunk a late win.
After Friday's games concluded, we're down to only 6,561 permutations for the Muskahound Supercomputer to ponder.
This leaves the following percentages of all scenarios for our finishing place:
2nd 0%
3rd 8.5%
4th 18.5%
5th 25.1%
6th 38.0%
7th 9.9%
So 52.1% of all permutations see us get top 5, versus 47.9% missing out. Still a coin toss, but up from the 33% before kick-off.
The thing is, will Forest play better with no pressure on them and Chelsea under pressure? Or will Forest be on the beach?i doubt they will want to finish on a whimper in front of their own fans and with the context of what happened in their previous home game i think they will be up for it
I will settle for a win at Mould Trafford. That would be something to celebrate all on it's own.
If Man U win the cup and get Champions League and Man City lose to Bournemouth, I bet a lot of the crowd would be happy to lose to us and we both get CL over their bitter rivals.
Hoping for Forest to win today and win (or draw) next week
Hoping for Forest to win today and win (or draw) next week
Which will put them back above us if we don't get something from the last game.
Forest winning today makes them getting a positive result more likely next week. I hope they beat West Ham, don't lose to Chelsea, we'll take care of the rest.
Want Forest to lose, we need as many scenarios in our favour as possible in play in the last week. Forest defeat today opens up the chance of finishing top five with a draw next week. A Forest win also means we still haven't even secured Europa League.Yeah agree , I'd like Forest out of the equation today. They will stay play hard last day at home .
Agree totally. I want Forest to have something to play for on the last day of the season. It might make no difference, but I’m not willing to take that chanceForest winning today makes them getting a positive result more likely next week. I hope they beat West Ham, don't lose to Chelsea, we'll take care of the rest.
Exactly.
Agree totally. I want Forest to have something to play for on the last day of the season. It might make no difference, but I’m not willing to take that chanceForest winning today makes them getting a positive result more likely next week. I hope they beat West Ham, don't lose to Chelsea, we'll take care of the rest.
Exactly.
Weird behaviour. We need to beat Man United, one of the worst sides in the league, likely after they've won a trophy and more time on the ale than the training pitch. If we're not looking after that, forget it.
If Chelsea beat Forest, then it doesn't matter what we do. Why on earth would you want a Forest side to lose even more confidence and have absolutely nothing to play for?
Weird behaviour. We need to beat Man United, one of the worst sides in the league, likely after they've won a trophy and more time on the ale than the training pitch. If we're not looking after that, forget it.
If Chelsea beat Forest, then it doesn't matter what we do. Why on earth would you want a Forest side to lose even more confidence and have absolutely nothing to play for?
Agreed- I understand we have a shite record against Manure, but preferring to weaken our chances of fifth to protect sixth is odd.
Put it this way, I would rather the certainty of Europa League football than some speculative psychology about marginally increasing our chances of Champions League football.
Put it this way, I would rather the certainty of Europa League football than some speculative psychology about marginally increasing our chances of Champions League football.
There's some fear about going to United because of our psychological scars of playing there but I saw something earlier that said United's form under Amorim is about the same as Jewell's as Derby manager when they set the record for lowest number of points.
Forest beat West Ham
Arsenal beat Newcastle
Bournemouth beat Man City
Forest draw/beat Chelsea*
Everton beat Newcastle
Fulham draw/beat Man City
We beat Man United*
Those are the most favourable results, but only a Villa win plus a Forest win/draw against Chelsea is needed.
Put it this way, I would rather the certainty of Europa League football than some speculative psychology about marginally increasing our chances of Champions League football.
It’s not speculative psychology really is it? If a team knows that by beating a team they’ll finish above them and end up in a higher value European competition it stands to reason they’ll go for it.
Ok - can we all at least agree that Newcastle losing against Arsenal is better?
It could be argued it's weird wanting a team to be in a position to catch us on the basis it means they'll play better next week, of which there is no guarantee.It's highly weird .
Put it this way, I would rather the certainty of Europa League football than some speculative psychology about marginally increasing our chances of Champions League football.
It’s not speculative psychology really is it? If a team knows that by beating a team they’ll finish above them and end up in a higher value European competition it stands to reason they’ll go for it.
It is completely speculative, you're guessing that a game next week is going to be affected by something that happens today.
I don’t know what I want. Why can’t I know what I want?
I'm not going to watch next week's game.
Got total confidence in the Villa to get the job done but the thought of those spawny shower of bastards getting a dodgy penalty or whatever and that costing us a top 5 finish just makes me feel sick thinking about it. Going to go on a nice long walk instead.
I'm not going to watch next week's game.
Got total confidence in the Villa to get the job done but the thought of those spawny shower of bastards getting a dodgy penalty or whatever and that costing us a top 5 finish just makes me feel sick thinking about it. Going to go on a nice long walk instead.
Same, the same route I did when we got the draw at West Ham to stay up in the Covid season.
Anything can happen next week, when the first team going for CL scores, the vibe in the other grounds changes completely. We need Martinez to have a blinder and Rogers to drive us forward, and we need some luck for once up there.
So a better chance of us finishing seventh. Great.
So a better chance of us finishing seventh. Great.
If we finish 7th it’s entirely on us. I prefer to look at as a better chance of being 5th.
I want a Tottenham win so Man U are playing to get the manager sacked on Sunday.
Plus I want us to have an undeniably better season than Man U for the first time in over forty years.
So a better chance of us finishing seventh. Great.
I'm not going to watch next week's game.Yeah I think I might sort my sock drawer out
Got total confidence in the Villa to get the job done but the thought of those spawny shower of bastards getting a dodgy penalty or whatever and that costing us a top 5 finish just makes me feel sick thinking about it. Going to go on a nice long walk instead.
I'm not going to watch next week's game.Yeah I think I might sort my sock drawer out
Got total confidence in the Villa to get the job done but the thought of those spawny shower of bastards getting a dodgy penalty or whatever and that costing us a top 5 finish just makes me feel sick thinking about it. Going to go on a nice long walk instead.
I disagree. Want Man U playing to get the manager sacked next week.
Nobody ever walks. He'd be losing about twenty million quid.
Nobody ever walks. He'd be losing about twenty million quid.
It's for the best. Optimism leads to disappointment.
They do because we can still finish seventh, now...
They do because we can still finish seventh, now...
5th is the prize we’ve been aiming for. Our chances of finishing there just improved. That’s what matters to me.
If Arsenal beat Newcastle and they are winning 1-0 that would be brilliant for us Newcastle play Everton next week.
They do because we can still finish seventh, now...
5th is the prize we’ve been aiming for. Our chances of finishing there just improved. That’s what matters to me.
I disagree. This morning we could theoretically finish above both Chelsea and Forest with a draw, that is no longer possible. I understand the idea of Forest playing better when they have "something to play for" but don't feel that offsets the benefit of being able to finish above both with a draw, given that we've won at Old Trafford fewer times than the UK has won Eurovision since the Second World War.
I'm with you all the way cd. Crazy logic to say that one of our direct rivals beating a team irrelevant to us improves our chances of finishing 5th. It's like a mass delusion based on football clichés.
However, I am more confident of us doing our bit next week.
I'm with you all the way cd. Crazy logic to say that one of our direct rivals beating a team irrelevant to us improves our chances of finishing 5th. It's like a mass delusion based on football clichés.
However, I am more confident of us doing our bit next week.
It does increase our chances of finishing 5th though. Equally it increases our chances of 7th at the same time.
I'm with you all the way cd. Crazy logic to say that one of our direct rivals beating a team irrelevant to us improves our chances of finishing 5th. It's like a mass delusion based on football clichés.
However, I am more confident of us doing our bit next week.
It does increase our chances of finishing 5th though. Equally it increases our chances of 7th at the same time.
How?
I'm with you all the way cd. Crazy logic to say that one of our direct rivals beating a team irrelevant to us improves our chances of finishing 5th. It's like a mass delusion based on football clichés.
However, I am more confident of us doing our bit next week.
It does increase our chances of finishing 5th though. Equally it increases our chances of 7th at the same time.
How?
Because Forest will actually put a shift in now against a side with 1 away win this year.
I'm with you all the way cd. Crazy logic to say that one of our direct rivals beating a team irrelevant to us improves our chances of finishing 5th. It's like a mass delusion based on football clichés.
However, I am more confident of us doing our bit next week.
It does increase our chances of finishing 5th though. Equally it increases our chances of 7th at the same time.
How?
Because Forest will actually put a shift in now against a side with 1 away win this year.
How do you know they wouldn't if they'd lost today?
I've just seen too many bad things happen in matches featuring Villa and the red franchise from Manchester and am trying to prepare myself psychologically for the worst. Sorry if my less than cheery disposition is pissing people off.
I'm with you all the way cd. Crazy logic to say that one of our direct rivals beating a team irrelevant to us improves our chances of finishing 5th. It's like a mass delusion based on football clichés.
However, I am more confident of us doing our bit next week.
It does increase our chances of finishing 5th though. Equally it increases our chances of 7th at the same time.
How?
Because Forest will actually put a shift in now against a side with 1 away win this year.
How do you know they wouldn't if they'd lost today?
Why on Earth would you expect a side that cannot finish any higher or lower, whose form has dropped off, having just lost to a rank West Ham side to match the sort of intensity they will now have for a potential Champions League spot.
I've just seen too many bad things happen in matches featuring Villa and the red franchise from Manchester and am trying to prepare myself psychologically for the worst. Sorry if my less than cheery disposition is pissing people off.
I appreciate that it's your coping mechanism and thinking we might not finish in the top five is perfectly reasonable. I haven't thought we'll finish in the top five for ages, and right now if I had to bet one way or the other I'd still go with not.
It's just the way you're treating anyone who puts the chance of this Villa (one league defeat since February) beating this Man Utd (one league win since February) at higher than zero percent, like you're the only person who is familiar with our record against them and the rest of us are a bunch of naive simpletons that's starting to get a bit tedious.
So if Everton won at Newcastle, a draw would get us into the Champion's League?
Good stuff - we need to win, but if we do and any of the following happens we’re top 5:
Citeh fail to take at least 4 points from their last two games
Chelsea fail to win
Newcastle fail to win
Anything can happen next week, when the first team going for CL scores, the vibe in the other grounds changes completely. We need Martinez to have a blinder and Rogers to drive us forward, and we need some luck for once up there.
I'd rather Martinez spent the game leaning against the post smoking cigarettes to be honest.
If we qualify, it will mean at least one of Man City, Arsenal and Chelsea miss out. The slim possibility of no London clubs participating is a genuinely delightful prospect.
Good stuff - we need to win, but if we do and any of the following happens we’re top 5:
Citeh fail to take at least 4 points from their last two games
Chelsea fail to win
Newcastle fail to win
We don't necessarily need to win. We could theoretically lose and qualify (at least until Tuesday).
Good stuff - we need to win, but if we do and any of the following happens we’re top 5:
Citeh fail to take at least 4 points from their last two games
Chelsea fail to win
Newcastle fail to win
We don't necessarily need to win. We could theoretically lose and qualify (at least until Tuesday).
Yeah I’ve just tweaked the post, I mean in all likelihood we need to win.
We go in knowing a win plus any one of three teams losing, or one of at least two teams drawing, gets us back in the Champions League.
I’d have scoffed if you’d told me that when we were stuck in mid-table.
We're a really fucking good side. Chelsea, Newcastle or Forest would be nowhere near this position if they'd have fought as intensely as we had in the Champions League.
We're a really fucking good side. Chelsea, Newcastle or Forest would be nowhere near this position if they'd have fought as intensely as we had in the Champions League.
Indeed and it makes me laugh when I’ve heard references to them being title contenders next year, and us not mentioned. We’re on the same points and they’ve had no Europe to deal with.
I'm not saying I'm over confident but I've just booked a hotel room in Budapest for 30th May next year.Cheers, Just reminded me to cancel my Munich hotel .
I’m going to go ultra positive - I think the fates have aligned to give us this game against the team we have struggled against more than anyone, to give us a win that gets us back to the top competition in Europe. It’s the ultimate voodoo cleansing exercise.
I've just seen too many bad things happen in matches featuring Villa and the red franchise from Manchester and am trying to prepare myself psychologically for the worst. Sorry if my less than cheery disposition is pissing people off.If the football gods read this thread, you are the only reason they won't want to smite us next week. Keep fighting the good fight.
I've just seen too many bad things happen in matches featuring Villa and the red franchise from Manchester and am trying to prepare myself psychologically for the worst. Sorry if my less than cheery disposition is pissing people off.
If the football gods read this thread, you are the only reason they won't want to smite us next week. Keep fighting the good fight.
I've just seen too many bad things happen in matches featuring Villa and the red franchise from Manchester and am trying to prepare myself psychologically for the worst. Sorry if my less than cheery disposition is pissing people off.
If the football gods read this thread, you are the only reason they won't want to smite us next week. Keep fighting the good fight.
They clearly didn't read the Spurs pre-match thread.
We have to assume that Citeh will win their last two so as long as we win, we need Forest to do the same.
Given the risk of us ending up in the Conference League, would anyone cash in right now with a place in the Europa League?
Will Isak be missing for next week? Could be a blow as they haven't won a match he has missed in the league this season.
Man City is a strange one. I think they had close to 50 chances over the last two games and haven't scored. You have to assume odds will be for them to convert if they keep on creating the chances, but also the pressure will be on them more. On Saturday there were a couple of times they should have scored but took extra touches to be sure and subsequently wasted them.
Given the risk of us ending up in the Conference League, would anyone cash in right now with a place in the Europa League?No, if its the conference we can focus all our energy on the League next season and treat the conference like Chelsea has.
That seems to contradict what the BBC were saying. Why is the official Premier League website relying on reports from ESPN? Shouldn't they know, or be able to ask UEFA to check?
That seems to contradict what the BBC were saying. Why is the official Premier League website relying on reports from ESPN? Shouldn't they know, or be able to ask UEFA to check?
8th get Europe in the following two scenarios:
Chelsea win the UECL, finish sixth and Newcastle finish seventh. This would involve Toon getting battered at home to Everton, so unlikely.
Or, Chelsea win the UECL and finish seventh. Not beyond the realms of possibility if Forest beat them, we win and City win twice.
That seems to contradict what the BBC were saying. Why is the official Premier League website relying on reports from ESPN? Shouldn't they know, or be able to ask UEFA to check?
I don't think it is. A while back the BEEB mentioned the rare case that Europe could go down to 11th but it would have needed Chelsea to finish 10th and Newcastle /FA Cup winners to finish outside top 5 but in Europe positions, so was ignored. I think this is just the continuation of this, but now Chelsea could finish 7th if they lost to Forest so it is possible.
The BBC do seem to have dropped the Chelsea so low step recently and only have what happens if they finished 6th.
I'm glad they have something to play for, but I'd have hoped Bournemouth and Fulham would give it their all just for honour, justice, and sheer love of the game.
That seems to contradict what the BBC were saying. Why is the official Premier League website relying on reports from ESPN? Shouldn't they know, or be able to ask UEFA to check?
I don't think it is. A while back the BEEB mentioned the rare case that Europe could go down to 11th but it would have needed Chelsea to finish 10th and Newcastle /FA Cup winners to finish outside top 5 but in Europe positions, so was ignored. I think this is just the continuation of this, but now Chelsea could finish 7th if they lost to Forest so it is possible.
The BBC do seem to have dropped the Chelsea so low step recently and only have what happens if they finished 6th.
On MOTD they definitely said if Chelsea win the Conference League and finish seventh then England would have no Conference League qualifier.
That seems to contradict what the BBC were saying. Why is the official Premier League website relying on reports from ESPN? Shouldn't they know, or be able to ask UEFA to check?
I don't think it is. A while back the BEEB mentioned the rare case that Europe could go down to 11th but it would have needed Chelsea to finish 10th and Newcastle /FA Cup winners to finish outside top 5 but in Europe positions, so was ignored. I think this is just the continuation of this, but now Chelsea could finish 7th if they lost to Forest so it is possible.
The BBC do seem to have dropped the Chelsea so low step recently and only have what happens if they finished 6th.
On MOTD they definitely said if Chelsea win the Conference League and finish seventh then England would have no Conference League qualifier.
Shhh, don’t tell Bournemouth
In the four Premier League games Isak has missed this season, Newcastle have scored once. That was an Anthony Gordon penalty in a draw.
It does not bode well for a final day the Magpies must already be dreading. Callum Wilson against the single most motivated form of Jordan Pickford there has ever been feels like a mismatch.
so this week, we are mostly supporting:
Bournemouth
Villa
Forest / Fulham
in that order ?
Or, if not that, hatred of Man City will do just as well. Come on you Cherry Cottagers!
so this week, we are mostly supporting:
Bournemouth
Villa
Forest / Fulham
in that order ?
And Liverpool tonight so Bournemouth can finish ahead of Brighton.
so this week, we are mostly supporting:
Bournemouth
Villa
Forest / Fulham
in that order ?
so this week, we are mostly supporting:
Bournemouth
Villa
Forest / Fulham
in that order ?
Yes, although I think if Bournemouth beat Man City then we'd be better off supporting Chelsea against Forest.
VILLA WINRight, I'm taking this as what I want it:
Qualify if any of the following happen:
Chelsea fail to beat Forest (a)
Newcastle fail to beat Everton (h)
Man City lose either of their remaining games, or draw both - Bournemouth (h), Fulham (a)
VILLA DRAW
Qualify if either of the following happen:
Newcastle lose to Everton
Man City take a maximum of one point from their remaining games
VILLA LOSE
Qualify if both of the following happen:
Chelsea beat Forest
Man City lose both their remaining games
If Bournemouth beat Citeh, we just need to worry about winning our game.
VILLA WINRight, I'm taking this as what I want it:
Qualify if any of the following happen:
Chelsea fail to beat Forest (a)
Newcastle fail to beat Everton (h)
Man City lose either of their remaining games, or draw both - Bournemouth (h), Fulham (a)
VILLA DRAW
Qualify if either of the following happen:
Newcastle lose to Everton
Man City take a maximum of one point from their remaining games
VILLA LOSE
Qualify if both of the following happen:
Chelsea beat Forest
Man City lose both their remaining games
- We beat Manchester United by a cricket score. 5-0 would take us ahead of Forest on goal difference, so that's a good start..
- Manchester City to lose both of their games
- Everton beat Newcastle
- Forest do the same thing as we do - so if we win, they win. If we lose, they lose. If we draw, they draw. Obviously we're winning at least 6-0, so I'll let them win 1-0.
I don't care ... I want to be ahead of them on goal difference as well, just to prove our superiority.VILLA WINRight, I'm taking this as what I want it:
Qualify if any of the following happen:
Chelsea fail to beat Forest (a)
Newcastle fail to beat Everton (h)
Man City lose either of their remaining games, or draw both - Bournemouth (h), Fulham (a)
VILLA DRAW
Qualify if either of the following happen:
Newcastle lose to Everton
Man City take a maximum of one point from their remaining games
VILLA LOSE
Qualify if both of the following happen:
Chelsea beat Forest
Man City lose both their remaining games
- We beat Manchester United by a cricket score. 5-0 would take us ahead of Forest on goal difference, so that's a good start..
- Manchester City to lose both of their games
- Everton beat Newcastle
- Forest do the same thing as we do - so if we win, they win. If we lose, they lose. If we draw, they draw. Obviously we're winning at least 6-0, so I'll let them win 1-0.
We are already a point clear of Forest so goal difference is irrelevant if we win.
Is that the difference between the bog standard participation package?Given the risk of us ending up in the Conference League, would anyone cash in right now with a place in the Europa League?
Nope, the difference in prize money between Conference and Europa is about £10m. The difference between Champions League and Europa is about £30-40m.
I don't care ... I want to be ahead of them on goal difference as well, just to prove our superiority.VILLA WINRight, I'm taking this as what I want it:
Qualify if any of the following happen:
Chelsea fail to beat Forest (a)
Newcastle fail to beat Everton (h)
Man City lose either of their remaining games, or draw both - Bournemouth (h), Fulham (a)
VILLA DRAW
Qualify if either of the following happen:
Newcastle lose to Everton
Man City take a maximum of one point from their remaining games
VILLA LOSE
Qualify if both of the following happen:
Chelsea beat Forest
Man City lose both their remaining games
- We beat Manchester United by a cricket score. 5-0 would take us ahead of Forest on goal difference, so that's a good start..
- Manchester City to lose both of their games
- Everton beat Newcastle
- Forest do the same thing as we do - so if we win, they win. If we lose, they lose. If we draw, they draw. Obviously we're winning at least 6-0, so I'll let them win 1-0.
We are already a point clear of Forest so goal difference is irrelevant if we win.
Get 7-0 and we increase the record for their biggest ever home defeat (6-0 in 1914, by us).
Reach 8-0 and we beat the record for their biggest ever defeat home or away (7-0 - also us - 1930).
I'd like 12-0 or so, so that we can catch up with Newcastle and Chelsea. Should be easy enough.
Isak usually misses a few weeks with those groin strains, which seem to occur pretty frequently with him.QuoteIn the four Premier League games Isak has missed this season, Newcastle have scored once. That was an Anthony Gordon penalty in a draw.
It does not bode well for a final day the Magpies must already be dreading. Callum Wilson against the single most motivated form of Jordan Pickford there has ever been feels like a mismatch.
Let's hope the Newcastle physios are having an off-week.
Is that the difference between the bog standard participation package?Given the risk of us ending up in the Conference League, would anyone cash in right now with a place in the Europa League?
Nope, the difference in prize money between Conference and Europa is about £10m. The difference between Champions League and Europa is about £30-40m.
What's the difference between, say, qualifying for the last 16 in the CL and winning the Europa?
I don't care ... I want to be ahead of them on goal difference as well, just to prove our superiority.VILLA WINRight, I'm taking this as what I want it:
Qualify if any of the following happen:
Chelsea fail to beat Forest (a)
Newcastle fail to beat Everton (h)
Man City lose either of their remaining games, or draw both - Bournemouth (h), Fulham (a)
VILLA DRAW
Qualify if either of the following happen:
Newcastle lose to Everton
Man City take a maximum of one point from their remaining games
VILLA LOSE
Qualify if both of the following happen:
Chelsea beat Forest
Man City lose both their remaining games
- We beat Manchester United by a cricket score. 5-0 would take us ahead of Forest on goal difference, so that's a good start..
- Manchester City to lose both of their games
- Everton beat Newcastle
- Forest do the same thing as we do - so if we win, they win. If we lose, they lose. If we draw, they draw. Obviously we're winning at least 6-0, so I'll let them win 1-0.
We are already a point clear of Forest so goal difference is irrelevant if we win.
Get 7-0 and we increase the record for their biggest ever home defeat (6-0 in 1914, by us).
Reach 8-0 and we beat the record for their biggest ever defeat home or away (7-0 - also us - 1930).
I'd like 12-0 or so, so that we can catch up with Newcastle and Chelsea. Should be easy enough.
I’ve always hated these hypotheticals because they’re a load of bollocks
Having said that I’m now going to ask one because I’m a massive hypocrite
Which option would you choose
1 - Champions League football again and take our chances
2 - guaranteed Europa conference league winners
DittoI’ve always hated these hypotheticals because they’re a load of bollocks
Having said that I’m now going to ask one because I’m a massive hypocrite
Which option would you choose
1 - Champions League football again and take our chances
2 - guaranteed Europa conference league winners
Number 1.
I’ve always hated these hypotheticals because they’re a load of bollocks
Having said that I’m now going to ask one because I’m a massive hypocrite
Which option would you choose
1 - Champions League football again and take our chances
2 - guaranteed Europa conference league winners
According to the Premier League website, 8th can still get Europe?Sky we’re saying the same yesterday
https://www.premierleague.com/news/4279477 (https://www.premierleague.com/news/4279477)
Come on Bournemouth! 8)
I don’t know why there is confusion about the Conf League place as it’s Newcastle’s currently as the League Cup Winners unless they qualify for a higher competition in which case it gets given to the League. Whether Chelsea win the Conf League seems neither here nor there to that equation. Unless there is some obscure UEFA competition regualtion that forbids this?
8th get Europe in the following two scenarios:
Chelsea win the UECL, finish sixth and Newcastle finish seventh. This would involve Toon getting battered at home to Everton, so unlikely.
Or, Chelsea win the UECL and finish seventh. Not beyond the realms of possibility if Forest beat them, we win and City win twice.
Is it better if ManUre win the EL for us?
I'm not sure I can watch on Sunday. I might just wait to see the final scores rather than go through the stress of watching us lead at Old Trafford, then throw it away, while all the other results go for us!
I don’t know why there is confusion about the Conf League place as it’s Newcastle’s currently as the League Cup Winners unless they qualify for a higher competition in which case it gets given to the League. Whether Chelsea win the Conf League seems neither here nor there to that equation. Unless there is some obscure UEFA competition regualtion that forbids this?
Newcastle secured at least Conference League football when they won the League Cup. However, should they finish in the top six, they would qualify for the Champions League or Europa League and the League Cup holder's Conference League place would not be used, instead it would pass to the seventh placed team.
The Conference League winners qualify for the following year's Europa League, unless they have otherwise qualified for the Champions League.
So, if Chelsea finish seventh and win the Conference League, the 5th, 6th and 7th placed teams would all qualify for the Europa League.
The discussion is what happens to England's Conference League spot in those circumstances. Does England lose it, or does it pass to the eighth placed team? The suggestion now seems to be that the latter is the case.
after they equalised , those were the longest minutes ever since the Derby final when they pulled the gosl backI'm not sure I can watch on Sunday. I might just wait to see the final scores rather than go through the stress of watching us lead at Old Trafford, then throw it away, while all the other results go for us!
I remember having to escape the TV for the last 20 mins of the West Ham relegation game....I couldn't stand it, so just had to get outside and away from all updates.
it was bloody horrible.
The discussion is what happens to England's Conference League spot in those circumstances. Does England lose it, or does it pass to the eighth placed team? The suggestion now seems to be that the latter is the case.
Is it better if ManUre win the EL for us?
Absolutely.Is it better if ManUre win the EL for us?
No. We want a poisonous atmosphere and the players playing to get the manager sacked.
Absolutely.Is it better if ManUre win the EL for us?
No. We want a poisonous atmosphere and the players playing to get the manager sacked.
Absolutely.Is it better if ManUre win the EL for us?
No. We want a poisonous atmosphere and the players playing to get the manager sacked.
Or they win celebrate like mad and are in a right state when they play us.
You can argue it both ways in terms of their motivation or lack of.
No. We need that stadium flatter than ever and a toxic atmosphere. Players getting into arguments with fans etc .It pains me to say it but the only result I want is a Spurs win hopefully on penalties after a grueling half hour of extra time. That way Old Toilet will be toxic on Sunday and the players will be gutted after losing . I wouldn't normally wish injury on a player but in Brunos case I'll make an exception.
You can argue it both ways in terms of their motivation or lack of.
You definitely can.
Given Coopers' is in favour of "it's better if Man Utd have lost" though, with his track record I feel even more confident with the opposite position.
The idea of Spuds winning a trophy… it’s abhorrent.To be fair, that applies to both teams
The idea of Spuds winning a trophy… it’s abhorrent.Either way is abhorrent. I can't really argue for either result in terms of how it impacts us. Largely because I'm convinced we're going to twat the red ******.
Sure. Still better than the alternative.Exactly.
The idea of Spuds winning a trophy… it’s abhorrent.It's one night, it's not easy or pleasant but get it done , go to bed and sleep and then blank it from memory, it never happened.
Sure, why not? Man United 14th-17th in the league? He'd have to go if they don't win a trophy. That's pathetic.
Hope I'm wrong and they lose both their remaining games and keep him, but can't see them being so stupid.
It’ll be like watching two slugs fuck.
Sure, why not? Man United 14th-17th in the league? He'd have to go if they don't win a trophy. That's pathetic.
Hope I'm wrong and they lose both their remaining games and keep him, but can't see them being so stupid.
It is pathetic but the money they spent getting rid of Ten Haag and his team and then hiring Amorim, paying the compensation only to pot him after not even a full season, they’ve been awful under two highly regarded coaches that played brilliant football pre Man U. Where would they go after that?
I think Spurs will pot Ange regardless, I think Yanited will keep Amorim regardless
It’ll be like watching two slugs fuck.
What channel's that on?
It’ll be like watching two slugs fuck.
What channel's that on?
If you can imagine it, someone gets off on it. :-[
Sure, why not? Man United 14th-17th in the league? He'd have to go if they don't win a trophy. That's pathetic.
Hope I'm wrong and they lose both their remaining games and keep him, but can't see them being so stupid.
It is pathetic but the money they spent getting rid of Ten Haag and his team and then hiring Amorim, paying the compensation only to pot him after not even a full season, they’ve been awful under two highly regarded coaches that played brilliant football pre Man U. Where would they go after that?
Literally anyone who'd ever played Football Manager, seen a game of football or even had a vague understanding of the concept of feet could probably do better than having Man U just above the relegation zone.
I think Spurs will pot Ange regardless, I think Yanited will keep Amorim regardless
I agree.
Sure, why not? Man United 14th-17th in the league? He'd have to go if they don't win a trophy. That's pathetic.
Hope I'm wrong and they lose both their remaining games and keep him, but can't see them being so stupid.
It is pathetic but the money they spent getting rid of Ten Haag and his team and then hiring Amorim, paying the compensation only to pot him after not even a full season, they’ve been awful under two highly regarded coaches that played brilliant football pre Man U. Where would they go after that?
Literally anyone who'd ever played Football Manager, seen a game of football or even had a vague understanding of the concept of feet could probably do better than having Man U just above the relegation zone.
😂. I might apply if there becomes a vacancy!
( I’ve got a picture of Father Jack in my head “are those my feet”)
Sure, why not? Man United 14th-17th in the league? He'd have to go if they don't win a trophy. That's pathetic.
Hope I'm wrong and they lose both their remaining games and keep him, but can't see them being so stupid.
It is pathetic but the money they spent getting rid of Ten Haag and his team and then hiring Amorim, paying the compensation only to pot him after not even a full season, they’ve been awful under two highly regarded coaches that played brilliant football pre Man U. Where would they go after that?
Literally anyone who'd ever played Football Manager, seen a game of football or even had a vague understanding of the concept of feet could probably do better than having Man U just above the relegation zone.
😂. I might apply if there becomes a vacancy!
( I’ve got a picture of Father Jack in my head “are those my feet”)
If there is one club that would get away with cheating us with a goal scored with fake hands, it'll be Man United. ☹️
I don't really care which of those two shit house clubs win unless there is a slant which impacts us, and there is
I'd rather play Man United without them having the boost of having won a European trophy a few days before. Therefore, I hope Spurs win.
Jesus Christ, sometimes I hate football.
I much prefer the new format, especially teams not dropping down a competition. It was ridiculous that you had cases of a team playing in all 3 in a single season.
I don't really care which of those two shit house clubs win unless there is a slant which impacts us, and there is
I'd rather play Man United without them having the boost of having won a European trophy a few days before. Therefore, I hope Spurs win.
Yeah no one complained about it until this season. I know people have been saying the CL teams not dropping down has affected the quality of the comp, which I can understand but I do think it's a bit of a freak occurrence this season that the two finalists have been so dreadful domestically.
There's a lot of guesswork, there. No different to the guesswork by any of those who say they'd rather Man U lost, as below.
By the sounds of it Tottenham will be sacking the manager regardless. It might work, it might not. But they'll effectively be resetting next season either way, whether they're in the Champions League or not.
A Man United win would lift the whole club. They lose and are, as reports indicate, stupid enough to keep Amorim, they'll start next season with a cloud hanging over them, probably sack him in about October when it's difficult to attract top managers, and likely spend much of next season roughly where they are now.
I reckon 🙂
I'd rather play a de-motivated Man Yoo so for that reason only I hope Spuds win.
Surely this is going to raise a debate about the whole idea of giving a CL berth to the winners of the Europa Cup? It's the worst case scenario for UEFA because they are going to have a team in the CL next season who finished 16th or 17th. It makes a mockery of the name of the competition.
I don't really care which of those two shit house clubs win unless there is a slant which impacts us, and there is
I'd rather play Man United without them having the boost of having won a European trophy a few days before. Therefore, I hope Spurs win.
With respect, I think that's a bit short-sighted as to which impacts Villa.
As per the above, it's easy to make the argument that a (even more) broken demoralised Man Utd is the better one to play. It's equally valid that a tools-down, slightly-hungover version who don't need to give a toss about turning up on the last day is the better one to play. In truth, we *should* beat either version comfortably anyway.
When they sack Postecoglou, Spurs will be better next season than they have been this. People seem to have completely written them off forever now, much like they decided in the two seasons prior to this one that Chelsea were now an irrelevent joke that we didn't need to worry about any more. I remember last summer there were people on here absolutely losing their minds that various pundits were predicting that Chelsea might finish above us this season.
Spurs finished fifth last season and this will be the first time that they've finished lower than eighth since 2008. Until recently the "Spursy" moniker was due to them not winning the league when Leicester did and not winnning the Champions League final. Give them a slightly better manager than the current one, the Champions League to attract players (exactly the sort of players that we would presumably be interested in) and another £150m to spend and they're competing for the positions that we want to be in, like they have been every season until this one for the last twenty years.
The current Man Utd are far more likely to mess up the additional money and power that the Champions League gives them, just like they did last season. They've got an old, unsuitable squad that they can't sell, and the £50m of Champions League money will probably just go to paying off Amorim and his staff when that Brexit twat sacks him in November because they're only ninth in the league.
Maybe both clubs snap out of it and sort themselves out. They definitely will at some point in the next ten years. But Spurs being in the Champions League next season probably makes a big difference to us. Man Utd being in the Champions League probably doesn't.
I disagree, Spurs never have and never will dominate English football, the other lot have and and potentially could again. Keep them in the mire for as long as possible.
I assume the rule hasn't changed drastically since last year, which is:I don’t know why there is confusion about the Conf League place as it’s Newcastle’s currently as the League Cup Winners unless they qualify for a higher competition in which case it gets given to the League. Whether Chelsea win the Conf League seems neither here nor there to that equation. Unless there is some obscure UEFA competition regualtion that forbids this?
Newcastle secured at least Conference League football when they won the League Cup. However, should they finish in the top six, they would qualify for the Champions League or Europa League and the League Cup holder's Conference League place would not be used, instead it would pass to the seventh placed team.
The Conference League winners qualify for the following year's Europa League, unless they have otherwise qualified for the Champions League.
So, if Chelsea finish seventh and win the Conference League, the 5th, 6th and 7th placed teams would all qualify for the Europa League.
The discussion is what happens to England's Conference League spot in those circumstances. Does England lose it, or does it pass to the eighth placed team? The suggestion now seems to be that the latter is the case.
Now, I'm not a gambling man. But I singlehandedly dragged Villa over the line last season by betting on Spurs to get top 4, which would have paid for my season ticket.
A quick check on SkyBet tells me that betting £15 on all the results to go against us - (Man City beating Bournemouth and Fulham, Chelsea beating Forest, and Newcastle beating Everton) would net me £1.1k.
It's tempting.
Edit - It had both teams to score on it >:(
I disagree, Spurs never have and never will dominate English football, the other lot have and and potentially could again. Keep them in the mire for as long as possible.
They don't need to dominate English football to make our 25-26 season much harder than it needs to be. They just need to return to being the same Spurs as they've been for the last twenty minus one years.
I think we can discount Citeh now. Fulham aren’t winning that game.Yep , it's come down to this now .
So we need to win and hope Chelsea or Newcastle fail to match our result.
Whichever way you cut it, we have to win next week and hope Chelsea don’t.I said a couple of days ago, it simply comes down to this.
Then it’s done and dusted.
I think Forest have run out of energy, as was always likely to happen. They're basically MON-era Villa. Can't see them beating Chelsea, sadly.
Forest to win 3-1, the cheques in the post.
Newcastle to draw 1-1. Walkers Nonsuch rule.
Fulham to win 4-1, Pepohlookatmei'mgourgeousola, to be sacked.
Villa to win, we sign Isak!!!.
...while Forest, a team with an excellent home record and still with everything to play for don't lose at home to Chelsea, a team with no available strikers
Palace proving last night that the confidence and feel good factor of winning a cup outweighs the downside of ‘partying for two days’.A very, very good point
Therefore I want Man Utd to lose tonight.
Palace proving last night that the confidence and feel good factor of winning a cup outweighs the downside of ‘partying for two days’.
Therefore I want Man Utd to lose tonight.
Palace proving last night that the confidence and feel good factor of winning a cup outweighs the downside of ‘partying for two days’.
Therefore I want Man Utd to lose tonight.
Palace proving last night that the confidence and feel good factor of winning a cup outweighs the downside of ‘partying for two days’.
Therefore I want Man Utd to lose tonight.
Palace proving last night that the confidence and feel good factor of winning a cup outweighs the downside of ‘partying for two days’.A very, very good point
Therefore I want Man Utd to lose tonight.
Unai means cowherd, I just discovered.
If we can’t beat this United rabble on Sunday we don’t deserve ECL. They’re utter shite.
If we win our game, then there are only 27 possible permutations for the other three.
Only 2 of those 27 see us finishing outside the top 5. So over 92% of all possible outcomes result in us painting the Champions League claret and blue once again.
So yep, get the win and we'd have to be unlucky not to get in.
Still possible for us to finish 3rd. Think we've only done that twice in our history.
Still possible for us to finish 3rd. Think we've only done that twice in our history.
Yeah we've only finished third in the top flight twice, 1894/95 and 1928/29.
Yeah we've only finished third in the top flight twice, 1894/95 and 1928/29.
I've mentioned that on here before. It's a bit of a quirky stat, given how often we've been runners-up.
I've resigned myself to accepting that we will be playing in the Europa league next season. It's the only one we haven't had a crack at yet and Unai's got a great record in it so we have a chance of winning it. CL would be a bonus of course but we have the worst goal difference out of the competing teams. We've struggled to get our goal difference into the positive column all season long and it's turned out to be our achilles heel.
Maybe. Or maybe it'll turn out that our injury time winner against Chelsea was the vital goal?
Maybe. Or maybe it'll turn out that our injury time winner against Chelsea was the vital goal?
True but if the Citeh goal hadn’t gone iin we’d have 67 and they would have 66
The defence switched off in the 95th minute and it was a hammer blow. Not only for our CL ambitions but it carried over to the semi final a few days later. Over the season we've dropped plenty of points in games where we've missed great chances. We also developed an alarming knack of conceding from the first shot on target. All in all it lead to us having a negative goal difference right up until quite recently. When you look at it that way it's quite an achievement that we're still in with a shout of CL football going into the last game. I guess what I'm getting at is we need to score more goals and concede less. Who knew.I've resigned myself to accepting that we will be playing in the Europa league next season. It's the only one we haven't had a crack at yet and Unai's got a great record in it so we have a chance of winning it. CL would be a bonus of course but we have the worst goal difference out of the competing teams. We've struggled to get our goal difference into the positive column all season long and it's turned out to be our achilles heel.
Our Achilles heel turned out to be tha last minute goal we conceded against Citeh - and if I remember rightly Unai’s face said it all when it went in, he was devastated
Yeah we've only finished third in the top flight twice, 1894/95 and 1928/29. Once in the second tier (1972/73) the year before they extended promotion from the top two to the top three. 🥺Bloody hell that must of took some serious research. Fair play .
Yeah we've only finished third in the top flight twice, 1894/95 and 1928/29. Once in the second tier (1972/73) the year before they extended promotion from the top two to the top three. 🥺Bloody hell that must of took some serious research. Fair play .
Yeah we've only finished third in the top flight twice, 1894/95 and 1928/29. Once in the second tier (1972/73) the year before they extended promotion from the top two to the top three. 🥺Bloody hell that must of took some serious research. Fair play .
He just looked on the right wall of his bedroom.
I don't think it's going to happen. There I've said it. 😔
I don't think it's going to happen. There I've said it. 😔
You and the Beeb by the read of it, their take this morning reads to me that they think Forest have got more chance of it than us.
I think it depends on us winning, obviously. If we can turn up and get a result under pressure, then I think one of the other results will go for us. But whether we do is what I'm wrestling with!!
I don’t buy all this talk of the man city game, why not go back to any game during the season, what about Bournemouth at home, the two Ipswich draws, how about Malens last minute miss against Liverpool, or Ollies two open goal misses against Arsenal back in August.
We are where we are and we have a good chance on Sunday.
Whatever happens, if we finish on 69 points, 2 more points than last season, whilst having to compete (and boy did we) in the Champions League and at one point not being able to field 2 CB's, is quite incredible when you sit back and think about it.
Whatever happens, if we finish on 69 points, 2 more points than last season, whilst having to compete (and boy did we) in the Champions League and at one point not being able to field 2 CB's, is quite incredible when you sit back and think about it.
We've been fucking useless and need to buck up our ideas.
I tend to agree. If we win then we will have done our bit. Even if we end up 6/7th it still represents a successful season although I suspect the consensus will be one of disappointment.
I tend to agree. If we win then we will have done our bit. Even if we end up 6/7th it still represents a successful season although I suspect the consensus will be one of disappointment.
It wont be fair or even reasonable, but if we finish 7th (or even 6th for some) the season will end with a lot of fans feeling deflated.
I think the PL has been weaker this season than last, this does not undermine the impact that CL football has had on our league form.The league has been weaker due to how dire the bottom 3 are and the immense fall off of clubs like Spurz and ManUre
We could and should have more point than we have right now though.
I think the PL has been weaker this season than last, this does not undermine the impact that CL football has had on our league form.The league has been weaker due to how dire the bottom 3 are and the immense fall off of clubs like Spurz and ManUre
We could and should have more point than we have right now though.
I tend to agree. If we win then we will have done our bit. Even if we end up 6/7th it still represents a successful season although I suspect the consensus will be one of disappointment.
It wont be fair or even reasonable, but if we finish 7th (or even 6th for some) the season will end with a lot of fans feeling deflated.
It shouldn't though. Worse case scenario, we finish 2 points behind what we achieved last year having had to combine league football with the CL for the first time in the modern era. Then not being far off reaching the semi finals of the CL and a semi final of the FA cup when we normally go out in the 3rd round. All while we had to sell Luiz and Diaby.
The big immediate disappointment tomorrow will be if we don't do our bit and win.
The bottom 3 were shit last year. I'm not sure the bottom 3 being shit again this year makes any difference.Well it does . This season the bottom 3 collected 59 points in total.
The bottom 3 were shit last year. I'm not sure the bottom 3 being shit again this year makes any difference.Well it does . This season the bottom 3 collected 59 points in total.
Last season they collected 80 points .
76 then . 22/23 the bottom 3 collected 90 points.The bottom 3 were shit last year. I'm not sure the bottom 3 being shit again this year makes any difference.Well it does . This season the bottom 3 collected 59 points in total.
Last season they collected 80 points .
Luton 26, Burnley 24, Sheff U 16. Total points, not 80.
Not 76 either. Keep trying.
Cooking the books , whoops . I'll go for a lie down.Not 76 either. Keep trying.
Brilliant. Glad he's not my accountant.
So long as we win tomorrow - I won’t have too many complaints.I think the biggest threat to us tomorrow is Palmer at Chelsea . That lad can win games on his own , just need to pray Forest are on him .
We did well given the pressure of UCL, plus the ffp tightrope which I think meant we came into the season light. We had a lit of injuries in the first half - something a lot of our peers didn’t.
I think whatever happens will go into next season looking quite different - so would be great for us to end with a win.
I think the biggest threat to us tomorrow is Palmer at Chelsea . That lad can win games on his own , just need to pray Forest are on him .
I reckon, if we end the season with a solid 69, there will be satisfaction all round.
Arsenal and Citeh have gone backwards.I think the PL has been weaker this season than last, this does not undermine the impact that CL football has had on our league form.The league has been weaker due to how dire the bottom 3 are and the immense fall off of clubs like Spurz and ManUre
We could and should have more point than we have right now though.
Countered by the improvement of Newcastle and Chelsea.
Yep, and it's not even one of Liverpool's better teams of recent yearsArsenal and Citeh have gone backwards.I think the PL has been weaker this season than last, this does not undermine the impact that CL football has had on our league form.The league has been weaker due to how dire the bottom 3 are and the immense fall off of clubs like Spurz and ManUre
We could and should have more point than we have right now though.
Countered by the improvement of Newcastle and Chelsea.
Overall i think the standard has gone down.
Liverpool won it at a canter.
'tanian has probably crunched the numbers on this - are we more likely to finish 6th or 7th tomorrow?
'tanian has probably crunched the numbers on this - are we more likely to finish 6th or 7th tomorrow?
Yeah - Brentford, Brighton, Bournemouth, Fulham and Palace are the least "mid-table fodder" I can remember the PL having. They all have really good players and top-class managers.
'tanian has probably crunched the numbers on this - are we more likely to finish 6th or 7th tomorrow?
I have indeed.
As it stands today, there are 81 permutations remaining. The percentage showing us finishing per position, are;
3rd 4.9%
4th 14.8%
5th 22.2%
6th 35.8%
7th 22.2%
Yeah, the league is definitely stronger as a whole. It's also why the promoted teams are really beginning to struggle. I think we may have also seen the end of teams getting around 100 points, for a time, anyway.
If we draw we can't finish worse than 6th either'tanian has probably crunched the numbers on this - are we more likely to finish 6th or 7th tomorrow?
Well we entirely control that. If we win we can’t finish worse than 6th.
'tanian has probably crunched the numbers on this - are we more likely to finish 6th or 7th tomorrow?
I have indeed.
As it stands today, there are 81 permutations remaining. The percentage showing us finishing per position, are;
3rd 4.9%
4th 14.8%
5th 22.2%
6th 35.8%
7th 22.2%
I did this many years ago with our odds of getting into UEFA. Very few options had us not qualifying. Then Darren Ambrose scored a scrappy free kick and we didn’t qualify.
Yeah. I'm guessing it was the close run thing with Liverpool and someone else, probably Newcastle, in 2004 under O'Leary. I remember the year because Liverpool finished fourth and that led to Istanbul
Definitely no Europe as O'Neill's Moscow was the first run since Gregory when we lost to whoever it was after Atletico Madrid. Celta Vigo?
Edit: Not true. Forgot NK fucking Varteks. Haven't heard of them before or since.
Edit2: Just googled and Varteks folded 10 years ago.
Come on Forest, Fulham, Everton.
Everton have got no chance without Big Ears and Branthwaite.
(Please let this post be mocked within an inch of its life at around 6pm tonight).
Everton have got no chance without Big Ears and Branthwaite.
(Please let this post be mocked within an inch of its life at around 6pm tonight).
I mentioned when Tarkowski went off injured it would be bad for us. I actually think both Citeh and Chelsea got three points because of him being missed.
I think we'll win, and I don't think Chelsea will. If this happens, fantastic, we'll finish top five. If not, 24 out of 27 points in our last nine games bodes very well for next season. We're statistically the best team in the league going into today. Who would have forecast this run of results at the end of our loss at Selhurst, Park?
I think we'll win, and I don't think Chelsea will. If this happens, fantastic, we'll finish top five. If not, 24 out of 27 points in our last nine games bodes very well for next season. We're statistically the best team in the league going into today. Who would have forecast this run of results at the end of our loss at Selhurst Park?
Newcastle 2-0, fairly straightforward.Flipping hell. Has someone trod on your foot ?
Man City 3-1, drawing for a bit then then get a couple in the last 20
Villa 1-1, late 87th Utd equaliser
Chelsea 3-2, stoppage time Chelsea winner.
Newcastle 2-0, fairly straightforward.
Man City 3-1, drawing for a bit then then get a couple in the last 20
Villa 1-1, late 87th Utd equaliser
Chelsea 3-2, stoppage time Chelsea winner.
Honestly wouldn't have minded Europa League at the start of the season and probably even at the turn of the year, but missing out on the Champions League (and particularly in that fashion).feels like a big blow and one that could have wider ramifications for the club.
Honestly wouldn't have minded Europa League at the start of the season and probably even at the turn of the year, but missing out on the Champions League (and particularly in that fashion).feels like a big blow and one that could have wider ramifications for the club.
Agree. Not even trying to win today, when it's the last thing to play for, is criminal. This team will be broken up in the summer because PSR and it's going to be a while until we compete for CL again.
Honestly wouldn't have minded Europa League at the start of the season and probably even at the turn of the year, but missing out on the Champions League (and particularly in that fashion).feels like a big blow and one that could have wider ramifications for the club.
Honestly wouldn't have minded Europa League at the start of the season and probably even at the turn of the year, but missing out on the Champions League (and particularly in that fashion).feels like a big blow and one that could have wider ramifications for the club.
Agree. Not even trying to win today, when it's the last thing to play for, is criminal. This team will be broken up in the summer because PSR and it's going to be a while until we compete for CL again.
Honestly wouldn't have minded Europa League at the start of the season and probably even at the turn of the year, but missing out on the Champions League (and particularly in that fashion).feels like a big blow and one that could have wider ramifications for the club.
Agree. Not even trying to win today, when it's the last thing to play for, is criminal. This team will be broken up in the summer because PSR and it's going to be a while until we compete for CL again.
Or maybe the team needs to be broken up? In Unai I trust
Honestly wouldn't have minded Europa League at the start of the season and probably even at the turn of the year, but missing out on the Champions League (and particularly in that fashion).feels like a big blow and one that could have wider ramifications for the club.
Agree. Not even trying to win today, when it's the last thing to play for, is criminal. This team will be broken up in the summer because PSR and it's going to be a while until we compete for CL again.
Why? We can come back every bit as strong next season and compete again for a top 4 place. As shit as today was we’ve had a brilliant overall end to the PL season. That didn’t happen by accident. What fucked things up was the start we made and the massive defensive injuries we had at CB.
Fuck the FA I hope England never win a pot again!I wouldn't worry too much about that!
Still feeling raw at the moment. If I'm honest though, it's the financial implications that are main concern, with missing out on potential fixtures against some of the giant clubs also being a consideration.The summer is going to be about complying with PSR with a severely reduced budget, Europa League is worth l circa 20% of Champions League revenue.
However poor we were today, the bottom line is that we didn’t qualify for the Champions League and the Jaudis did because of a corrupt refereeing decision.
You just know we are losing in the Europa SF or Final to Palace next year.I am properly worried about the prospect of playing Go Ahead Eagles.
As Emery said we really lost out on the CL in the first part of the season. We will do it two ways next season. Europa winners and league position. We will come back stronger.
As Emery said we really lost out on the CL in the first part of the season. We will do it two ways next season. Europa winners and league position. We will come back stronger.
When it comes down to fine margins, you are always going to look back at various points over the season, but in the end it came down to yesterday and we blew it.
As Emery said we really lost out on the CL in the first part of the season. We will do it two ways next season. Europa winners and league position. We will come back stronger.
When it comes down to fine margins, you are always going to look back at various points over the season, but in the end it came down to yesterday and we blew it.
As Emery said we really lost out on the CL in the first part of the season. We will do it two ways next season. Europa winners and league position. We will come back stronger.
When it comes down to fine margins, you are always going to look back at various points over the season, but in the end it came down to yesterday and we blew it.
We certainly could have played better. But then again we have played well there or other places and lost. Fine margins also comes down to the refs decision to blow his whistle. We somehow got to that point 0-0 with a man down. I’d have put money on us finding a way to hold on to at least a point with 20 to go.
Very much the "nearly" season, we have shown Arsenal levels of choking in the big games when it mattered most .
We won pretty much every "big game" at home. We lost every one against our rivals for the Champions League away from home and were knocked out of the cup the first time we played a team from our own division outside Aston.
I think we maybe lack a bit of pace on the break. Teams can't commit so many players forward when they know you have someone like Diaby or Bailey (anywhere near his best) to catch them out on the counter. Compare that to the last ten minutes at Forest, or pretty much the whole game in Paris or even against a fucking dreadful Man U team yesterday where they were camped in our half.
Even at the time, Philogene never looked like a signing who would replace the output of Diaby, and we've been unlucky with Bailey being injured and struggling for form when he has been available.
Tl;dr: go sign some fast as fuck wingers.
We do lack pace , and pace is essential in this league .
It's essential if you want to actually win anything . Other than the 6th place Trophy and missing out on the ECL land of milk and honey .We do lack pace , and pace is essential in this league .
Not that essential if, despite having none of it, we've just finished sixth.
Sounds really easy this. I guess if we buy two fast players, we'll win two trophies instead of one.
Indeed - pace is an important component, but it’s part of a wider picture.It's a vital ingredient, Rashford gave us the danger of pace, Diaby provided it last season. I like the look of Malen as he's pacey but has barely played . That team out there yesterday had no pace whatsoever.
5th won't be enough with the Spurs mutants stinking the Champions League out.
I doubt it will be either as I think we are dividing points earned by 9 rather then 7 or 8 and we have teams like Forest, Newcastle and Palace in there as well as Spurs.
I doubt it will be either as I think we are dividing points earned by 9 rather then 7 or 8 and we have teams like Forest, Newcastle and Palace in there as well as Spurs.
This is true, everyone in Europe needs to be on it this year to maintain the extra CL place. I’d imagine us and Forest will do well in the EL and also Palace in the ECL it all depends on how Spuds and Newcastle do in the CL.
5th won't be enough with the Spurs mutants stinking the Champions League out.
Yeah, there's no recent history to point to of poor Spurs sides doing well in Europe.
5th won't be enough with the Spurs mutants stinking the Champions League out.
Yeah, there's no recent history to point to of poor Spurs sides doing well in Europe.
Beating Frodo Baggins in front of 9 whalers and their polar bear, before a game so excruciatingly low in quality you could barely watch is not to me a sign they're going to go toe to toe with PSG and do it for the coefficient.
But you have your achsually moment.
5th won't be enough with the Spurs mutants stinking the Champions League out.
Yeah, there's no recent history to point to of poor Spurs sides doing well in Europe.
Beating Frodo Baggins in front of 9 whalers and their polar bear, before a game so excruciatingly low in quality you could barely watch is not to me a sign they're going to go toe to toe with PSG and do it for the coefficient.
But you have your achsually moment.
They don't have to go toe-to-toe with PSG though, they need to beat the teams from pots 3 and 4, so the likes of Slavia Prague, Ajax, Olympiacos, etc. 3 wins an 2 draws get you to knockout and even Newcastle and Spurs should be able to manage that. If they do, and assuming we have 3-4 teams get into the semi finals (as is usual) then that should be enough for the 5th spot.
I'm pretty sure the only times England don't get the highest coefficient is when there are more English teams in Europe so it doesn't bode well.
Man City struggled to. Spurs are shite. We'll need to finish 4th and/or win the Europa League.
I'm in favour of and.
I doubt it will be either as I think we are dividing points earned by 9 rather then 7 or 8 and we have teams like Forest, Newcastle and Palace in there as well as Spurs.
This is true, everyone in Europe needs to be on it this year to maintain the extra CL place. I’d imagine us and Forest will do well in the EL and also Palace in the ECL it all depends on how Spuds and Newcastle do in the CL.
It would be quite a surprise if they didn’t both make it to at least the play-off round.
Unless someone really screws it, I'd be surprised if England didnt have the fifth place again next year.
It's fucking Spurs though. Not even Spurs fans rely on Spurs.
The concern is the points are divided by 9 instead of 7-8 like Germany, Italy, France and Spain. It does have a knock-on, especially if one or two teams go out early on.
Last season Germany and Italy who both had extra teams compared to England and Spain didn't qualify for the extra place. England did slaughter it points wise with two competitions won and an all England final in one. Last season 29 points with 7 teams only equals 23 points with 9 so we would need a very similar finish again to gurantee a 5th place CL.
Guardian have us down for 5th. Going to need a lot of luck with key players avoiding injury for that to happen. I do think the final weeks of this transfer window will be even more crazy than usual, Tottenham and Newcastle will be getting desperate. No excuses for Arsenal this year, have spent big again so it has to land the title. My surprise, maybe more in hope, is that Man City struggle a bit. There was something a bit off with them last season.
The money in the premier league means the strength in depth as you go down towards midtable is much higher than you see in any other league and even relegation battlers and newly promoted sides are able to out spend all but a handful of teams elsewhere. For example, Oviedo came up through the playoffs into la liga and have spent £11m-ish - Sunderland have spent £130m from the same position.Was going to say, finishing 20th in the Premier League gets you more (domestic) prize money than all bar dozen or so teams in the rest of Europe (from memory something like top 6 in Spain, top 3-4 in Italy, and the winners of the German league). There’s CL/EL/CL cash too which means it’s not *quite* that, but still… you’d expect even newly promoted sides to be able to outspend pretty much any side in Europe that hasn’t at least qualified for the Conference League, most of the teams that *have* qualified for it, and a good proportion of the teams that are in the Europa League too.
I look forward to the discussions on who will get our CL spot when we win the Europa League.The place for winning the Europa League is non-transferable & league takes precedence, so the Champions League place we’ll get for winning the league will remove that extra CL place.
We really need to improve on the defence if we are to do it. I just cant see us keeping enough clean sheets